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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..703bf39 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #54500 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54500) diff --git a/old/54500-0.txt b/old/54500-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 5723c3e..0000000 --- a/old/54500-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,11910 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Journal of a West India Proprietor, by -Matthew Gregory Lewis - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: Journal of a West India Proprietor - Kept During a Residence in the Island of Jamaica - -Author: Matthew Gregory Lewis - -Release Date: April 7, 2017 [EBook #54500] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOURNAL OF A WEST INDIA PROPRIETOR *** - - - - -Produced by David Widger from page images generously -provided by the Internet Archive - - - - - - - - - -JOURNAL OF A WEST INDIA PROPRIETOR, - -Kept During A Residence In The Island Of Jamaica. - -By Matthew Gregory Lewis - -Author of “The Monk,” “The Castle Spectre,” “Tales Of Wonder,” &c. - -London: John Murray, Albemarle Street. - -MDCCCXXXIV - - -“I WOULD GIVE MANY A SUGAR CANE, - -MAT. LEWIS WERE ALIVE AGAIN!” - -BYRON. - - -[Illustration: 0001] - -[Illustration: 0007] - - - - -ADVERTISEMENT. - - -The following Journals of two residences in Jamaica, in 1815-16, and in -1817, are now printed from the MS. of Mr. Lewis; who died at sea, on the -voyage homewards from the West Indies, in the year 1818. - - - - -JOURNAL OF A WEST INDIA PROPRIETOR - - -Expect our sailing in a few hours. But although the vessel left the -Docks on Saturday, she did not reach this place till three o’clock on -Thursday, the 9th. The captain now tells me, that we may expect to sail -certainly in the afternoon of to-morrow, the 10th. I expect the ship’s -cabin to gain greatly by my two days’ residence at the “--------------,” - which nothing can exceed for noise, dirt, and dulness. Eloisa would -never have established “black melancholy” at the Paraclete as its -favourite residence, if she had happened to pass three days at an inn -at Gravesend: nowhere else did I ever see the sky look so dingy, and the -river “_Nunc alio patriam quaero sub sole jacentem_.”--Virgil. - - - - -1815. NOVEMBER 8. - - -(WEDNESDAY) - -I left London, and reached Gravesend at nine in the morning, having been -taught to exso dirty; to be sure, the place has all the advantages of -an English November to assist it in those particulars. Just now, too, -a carriage passed my windows, conveying on board a cargo of passengers, -who seemed sincerely afflicted at the thoughts of leaving their dear -native land! The pigs squeaked, the ducks quacked, and the fowls -screamed; and all so dolefully, as clearly to prove, that _theirs_ was -no dissembled sorrow? And after them (more affecting than all) came -a wheelbarrow, with a solitary porker tied in a basket, with his head -hanging over on one side, and his legs sticking out on the other, who -neither grunted nor moved, nor gave any signs of life, but seemed to -be of quite the same opinion with Hannah More’s heroine, “Grief is for -_little_ wrongs; despair for mine!” - -As Miss O’Neil is to play “Elwina” for the first time to-morrow, it is -a thousand pities that she had not the previous advantage of seeing the -speechless despondency of this poor pig; it might have furnished her -with some valuable hints, and enabled her to convey more perfectly to -the audience the “expressive silence” of irremediable distress. - - -NOVEMBER 10. - -At four o’clock in the afternoon, I embarked on board the “Sir Godfrey -Webster,” Captain Boyes. On approaching the vessel, we heard the loudest -of all possible shrieks proceeding from a boat lying near her: and who -should prove to be the complainant, but my former acquaintance, the -despairing pig, He had recovered his voice to protest against entering -the ship: I had already declared against climbing up the accommodation -ladder; the pig had precisely the very same objection. So a _soi-disant_ -chair, being a broken bucket, was let down for us, and the pig and -myself entered the vessel by the same conveyance; only pig had the -precedence, and was hoisted up first. The ship proceeded three miles, -and then the darkness obliged us to come to an anchor. There are only -two other cabin passengers, a Mr. J------ and a Mr. S------; the -latter is a planter in the “May-Day Mountains,” Jamaica: he wonders, -considering how much benefit Great Britain derives from the West Indies, -that government is not careful to build more churches in them, and is of -opinion, that “hedicating the negroes is the only way to make them appy; -indeed, in his umble hopinion, hedication his hall in hall!” - - -NOVEMBER 11. - -We sailed at six o’clock, passed through “Nob’s Hole,” the “Girdler’s -Hole,” and “the Pan” (all very dangerous sands, and particularly the -last, where at times we had only one foot water below us), by half past -four, and at five came to an anchor in the Queen’s Channel. Never having -seen any thing of the kind before, I was wonderfully pleased with the -manoeuvring of several large ships, which passed through the sands at -the same time with us: their motions seemed to be effected with as much -ease and dexterity as if they had been crane-necked carriages; and the -effect as they pursued each other’s track and windings was perfectly -beautiful. - - -NOVEMBER 12. (SUNDAY.) - -The wind was contrary, and we had to beat up the whole way; we did not -reach the Downs till past four o’clock, and, as there were above sixty -vessels arrived before us, we had some difficulty in finding a safe -berth. At length we anchored in the Lower Roads, about four miles off -Deal. We can see very clearly the double lights in the vessel moored -off the Goodwin sands: it is constantly inhabited by two families, who -reside there alternately every fortnight, except when the weather delays -the exchange. The “Sir Godfrey Webster” is a vessel of 600 tons, and was -formerly in the East India service. I have a very clean cabin, a place -for my books, and every thing is much more comfortable than I expected; -the wind, however, is completely west, the worst that we could have, and -we must not even expect a change till the full moon. The captain pointed -out a man to me to-day, who had been with him in a violent storm off -the Bermudas. For six hours together, the flashes of lightning were so -unintermitting, that the eye could not sustain them: at one time, the -ship seemed to be completely in a blaze; and the man in question (who -was then standing at the wheel, near the captain) suddenly cried out, -“I don’t know what has happened to me, but I can neither see nor stand;” - and he fell down upon the deck. He was taken up and carried below; and -it appeared that the lightning had affected his eyes and legs, in a -degree to make him both blind and lame, though the captain, who was -standing by his side, had received no injury: in three or four days, the -man was quite well again. In this storm, no less than thirteen vessels -were dismasted, or otherwise shattered by the lightning. - -Sea Terms.--_Windward, from_ whence the wind blows; _leeward, to_ which -it blows; _starboard_, the _right_ of the stern; _larboard_, the _left_; -_starboard helm_, when you go to the left; but when to the right, -instead of larboard helm, _helm a-port_; _luff you may_, go nearer to -the wind; _theis (thus)_ you are near enough; _luff no near_, you -are too near the wind; the _tiller_, the handle of the rudder; the -_capstan_, the weigher of the anchor; the _buntlines_, the ropes which -move the body of the sail, the _bunt_ being the body; the _bowlines_, -those which spread out the sails, and make them swell. - - -NOVEMBER 13. - -At six this morning, came on a tremendous gale of wind; the captain -says, that he never experienced a heavier. However, we rode it out with -great success, although, at one time, it was bawled out that we were -driving; and, at another, a brig which lay near us broke from her -moorings, and came bearing down close upon us. The danger, indeed, from -the difference of size, was all upon the side of the brig; but, luckily, -the vessels cleared each other. This evening she has thought it as well -to remove further from so dangerous a neighbourhood. There is a little -cabin boy on board, and Mr. J------ has brought with him a black -terrier; and these two at first sight swore to each other an eternal -friendship, in the true German style. It is the boy’s first voyage, and -he is excessively sea-sick; so he has been obliged to creep into his -hammock, and his friend, the little black terrier, has crept into the -hammock with him. A boat came from the shore this evening, and reported -that several vessels have been dismasted, lost their anchors, and -injured in various ways. A brig, which was obliged to make for Ramsgate, -missed the pier, and was dashed to pieces completely; the crew, however, -were saved, all except the pilot; who, although he was brought on shore -alive, what between bruises, drowning, and fright, had suffered so much, -that he died two hours afterwards. The weather has now again become -calm; but it is still full west. - - -NOVEMBER 14. (TUESDAY.) - - -THE HOURS. - - Ne’er were the zephyrs known disclosing - - More sweets, than when in Tempe’s shades - - They waved the lilies, where, reposing, - - Sat four and twenty lovely maids. - - Those lovely maids were called “the Hours,” - - The charge of Virtue’s flock they kept; - - And each in turn employ’d her powers - - To guard it, while her sisters slept. - - False Love, how simple souls thou cheatest! - - In myrtle bower, that traitor near - - Long watch’d an Hour, the softest, sweetest! - - The evening Hour, to shepherds dear. * - - In tones so bland he praised her beauty, - - Such melting airs his pipe could play, - - The thoughtless Hour forgot her duty, - - And fled in Love’s embrace away. - - Meanwhile the fold was left unguarded-- - - The wolf broke in--the lambs were slain: - - And now from Virtue’s train discarded, - - With tears her sisters speak their pain. - - Time flies, and still they weep; for never - - The fugitive can time restore: - - An Hour once fled, has fled for ever, - - And all the rest shall smile no more! - -* L’heure du berger. - - -NOVEMBER 15. - -The wind altered sufficiently to allow us to escape from the Downs; -and at dusk we were off Beachy Head. This morning, the steward left the -trap-door of the store-hole open; of course, I immediately contrived to -step into it, and was on the point of being precipitated to the -bottom, among innumerable boxes of grocery, bags of biscuit, and porter -barrels;--where a broken limb was the _least_ that I could expect. -Luckily, I fell across the corner of the trap, and managed to support -myself, till I could effect my escape with a bruised knee, and the loss -of a few inches of skin from my left arm. - - -NOVEMBER 16. - -Off the Isle of Wight. - - -NOVEMBER 17. - -Off the St. Alban’s Head. Sick to death! My temples throbbing, my head -burning, my limbs freezing, my mouth all fever, my stomach all nausea, -my mind all disgust. - - -NOVEMBER 18. - -Off the Lizard, the last point of England. - - -NOVEMBER 19. (SUNDAY.) - -At one this morning, a violent gust of wind came on; and, at the rate of -ten miles an hour, carried us through the Chops of the Channel, formed -by the Scilly Rocks and the Isle of Ushant. But I thought, that the -advance was dearly purchased by the terrible night which the storm made -us pass. The wind roaring, the waves dashing against the stern, till at -last they beat in the quarter gallery; the ship, too, rolling from side -to side, as if every moment she were going to roll over and over! Mr. -J------ was heaved off one of the sofas, and rolled along, till he was -stopped by the table. He then took his seat upon the floor, as the more -secure position; and, half an hour afterwards, another heave chucked him -back again upon the sofa. The captain snuffed out one of the candles, -and both being tied to the table, could not relight it with the other: -so the steward came to do it; when a sudden heel of the ship made him -extinguish the second candle, tumbled him upon the sofa on which I was -lying, and made the candle which he had brought with him fly out of the -candlestick, through a cabin window at his elbow; and thus we were all -left in the dark. Then the intolerable noise! the cracking of bulkheads! -the sawing of ropes! the screeching of the tiller! the trampling of -the sailors! the clattering of the crockery! Every thing above deck and -below deck, all in motion at once! Chairs, writing-desks, books, boxes, -bundles, fire-irons and fenders, flying to one end of the room; and the -next moment (as if they had made a mistake) flying back again to the -other with the same hurry and confusion! “Confusion worse confounded!” - Of all the inconveniences attached to a vessel, the incessant noise -appears to me the most insupportable! As to our live stock, they seem to -have made up their minds on the subject, and say with one of Ariosto’s -knights (when he was cloven from the head to the chine), “_or corvien -morire_” Our fowls and ducks are screaming and quacking their last by -dozens; and by Tuesday morning, it is supposed that we shall not have -an animal alive in the ship, except the black terrier--and my friend the -squeaking pig, whose vocal powers are still audible, maugre the storm -and the sailors, and who (I verily believe) only continues to survive -out of spite, because he can join in the general chorus, and help to -increase the number of abominable sounds. - -We are now tossing about in the Bay of Biscay: I shall remember it as -long as I live. The “beef-eater’s front” could never have “beamed more -terrible” upon Don Ferolo Whiskerandos, “in Biscay’s Bay, when he took -him prisoner,” than Biscay’s Bay itself will appear to _me_ the next -time that I approach it. - - -NOVEMBER 20. - -Our live stock has received an increase; our fowls and ducks are dead to -be sure, but a lark flew on board this morning, blown (as is supposed) -from the coast of France. In five minutes it appeared to be quite at -home, eat very readily whatever was given it, and hopped about the deck -without fear of the sailors, or the more formidable black terrier, with -all the ease and assurance imaginable. - -I dare say, it _was_ blown from the coast of France! - - -NOVEMBER 21. - -The weather continues intolerable. Boisterous waves running mountains -high, with no wind, or a foul one. Dead calms by day, which prevent -our making any progress; and violent storms by night, which prevent our -getting any sleep. - -Every thing is in a state of perpetual motion. “_Nulla quies intus_ (nor -_outus_ indeed for the matter of that), _nullâque silentia parte_” We -drink our tea exactly as Tantalus did in the infernal regions; we keep -bobbing at the basin for half an hour together without being able to get -a drop; and certainly nobody on ship-board can doubt the truth of the -proverb, “Many things fall out between the cup and the lip.” - - -NOVEMBER 23. - - -PANDORA’S BOX. (Iliad A.) - - Prometheus once (in Tooke the tale you’ll see) - - In one vast box enclosed all human evils; - - But curious Woman needs the inside would see, - - And out came twenty thousand million devils. - - The story’s spoil’d, and Tooke should well be chid; - - The fact, sir, happen’d thus, and I’ve no doubt of it: - - ’Twas not that Woman raised the coffer’s lid, - - But when the lid _was_ raised, Woman popp’d out of it. - - “But Hope remain’d”--true, sir, she did; but still - - All saw of what Miss Hope gave intimation; - - Her right hand grasp’d an undertaker’s bill, - - Her left conceal’d a deed of separation. - -N. B. I was most horribly sea-sick when I took this view of the subject. -Besides, grapes on shipboard, in general, are remarkably sour. - - -NOVEMBER 24. - - “Manibus date lilia plenis; - - Purpureos spargam flores!” - -The squeaking pig was killed this morning. - - -NOVEMBER 25. - -Letters were sent to England by a small vessel bound for Plymouth, and -laden with oranges from St. Michael’s, one of the Azores. - - -NOVEMBER 26. - -A complete and most violent storm, from twelve at night till seven the -next morning. The fore-top-sail, though only put up for the first time -yesterday, was rent from top to bottom; and several of the other sails -are torn to pieces. The perpetual tempestuous weather which we have -experienced has so shaken the planks of the vessel, that the sea enters -at all quarters. About one o’clock in the morning I was saluted by a -stream of water, which poured down exactly upon my face, and obliged me -to shift my lodgings. The carpenter had been made aware that there was -a leak in my cabin, and ordered to caulk the seams; but, I suppose, -he thought that during only a two months’ voyage, the rain might very -possibly never find out the hole, and that it would be quite time enough -to apply the remedy when I should have felt the inconvenience. The best -is, that the carpenter happening to be at work in the next cabin when -the water came down upon me, I desired him to call my servant, in order -that I might get up, on account of the leak; on which he told me “that -the leak could not be helped;” grumbled a good deal at calling up the -servant; and seemed to think me not a little unreasonable for not lying -quietly, and suffering myself to be pumped upon by this shower-bath of -his own providing. - -But if the water gets _into_ the ship, on the other hand, last night the -poor old steward was very near getting out of it. In the thick of the -storm he was carrying some grog to the mate, when a gun, which drove -against him, threw him off his balance, and he was just passing through -one of the port-holes, when, luckily, he caught hold of a rope, and -saved himself. A screech-owl flew on board this morning: I am sure we -have no need of birds of ill omen; I could supply the place of a whole -aviary of them myself. - - -NOVEMBER 28. - -Reading Don Quixote this morning, I was greatly pleased with an instance -of the hero’s politeness, which had never struck me before. The Princess -Micomicona having fallen into a most egregious blunder, he never so -much as hints a suspicion of her not having acted precisely as she -has stated, but only begs to know her reasons for taking a step so -extraordinary. “But pray, madam,” says he, “why _did_ your ladyship land -at Ossuna, seeing that it is not a seaport town?” - -I was also much charmed with an instance of conjugal affection, in the -same work. Sancho being just returned home, after a long absence, the -first thing which his wife, Teresa, asks about, is the welfare of the -ass. “I have brought him back,” answers Sancho, “and in much better -health and condition than I am in myself.” “The Lord be praised,” said -Teresa, “for this his great mercy to me!” - - -NOVEMBER 29. - -The wind continues contrary, and the weather is as disagreeable and -perverse as it can well be; indeed, I understand that in these latitudes -nothing can be expected but heavy gales or dead calms, which makes them -particularly pleasant for sailing, especially as the calms are by far -the most disagreeable of the two: the wind steadies the ship; but when -she creeps as slowly as she does at present (scarcely going a mile in -four hours), she feels the whole effect of the sea breaking against -her, and rolls backwards and forwards with every billow as it rises and -falls. In the mean while, every thing seems to be in a state of the most -active motion, except the ship; while we are carrying a spoonful of soup -to our mouths, the remainder takes the “glorious golden opportunity” to -empty itself into our laps, and the glasses and salt-cellars carry on -a perpetual domestic warfare during the whole time of dinner, like the -Guelphs and the Ghibellines. Nothing is so common as to see a roast -goose suddenly jump out of its dish in the middle of dinner, and make -a frisk from one end of the table to the other; and we are quite in the -habit of laying wagers which of the two boiled fowls will arrive at the -bottom first. - -N.B. To-day the fowl without the liver wing was the favourite, but the -knowing ones were taken in; the uncarved one carried it hollow. - - -NOVEMBER 30 - - - “Do those I love e’er think on me?” - - How oft that painful doubt will start, - - To blight the roseate smile of glee, - - And cloud the brow, and sink the heart! - - No more can I, estranged from home, - - Their pleasures share, nor soothe their moans - - To them I’m dead as were the foam - - Now breaking o’er my whitening bones. - - And doubtless now with newer friends, - - The tide of life content they stem; - - Nor on the sailor think, who bends - - Full many an anxious thought on them. - - Should that reflection cause me pain? - - No ease for mine their grief could bring; - - Enough if, when we meet again, - - Their answering hearts to greet me spring. - - Enough, if no dull joyless eye - - Give signs of kindness quite forgot; - - Nor heartless question, cold reply, - - Speak--“all is past; I love you not.” - - Too much has heav’n ordain’d of woe, - - Too much of groans on earth abounds, - - For me to wish one tear to flow - - Which brings no balm for sorrow’s wounds. - - Love’s moisten’d lid and Friendship’s sigh, - - I could not see, I could not hear! - - To think “they weep!” more fills mine eye, - - And smarts the more each tender tear. - - Then, if there be one heart so kind, - - It mourns each hour the loss of me; - - Shrinks, when it hears some gust of wind, - - And sighs--“Perhaps a storm at sea!” - - Oh! if there be an heart _indeed_, - - Which beats for me, so sad, so true, - - Swift to its aid, Oblivion, speed, - - And bathe it with thy poppy’s dew; - - My form in vapours to conceal, - - From Pleasure’s wreath rich odours shake; - - Nor let that heart one moment feel - - Such pangs as force my own to ache. - - Demon of Memory, cherish’d grief! - - Oh, could I break thy wand in twain! - - Oh, could I close thy magic leaf, - - Till those I love are mine again! - - -DECEMBER 1. (FRIDAY.) - -The captain to-day pointed oat to me a sailor-boy, who, about three -years ago, was shaken from the mast-head, and fell through the scuttle -into the hold; the distance was above eighty feet, yet the boy was taken -up with only a few bruises. - - -DECEMBER 3. (SUNDAY.) - -The wind during the last two days has been more favourable; and at nine -this morning we were in the latitude of Madeira. - - -DECEMBER 5. - -Sea Terms.--_Ratlines_, the rope ladders by which the sailors climb -the shrouds; the _companion_, the cabin-head; _reefs_, the divisions by -which the sails are contracted; _stunsails_, additional sails, spread -for the purpose of catching all the wind possible; the fore-mast, -main-mast, mizen-mast; _fore_, the head; _aft_, the stern; _being -pooped_ (the very sound of which tells one, that it must be something -very terrible), having the stern beat in by the sea; _to belay a rope_, -to fasten it. - - -DECEMBER 6. - -I had no idea of the expense of building and preserving a ship: that in -which I am at present cost £30,000 at its outset. Last year the repairs -amounted to £14,000; and in a voyage to the East Indies they were more -than £20,000. In its return last year from Jamaica it was on the very -brink of shipwreck. A storm had driven it into Bantry Bay, and there -was no other refuge from the winds than Bear Haven, whose entrance -was narrow and difficult; however, a gentleman from Castletown came on -board, and very obligingly offered to pilot the ship. He was one of the -first people in the place, had been the owner of a vessel himself, was -most thoroughly acquainted with every inch of the haven, &c. &c., and so -on they went. There was but one sunken rock, and that about ten feet in -diameter; the captain knew it, and warned his gentleman-pilot to keep -a little more to the eastward. “My dear friend,” answered the Irishman, -“now do just make yourself _asy_; I know well enough what we are -about; we are as clear of the rock as if we were in the Red Sea, by -Jasus;”--upon which the vessel struck upon the rock, and there she -stuck. The captain fell to swearing and tearing his hair. “God damn you, -sir! didn’t I tell you to keep to eastward? Dam’me, she’s on the rock!” - “Oh! well, my dear, she’s now _on_ the rock, and, in a few minutes, you -know, why she’ll be _off_ the rock: to be sure, I’d have taken my oath -that the rock was two hundred and fifty feet on the other side of her, -but----“--“Two hundred and fifty feet! why, the channel is not two -hundred and fifty feet wide itself! and as to getting her off, bumping -against this rock, it can only be with a great hole in her side.”--“Poh! -now, bother, my dear! why sure----“--“Leave the ship, sir; dam’me, sir, -get out of my ship this moment!” Instead of which, with the most smiling -and obliging air in the world, the Irishman turned to console the -female passengers. “Make yourselves _asy_, ladies, pray make yourselves -perfectly _asy_; but, upon my soul, I believe your captain’s mad; no -danger in life! only make yourselves _asy_, I say; for the ship lies on -the rock as safe and as quiet, by Jasus, as if she were lying on a mud -bank!” Luckily the weather was so perfectly calm, that the ship having -once touched the rock with her keel bumped no more. It was low water; -she wanted but five inches to float her, and when the tide rose she -drifted off, and with but little harm done. The gentleman-pilot then -thought proper to return on shore, took a very polite leave of the -lady-passengers, and departed with all the urbanity possible; only -+thinking the captain the strangest person that he had ever met with; -and wondering that any man of common sense could be put out of temper by -such a trifle. - - -DECEMBER 7. - -Yesterday we had the satisfaction of falling in with the trade wind, and -now we are proceeding both rapidly and steadily. The change of climate -is very perceptible; and the deep and beautiful blue which colours the -sea is a certain intimation of our approach to the tropic. A few flying -fish have made their appearance; and the spears are getting in order -for the reception of their constant attendant, the dolphin. These spears -have ropes affixed to them, and at one end of the pole are five barbs, -at the other a heavy ball of lead: then, when the fish is speared, the -striker lets the staff fall, on which down goes the lead into the sea, -and up goes the dolphin into the air, who is in the utmost astonishment -to find itself all of a sudden turned into a flying fish; so determines -to cultivate the art of flying for the future, and promises itself -a great many pleasant airings. The dolphin and the flying fish are -beautifully coloured, and both are very good food, particularly the -latter, which move in shoals like the herring, and are about the size -of that fish. They are supposed to feed on spawn and sea animalculæ, -and will not take the bait; but on the shores of Barbadoes, which they -frequent in great multitudes, they are caught in wide nets, spread upon -the surface of the sea; then, upon beating the waters around, the fish -rise in clouds, and fly till, their fins getting dry, they fall down -into the nets which have been spread to receive them. The dolphin is -seldom above three feet long; the immense strength which he exerts in -his struggles for liberty occasions the necessity of catching him in the -way before described. - - -DECEMBER 8. - -At three o’clock this afternoon we entered the tropic of Cancer; and if -our wind continues tolerably favourable, we may expect to see Antigua on -Sunday. On crossing the line, it was formerly usual for ships -to receive a visit from an old gentleman and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. -Cancer: the husband was, by profession, a barber; and, probably, the -scullion, who insisted so peremptorily on shaving Sancho, at the duke’s -castle, had served an apprenticeship to Mr. Cancer, for their mode of -proceeding was much alike, and, indeed, very peculiar: the old gentleman -always made a point of using a rusty iron hoop instead of a razor, tar -for soap, and an empty beef-barrel was, in his opinion, the very best -possible substitute for a basin; in consequence of which, instead of -paying him for shaving them, people of taste were disposed to pay for -not being shaved; and as Mrs. Cancer happened to be particularly partial -to gin (when good), the gift of a few bottles was generally successful -in rescuing the donor’s chin from the hands of her husband; however, -to-day this venerable pair “peradventure were sleeping, or on a -journey,” for we neither saw nor heard any thing about them. - - -DECEMBER 9. - -When, after his victory of the 1st of June, Lord Howe again put to sea -from Portsmouth, the number of women who were turned on shore out of the -ships (wives, sisters, &c.) amounted to above thirty thousand! - - -DECEMBER 10. (Sunday.) - - What triumph moves on the billows so blue? - - In his car of pellucid pearl I view, - - With glorious pomp, on the dancing tide, - - The tropic Genius proudly ride. - - The flying fish, who trail his car, - - Dazzle the eye, as they shine from afar; - - Twinkling their fins in the sun, and show - - All the hues which adorn the showery bow. - - Of dark sea-blue is the mantle he wears; - - For a sceptre a plantain branch he bears; - - Pearls his sable arms surround, - - And his locks of wool with coral are crown’d. - - Perpetual sunbeams round him stream; - - His bronzed limbs shine with golden gleam; - - The spicy spray from his wheels that showers, - - Makes the sense ache with its odorous powers. - - Myriads of monsters, who people the caves - - Of ocean, attendant plough the waves; - - Sharks and crocodiles bask in his blaze, - - And whales spout the waters which dance in his rays. - - And as onward floats that triumph gay, - - The light sea-breezes around it play; - - While at his royal feet lie bound - - The Ouragans, hush’d in sleep profound. - - Dark Genius, hear a stranger’s prayer, - - Nor suffer those winds to ravage and tear - - Jamaica’s savannas, and loose to fly, - - Mingling the earth, and the sea, and the sky. - - From thy locks on my harvest of sweets diffuse, - - To swell my canes, refreshing dews; - - And kindly breathe, with cooling powers, - - Through my coffee walks and shaddock bowers. - - Let not thy strange diseases prey - - On my life; but scare from my couch away - - The yellow Plague’s imps; and safe let me rest - - From that dread black demon, who racks the breast: - - Nor force my throbbing temples to know - - Thy sunbeam’s sudden and maddening blow; - - Nor bid thy day-flood blaze too bright - - On nerves so fragile, and brain so light: - - And let me, returning in safety, view - - Thy triumph again on the ocean blue; - - And in Britain I’ll oft with flowers entwine - - The Tropic Sovereign’s ebony shrine! - - Was it but fancy? did He not frown, - - And in anger shake his coral crown? - - Gorgeous and slow the pomp moves on! - - Low sinks the sun--and all is gone! - -“And pray now do you mean to say that you really saw all this fine -show?” Oh, yes, really, “in my mind’s eye, Horatio,” as Shakspeare says; -or, if you like it better in Greek-- - -[Greek line] Odyssey, A. - - -DECEMBER 11. - -A dead centipes was found on the deck, supposed to have made its way on -board, during the last voyage, among the logwood. This is not the only -species of disagreeable passengers, who are in the habit of introducing -themselves into homeward bound vessels without leave. While sleeping -on deck last year, the Captain felt something run across his face; and, -supposing it to be a cock-roach, he brushed off a scorpion; but not -without its first biting him upon the cheek: the pain for about four -hours was excessive; but although he did no more than wash the wound -with spirits, he was perfectly well again in a couple of days. - - -DECEMBER 12. - -Since we entered the tropic, the rains have been incessant, and most -violent; but the wind was brisk and favourable, and we proceeded -rapidly. Now we have lost the trade-wind, and move so slowly, that it -might almost be called standing still. On the other hand, the weather -is now perfectly delicious; the ship makes but little way, but she moves -steadily: the sun is brilliant; the sky cloudless; the sea calm, and so -smooth that it looks like one extended sheet of blue glass; an awning is -stretched over the deck; although there is not wind enough to fill the -canvass, there is sufficient to keep the air cool, and thus, even -during the day, the weather is very pleasant; but the nights are quite -heavenly, and so bright, that at ten o’clock yesterday evening little -Jem Parsons (the cabin boy), and his friend the black terrier, came on -deck, and sat themselves down on a gun-carriage, to read by the light of -the moon. I looked at the boy’s book, (the terrier, I suppose, read over -the other’s shoulder,) and found that it was “The Sorrows of Werter.” I -asked who had lent him such a book, and whether it amused him? He said -that it had been made a present to him, and so he had read it almost -through, for he had got to Werter’s dying; though, to be sure, he did -not understand it all, nor like very much what he understood; for he -thought the man a great fool for killing himself _for love_. I told him -I thought every man a great fool who killed himself for love or for any -thing else: but had he no books but “The Sorrows of Werter?”--Oh dear, -yes, he said, he had a great many more; he had got “The Adventures of -a Louse,” which was a very curious book, indeed; and he had got besides -“The Recess,” and “Valentine and Orson,” and “Ros-lin Castle,” and a -book of Prayers, just like the Bible; but he could not but say that he -liked “The Adventures of a Louse” the best of any of them. - - -DECEMBER 13. - -We caught a dolphin, but not with the spear: he gorged a line which was -fastened to the stern, and baited with salt pork; but being a very large -and strong fish, his efforts to escape were so powerful, that it -was feared that he would break the line, and a _grainse_ (as the -dolphin-spear is technically termed) was thrown at him: he was struck, -and three of the prongs were buried in his side; yet, with a violent -effort, he forced them out again, and threw the lance up into the air. I -am not much used to take pleasure in the sight of animal suffering; but -if Pythagoras himself had been present, and “of opinion that the soul -of his grandam might haply inhabit” this dolphin, I think he must -still have admired the force and agility displayed in his endeavours to -escape. Imagination can picture nothing more beautiful than the colours -of this fish: while covered by the waves he was entirely green; and as -the water gave him a case of transparent crystal, he really looked like -one solid piece of living emerald; when he sprang into the air, or swam -fatigued upon the surface, his fins alone preserved their green, and -the rest of his body appeared to be of the brightest yellow, his scales -shining like gold wherever they caught the sun; while the blood -which, as long as he remained in the sea, continued to spout in great -quantities, forced its way upwards through the water, like a wreath of -crimson smoke, and then dispersed itself in separate globules among the -spray. From the great loss of blood, his colours soon became paler; -but when he was at length safely landed on deck, and beating himself to -death against the flooring, agony renewed all the lustre of his tints: -his fins were still green and his body golden, except his back, which -was olive, shot with bright deep blue; his head and belly became -silvery, and the spots with which the latter was mottled changed, -with incessant rapidity, from deep olive to the most beautiful azure. -Gradually his brilliant tints disappeared: they were succeeded by one -uniform shade of slate-colour; and when he was quite dead, he exhibited -nothing but dirty brown and dull dead white. As soon as all was over -with him, the first thing done was to convert one of his fins into -the resemblance of a flying fish, for the purpose of decoying other -dolphins; and the second, to order some of the present gentleman to be -got ready for dinner. He measured above four feet and a half. - - -DECEMBER 14. - -At noon to-day, we found ourselves in the latitude of Jamaica. We were -promised the sight of Antigua on Sunday next, but that is now quite out -of the question. We made but eight miles in the whole of yesterday; and -as Jamaica is still at the distance of eighteen hundred miles, at this -rate of proceeding we may expect to reach it about eight months hence. -The sky this evening presented us with quite a new phenomenon, a -rose-coloured moon: she is to be at her full to-morrow; and this -afternoon, about half-past four, she rose like a disk of silver, -perfectly white and colourless; but, as she was exactly opposite to the -sun at the time of his setting, the reflection of his rays spread a kind -of pale blush over her orb, which produced an effect as beautiful as -singular. Indeed, the size and inconceivable brilliance of the sun, the -clearness of the atmosphere, which had assumed a faint greenish hue, -and was entirely without a cloud, the smoothness of the ocean, and the -aforesaid rose-coloured moon, altogether rendered this sunset the most -magical in effect that I ever beheld; and it was with great reluctance -that I was called away from admiring it, to ascertain whether the merits -of our new acquaintance, the dolphin, extended any further than his -skin. Part of him, which was boiled for yesterday’s dinner, was rather -coarse and dry, and might have been mistaken for indifferent haddock. -But his having been steeped in brine, and then broiled with a good deal -of pepper and salt, had improved him wonderfully; and to-day I thought -him as good as any other fish. - -Our wind is like Lady Townley’s separate allowance: “that little has -been made less;” or, rather, it has dwindled away to nothing. We are now -so absolutely becalmed, that I begin seriously to suspect all the crew -of being Phæacians; and that at this identical moment Neptune is amusing -himself by making the ship take root in the ocean; a trick which he -played once before to a vessel (they say) in the days of Ulysses. I -have got some locust plants on board in pots: if we continue to sail -as slowly as we have done for the last week, before we reach Jamaica my -plants will be forest trees, little Jem, the cabin-boy, will have been -obliged to shave, and the black terrier will have died of old age long -ago. Great numbers of porpoises were playing about to-day, and tumbling -under the ship’s very nose. When in their gambols they allow themselves -to be seen above the surface, they are of a dirty blackish brown, and as -ugly as heart can wish; but in the waves they acquire a fine sea-green -cast, and their spouting up water in the sunbeams is extremely -ornamental. - - - -THE HELMSMAN. - - Hark! the bell 1 it sounds midnight!--all hail, thou new - - heav’n! - - How soft sleep the stars on their bosom of night! - - While o’er the full moon, as they gently are driven, - - Slowly floating the clouds bathe their fleeces in light. - - The warm feeble breeze scarcely ripples the ocean, - - And all seems so hush’d, all so happy to feel! - - So smooth glides the bark, I perceive not her motion, - - While low sings the sailor who watches the wheel. - - That sailor I’ve noted--his cheek, fresh and blooming - - With health, scarcely yet twenty springs can have - - seen; - - His looks they are lofty, but never presuming, - - His limbs strong, but light, and undaunted his mien. - - Frank and clear is his brow, yet a thoughtful expression, - - Half tender, half mournful, oft shadows his eye; - - And murmurs escape him, which make the confession, - - If not check’d by a hem, they had swell’d to a sigh. - - His song is not pour’d to beguile the lone hour, - - When in-watch on deck ’tis his duty to keep; - - Nor of painful reflection to weaken the power, - - Nor chase from his eyelids the pinions of sleep. - - Tis so sad...’tis so sweet... and some tones come so - - swelling, - - So right from the heart, and so pure to the ear;-- - - That sure at this moment his thoughts must be dwelling - - On one who is absent, most kind and most dear. - - Perhaps on a mother his mind loves to linger, - - Whose wants to relieve, the rough seas hath he - - cross’d; - - Who kiss’d him at parting, and vow’d he could bring her - - No jewel so dear as the one she then lost! - - No, no! ’tis a sweetheart, his soul’s cherish’d treasure, - - Those full melting notes... hark! he breathes them - - again! - - So mournful, and yet they’re prolong’d with such plea - - sure........ - - Oh, nothing but love could have prompted the strain. - - Yet, whate’er be the cause of thy sadness, young seaman, - - That the weight be soon lighten’d, I send up my vow; - - From the stings of remorse, I’ll be sworn, thou’rt a - - freeman, - - No guilt ever ruffled the smooth of that brow! - - That sigh which you breath’d sprang from pensive - - affection; - - That song, though so plaintive, sheds balm on the - - heart; - - And the pain which you feel at each fond recollection, - - Is worth all the pleasures that vice could impart. - - Oh, still may the scenes of your life, like the present, - - Shine bright to the eye, and speak calm to the breast; - - May each wave flow as gentle, each breeze play as - - pleasant, - - And warm as the clime prove the friends you love best! - - And may she, who now dictates that ballad so tender, - - Diffuse o’er your days the heart’s solace and ease, - - As yon lovely moon, with a gleam of mild splendour, - - Pure, tranquil, and bright, over-silvers the seas! - - -DECEMBER 16. - -What little wind there is blows so perversely, that we have been obliged -to alter our course; and instead of Antigua, we are now told that the -Summer Islands (Shakspeare’s “still vexed Bermoothes”) are the first -land that we must expect to see. - -I am greatly disappointed at finding such a scarcity of monsters; I had -flattered myself, that as soon as we should enter the Atlantic Ocean, -or at least the tropic, we should have seen whole shoals of sharks, -whales, and dolphins wandering about as plenty as sheep upon the South -Downs: instead of which, a brace of dolphins, and a few flying fish and -porpoises, are the only inhabitants of the ocean who have as yet taken -the trouble of paying us the common civility of a visit. However, I am -promised, that as soon as we approach the islands, I shall have as many -sharks as heart can wish. - -As I am particularly fond of proofs of conjugal attachment between -animals (in the human species they are so universal that I set no store -by them), an instance of that kind which the captain related to me this -morning gave me great pleasure. While lying in Black River harbour, -Jamaica, two sharks were frequently seen playing about the ship; -at length the female was killed, and the desolation of the male was -excessive:-- - - “Che faro senz’ Eurydice?” - -What he did _without_ her remains a secret, but what he did _with_ her -was clear enough; for scarce was the breath out of his Eurydice’s -body, when he stuck his teeth in her, and began to eat her up with all -possible expedition. Even the sailors felt their sensibility excited -by so peculiar a mark of posthumous attachment; and to enable him to -perform this melancholy duty the more easily, they offered to be his -carvers, lowered their boat, and proceeded to chop his better half in -pieces with their hatchets; while the widower opened his jaws as wide -as possible, and gulped down pounds upon pounds of the dear departed as -fast as they were thrown to him, with the greatest delight and all the -avidity imaginable. I make no doubt that all the while he was eating, he -was thoroughly persuaded that every morsel which went into his -stomach would make its way to his heart directly! “She was perfectly -consistent,” he said to himself; “she was excellent through life, -and really she’s extremely good now she’s dead!” and then, “unable to -conceal his pain,” - - “He sigh’d and swallow’d, and sigh’d and swallow’d, - - And sigh’d and swallow’d again.” - -I doubt, whether the annals of Hymen can produce a similar instance -of post-obitual affection. Certainly Calderon’s “_Amor despues de la -Muerte_” has nothing that is worthy to be compared to it; nor do I -recollect in history any fact at all resembling it, except perhaps a -circumstance which is recorded respecting Cambletes, King of Lydia, a -monarch equally remarkable for his voracity and uxoriousness; and who, -being one night completely overpowered by sleep, and at the same time -violently tormented by hunger, eat up his queen without being conscious -of it, and was mightily astonished, the next morning, to wake with -her hand in his mouth, the only bit that was left of her. But then, -Cambletes was quite unconscious what he was doing; whereas, the shark’s -mark of attachment was evidently intentional. It may, however, be -doubted, from the voracity with which he eat, whether his conduct on -this occasion was not as much influenced by the sentiment of hunger as -of love; and if he were absolutely on the point of starving, Tasso might -have applied to this couple, with equal truth, although with somewhat a -different meaning, what he says of his “Amanti e Sposi;”-- - - ----“Pende - - D’ un fato sol e l’ una e l’ altra vita - -for if Madam Shark had not died first, Monsieur must have died himself -for want of a dinner. - - -DECEMBER 17. (Sunday.) - -On this day, from a sense of propriety no doubt, as well as from having -nothing else to do, all the crew in the morning betook themselves to -their studies. The carpenter was very seriously spelling a comedy; -Edward was engaged with “The Six Princesses of Babylon;” a third was -amusing himself with a tract “On the Management of Bees;” another had -borrowed the cabin-boy’s “Sorrows of Werter,” and was reading it aloud -to a large circle--some whistling--and others yawning; and Werter’s -abrupt transitions, and exclamations, and raptures, and refinements, -read in the same loud monotonous tone, and without the slightest respect -paid to stops, had the oddest effect possible. “She did not look at me; -I thought my heart would burst; the coach drove off; she looked out of -the window; was that look meant for me? yes it was; perhaps it might be; -do not tell me that it was not meant for me. Oh, my friend, my friend, -am I not a fool, a madman?” (This part is rather stupid, or so, you -see, but no matter for that; where was I? oh!) “I am now sure, Charlotte -loves me: I prest my hand on my heart; I said ‘Klopstock;’ yes, -Charlotte loves me; what! does Charlotte love me? oh, rapturous thought! -my brain turns round:--Immortal powers!--how!--what!--oh, my friend, my -friend,” &c. &c. &c. I was surprised to find that (except Edward’s Fairy -Tale) none of them were reading works that were at all likely to amuse -them (Smollett or Fielding, for instance), or any which might interest -them as relating to their profession, such as voyages and travels; -much less any which had the slightest reference to the particular day. -However, as most of them were reading what they could not possibly -understand, they might mistake them for books of devotion, for any -thing they knew to the contrary; or, perhaps, they might have so much -reverence for all books in print, as to think that, provided they did -but read something, it was doing a good work, and it did not much matter -what. So one of Congreve’s fine ladies swears Mrs. Mincing, the waiting -maid, to secrecy, “upon an odd volume of Messalina’s Poems.” Sir Dudley -North, too, informs us, (or is it his brother Roger? but I mean the -Turkey merchant: ):--that at Constantinople the respect for printed -books is so great, that when people are sick, they fancy that they can -be _read_ into health again; and if the Koran should not be in the way, -they will make a shift with a few verses of the Bible, or a chapter or -two of the Talmud, or of any other book that comes first to hand, rather -than not read something. I think Sir Dudley says, that he himself cured -an old Turk of the toothache, by administering a few pages of “Ovid’s -Metamorphoses;” and in an old receipt-book, we are directed for the -cure of a double tertian fever, “to drink plentifully of cock-broth, and -sleep with the Second Book of the Iliad under the pillow.” If, instead -of sleeping with it under the pillow, the doctor had desired us to read -the Second Book of the Iliad in order that we _might_ sleep, I should -have had some faith in his prescription myself. - - -DECEMBER 19. - -During these last two days nothing very extraordinary, or of sufficient -importance to deserve its being handed down to the latest posterity, has -occurred; except that this morning a swinging rope knocked my hat into -the sea, and away it sailed upon a voyage of discovery, like poor La -Perouse, to return no more, I suppose; unless, indeed,--like Polycrates, -the fortunate tyrant of Samos, who threw his favourite ring into the -ocean, and found it again in the stomach of the first fish that was -served up at his table,--I should have the good luck (but I by no means -reckon upon it) to catch a dolphin with my hat upon his head: as to a -porpoise, he never could squeeze his great numskull into it; but our -dolphin of last week was much about my own size, and I dare say such -another would find my hat fit him to a miracle, and look very well in -it. - - -DECEMBER 20. - -The weather is so excessively close and sultry, that it would be allowed -to be too hot to be pleasant, even by that perfect model for all future -lords of the bedchamber, who was never known to speak a word, except -in praise, of any thing living or dead, through the whole course of his -life: but, at last, one day he met with an accident--he happened to die; -and the next day he met with another accident--he happened to be damned: -and immediately upon his arrival in the infernal regions, the Devil (who -was determined to be as well bred as the other could be for his ears,) -came to pay his compliments to the new-comer, and very obligingly -expressed his concern that his lordship was not likely to feel satisfied -with his new abode; for that he must certainly find hell very hot and -disagreeable. “Oh, dear, no!” exclaimed the Lord of the Bedchamber, “not -at all disagreeable, by any manner of means, Mr. Devil, upon my word -and honour! Rather _warm_, to be sure.” In point of heat there is no -difference between the days and the nights; or if there is any, it is -that the nights are rather the hottest of the two. The lightning is -incessant, and it does not show itself forked or in flashes, but in wide -sheets of mild blue light, which spread themselves at once over the -sky and sea; and, for the moment which they last, make all the objects -around as distinct as in daylight. The moon now does not rise till near -ten o’clock, and during her absence the size and brilliancy of the stars -are admirable. In England they always seemed to me (to borrow a phrase -of Shakspeare’s, which, in truth, is not worth borrowing,) to “peep -through the blanket of the dark;” but here the heavens appear to be -studded with them on the outside, as if they were chased with so many -jewels: it is really Milton’s “firmament of living sapphires;” and what -with the lightning, the stars, and the quantity of floating lights which -just gleamed round the ship every moment, and then were gone again, -to-night the sky had an effect so beautiful, that when at length the -moon thought proper to show her great red drunken face, I thought that -we did much better without her. - -The above-mentioned floating lights are a kind of sea-meteors, which, as -I am told, are produced by the concussion of the waves, while eddying in -whirlpools round the rudder; but still I saw them rise sometimes at so -great a distance from the ship, and there appeared to be something so -like _Will_ in the direction of their course,--sometimes hurrying -on, sometimes gliding along quite slowly; now stopping and remaining -motionless for a minute or two, and then hurrying on again,--that I -could not be convinced of their not being Medusæ, or some species -or other of phosphoric animal: but whatever be the cause of this -appearance, the effect is singularly beautiful. As to air, we have not -enough to bless ourselves with. I had been led to believe, that when -once we should have fallen in with the trade winds, from that moment -we should sail into our destined port as rapidly and as directly as -Truffaldino travels in Gozzi’s farce; when, having occasion to go from -Asia to Europe, and being very much pressed for time, he persuades a -conjuror of his acquaintance to lend him a devil, with a great pair of -bellows, the nozzle of which being directed right against his stern, -away goes the traveller before the stream of wind, with the devil after -him, and the infernal bellows never cease from working till they have -blown him out of one quarter of the globe into another: but our trade -winds must “hide their diminished heads” before Truffaldino’s bellows. -It seems that like the Moors, “in Africa the torrid,” they are “of -temper somewhat mulish;” for, although, to be sure, when they _do_ blow, -they will only blow in one certain direction, yet very often they will -not blow at all; which has been our case for the last week: indeed, they -seem to be but a queerish kind of a concern at best. About three years -ago a fleet of merchantmen was becalmed near St. Vincent’s: in a few -days after their arrival, there happened a violent eruption of a volcano -in that island, nor was it long before a favourable breeze sprang up. -Unluckily, one of the ships had anchored rather nearer to the shore than -the others, and was at the distance of about one hundred and fifty yards -from the stream of the trade wind; nor could any possible efforts of -the crew, by tacking, by towing, or otherwise, ever enable the vessel -to conquer that one hundred and fifty yards: there she remained, as -completely becalmed as if there were not such a thing as a breath of -wind in the universe; and on the one hand she had the mortification to -see the rest of the merchantmen, with their convoy (for it was in the -very heat of the war), sail away with all their canvass spread and -swelling; while, on the other hand, the sailors had the comfortable -possibility of being suffocated every moment by the clouds of ashes -which continued to fall on their deck every moment, from the burning -volcano, although they were not nearer to St. Vincent’s than eight or -nine miles; indeed that distance went for nothing, as ashes fell upon -vessels that were out at sea at least five hundred miles; and Barbadoes -being to windward of the volcano, such immense quantities of its -contents were carried to that island as almost covered the fields; and -destroying vegetation completely wherever they fell, did inconceivable -damage, while that which St. Vincent’s itself experienced was but -trifling in proportion. - -Our captain is quite out of patience with the tortoise pace of our -progress; for my part I care very little about it. Whether we have -sailed slowly or rapidly, when a day is once over, I am just as much -nearer advanced towards April, the time fixed for my return to England; -and, what is of much more consequence, whether we have sailed slowly -or rapidly, when a day is once over, I am just as much nearer advanced -towards “that bourne,” to reach which, peaceably and harmlessly, is -the only business of life, and towards which the whole of our existence -forms but one continued journey. - - -DECEMBER 21. - -We succeeded in catching another dolphin today; but he had not a hat on; -however, I just asked him whether he happened to have seen mine, but to -little purpose; for I found that he could tell me nothing at all about -it; so, instead of bothering the poor animal with any more questions, we -eat him. - - -DECEMBER 22. - -About three years ago the Captain had the ill luck to be captured by a -French frigate. As she had already made prizes of two other merchantmen, -it was determined to sink his ship; which, after removing the crew and -every thing in her that was valuable, was effected by firing her own -guns down the hatchways. It was near three hours before she filled, then -down she went with a single plunge, head foremost, with all her sails -set and colours flying. This display of the ship’s magnificence in her -last moments reminded me of Mary Queen of Scots, arraying herself in her -richest robes that she might go to the scaffold. If Yorick had fallen -in with this anecdote in the course of his journey, the situation of the -Captain, standing on the enemy’s deck, and seeing his “brave vessel” - in full and gallant trim, possessing all the abilities for a long -existence, yet abandoned by every one, and sinking from the effect of -her own shot, might have furnished him with a companion for his old -commercial Marquis, lamenting over the rust of his newly recovered -sword. - - -DECEMBER 23. - - -THE DOLPHIN. - - Does then the insatiate sea relent? - - And hath he back those treasures sent, - - His stormy rage devoured? - - All starred with gems the billows bound, - - And emeralds, jacinths, sapphires round - - The bark in spray are showered. - - No, no!’t is there the Dolphin plays; - - His scales, enriched with sunny rays, - - Celestial tints unfold; - - And as he darts, the waters blue - - Are streaked with gleams of many a hue, - - Green, orange, purple, gold! - - And brighter still will shine your skin, - - Poor fish, more dazzling play each fin, - - On deck when dying cast; - - Like good men, who, expiring, bless - - The Power that calls them, all confess - - Your brightest hour your last. - - And now the Spearman watchful stands! - - The five-pronged grainse, which arms his hands, - - Your scales is doomed to gore; - - The lead will sink, and soon on high, - - Borne from the deep, perforce you’ll fly, - - Nor e’er regain it more. - - Weep, Beauty, weep! those vivid dyes, - - Those splendours, but the harpooner’s eyes - - To strike his victim call! - - Ambition, mark the Dolphin’s close-- - - To dangerous heights he only rose - - To find the heavier fall! - - Mark, too, ye witty, rich, and gay, - - How quick those sportive fins could play, - - How gay, how rich was he! - - He moves no more--he’s cold to touch-- - - He’s dull--dark--dead! The Dolphin’s such, - - And such we all must be! - -There is a technical fault in the above lines: the grainse, or -dolphin-spear, has five barbs; but the _harpooner_ never uses a lance -with more than a single point. However, the word was so agreeable to my -ear, that I could not find in my heart to leave it out. - - -DECEMBER 24. (Sunday.) - -At length we have crawled into the Caribbean Sea. I was told that we -were not to expect to see land to-day; but on shipboard our not seeing -a thing _to-day_ by no means implies that we shall not see it before -_to-morrow_; for the nautical day is supposed to conclude at noon, -when the solar observation is taken; and, therefore, the making land -_to-day_, or not, very often depends upon our making it before twelve -o’clock, or after it. This was the case in the present instance; for -noon was scarcely passed when we saw Descada (a small island totally -unprovided with water, and whose only produce consists in a little -cotton), Guadaloupe, and Marie Galante, though the latter was at so -great a distance as to be scarcely visible. At sunset Antigua was in -sight. - - -DECEMBER 25. - -The sun rose upon Montserrat and Nevis, with the _Rodondo_ rock between -them, “apricis natio gratissima mergis,--” for it is perpetually covered -with innumerable flocks of gulls, boobies, pelicans, and other sea -birds. Then came St. Christopher’s and St. Eustatia; and in the course -of the afternoon we passed over the _Aves_ bank, a collection of sand, -rock, and mud, extending about two hundred miles, and terminated at each -end by a small island: one of them inhabited by a few fishermen, the -other only by sea birds. Of all the Atlantic isles the soil of St. -Christopher’s is by some supposed to be the richest, the land frequently -producing three hogsheads an acre. I rather think that this was the -first island discovered by Columbus, and that it took its name from -his patron-saint. Montserrat is so rocky, and the roads so steep and -difficult, that the sugar is obliged to be brought down in bags upon -the backs of mules, and not put into casks, till its arrival on the sea -shore. - -The weather is now quite delicious; there is just wind enough to send -us forward and keep the air cool: the sun is brilliant without being -overpowering; the swell of the waves is scarcely perceptible; and the -ship moves along so steadily, that the deck affords almost as firm -footing as if we were walking on land. One would think that Belinda had -been smiling on the Caribbean Sea, as she once before did on the Thames, -and had “made all the world look gay.” During the night we passed Santa -Cruz, an island which, from the perfection to which its cultivation has -been carried, is called “the Garden of the West Indies.” - - -DECEMBER 28. - -Having left Porto Rico behind us, at noon today we passed the insulated -rock of Alcavella, lying about six miles from St. Domingo, which is now -in sight. As this part of the Caribbean Sea is much infested by pirates -from the Caraccas, all our muskets have been put in repair, and to-day -the guns were loaded, of which we mount eight; but as one of them, -during the last voyage, went overboard in a gale of wind, its place -has been supplied by a _Quaker_, i. e. a sham gun of wood, so called, -I suppose, because it would not fight if it were called upon. These -pirate-vessels are small schooners, armed with a single twenty-four -pounder, which moves upon a swivel, and their crew is composed of -negroes and outlaws of all nations, their numbers generally running from -one hundred to one hundred and fifty men. To-day, for the first time, -I saw some flying fish: we have also been visited by several men-of-war -birds and tropic birds; the latter is a species of gull, perfectly -white, and distinguished by a single very long feather in its tail: its -nautical name is “the boatswain.” - -As we sail along, the air is absolutely loaded with “Sabean odours -from the spicy shores” of St. Domingo, which we were still coasting at -sunset. - - -DECEMBER 30. - -At day-break Jamaica was in sight, or rather it would have been in -sight, only that we could not see it. The weather was so gloomy, and the -wind and rain were so violent, that we might have said to the Captain, -as one of the two Punches who went into the ark is reported to have said -to the patriarch, during the deluge, “Hazy weather, Master Noah.”--I -remember my good friend, Walter Scott, asserts, that at the death of a -poet the groans and tears of his heroes and heroines swell the blast and -increase the river; perhaps something of the same kind takes place at -the arrival of a West India proprietor from Europe, and all this rain -and wind proceed from the eyes and lungs of my agents and overseers, -who, for the last twenty years, have been reigning in my dominions with -despotic authority; but now - - “Whose groans in roaring winds complain, - - Whose tears of rage impel the rain;” - -because, on the approach of the sovereign himself, they must evacuate -the palace, and resign the deputed sceptre. “Hinc illæ lachrymæ!” this -is the cause of our being soaked to the skin this morning. However, -about noon the weather cleared up, and allowed us to verify, with our -own eyes, that we had reached “the Land of Springs,” without having been -invited by any Piccaroon vessel to “walk the plank” instead of the deck; -which is a compliment very generally paid by those gentry, after they -have taken the trouble of laying a plank over the side of a captured -ship, in order that the passengers and the crew may walk overboard -without any inconvenience. - -We arrived at the east end of the island, passed Pedro Point and -Starvegut Bay, and arrived before Black River Bay (our destined harbour) -soon after two o’clock; but here we were obliged to come to a stand -still: the channel is very dangerous, extremely narrow, and full of -sunken rocks; so that it can only be entered by a vessel drawing so -much water as ours with a particular wind, and when there is not any -apprehension of a sudden squall. We were, therefore, obliged to drop -anchor, and are now riding within a couple of miles of the shore, but -with as utter an incapability of reaching it as if we were still -at Gravesend. The north side of the island is said to be extremely -beautiful and romantic; but the south, which we coasted to-day, is low, -barren, and without any recommendation whatever. As yet I can only look -at Jamaica as one does on a man who comes to pay money, and whom we are -extremely well pleased to see, however little the fellow’s appearance -may be in his favour. - -We passed the whole of the day in vain endeavours to work ourselves -into the bay. At one time, indeed, we got very near the shore, but the -consequence was, that we were within an ace of striking upon a rock, -and very much obliged to a sudden gust of wind, which, blowing right off -shore, blew us out of the channel, and left us at night in a much more -perilous situation than we had occupied the evening before, though even -that had been by no means secure. At three o’clock, the other passengers -went on shore in the jolly-boat, and proceeded to their destination; -but as I was still more than thirty miles distant from my estate, I -preferred waiting on board till the Captain should have moored his -vessel in safety, and be at liberty to take me in his pinnace to -Savannah la Mar, when I should find myself within a few miles of my own -house. - -In the course of the afternoon, one of the sailors took up a fish of a -very singular shape and most brilliant colours, as it floated along upon -the water. It seemed to be gasping, and lay with its belly upwards; -it was supposed to have eaten something poisonous, as whenever it was -touched it appeared to be full of life, and squirted the water in our -faces with great spirit and dexterity. But no sooner was he suffered -to remain quiet in the tub, than he turned upon his back and again was -gasping. He had a large round transparent globule, intersected with red -veins, under the belly, which some imagined to proceed from a rupture, -and to be the occasion of his disease. But I could not discover any -vestige of a wound; and the globule was quite solid to the touch; -neither did the fish appear to be sensible when it was pressed upon. No -one on board had ever seen this kind of fish till then; its name is the -“Doctor Fish.” - -A black pilot came on board yesterday, in a canoe hollowed out of the -cotton-tree; and when it returned for him this morning, it brought us a -water-melon. I never met with a worse article in my life; the pulp is of -a faint greenish yellow, stained here and there with spots of moist red, -so that it looks exactly as if the servant in slicing it had cut his -finger, and suffered it to bleed over the fruit. Then the seeds, being -of a dark purple, present the happiest imitation of drops of clotted -gore; and altogether (prejudiced as I was by its appearance), when I had -put a single bit into my mouth, it had such a kind of Shylocky taste of -raw flesh about it (not that I recollect having ever eaten a bit of raw -flesh itself), that I sent away my plate, and was perfectly satisfied as -to the merits of the fruit. - - - - -1816.--JANUARY 1. - -At length the ship has squeezed herself into this champagne bottle of -a bay! Perhaps, the satisfaction attendant upon our having overcome -the difficulty, added something to the illusion of its effect; but the -beauty of the atmosphere, the dark purple mountains, the shores covered -with mangroves of the liveliest green down to the very edge of the -water, and the light-coloured houses with their lattices and piazzas -completely embowered in trees, altogether made the scenery of the Bay -wear a very picturesque appearance. And, to complete the charm, -the sudden sounds of the drum and banjee, called our attention to a -procession of the John-Canoe, which was proceeding to celebrate the -opening of the new year at the town of Black River. The John-Canoe is a -Merry-Andrew dressed in a striped doublet, and bearing upon his head a -kind of pasteboard house-boat, filled with puppets, representing, some -sailors, others soldiers, others again slaves at work on a plantation, -&c. The negroes are allowed three days for holidays at Christmas, and -also New-year’s day, which being the last is always reckoned by them as -the festival of the greatest importance. It is for this day that they -reserve their finest dresses, and lay their schemes for displaying their -show and expense to the greatest advantage; and it is then that the -John-Canoe is considered not merely as a person of material consequence, -but one whose presence is absolutely indispensable. Nothing could -look more gay than the procession which we now saw with its train of -attendants, all dressed in white, and marching two by two (except when -the file was broken here and there by a single horseman), and its band -of negro music, and its scarlet flags fluttering about in the breeze, -now disappearing behind a projecting clump of mangrove trees, and then -again emerging into an open part of the road, as it wound along the -shore towards the town of Black River. - - ----“Magno telluris amore - - Egressi optatâ Troes potiuntur arena.” - -I had determined not to go on shore, till I should land for good and -all at Savannah la Mar. But although I could resist the “telluris -amor,” there was no resisting John-Canoe; so, in defiance of a broiling -afternoon’s sun, about four o’clock we left the vessel for the town. - -It was, as I understand, formerly one of some magnitude; but it now -consists only of a few houses, owing to a spark from a tobacco-pipe or -a candle having lodged upon a mosquito-net during dry weather; and -although the conflagration took place at mid-day, the whole town was -reduced to ashes. The few streets--(I believe there were not above two, -but those were wide and regular, and the houses looked very neat)--were -now crowded with people, and it seemed to be allowed, upon all hands, -that New-year’s day had never been celebrated there with more expense -and festivity. - -It seems that, many years ago, an Admiral of the Red was superseded on -the Jamaica station by an Admiral of the Blue; and both of them gave -balls at Kingston to the “_Brown Girls;”_ for the fair sex elsewhere are -called the “Brown Girls” in Jamaica. In consequence of these balls, all -Kingston was divided into parties: from thence the division spread into -other districts: and ever since, the whole island, at Christmas, is -separated into the rival factions of the Blues and the Reds (the Red -representing also the English, the Blue the Scotch), who contend -for setting forth their processions with the greatest taste and -magnificence. This year, several gentlemen in the neighbourhood of Black -River had subscribed very largely towards the expenses of the show; -and certainly it produced the gayest and most amusing scene that I ever -witnessed, to which the mutual jealousy and pique of the two parties -against each other contributed in no slight degree. The champions of -the rival Roses,--the Guelphs and the Ghibellines,--none of them could -exceed the scornful animosity and spirit of depreciation with which the -Blues and the Reds of Black River examined the efforts at display of -each other. The Blues had the advantage beyond a doubt; this a Red -girl told us that she could not deny; but still, “though the Reds were -beaten, she would not be a Blue girl for the whole universe!” On the -other hand, Miss Edwards (the mistress of the hotel from whose window we -saw the show), was rank Blue to the very tips of her fingers, and had, -indeed, contributed one of her female slaves to sustain a very important -character in the show; for when the Blue procession was ready to set -forward, there was evidently a hitch, something was wanting; and there -seemed to be no possibility of getting on without it--when suddenly we -saw a tall woman dressed in mourning (being Miss Edwards herself) rush -out of our hotel, dragging along by the hand a strange uncouth kind of -a glittering tawdry figure, all feathers, and pitchfork, and painted -pasteboard, who moved most reluctantly, and turned out to be no less a -personage than Britannia herself, with a pasteboard shield covered with -the arms of Great Britain, a trident in her hand, and a helmet made -of pale blue silk and silver. The poor girl, it seems, was bashful at -appearing in this conspicuous manner before so many spectators, and hung -back when it came to the point. But her mistress had seized hold of her, -and placed her by main force in her destined position. The music struck -up; Miss Edwards gave the Goddess a great push forwards; the drumsticks -and the elbows of the fiddlers attacked her in the rear; and on went -Britannia willy-nilly! - -The Blue girls called themselves “the Blue girls of Waterloo.” - Their motto was the more patriotic; that of the Red was the more -gallant:--“Britannia rules the day!” streamed upon the Blue flag; -“Red girls for ever!” floated upon the Red. But, in point of taste and -invention, the former carried it hollow. First marched Britannia; then -came a band of music; then the flag; then the Blue King and Queen--the -Queen splendidly dressed in white and silver (in scorn of the opposite -party, her train was borne by a little girl in red); his Majesty wore -a full British Admiral’s uniform, with a white satin sash, and a huge -cocked hat with a gilt paper crown upon the top of it. These were -immediately followed by “Nelson’s car,” being a kind of canoe decorated -with blue and silver drapery, and with “Trafalgar” written on the front -of it; and the procession was closed by a long train of Blue grandees -(the women dressed in uniforms of white, with robes of blue muslin), -all Princes and Princesses, Dukes and Duchesses, every mother’s child of -them. - -The Red girls were also dressed very gaily and prettily, but they had -nothing in point of invention that could vie with Nelson’s Car and -Britannia; and when the Red throne made its appearance, language cannot -express the contempt with which our landlady eyed it. “It was neither -one thing nor t’other,” Miss Edwards was of opinion. “Merely a few yards -of calico stretched over some planks--and look, look, only look at it -behind! you may see the bare boards! By way of a throne, indeed! Well, -to be sure, Miss Edwards never saw a poorer thing in her life, that she -must say!” And then she told me, that somebody had just snatched at a -medal which Britannia wore round her neck, and had endeavoured to force -it away. I asked her who had done so? “Oh, one of the Red party, _of -course!_” The Red party was evidently Miss Edwards’s Mrs. Grundy. -John-Canoe made no part of the procession; but he and his rival, -John-Crayfish (a personage of whom I heard, but could not obtain a -sight), seemed to act upon quite an independent interest, and go about -from house to house, tumbling and playing antics to pick up money for -themselves. - -A play was now proposed to us, and, of course, accepted. Three men and -a girl accordingly made their appearance; the men dressed like the -tumblers at Astley’s, the lady very tastefully in white and silver, -and all with their faces concealed by masks of thin blue silk; and they -proceeded to perform the quarrel between Douglas and Glenalvon, and the -fourth act of “The Fair Penitent.” They were all quite perfect, and had -no need of a prompter. As to Lothario, he was by far the most comical -dog that I ever saw in my life, and his dying scene exceeded all -description; Mr. Coates himself might have taken hints from him! As -soon as Lothario was fairly dead, and Calista had made her exit in -distraction, they all began dancing reels like so many mad people, till -they were obliged to make way for the Waterloo procession, who came to -collect money for the next year’s festival; one of them singing, -another dancing to the tune, while she presented her money-box to the -spectators, and the rest of the Blue girls filling up the chorus. I -cannot say much in praise of the black Catalani; but nothing could be -more light, and playful, and graceful, than the extempore movements of -the dancing girl. Indeed, through the whole day, I had been struck with -the precision of their march, the ease and grace of their action, the -elasticity of their step, and the lofty air with which they carried -their heads--all, indeed, except poor Britannia, who hung down hers in -the most ungoddess-like manner imaginable. The first song was the old -Scotch air of “Logie of Buchan,” of which the girl sang one single -stanza forty times over. But the second was in praise of the Hero of -Heroes; so I gave the songstress a dollar to teach it to me, and drink -the Duke’s health. It was not easy to make out what she said, but as -well as I could understand them, the words ran as follows:-- - - “Come, rise up, our gentry, - - And hear about Waterloo; - - Ladies, take your spy-glass, - - And attend to what we do; - - For one and one makes two, - - But one alone must be. - - Then singee, singee Waterloo, - - None so brave as he!” - ---and then there came something about green and white flowers, and a -Duchess, and a lily-white Pig, and going on board of a dashing man of -war; but what they all had to do with the Duke, or with each other, I -could not make even a guess. I was going to ask for an explanation, but -suddenly half of them gave a shout loud enough “to fright the realms of -Chaos and old Night,” and away they flew, singers, dancers, and all. The -cause of this was the sudden illumination of the town with quantities of -large chandeliers and bushes, the branches of which were stuck all over -with great blazing torches: the effect was really beautiful, and the -excessive rapture of the black multitude at the spectacle was as well -worth the witnessing as the sight itself. - -I never saw so many people who appeared to be so unaffectedly happy. -In England, at fairs and races, half the visiters at least seem to have -been only brought there for the sake of traffic, and to be too busy to -be amused; but here nothing was thought of but real pleasure; and that -pleasure seemed to consist in singing, dancing, and laughing, in seeing -and being seen, in showing their own fine clothes, or in admiring those -of others. There were no people selling or buying; no servants and -landladies bustling and passing about; and at eight o’clock, as we -passed through the market-place, where was the greatest illumination, -and which, of course, was most thronged, I did not see a single person -drunk, nor had I observed a single quarrel through the course of the -day; except, indeed, when some thoughtless fellow crossed the line of -the procession, and received by the way a good box of the ear from the -Queen or one of her attendant Duchesses. Every body made the same remark -to me; “Well, sir, what do you think Mr. Wilberforce would think of the -state of the negroes, if he could see this scene?” and certainly, to -judge by this one specimen, of all beings that I have yet seen, -these were the happiest. As we were passing to our boat, through the -market-place, suddenly we saw Miss Edwards dart out of the crowd, and -seize the Captain’s arm--“Captain! Captain!” cried she, “for the love of -Heaven, only look at the _Red_ lights! Old iron hoops, nothing but old -iron hoops, I declare! Well! for my part!” and then, with a contemptuous -toss of her head, away frisked Miss Edwards triumphantly. - - -JANUARY 2. - -The St. Elizabeth, which sailed from England at the same time with our -vessel, was attacked by a pirate from Carthagena, near the rocks of -Alcavella, who attempted three times to board her, though he was at -length beaten off so that our Piccaroon preparations were by no means -taken without foundation. - -At four o’clock this morning I embarked in the cutter for Savannah -la Mar, lighted by the most beautiful of all possible morning stars: -certainly, if this star be really Lucifer, that “Son of the -Morning,” the Devil must be “an extremely pretty fellow.” But in spite -of the fineness of the morning, our passage was a most disagreeable -concern: there was a violent swell in the sea; and a strong north wind, -though it carried us forward with great rapidity, overwhelmed us with -whole sheets of foam so incessantly, that I expected, as soon as the sun -should have evaporated the moisture, to see the boat’s crew covered with -salt, and looking like so many Lot’s wives after her metamorphosis. - -The distance was about thirty miles, and soon after nine o’clock -we reached Savannah la Mar, where I found my trustee, and a whole -cavalcade, waiting to conduct me to my own estate; for he had brought -with him a curricle and pair for myself a gig for my servant, two black -boys upon mules, and a cart with eight oxen to convey my baggage. The -road was excellent, and we had not above five miles to travel; and as -soon as the carriage entered my gates, the uproar and confusion which -ensued sets all description at defiance. The works were instantly all -abandoned; every thing that had life came flocking to the house from all -quarters; and not only the men, and the women, and the children, but, -“by a bland assimilation,” the hogs, and the dogs, and the geese, and -the fowls, and the turkeys, all came hurrying along by instinct, to see -what could possibly be the matter, and seemed to be afraid of arriving -too late. Whether the pleasure of the negroes was sincere may be -doubted; but certainly it was the loudest that I ever witnessed: they -all talked together, sang, danced, shouted, and, in the violence of -their gesticulations, tumbled over each other, and rolled about upon -the ground. Twenty voices at once enquired after uncles, and aunts, and -grandfathers, and great-grandmothers of mine, who had been buried long -before I was in existence, and whom, I verily believe, most of them only -knew by tradition. One woman held up her little naked black child to me, -grinning from ear to ear;--“Look, Massa, look here! him nice lilly neger -for Massa!” Another complained,--“So long since none come see we, Massa; -good Massa, come at last.” As for the old people, they were all in one -and the same story: now they had lived once to see Massa, they were -ready for dying to-morrow, “them no care.” - -The shouts, the gaiety, the wild laughter, their strange and sudden -bursts of singing and dancing, and several old women, wrapped up -in large cloaks, their heads bound round with different-coloured -handkerchiefs, leaning on a staff, and standing motionless in the middle -of the hubbub, with their eyes fixed upon the portico which I occupied, -formed an exact counterpart of the festivity of the witches in Macbeth. -Nothing could be more odd or more novel than the whole scene; and yet -there was something in it by which I could not help being affected; -perhaps it was the consciousness that all these human beings were my -_slaves_;--to be sure, I never saw people look more happy in my life; -and I believe their condition to be much more comfortable than that of -the labourers of Great Britain; and, after all, slavery, in _their_ -case, is but another name for servitude, now that no more negroes can be -forcibly carried away from Africa, and subjected to the horrors of the -voyage, and of the seasoning after their arrival: but still I had -already experienced, in the morning, that Juliet was wrong in saying -“What’s in a name?” For soon after my reaching the lodging-house at -Savannah la Mar, a remarkably cleanlooking negro lad presented himself -with some water and a towel: I concluded him to belong to the inn; and, -on my returning the towel, as he found that I took no notice of him, he -at length ventured to introduce himself, by saying,--“Massa not know me; -_me your slave!_”--and really the sound made me feel a pang at the -heart. The lad appeared all gaiety and good humour, and his whole -countenance expressed anxiety to recommend himself to my notice; but the -word “slave” seemed to imply, that, although he did feel pleasure then -in serving me, if he had detested me he must have served me still. I -really felt quite humiliated at the moment, and was tempted to tell -him,--“Do not say that again; say that you are my negro, but do not call -yourself my slave.” - -Altogether, they shouted and sang me into a violent headach. It is now -one in the morning, and I hear them still shouting and singing. I gave -them a holiday for Saturday next, and told them that I had brought -them all presents from England; and so, I believe, we parted very good -friends. - - -JANUARY 3. - -I have reached Jamaica in the best season for seeing my property in a -favourable point of view; it is crop time, when all the laborious work -is over, and the negroes are the most healthy and merry. This morning I -went to visit the hospital, and found there only eight patients out of -three hundred negroes, and not one of them a serious case. Yesterday I -had observed a remarkably handsome Creole girl, called Psyche, and she -really deserved the name. This morning a little brown girl made her -appearance at breakfast, with an orange bough, to flap away the flies, -and, on enquiry, she proved to be an emanation of the aforesaid Psyche. -It is evident, therefore, that Psyche has already visited the palace of -Cupid; I heartily hope that she is not now upon her road to the infernal -regions: but, as the ancients had two Cupids, one divine and the other -sensual, so am I in possession of two Psyches; and on visiting the -hospital, _there_ was poor Psyche the second. Probably this was the -Psyche of the sensual Cupid. - -I passed the morning in driving about the estate: my house is frightful -to look at, but very clean and comfortable on the inside; some of the -scenery is very picturesque, from the lively green of the trees and -shrubs, and the hermitage-like appearance of the negro buildings, all -situated in little gardens, and embosomed in sweet-smelling shrubberies. -Indeed, every thing appears much better than I expected; the negroes -seem healthy and contented, and so perfectly at their ease, that our -English squires would be mightily astonished at being accosted so -familiarly by their farmers. This delightful north wind keeps the air -temperate and agreeable. I live upon shaddocks and pine-apples. The -dreaded mosquitoes are not worse than gnats, nor as bad as the Sussex -harvest-bugs; and, as yet, I never felt myself in more perfect -health. There was a man once, who fell from the top of a steeple; and, -perceiving no inconvenience in his passage through the air,--“Come,” - said he to himself, while in the act of falling, “really this is well -enough yet if it would but last.” Cubina, my young Savannah la Mar -acquaintance, is appointed my black attendant; and as I had desired him -to bring me any native flowers of Jamaica, this evening he brought me a -very pretty one; the negroes, he said, called it “John-to-Heal,” but -in white language it was _hoccoco-pickang_; it proved to be the wild -Ipecacuanha. - - -JANUARY 4. - -There were three things against which I was particularly cautioned, and -which three things I was determined _not_ to do: to take exercise after -ten in the day; to be exposed to the dews after sun-down; and to sleep -at a Jamaica lodging-house. So, yesterday, I set off for Montego Bay at -eight o’clock in the morning, and travelled till three; walked home from -a ball after midnight; and that home was a lodging-house at Montego -Bay; but the lodging-house was such a cool clean lodging-house, and the -landlady was such an obliging smiling landlady, with the whitest of -all possible teeth, and the blackest of all possible eyes, that no harm -could happen to me from occupying an apartment which had been prepared -by _her_. She was called out of her bed to make my room ready for me; -yet she did every thing with so much good-will and cordiality; no quick -answers, no mutterings: inns would be bowers of Paradise, if they were -all rented by mulatto landladies, like Judy James. - -I was much pleased with the scenery of Montego Bay, and with the -neatness and cleanliness of the town; indeed, what with the sea washing -it, and the picturesque aspect of the piazzas and verandas, it is -impossible for a West Indian town so situated, and in such a climate, -not to present an agreeable appearance. But the first part of the road -exceeds in beauty all that I have ever seen: it wound through mountain -lands of my own, their summits of the boldest, and at the same time -of the most beautiful shapes; their sides ornamented with bright green -woods of bamboo, logwood, prickly-yellow, broad-leaf, and trumpet trees; -and so completely covered with the most lively verdure, that once, -when we found a piece of barren rock, Cubina pointed it out to me as a -curiosity;--“Look, massa, rock quite naked!” The cotton-tree presented -itself on all sides; but as this is the season for its shedding its -leaves, its wide-spreading bare white arms contributed nothing to the -beauty of the scene, except where the wild fig and various creeping -plants had completely mantled the stems and branches; and then its -gigantic height, and the fantastic wreathings of its limbs, from which -numberless green withes and strings of wild flowers were streaming, -rendered it exactly the very tree for which a landscape-painter -would have wished. The air, too, was delicious; the fragrance of the -Sweet-wood, and of several other scented trees, but above all, of the -delicious Logwood (of which most of the fences in Westmoreland are made) -composed an atmosphere, such, that if Satan, after promising them “a -buxom air, embalmed with odours,” had transported Sin and Death thither, -the charming couple must have acknowledged their papa’s promises -fulfilled. - -We travelled these first ten miles (Montego Bay being about thirty from -my estate of Cornwall) without seeing a human creature, nor, indeed, any -thing that had life in it, except a black snake basking in the sunshine, -and a few John Crows----a species of vulture, whose utility is so great -that its destruction is prohibited by law under a heavy penalty. In a -country where putrefaction is so rapid, it is of infinite consequence to -preserve an animal which, if a bullock or horse falls dead in the field, -immediately flies to the carcass before it has time to corrupt, and -gobbles it up before you can say “John Crow,” much less Jack Robinson. -The bite of the black snake is slightly venomous, but that is all; as -to the great yellow one, it is perfectly innoxious, and so timid that it -always runs away from you. The only dangerous species of serpent is the -Whip-snake, so called from its exactly resembling the lash of a whip, in -length, thinness, pliability, and whiteness; but even the bite of this -is not mortal, except from very great neglect. The most beautiful tree, -or, rather, group of trees, all to nothing, is the Bamboo, both from its -verdure and from its elegance of form: as to the Cotton tree, it -answers no purpose, either of ornament or utility; or, rather, it is not -suffered to answer any, since it is forbidden by law to export its down, -lest it should hurt the fur trade in the manufacture of hats: its only -present use is to furnish the negroes with canoes, which are hollowed -out of its immense trunks. I am as yet so much enchanted with the -country, that it would require no very strong additional inducements to -make me establish myself here altogether; and in that case my first care -would be to build for myself a cottage among these mountains, in which I -might pass the sultry months, - - “E bruna-si; ma il bruno il bel non toglie.” - - -JANUARY 5. - -As I was returning; this morning; from Montego Bay, about a mile from my -own estate, a figure presented itself before me, I really think the -most picturesque that I ever beheld: it was a mulatto girl, born upon -Cornwall, but whom the overseer of a neighbouring estate had obtained -my permission to exchange for another slave, as well as two little -children, whom she had borne to him; but, as yet, he has been unable -to procure a substitute, owing to the difficulty of purchasing single -negroes, and Mary Wiggins is still my slave. However, as she is -considered as being manumitted, she had not dared to present herself -at Cornwall on my arrival, lest she should have been considered as an -intruder; but she now threw herself in my way to tell me how glad she -was to see me, for that she had always thought till now (which is the -general complaint) that “_she had no massa_” and also to obtain a regular -invitation to my negro festival tomorrow. By this universal complaint, -it appears that, while Mr. Wilberforce is lamenting their hard fate in -being subject to a master, _their_ greatest fear is the not having a -master whom they know; and that to be told by the negroes of another -estate that “they belong to no massa,” is one of the most contemptuous -reproaches that can be cast upon them. Poor creatures, when they -happened to hear on Wednesday evening that my carriage was ordered for -Montego Bay the next morning, they fancied that I was going away for -good and all, and came up to the house in such a hubbub, that my agent -was obliged to speak to them, and pacify them with the assurance that I -should come back on Friday without fail. - -But to return to Mary Wiggins: she was much too pretty not to obtain her -invitation to Cornwall; on the contrary, I _insisted_ upon her coming, -and bade her tell her _husband_ that I admired his taste very much for -having chosen her. I really think that her form and features were the -most _statue-like_ that I ever met with: her complexion had no yellow in -it, and yet was not brown enough to be dark--it was more of an ash-dove -colour than any thing else; her teeth were admirable, both for colour -and shape; her eyes equally mild and bright; and her face merely broad -enough to give it all possible softness and grandness of contour: her -air and countenance would have suited Yarico; but she reminded me most -of Grassini in “La Vergine del Sole,” only that Mary Wiggins was a -thousand times more beautiful, and that, instead of a white robe, she -wore a mixed dress of brown, white, and dead yellow, which harmonised -excellently well with her complexion while one of her beautiful arms was -thrown across her brow to shade her eyes, and a profusion of rings -on her fingers glittered in the sunbeams. Mary Wiggins and an old -Cotton-tree are the most picturesque objects that I have seen for these -twenty years. - -On my arrival at home, my agent made me a very elegant little present of -a scorpion and a couple of centipedes: the first was given to him, but -the large centipede he had shaken out of a book last night, and having -immediately covered her up in a phial of rum, he found this morning that -she had produced a young one, which was lying drowned by her side. - -I find that my negroes were called away from their attention to the -works yesterday evening (for the crop is now making with the greatest -activity), and kept up all night by a fire at a neighbouring estate. -On these occasions a fire-shell is blown, and all the negroes of the -adjoining plantations hasten to give their assistance. On this occasion -the fire was extinguished with the loss of only five negro houses; but -this is a heavy concern to the poor negro proprietors, who have lost in -it their whole stock of clothes, and furniture, and finery, which -they had been accumulating for years, and to which their attachment is -excessive. - - - -LANDING. - - When first I gain’d the Atlantic shore, - - And bade farewell to ocean’s roar, - - What gracious power my bosom eased, - - My senses soothed, my fancy pleased, - - And bade me feel, in whispers bland, - - No Stranger in a Stranger-land? - - ’T was not at length my goal to reach, - - And tread Jamaica’s burning beach: - - ’T was not from Neptune’s chains discharged, - - To move, think, feel with powers enlarged: - - Nor that no more my bed the wave, - - Ere morning dawn’d, might prove my grave:-- - - A livelier chord was struck: a spell, - - While heav’d my heart with gentle swell, - - Crept o’er my soul with magic sweet, - - And made each pulse responsive beat. - - No Sheep-bell e’er to Pilgrim’s ear, - - Wandering in woods unknown and drear; - - No midnight lay to Spanish maid, - - Conscious by whom the lute was played; - - Not on the breeze the sounding wings - - Of him who nurture homeward brings - - To mother-bird, whose callow brood - - Pain her fond heart with chirps for food,-- - - E’er seem’d more charming than to me, - - (When two long months had past at sea, - - During whose course my thirsty ear - - No softer voice, no strain could hear - - Nearer allied to love and pity, - - Than the strong bass of seaman’s ditty,) - - Seem’d by the sea-gale round me flung, - - Approaching sounds of female tongue! - - No, Venus, no! Small right hast thou - - To claim for this my grateful vow; - - N or on thine altar now bestows - - My hand the gift of one poor rose! - - No eager glance, no heighten’d dye - - Blush’d on my cheek, nor fired mine eye; - - I heard, nor felt, at each soft note, - - Flutter my heart, and swell my throat. - - Those sounds but spoke of bosom-balm, - - Of pity prompt and kindness calm; - - Of tender care, of anxious zeal; - - For here were breasts whose hearts could feel! - - ’T was as to guest in stranger halls - - If voice of friend a welcome calls: - - Such pleasure soothes the starting maid, - - Who finds some jewel long mislaid; - - Pleasure, which blessed dew supplies, - - To ease the heart, and float the eyes; - - As when in pain attentions prove - - A mother’s care, a sister’s love. - - To Woman, Life its value owes! - - Robb’d of her love, its dawn and close - - Would find nor aid, nor soothing care; - - Its middle course no joys would share. - - Childhood in vain would thirst and cry, - - And Age, unheeded, moan and die; - - And Manhood frown to see the hours - - Weave scentless wreaths unblest with flowers. - - It beam’d on cheek of sable dye; - - No matter, since ’t was _woman’s_ eye! - - Each phrase the tortured language broke; - - Enough for me--’t was _woman_ spoke! - - Once raven locks my temples wore; - - Time has pluck’d many, sorrow more: - - Through forty springs (thank God they’re run) - - These weary eyes have seen the sun; - - And in that space full room is found - - For flowers to fade, and thorns to wound. - - But now, (all fancy’s freaks supprest, - - Each thread-bare sneer and wanton jest,) - - With hand on heart in serious tone, - - With thanks, with truth, I needs must own, - - Wide as I’ye roam’d the world around, - - Roam where I would, I ever found, - - The worst of Women still possest - - More virtues than of Men the best. - - And, oh! if shipwreck proves my lot, - - Guide me, kind Heav’n, to some lone cot - - Where _woman_ dwells! Her hand she’ll stretch - - In pity to the stranger-wretch; - - If virtuous want mine eye surveys, - - Nor mine the power his head to raise, - - I’ll pour the tale in _woman’s_ ear, - - She’ll aid, and, aiding, drop a tear. - - And when my life-blood sickness drains, - - And racks my nerves, and fires my brains, - - What kinder juice, what livelier power, - - Than mineral yields, or opiate flower, - - Can make me e’en in pain rejoice?-- - - A few sweet words in that sweet voice! - - -JANUARY 6. - -This was the day given to my negroes as a festival on my arrival. A -couple of heifers were slaughtered for them: they were allowed as much -rum, and sugar, and noise, and dancing as they chose; and as to the two -latter, certainly they profited by the permission. About two o’clock -they began to assemble round the house, all drest in their holiday -clothes, which, both for men and women, were chiefly white; only that -the women were decked out with a profusion of beads and corals, and gold -ornaments of all descriptions; and that while the blacks wore jackets, -the mulattoes generally wore cloth coats; and inasmuch as they were all -plainly clean instead of being shabbily fashionable, and affected to -be nothing except that which they really were, they looked twenty times -more like gentlemen than nine tenths of the bankers’ clerks who swagger -up and down Bond Street. It is a custom as to the mulatto children, that -the males born on an estate should never be employed as field negroes, -but as tradesmen; the females are brought up as domestics about the -house. I had particularly invited “Mr. John-Canoe” (which I found to be -the polite manner in which the negroes spoke of him), and there arrived -a couple of very gay and gaudy ones. I enquired whether one of them was -“John-Crayfish;” but I was told that John-Crayfish was John-Ca-noe’s -rival and enemy, and might belong to the factions of “the Blues and the -Reds;” but on Cornwall they were all friends, and therefore there -were only the father and the son---Mr. John-Canoe, senior, and Mr. -John-Canoe, junior. - -The person who gave me this information was a young mulatto carpenter, -called Nicholas, whom I had noticed in the crowd, on my first arrival, -for his clean appearance and intelligent countenance; and he now begged -me to notice the smaller of the two John-Canoe machines. “To be sure,” - he said, “it was not so large nor so showy as the other, but then it -was much better _proportioned_ (his own word), and altogether much -prettier;” and he said so much in praise of it, that I asked him whether -he knew the maker? and then out came the motive: “Oh, yes! it was made -by John Fuller, who lived in the next house to him, and worked in the -same shop, and indeed they were just like brothers.” So I desired to see -his _fidas Achates_, and he brought me as smart and intelligent a little -fellow as eye ever beheld, who came grinning from ear to ear to tell me -that he had made every bit of the canoe with his own hands, and had set -to work upon it the moment that he knew of massa’s coming to Jamaica. -And indeed it was as fine as paint, pasteboard, gilt paper, and -looking-glass could make it! Unluckily, the breeze being very strong -blew off a fine glittering umbrella, surmounted with a plume of John -Crow feathers, which crowned the top; and a little wag of a negro boy -whipped it up, clapped it upon his head, and performed the part of an -impromptu Mr. John-Canoe with so much fun and grotesqueness, that he -fairly beat the original performers out of the pit, and carried off -all the applause of the spectators, and a couple of my dollars. The -John-Canoes are fitted out at the expense of the rich negroes, who -afterwards share the money collected from the spectators during their -performance, allotting one share to the representator himself; and it -is usual for the master of the estate to give them a couple of guineas -apiece. - -This Nicholas, whom I mentioned, is a very interesting person, both from -his good looks and gentle manners, and from his story. He is the son -of a white man, who on his death-bed charged his nephew and heir to -purchase the freedom of this natural child. The nephew had promised to -do so; I had consented; nothing was necessary but to find the substitute -(which now is no easy matter); when about six months ago the nephew -broke his neck, and the property went to a distant relation. Application -in behalf of poor Nicholas has been made to the heir, and I heartily -hope that he will enable me to release him. I felt strongly tempted to -set him at liberty at once; but if I were to begin in that way, there -would be no stopping; and it would be doing a kindness to an individual -at the expense of all my other negroes--others would expect the same; -and then I must either contrive to cultivate my estate with fewer -hands--or must cease to cultivate it altogether--and, from inability to -maintain them, send my negroes to seek bread for themselves--which, as -two thirds of them have been born upon the estate, and many of them -are lame, dropsical, and of a great age, would, of all misfortunes that -could happen to them, be the most cruel. Even when Nicholas was speaking -to me about his liberty, he said, “It is not that I wish to go away, -sir; it is only for the name and honour of being free: but I -would always stay here and be your servant; and I had rather be an -under-workman on Cornwall, than a head carpenter any where else.” - Possibly, this was all palaver (in which the negroes are great dealers), -but at least he _seemed_ to be sincere; and I was heartily grieved that -I could not allow myself to say more to him than that I sincerely wished -him to get his liberty, and would receive the very lowest exchange for -him that common prudence would authorize. And even for those few kind -words, the poor fellow seemed to think it impossible to find means -strong enough to express his gratitude. - -Nor is this the only instance in which Nicholas has been unlucky. It -seems that he was the first lover of the beautiful Psyche, whom I -had noticed on my arrival. This evening, after the performance of the -John-Canoes, I desired to see some of the girls dance; and by general -acclamation Psyche was brought forward to exhibit, she being avowedly -the best dancer on the estate; and certainly nothing could be more -light, graceful, easy, and spirited, than her performance. She perfectly -answered the description of Sallust’s Sempronia, who was said--“Sal tare -elegantius, quam necesse est probæ, et cui cariora semper omnia, quam -decus et pudicitia fuit.” When her dance was over, I called her to me, -and gave her a handful of silver. “Ah, Psyche,” said Nicholas, who was -standing at my elbow, “Massa no give you all that if massa know you -so bad girl! she run away from me, massa!” Psyche gave him a kind of -pouting look, half kind, and half reproachful, and turned away. And then -he told me that Psyche had been his wife (_one_ of his wives he should -have said); that he had had a child by her, and then she had left him -for one of my “white people” (as they call the book-keepers), because -he had a good salary, and could afford to give her more presents than a -slave could. “Was there not another reason for your quarrelling?” said -my agent. “Was there not a shade of colour too much?”--“Oh, massa!” - answered Nicholas, “the child is not my own, that is certain; it is -a black man’s child. But still I will always take care of the child -because it have no friends, and me wish make it good neger for -massa--and _she_ take good care of it too,” he added, throwing his arm -round the waist of a sickly-looking woman rather in years; “she my wife, -too, massa, long ago; old now and sick, but always good to me, so I -still live with her, and will never leave her, never, massa; she Polly’s -mother, sir.” Polly is a pretty, delicate-looking girl, nursing a -young child; she belongs to the mansion-house, and seems to think it as -necessary a part of her duty to nurse _me_ as the child. To be sure she -has not as yet insisted upon suckling me; but if I open a _jalousie_ -in the evening, Polly walks in and shuts it without saying a word. “Oh, -don’t shut the window, Polly.”--“Night-air not good for massa;” and she -shuts the casement without mercy. I am drinking orangeade, or some such -liquid; Polly walks up to the table, and seizes it; “Leave that jug, -Polly, I am dying with thirst.”--“More hurt, massa;” and away go Polly -and the orangeade. So that I begin to fancy myself Sancho in Barataria, -and that Polly is the Señor Doctor Pedro in petticoats. - -The difference of colour, which had offended Nicholas so much in -Psyche’s child, is a fault which no mulatto will pardon; nor can the -separation of castes in India be more rigidly observed, than that -of complexional shades among the Creoles. My black page, Cubina, is -married: I told him that I hoped he had married a pretty woman; why had -he not married Mary Wiggins? He seemed quite shocked at the very idea. -“Oh, massa, me black, Mary Wiggins sambo; that not allowed.” - -The dances performed to-night seldom admitted more than three persons -at a time: to me they appeared to be movements entirely dictated by the -caprice of the moment; but I am told that there is a regular figure, and -that the least mistake, or a single false step, is immediately noticed -by the rest. I could indeed sometimes fancy, that one story represented -an old duenna guarding a girl from a lover; and another, the pursuit of -a young woman by two suitors, the one young and the other old; but this -might be only fancy. However, I am told, that they have dances which not -only represent courtship and marriage, but being brought to bed. Their -music consisted of nothing but Gambys (Eboe drums), Shaky-shekies, and -Kitty-katties: the latter is nothing but any flat piece of board beat -upon with two sticks, and the former is a bladder with a parcel of -pebbles in it. But the principal part of the music to which they dance -is vocal; one girl generally singing two lines by herself, and being -answered by a chorus. To make out either the rhyme of the air, or -meaning of the words, was out of the question. But one very long song -was about the Duke of Wellington, every stanza being chorussed with, - - “Ay! hey-day! Waterloo! - - Waterloo! ho! ho! ho!” - -_I_ too had a great deal to do in the business, for every third word was -“massa;” though how I came there, I have no more idea than the Duke. - -The singing began about six o’clock, and lasted without a moment’s pause -till two in the morning; and such a noise never did I hear till then. -The whole of the floor which was not taken up by the dancers was, -through every part of the house except the bed-rooms, occupied by men, -women, and children, fast asleep. But although they were allowed rum and -sugar by whole pailfuls, and were most of them _merry_ in consequence, -there was not one of them drunk; except indeed, one person, and that -was an old woman, who sang, and shouted, and tossed herself about in an -elbow chair, till she tumbled it over, and rolled about the room in a -manner which shocked the delicacy of even the least prudish part of the -company. At twelve, my agent wanted to dismiss them; but I would not -suffer them to be interrupted on the first holiday that I had given -them; so they continued to dance and shout till two; when human nature -could bear no more, and they left me to my bed, and a violent headache. - - - -JANUARY 7. (Sunday.) - -In spite of their exertions of last night, the negroes were again with -me by two o’clock in the day, with their drums and their chorusses. -However, they found themselves unable to keep it up as they had done on -the former night, and were content to withdraw to their own houses -by ten in the evening. But first they requested to have tomorrow to -themselves, in order that they might go to the mountains for provisions. -For although their cottages are always surrounded with trees and shrubs, -their provision grounds are kept quite distinct, and are at a distance -among the mountains. Of course, I made no difficulty of acceding to -their request, but upon condition, that they should ask for no -more holidays till the crop should be completed. For the purpose of -cultivating their provision-grounds, they are allowed every Saturday; -but on the occasion of my arrival, they obtained permission to have the -Saturday to themselves, and to fetch their week’s provisions from the -mountains on the following Monday. All the slaves maintain themselves -in this manner by their own labour; even the domestic attendants are not -exempted, but are expected to feed themselves, except stated allowances -of salt fish, salt pork, &c. - - - -JANUARY 8. - -I really believe that the negresses can produce children at pleasure; -and where they are barren, it is just as hens will frequently not lay -eggs on shipboard, because they do not like their situation. Cubina’s -wife is in a family way, and I told him that if the child should live, -I would christen it for him, if he wished it. “Tank you, kind massa, -me like it very much: much oblige if massa do that for _me_, too.” So -I promised to baptize the father and the baby on the same day, and said -that I would be godfather to any children that might be born on the -estate during my residence in Jamaica. This was soon spread about, and -although I have not yet been here a week, two women are in the straw -already, Jug Betty and Minerva: the first is wife to my head driver, the -Duke of Sully; but my sense of propriety was much gratified at finding -that Minerva’s husband was called Captain. - -I think nobody will be able to accuse me of neglecting the religious -education of my negroes: for I have not only promised to baptize all the -infants, but, meeting a little black boy this morning, who said that his -name was Moses, I gave him a piece of silver, and told him that it was -for the sake of Aaron; which, I flatter myself, was planting in his -young mind the rudiments of Christianity. - -In my evening’s drive I met the negroes, returning from the mountains, -with baskets of provisions sufficient to last them for the week. By -law they are only allowed every other Saturday for the purpose of -cultivating their own grounds, which, indeed, is sufficient; but by -giving them every alternate Saturday into the bargain, it enables them -to perform their task with so much ease as almost converts it into -an amusement; and the frequent visiting their grounds makes them grow -habitually as much attached to them as they are to their houses and -gardens. It is also adviseable for them to bring home only a week’s -provisions at a time, rather than a fortnight’s; for they are so -thoughtless and improvident, that, when they find themselves in -possession of a larger supply than is requisite for their immediate -occasions, they will sell half to the wandering higglers, or at Savanna -la Mar, in exchange for spirits; and then, at the end of the week, they -find themselves entirely unprovided with food, and come to beg a supply -from the master’s storehouse. - - -JANUARY 9. - -The sensitive plant is a great nuisance in Jamaica: it over-runs the -pastures, and, being armed with very strong sharp prickles, it wounds -the mouths of the cattle, and, in some places, makes it quite impossible -for them to feed. Various endeavours have been made to eradicate this -inconvenient weed, but none as yet have proved effectual. - - -JANUARY 10. - -The houses here are generally built and arranged according to one -and the same model. My own is of wood, partly raised upon pillars; it -consists of a single floor: a long gallery, called a piazza, terminated -at each end by a square room, runs the whole length of the house. On -each side of the piazza is a range of bed-rooms, and the porticoes of -the two fronts form two more rooms, with balustrades, and flights of -steps descending to the lawn. The whole house is virandoed with shifting -Venetian blinds to admit air; except that one of the end rooms has -sash-windows on account of the rains, which, when they arrive, are so -heavy, and shift with the wind so suddenly from the one side to the -other, that all the blinds are obliged to be kept closed; consequently -the whole house is in total darkness during their continuance, except -the single sash-windowed room. There is nothing underneath except a few -store-rooms and a kind of waiting-hall; but none of the domestic negroes -sleep in the house, all going home at night to their respective cottages -and families. - -Cornwall House itself stands on a dead flat, and the works are built in -its immediate neighbourhood, for the convenience of their being the more -under the agent’s personal inspection (a point of material consequence -with them all, but more particularly for the hospital). This dead flat -is only ornamented with a few scattered bread-fruit and cotton trees, a -grove of mangoes, and the branch of a small river, which turns the mill. -Several of these buildings are ugly enough; but the shops of the cooper, -carpenter, and blacksmith, some of the trees in their vicinity, and the -negro-huts, embowered in shrubberies, and groves of oranges, plantains, -cocoas, and pepper-trees, would be reckoned picturesque in the most -ornamented grounds. A large spreading tamarind fronts me at this moment, -and overshadows the stables, which are formed of open wickerwork; and an -orange-tree, loaded with fruit, grows against the window at which I am -writing. - -On three sides of the landscape the prospect is bounded by lofty purple -mountains; and the variety of occupations going on all around me, and -at the same time, give an inconceivable air of life and animation to the -whole scene, especially as all those occupations look clean,--even those -which in England look dirty. All the tradespeople are dressed either -in white jackets and trousers, or with stripes of red and sky-blue. One -band of negroes are carrying the ripe canes on their heads to the mill; -another set are conveying away the _trash_, after the juice has been -extracted; flocks of turkeys are sheltering from the heat under the -trees; the river is filled with ducks and geese; the coopers and -carpenters are employed about the puncheons; carts drawn some by six, -others by eight, oxen, are bringing loads of Indian corn from the -fields; the black children are employed in gathering it into the -granary, and in quarrelling with pigs as black as themselves, who are -equally busy in stealing the corn whenever the children are looking -another way: in short, a plantation possesses all the movement and -interest of a farm, without its dung, and its stench, and its dirty -accompaniments. - - -JANUARY 11. - -I saw the whole process of sugar-making this morning. The ripe canes -are brought in bundles to the mill, where the cleanest of the women -are appointed, one to put them into the machine for grinding them, and -another to draw them out after the juice has been extracted, when she -throws them into an opening in the floor close to her; another band of -negroes collects them below, when, under the name of _trash_, they are -carried away to serve for fuel. The juice, which is itself at first of a -pale ash-colour, gushes out in great streams, quite white with foam, -and passes through a wooden gutter into the boiling-house, where it is -received into the siphon or “cock copper.” where fire is applied to it, -and it is slaked with lime, in order to make it granulate. The feculent -parts of it rise to the top, while the purer and more fluid flow through -another gutter into the second copper. When little but the impure scum -on the surface remains to be drawn off, the first gutter communicating -with the copper is stopped, and the grosser parts are obliged to find a -new course through another gutter, which conveys them to the distillery, -where, being mixed with the molasses, or treacle, they are manufactured -into rum. From the second copper they are transmitted into the first, -and thence into two others, and in these four latter basins the scum is -removed with skimmers pierced with holes, till it becomes sufficiently -free from impurities to be _skipped off_, that is, to be again ladled -out of the coppers and spread into the coolers, where it is left -to granulate. The sugar is then formed, and is removed into the -_curing-house_, where it is put into hogsheads, and left to settle for a -certain time, during which those parts which are too poor and too liquid -to granulate, drip from the casks into vessels placed beneath them: -these drippings are the molasses, which, being carried into the -distillery, and mixed with the coarser scum formerly mentioned, form -that mixture from which the spirituous liquor of sugar is afterwards -produced by fermentation: when but once distilled, it is called “low -wine;” and it is not till after it has gone through a second -distillation, that it acquires the name of rum. The “trash” used for -fuel consists of the empty canes, that which is employed for fodder and -for thatching is furnished by the superabundant cane-tops; after so many -have been set apart as are required for planting. After these original -plants have been cut, their roots throw up suckers, which, in time, -become canes, and are called _ratoons_: they are far inferior in juice -to the planted canes; but then, on the other hand, they require much -less weeding, and spare the negroes the only laborious part of the -business of sugar-making, the digging holes for the plants; therefore, -although an acre of ratoons will produce but one hogshead of sugar, -while an acre of plants will produce two, the superiority of the -ratooned piece is very great, inasmuch as the saving of time and labour -will enable the proprietor to cultivate five acres of ratoons in the -same time with one of plants. Unluckily, after three crops, or five at -the utmost, in general the ratoons are totally exhausted, and you are -obliged to have recourse to fresh plants. - -Last night a poor man, named Charles, who had been coachman to my uncle -ages ago, was brought into the hospital, having missed a step in the -boiling-house, and plunged his foot into the siphon: fortunately, the -fire had not long been kindled, and though the liquor was hot enough to -scald him, it was not sufficiently so to do him any material injury. -The old man had presented himself to me on Saturday’s holiday (or -_play-day_, in the negro dialect), and had shown me, with great -exultation, the coat and waistcoat which had been the last present -of his old massa. Charles is now my chief mason, and, as one of the -principal persons on the estate, was entitled, by old custom, to the -compliment of a _distinguishing_ dollar on my arrival; but at the same -time that I gave him the dollar, to which his situation entitled him, I -gave him another for himself, as a keepsake: he put it into the pocket -of “his old massa’s” waistcoat, and assured me that they should never -again be separated. On hearing of his accident, I went over to the -hospital to see that he was well taken care of; and immediately the poor -fellow began talking to me about my grandfather, and his young massa, -and the young missies, his sisters, and while I suffered him to chatter -away for an hour, he totally forgot the pain of his burnt leg. - -It was particularly agreeable to me to observe, on Saturday, as a proof -of the good treatment which they had experienced, so many old servants -of the family, many of whom had been born on the estate, and who, though -turned of sixty and seventy, were still strong, healthy, and cheerful. -Many manumitted negroes, also, came from other parts of the country to -this festival, on hearing of my arrival, because, as they said,--“if -they did not come to see massa, they were afraid that it would look -ungrateful, and as if they cared no longer about him and Cornwall, now -that they were free.” So they stayed two or three days on the estate, -coming up to the house for their dinners, and going to sleep at night -among their friends in their own former habitations, the negro huts; and -when they went away, they assured me, that nothing should prevent their -coming back to bid me farewell, before I left the island. All this may -be palaver; but certainly they at least play their parts with such an -air of truth, and warmth, and enthusiasm, that, after the cold hearts -and repulsive manners of England, the contrast is infinitely agreeable. - - “Je ne vois que des yeux toujours prêts à sourire.” - -I find it quite impossible to resist the fascination of the conscious -pleasure of pleasing; and my own heart, which I have so long been -obliged to keep closed, seems to expand itself again in the sunshine of -the kind looks and words which meet me at every turn, and seem to wait -for mine as anxiously as if they were so many diamonds. - - -JANUARY 12. - -In the year ‘80, this parish of Westmoreland was kept in a perpetual -state of alarm by a runaway negro called _Plato_, who had established -himself among the Moreland Mountains, and collected a troop of banditti, -of which he was himself the chief. He robbed very often, and murdered -occasionally; but gallantry was his every day occupation. Indeed, being -a remarkably tall athletic young fellow, among the beauties of his own -complexion he found but few Lucretias; and his retreat in the mountains -was as well furnished as the haram of Constantinople. Every handsome -negress who had the slightest cause of complaint against her master, -took the first opportunity of eloping to join _Plato_, where she found -freedom, protection, and unbounded generosity; for he spared no pains -to secure their affections by gratifying their vanity. Indeed, no Creole -lady could venture out on a visit, without running the risk of having -her bandbox run away with by Plato for the decoration of his sultanas; -and if the maid who carried the bandbox happened to be well-looking, he -ran away with the maid as well as the bandbox. Every endeavour to seize -this desperado was long in vain: a large reward was put upon his head, -but no negro dared to approach him; for, besides his acknowledged -courage, he was a professor of Obi, and had threatened that whoever -dared to lay a finger upon him should suffer spiritual torments, as well -as be physically shot through the head. - -Unluckily for Plato, rum was an article with him of the first necessity; -the look-out, which was kept for him, was too vigilant to admit of -his purchasing spirituous liquors for himself; and once, when for that -purpose he had ventured into the neighbourhood of Montego Bay, he was -recognised by a slave, who immediately gave the alarm. Unfortunately -for this poor fellow, whose name was Taffy, at that moment all his -companions happened to be out of hearing; and, after the first moment’s -alarm, finding that no one approached, the exasperated robber rushed -upon him, and lifted the bill-hook, with which he was armed, for the -purpose of cleaving his skull. Taffy fled for it; but Plato was the -younger, the stronger, and the swifter of the two, and gained upon him -every moment. Taffy, however, on the other hand, possessed that one -quality by which, according to the fable, the cat was enabled to save -herself from the hounds, when the fox, with his thousand tricks, was -caught by them. He was an admirable climber, an art in which Plato -possessed no skill; and a bread-nut tree, which is remarkably difficult -of ascent, presenting itself before him, in a few moments Taffy was -bawling for help from the very top of it. To reach him was impossible -for his enemy; but still his destruction was hard at hand; for Plato -began to hack the tree with his bill, and it was evident that a very -short space of time would be sufficient to level it with the ground. -In this dilemma, Taffy had nothing for it but to break off the branches -near him; and he contrived to pelt these so dexterously at the head of -his assailant, that he fairly kept him at bay till his cries at length -reached the ears of his companions, and their approach compelled the -banditti-captain once more to seek safety among the mountains. - -After this Plato no longer dared to approach Montego town; but still -spirits must be had:--how was he to obtain them? There was an old -watchman on the outskirts of the estate of Canaan, with whom he had -contracted an acquaintance, and frequently had passed the night in his -hut; the old man having been equally induced by his presents and by -dread of his corporeal strength and supposed supernatural power, to -profess the warmest attachment to the interests of his terrible friend. -To this man Plato at length resolved to entrust himself: he gave him -money to purchase spirits, and appointed a particular day when he would -come to receive them. The reward placed upon the robber’s head was more -than either gratitude or terror could counterbalance; and on the same -day when the watchman set out to purchase the rum, he apprised two of -his friends at Canaan, for whose use it was intended, and advised _them_ -to take the opportunity of obtaining the reward. - -The two negroes posted themselves in proper time near the watchman’s -hut. Most unwisely, instead of sending down some of his gang, they saw -Plato, in his full confidence in the friendship of his confidant, arrive -himself and enter the cabin; but so great was their alarm at seeing this -dreadful personage, that they remained in their concealment, nor dared -to make an attempt at seizing him. The spirits were delivered to the -robber: he might have retired with them unmolested; but, in his rashness -and his eagerness to taste the liquor, of which he had so long been -deprived, he opened the flagon, and swallowed draught after draught, -till he sunk upon the ground in a state of complete insensibility. The -watchman then summoned the two negroes from their concealment, who bound -his arms, and conveyed him to Montego Bay, where he was immediately -sentenced to execution. He died most heroically; kept up the terrors of -his imposture to his last moment; told the magistrates, who condemned -him, that his death should be revenged by a storm, which would lay waste -the whole island, that year; and, when his negro gaoler was binding him -to the stake at which he was destined to suffer, he assured him that he -should not live long to triumph in his death, for that he had taken -good care to Obeah him before his quitting the prison. It certainly -did happen, strangely enough, that, before the year was over, the most -violent storm took place ever known in Jamaica; and as to the gaoler, -his imagination was so forcibly struck by the threats of the dying -man, that, although every care was taken of him, the power of medicine -exhausted, and even a voyage to America undertaken, in hopes that a -change of scene might change the course of his ideas, still, from the -moment of Plato’s death, he gradually pined and withered away, and -finally expired before the completion of the twelvemonth. - -The belief in Obeah is now greatly weakened, but still exists in some -degree. Not above ten months ago, my agent was informed that a negro -of very suspicious manners and appearance was harboured by some of my -people on the mountain lands. He found means to have him surprised, and -on examination there was found upon him a bag containing a great variety -of strange materials for incantations; such as thunder-stones, cat’s -ears, the feet of various animals, human hair, fish bones, the teeth of -alligators, &c.: he was conveyed to Montego Bay; and no sooner was it -understood that this old African was in prison, than depositions were -poured in from all quarters from negroes who deposed to having seen him -exercise his magical arts, and, in particular, to his having sold such -and such slaves medicines and charms to deliver them from their -enemies; being, in plain English, nothing else than rank poisons. He -was convicted of Obeah upon the most indubitable evidence. The good old -practice of burning has fallen into disrepute; so he was sentenced to be -transported, and was shipped off the island, to the great satisfaction -of persons of all colours--white, black, and yellow. - - -JANUARY 13. - -Throughout the island many estates, formerly very flourishing and -productive, have been thrown up for want of hands to cultivate them, -and are now suffered to lie waste: four are in this situation in my own -immediate neighbourhood. Finding their complement of negroes decrease, -and having no means of recruiting them, proprietors of two estates have -in numerous instances found themselves obliged to give up one of them, -and draw off the negroes for the purpose of properly cultivating the -other. - -I have just had an instance strikingly convincing of the extreme nicety -required in rearing negro children. Two have been born since my arrival. -My housekeeper was hardly ever out of the lying-in apartment; I always -visited it myself once a day, and sometimes twice, in order that I -might be certain of the women being well taken care of; not a day passed -without the inspection of a physician; nothing of indulgence, that -was proper for them, was denied; and, besides their ordinary food, the -mothers received every day the most nourishing and palatable dish that -was brought to my own table. Add to this, that the women themselves were -kind-hearted creatures, and particularly anxious to rear these children, -because I had promised to be their godfather myself. Yet, in spite -of all this attention and indulgence, one of the mothers, during the -nurse’s absence for ten minutes, grew alarmed at her infant’s apparent -sleepiness. To rouse it, she began dancing and shaking it till it was in -a strong perspiration, and then she stood with it for some minutes at an -open window, while a strong north wind was blowing. In consequence, -it caught cold, and the next morning symptoms of a locked jaw showed -itself. The poor woman was the image of grief itself: she sat on her -bed, looking at the child which lay by her side with its little hands -clasped, its teeth clenched, and its eyes fixed, writhing in the agony -of the spasm, while she was herself quite motionless and speechless, -although the tears trickled down her cheeks incessantly. All assistance -was fruitless: her thoughtlessness for five minutes had killed the -infant, and, at noon to-day it expired. - -This woman was a tender mother, had borne ten children, and yet has now -but one alive: another, at present in the hospital, has borne seven, and -but one has lived to puberty; and the instances of those who have had -four, five, six children, without succeeding in bringing up one, in -spite of the utmost attention and indulgence, are very numerous; so -heedless and inattentive are the best-intentioned mothers, and so -subject in this climate are infants to dangerous complaints. The locked -jaw is the common and most fatal one; so fatal, indeed, that the midwife -(the _graundee_ is her negro appellation) told me, the other day, “Oh, -massa, till nine days over, we _no hope_ of them.” Certainly care -and kindness are not adequate to save the children, for the son of a -sovereign could not have been more anxiously well treated than was the -poor little negro who died this morning. - -The negroes are always buried in their own gardens, and many strange and -fantastical ceremonies are observed on the occasion. If the corpse be -that of a grown person, they consult it as to which way it pleases to -be carried; and they make attempts upon various roads without success, -before they can hit upon the right one. Till that is accomplished, they -stagger under the weight of the coffin, struggle against its force, -which draws them in a different direction from that in which they had -settled to go; and sometimes in the contest the corpse and the coffin -jump off the shoulders of the bearers. But if, as is frequently the -case, any person is suspected of having hastened the catastrophe, the -corpse will then refuse to go any road but the one which passes by the -habitation of the suspected person, and as soon as it approaches his -house, no human power is equal to persuading it to pass. As the negroes -are extremely superstitious, and very much afraid of ghosts (whom they -call the _duppy_), I rather wonder at their choosing to have their dead -buried in their gardens; but I understand their argument to be, that -they need only fear the duppies of their enemies, but have nothing to -apprehend from those after death, who loved them in their lifetime; -but the duppies of their adversaries are very alarming beings, equally -powerful by day as by night, and who not only are spiritually terrific, -but who can give very hard substantial knocks on the pate, whenever they -see fit occasion, and can find a good opportunity. - -Last Saturday a negro was brought into the hospital, having fallen into -epileptic fits, with which till then he had never been troubled. As the -faintings had seized him at the slaughter-house, and the fellow was an -African, it was at first supposed by his companions, that the sight -and smell of the meat had affected him; for many of the Africans cannot -endure animal food of any kind, and most of the Ebres in particular are -made ill by eating turtle, even although they can use any other food -without injury. However, upon enquiry among his shipmates, it appeared -that he had frequently eaten beef without the slightest inconvenience. -For my own part, the symptoms of his complaint were such as to make me -suspect him of having tasted something poisonous, specially as, just -before his first fit, he had been observed in the small grove of mangoes -near the house; but I was assured by the negroes, one and all, that -nothing could possibly have induced him to eat an herb or fruit from -that grove, as it had been used as a burying-ground for “the white -people.” But although my idea of the poison was scouted, still the -mention of the burying-ground suggested another cause for his illness to -the negroes, and they had no sort of doubt, that in passing through the -burying-ground he had been struck down by the duppy of a white person -not long deceased, whom he had formerly offended, and that these -repeated fainting fits were the consequence of that ghostly blow. The -negroes have in various publications been accused of a total want of -religion, but this appears to me quite incompatible with the ideas -of spirits existing after dissolution of the body, which necessarily -implies a belief in a future state; and although (as far as I can make -out) they have no outward forms of religion, the most devout Christian -cannot have “God bless you” oftener on his lips than the negro; nor, on -the other hand, appear to feel the wish for their enemy’s damnation more -sincerely when he utters it. - -The Africans (as is well known) generally believe, that there is a life -beyond this world, and that they shall enjoy it by returning to their -own country; and this idea used frequently to induce them, soon after -their landing in the colonies, to commit suicide; but this was never -known to take place except among fresh negroes, and since the execrable -slave-trade has been abolished, such an illusion is unheard of. As to -those who had once got over the dreadful period of “seasoning,” they -were generally soon sensible enough of the amelioration of their -condition, to make the idea of returning to Africa the most painful that -could be presented to them. But, to be sure, poor creatures! what with -the terrors and sufferings of the voyage, and the unavoidable hardships -of the seasoning, those advantages were purchased more dearly than any -in this life can possibly be worth. God be thanked, all that is now -at an end; and certainly, as far as I can as yet judge, if I were now -standing on the banks of Virgil’s Lethe, with a goblet of the waters of -oblivion in my hand, and asked whether I chose to enter life anew as -an English labourer or a Jamaica negro, I should have no hesitation -in preferring the latter. For myself, it appears to me almost worth -surrendering the luxuries and pleasures of Great Britain, for the single -pleasure of being surrounded with beings who are always laughing and -singing, and who seem to perform their work with so much _nonchalance_, -taking up their baskets as if it were perfectly optional whether they -took them up or left them there; sauntering along with their hands -dangling; stopping to chat with every one they meet; or if they meet no -one, standing still to look round, and examine whether there is nothing -to be seen that can amuse them, so that I can hardly persuade myself -that it is really _work_ that they are about. The negro might well say, -on his arrival in England--“Massa, in England every thing work!” for -here nobody appears to work at all. - -I am told that there is one part of their business very laborious, the -digging holes for receiving the cane-plants, and which I have not as yet -seen; but this does not occupy above a month (I believe) at the utmost, -at two periods of the year; and on my estate this service is chiefly -performed by extra negroes, hired for the purpose; which, although -equally hard on the hired negroes (called a jobbing gang), at least -relieves my own, and after all, puts even the former on much the same -footing with English day-labourers. - -But if I could be contented to _live_ in Jamaica, I am still more -certain, that it is the only agreeable place for me to die in; for I -have got a family mausoleum, which looks for all the world like the -theatrical representation of the “tomb of all the Capulets.” Its outside -is most plentifully decorated “with sculptured stones,”-- - -“Arms, angels, epitaphs, and bones.” - -Within is a tomb of the purest white marble, raised on a platform of -ebony; the building, which is surmounted by a statue of Time, with his -scythe and hour-glass, stands in the very heart of an orange grove, now -in full bearing; and the whole scene this morning looked so cool, so -tranquil, and so gay, and is so perfectly divested of all vestiges of -dissolution, that the sight of it quite gave me an appetite for being -buried. It is a matter of perfect indifference to me what becomes of -this little ugly husk of mine, when once I shall have “shuffled off -this mortal coil;” or else I should certainly follow my grandfather’s -example, and, die where I might, order my body to be sent over for -burial to Cornwall; for I never yet saw a place where one could lie down -more comfortably to listen for the last trumpet. - - -JANUARY 14. (Sunday.) - -I gave a dinner to my “white people,” as the book-keepers, &c. are -called here, and who have a separate house and establishment for -themselves; and certainly a man must be destitute of every spark of -hospitality, and have had “Caucasus horrens” for his great-grandmother, -if he can resist giving dinners in a country where Nature seems to -have set up a superior kind of “London Tavern” of her own. They who -are possessed by the “Ci-borum ambitiosa fames, et lautæ gloria mensæ,” - ought to ship themselves off for Jamaica out of hand; and even the lord -mayor himself need not blush to give his aldermen such a dinner as is -placed on my table, even when I dine alone. Land and sea turtle, quails, -snipes, plovers, and pigeons and doves of all descriptions--of which the -ring-tail has been allowed to rank with the most exquisite of the winged -species, by epicures of such distinction, that their opinion, in matters -of this nature, almost carries with it the weight of a law,--excellent -pork, barbicued pigs, pepperpots, with numberless other excellent -dishes, form the ordinary fare; while the poultry is so large and fine, -that if the Dragon of Wantley found “houses and churches to be geese and -turkies” in England, he would mistake the geese and turkies for -houses and churches here. Then our tarts are made of pineapples, and -pine-apples make the best tarts that I ever tasted; there is no end of -the variety of fruits, of which the shaddock is “in itself an host;” but -the most singular and exquisite flavour, perhaps, is to be found in the -granadillo, a fruit which grows upon a species of vine, and, in fact, -appears to be a kind of cucumber. It must be suffered to hang till it is -dead ripe, when it is scarcely any thing except juice and seeds, which -can only be eaten with a spoon. It requires sugar, but the acid is truly -delicious, and like no other separate flavour that I ever met with; what -it most resembles is a _macedoine_, as it unites the different tastes of -almost all other fruits, and has, at the same time, a very strong -flavour of wine. - -As to fish, Savannah la Mar is reckoned the best place in the island, -both for variety and _safety_; for, in many parts, the fish feed upon -copperas banks, and cannot be used without much precaution: here, none -is necessary, and it is only to be wished that their names equalled -their flesh in taste; for it must be owned, that nothing can be less -tempting than the sounds of Jew-fish, hog-fish, mud-fish, snappers, -god-dammies, groupas, and grunts! Of the Sea Fish which I have hitherto -met with, the Deep-water Silk appears to me the best; and of rivers, the -Mountain-Mullet: but, indeed, the fish is generally so excellent, and in -such profusion, that I never sit down to table without wishing for the -company of Queen Atygatis of Scythia, who was so particularly fond of -fish, that she prohibited all her subjects from eating it on pain of -death, through fear that there might not be enough left for her majesty. - -This fondness for fish seems to be a sort of royal passion: more than -one of our English sovereigns died of eating too many lampreys; though, -to own the truth, it was suspected that the monks, in an instance -or two, improved the same by the addition of a little ratsbane; and -Mirabeau assures us, that Frederick the Second of Prussia might have -prolonged his existence, if he could but have resisted the fascination -of an eel-pye; but the charm was too strong for him, and, like his -great-grandmother of all, he ate and died--“All for eel-pye, or this -world well lost!” And now, which had to resist the most difficult -temptation, Frederic or Eve? _She_ longed to experience pleasures yet -untasted, and which she fancied to be exquisite: _he_, like Sigismunda, -pined after known pleasures, and which he knew to be good; _she_ was the -dupe of imagination; _he_ fell a victim to established habit. Which was -the most deserving pardon? There is a question for the bishops: those -clergymen who reside constantly on their livings (as all clergymen ought -to do, or they ought not to be clergymen), I shall, in charity, believe -to have something better to do with their time than to solve it. - -The provision-grounds of the negroes furnish them with plantains, -bananas, cocoa-nuts, and yams: of the latter there is a regular harvest -once a year, and they remain in great perfection for many months, -provided they are dug up carefully, but the slightest wound with the -spade is sufficient to rot them. Catalue (a species of spinach) is a -principal article in their pepper-pots; but in this parish their most -valuable and regular supply of food arises from the cocoa-finger, or -coccos, a species of the yam, but which lasts all the year round. These -vegetables form the basis of negro sustenance; but the slaves also -receive from their owners a regular weekly allowance of red herrings -and salt meat, which serves to relish their vegetable diet; and, indeed, -they are so passionately fond of salted provisions, that, instead of -giving them fresh beef (as at their festival of Saturday last), I have -been advised to provide some hogsheads of salt fish, as likely to afford -them more gratification, at such future additional holidays as I may -find it possible to allow them in this busy season of crop. - - -JANUARY 15. - -The offspring of a white man and black woman is a _mulatto_; the mulatto -and black produce a _sambo_; from the mulatto and white comes the -_quadroon_; from the quadroon and white the _mustee_; the child of a -mustee by a white man is called a _musteefino_; while the children of a -musteefino are free by law, and rank as white persons to all intents and -purposes. I think it is Long who asserts, that two mulattoes will never -have children; but, as far as the most positive assurances can go, since -my arrival in Jamaica, I have reason to believe the contrary, and that -mulattoes breed together just as well as blacks and whites; but they are -almost universally weak and effeminate persons, and thus their children -are very difficult to rear. On a sugar estate one black is considered -as more than equal to two mulattoes. Beautiful as are their forms in -general, and easy and graceful as are their movements (which, indeed, -appear to me so striking, that they cannot fail to excite the admiration -of any one who has ever looked with delight on statues), still the women -of colour are deficient in one of the most requisite points of female -beauty. When Oromases was employed in the formation of woman, and -said,--“Let her enchanting bosom resemble the celestial spheres,” he -must certainly have suffered the negress to slip out of his mind. Young -or old, I have not yet seen such a thing as a _bosom_. - - -JANUARY 16. - -I never witnessed on the stage a scene so picturesque as a negro -village. I walked through my own to-day, and visited the houses of the -drivers, and other principal persons; and if I were to decide according -to my own taste, I should infinitely have preferred their habitations -to my own. Each house is surrounded by a separate garden, and the -whole village is intersected by lanes, bordered with all kinds of -sweet-smelling and flowering plants; but not such gardens as those -belonging to our English cottages, where a few cabbages and carrots just -peep up and grovel upon the earth between hedges, in square narrow beds, -and where the tallest tree is a gooseberry bush: the vegetables of the -negroes are all cultivated in their provision-grounds; these form their -_kitchen-gardens_, and these are all for ornament or luxury, and are -filled with a profusion of oranges, shaddocks, cocoa-nuts, and peppers -of all descriptions: in particular I was shown the abba, or palm-tree, -resembling the cocoa-tree, but much more beautiful, as its leaves are -larger and more numerous, and, feathering to the ground as they grow -old, they form a kind of natural arbour. It bears a large fruit, or -rather vegetable, towards the top of the tree, in shape like the cone of -the pine, but formed of seeds, some scarlet and bright as coral, others -of a brownish-red or purple. The abba requires a length of years to -arrive at maturity: a very fine one, which was shown me this morning, -was supposed to be upwards of an hundred years old; and one of a very -moderate size had been planted at the least twenty years, and had only -borne fruit once. - -It appears to me a strong proof of the good treatment which the negroes -on Cornwall have been accustomed to receive, that there are many very -old people upon it; I saw to-day a woman near a hundred years of age; -and I am told that there are several of sixty, seventy, and eighty. I -was glad, also, to find, that several negroes who have obtained their -freedom, and possess little properties of their own in the mountains, -and at Savannah la Mar, look upon my estate so little as the scene of -their former sufferings while slaves, that they frequently come down -to pass a few days in their ancient habitations with their former -companions, by way of relaxation. One woman in particular expressed her -hopes, that I should not be offended at her still coming to Cornwall now -and then, although she belonged to it no longer; and begged me to give -directions before my return to England, that her visits should not be -hindered on the grounds of her having no business there. - -My visit to Jamaica has at least produced one advantage to myself. -Several runaways, who had disappeared for some time (some even for -several months), have again made their appearance in the field, and I -have desired that no questions should be asked. On the other hand, after -enjoying herself during the Saturday and Sunday, which were allowed for -holidays on my arrival, one of my ladies chose to _pull foot_, and did -not return from her hiding-place in the mountains till this morning. Her -name is Marcia; but so unlike is she to Addison’s Marcia, that she is -not only as black as Juba, (instead of being “fair, oh! how divinely -fair!”) but,--whereas Sempronius complains, that “Marcia, the lovely -Marcia, is left behind,” the complaint against my heroine is, that -“Marcia, the lovely Marcia,” is always running away. In excuse for her -disappearance she alleged, that so far was her husband from thinking -that “she towered above her sex,” that he had called her “a very bad -woman,” which had provoked her so much, that she could not bear to stay -with him; and she assured me, that he was himself “a very bad man;” - which, if true, was certainly enough to justify any lady, black -or white, in making a little incognito excursion for a week or so; -therefore, as it appeared to be nothing more than a conjugal quarrel, -and as Marcia engaged never to run away any more (at the same time -allowing that she had suffered her resentment to carry her too far, when -it had carried her all the way to the mountains), I desired that an act -of oblivion might be passed in favour of Cato’s daughter, and away she -went, quite happy, to pick hog’s meat. - -The negro houses are composed of wattles on the outside, with rafters of -sweet-wood, and are well plastered within and whitewashed; they consist -of two chambers, one for cooking and the other for sleeping, and are, in -general, well furnished with chairs, tables, &c., and I saw none without -a four-post bedstead and plenty of bed-clothes; for, in spite of the -warmth of the climate, when the sun is not above the horizon the negro -always feels very chilly. I am assured that many of my slaves are very -rich (and their property is inviolable), and that they are I’ll never -without salt provisions, porter, and even wine, to entertain their -friends and their visiters from the bay or the mountains. As I passed -through their grounds, many little requests were preferred to me: one -wanted an additional supply of lime for the whitewashing his house; -another was building a new house for a superannuated wife (for they have -all so much decency as to call their sexual attachments by a conjugal -name), and wanted a little assistance towards the finishing it; a third -requested a new axe to work with; and several entreated me to negotiate -the purchase of some relation or friend belonging to another estate, and -with whom they were anxious to be reunited: but all their requests were -for additional indulgences; not one complained of ill-treatment, hunger, -or over-work. - -Poor Nicholas gave me a fresh instance of his being one of those whom -Fortune pitches upon to show her spite: he has had four children, none -of whom are alive; and the eldest of them, a fine little girl of four -years old, fell into the mill-stream, and was drowned before any one was -aware of her danger. His wife told me that she had had fifteen children, -had taken the utmost care of them, and yet had now but two alive: -she said, indeed, fifteen at the first, but she afterwards corrected -herself, and explained that she had had twelve whole children and three -half ones by which she meant miscarriages. - -Besides the profits arising from their superabundance of provisions, -which the better sort of negroes are enabled to sell regularly once -a week at Savannah la Mar to a considerable amount, they keep a large -stock of poultry, and pigs without number; which latter cost their -owners but little, though they cost me a great deal; for they generally -make their way into the cane-pieces, and sometimes eat me up an hogshead -of sugar in the course of the morning: but the most expensive of the -planter’s enemies are the rats, whose numbers are incredible, and are so -destructive that a reward is given for killing them. During the last six -months my agent has paid for three thousand rats killed upon Cornwall. -Nor is the sugar which they consume the worst damage which they commit; -the worst mischief is, that if through the carelessness of those whose -business it is to supply the mill, one cane which has been gnawed by the -rats is allowed admittance, that single damaged piece is sufficient to -produce acidity enough to spoil the whole sugar. - - -JANUARY 17. - -In this country there is scarcely any twilight, and all nature seems to -wake at the same moment. About six o’clock the darkness disperses, the -sun rises, and instantly every thing is in motion: the negroes are -going to the field, the cattle are driving to pasture, the pigs and the -poultry are pouring out from their hutches, the old women are preparing -food on the lawn for the _pickaninnies_ (the very small children), whom -they keep feeding at all hours of the day; and all seem to be going to -their employments, none to their work, the men and the women just as -quietly and leisurely as the pigs and the poultry. The sight is really -quite gay and amusing, and I am generally out of bed in time to enjoy -it, especially as the continuance of the cool north breezes renders the -weather still delicious, though the pleasure is rather an expensive -one. Not a drop of rain has fallen since the 16th of November; the young -canes are burning; and the drying quality of these norths is still more -detrimental than the want of rain, so that these winds may be said to -blow my pockets inside out; and as every draught of air, which I inhale -with so much pleasure, is estimated to cost me a guinea, I feel, while -breathing it, like Miss Burney’s Citizen at Vauxhall, who kept muttering -to himself with every bit of ham that he put into his mouth, “There goes -sixpence, and there goes a shilling!” - - -JANUARY 18. - -A Galli-wasp, which was killed in the neighbouring morass, has just -been brought to me. This is the Alligator in miniature, and is even more -dreaded by the negroes than its great relation: it is only to be found -in swamps and morasses: that which was brought to me was about eighteen -inches in length, and I understand that it is seldom longer, although, -as it grows in years, its thickness and the size of its jaws and -head become greatly increased. It runs away on being encountered, and -conceals itself; and it is only dangerous if trampled upon by accident, -or if attacked; but then its bite is a dreadful one, not only from its -tongue being armed with a sting (the venom of which is very powerful, -although not mortal), but from its teeth being so brittle that they -generally break in the wound, and as it is hardly possible to extract -the pieces entirely, the wound corrupts, and becomes an incurable sore -of the most offensive nature. Luckily, these reptiles are very scarce, -but nothing can exceed the terror and aversion in which they are held by -the negroes. This dead one had been lying in the room for several -hours, yet, on my servant’s accidentally stirring the board on which -the galli-wasp was stretched for my inspection, my little negro servant -George darted out of the room in terror, and was at the bottom of the -staircase in a moment. The skin of this animal appeared to be like -shagreen in looks and strength, and was almost entirely composed of -layers of very small scales; the colours were brownish-yellow and -olive-green, the teeth numerous and piercing, and the claws of the feet -very long and sharp: altogether it is a hideous and disgusting creature. -As to the alligator of Jamaica, it is a timid animal, which never -was known to attack the human species, though it frequently takes the -liberty of running away with a dog or two, which appears to be their -venison and turtle. There is no river on my estate large enough for -their inhabiting; but, in Paradise River, which is not above four miles -off, I understand that they are common. - - -JANUARY 19. - -A young mulatto carpenter, belonging to Horace Beckford’s estate of -Shrewsbury, came to beg my intercession with his overseer. He had been -absent two days without leave, and on these occasions it is customary -for the slaves to apply to some neighbouring gentleman for a note in -their behalf’ which, as I am told, never fails to obtain the pardon -required, as the managers of estates are in general but too happy to -find an excuse for passing over without punishment any offences which -are not very heinous; indeed, what with the excellent laws already -enacted for the protection of the slaves, and which every year are still -further ameliorated, and what with the difficulty of procuring more -negroes--(which can now only be done by purchasing them from other -estates),--which makes it absolutely necessary for the managers to -preserve the slaves, if they mean to preserve their own situations,--I -am fully persuaded that instances of tyranny to negroes are now very -rare, at least in this island. But I must still acknowledge, from my own -sad experience, since my arrival, that unless a West-Indian proprietor -occasionally visit his estates himself, it is utterly impossible for him -to be _certain_ that his deputed authority is not abused, however good -may be his intentions, and however vigilant his anxiety. - -My father was one of the most humane and generous persons that ever -existed; there was no indulgence which he ever denied his negroes, and -his letters were filled with the most absolute injunctions for their -good treatment. When his estates became mine, the one upon which I am -now residing was managed by an attorney, considerably advanced in years, -who had been long in our employment, and who bore the highest character -for probity and humanity. He was both attorney and overseer; and it was -a particular recommendation to me that he lived in my own house, and -therefore had my slaves so immediately under his eye, that it was -impossible for any subaltern to misuse them without his knowledge. His -letters to me expressed the greatest anxiety and attention respecting -the welfare and comfort of the slaves;--so much so, indeed, that when I -detailed his mode of management to Lord Holland, he observed, “that if -he did all that was mentioned in his letters, he did as much as could -possibly be expected or wished from an attorney;” and on parting with -his own, Lord Holland was induced to take mine to manage his estates, -which are in the immediate neighbourhood of Cornwall. This man died -about two years ago, and since my arrival, I happened to hear, that -during his management a remarkably fine young penn-keeper, named Richard -(the brother of my intelligent carpenter, John Fuller), had run away -several times to the mountains. I had taken occasion to let the -brothers know, between jest and earnest, that I was aware of Richard’s -misconduct; and at length, one morning, John, while he blamed his -brother’s running away, let fall, that he had some excuse in the extreme -ill-usage which he had received from one of the bookkeepers, who “had -had a spite against him.” The hint alarmed me; I followed it, and -nothing could equal my anger and surprise at learning the whole truth. - -It seems, that while I fancied my attorney to be resident on Cornwall, -he was, in fact, generally attending to a property of his own, or -looking after estates of which also he had the management in distant -parts of the island. During his absence, an overseer of his own -appointing, without my knowledge, was left in absolute possession of -his power, which he abused to such a degree, that almost every slave -of respectability on the estate was compelled to become a runaway. The -property was nearly ruined, and absolutely in a state of rebellion; and -at length he committed an act of such severity, that the negroes, -one and all, fled to Savannah la Mar, and threw themselves upon the -protection of the magistrates, who immediately came over to Cornwall, -investigated the complaint, and _now_, at length, the attorney, who -had known frequent instances of the overseer’s tyranny, had frequently -rebuked him for them, and had redressed the sufferers, but who still -had dared to abuse my confidence so grossly as to continue him in his -situation, upon this public exposure thought proper to dismiss him. Yet, -while all this was going on--while my negroes were groaning under the -iron rod of this petty tyrant--and while the public magistrature was -obliged to interfere to protect them from his cruelty--my attorney had -the insolence and falsehood to write me letters, filled with assurances -of his perpetual vigilance for their welfare--of their perfect good -treatment and satisfaction; nor, if I had not come myself to Jamaica, -in all probability should I ever have had the most distant idea how -abominably the poor creatures had been misused. - -I have made it my business to mix as much as possible among the negroes, -and have given them every encouragement to repose confidence in me; and -I have uniformly found all those, upon whom any reliance can be -placed, unite in praising the humanity of their present superintendant. -Instantly on his arrival, he took the whole power of punishment into his -own hands: he forbade the slightest interference in this respect of any -person whatever on the estate, white or black; nor have I been able to -find as yet any one negro who has any charge of harsh treatment to bring -against him. - -However, having been already so grossly deceived, I will never again -place implicit confidence in any person whatever in a matter of such -importance. Before my departure, I shall take every possible measure -that may prevent any misconduct taking place without my being apprised -of it as soon as possible; and I have already exhorted my negroes to -apply to the magistrates on the very first instance of ill-usage, should -any occur during my absence. - -I am indeed assured by every one about me, that to manage a West-Indian -estate without the occasional use of the cart-whip, however rarely, is -impossible; and they insist upon it, that it is absurd in me to call -my slaves ill-treated, because, when they act grossly wrong, they are -treated like English soldiers and sailors. All this may be very true; -but there is something to me so shocking in the idea of this execrable -cart-whip, that I have positively forbidden the use of it on Cornwall; -and if the estate must go to rack and ruin without its use, to rack -and ruin the estate must go. Probably, I should care less about this -punishment, if I had not been living among those on whom it may be -inflicted; but now, when I am accustomed to see every face that looks -upon me, grinning from ear to ear with pleasure at my notice, and -hear every voice cry “God bless you, massa,” as I pass, one must be an -absolute brute not to feel unwilling to leave them subject to the lash; -besides, they are excellent cajolers, and lay it on with a trowel. -Nicholas and John Fuller came to me this morning to beg a favour, “and -beg massa hard, quite hard!” It was, that when massa went away, “he would -leave his picture for the negroes;” that they might talk to it, “all just -as they did to massa.” Shakspeare says-- - - “A little flattery does well sometimes!” - -But, although the mode of expressing it may be artifice, the sentiment -of good-will may be shown. A dog grows attached to the person who feeds -and makes much of him; and as they have never experienced as yet any but -kind treatment from me personally, it would be against common sense and -nature to suppose that my negroes do not feel kindly towards me. - - -JANUARY 20. - -THE RUNAWAY. - - Peter, Peter was a black boy; - - Peter, him pull foot one day: - - Buckra girl, him * Peter’s joy; - - Lilly white girl entice him away. - - Fye, Missy Sally, fye on you! - - Poor Blacky Peter why undo? - - Oh! Peter, Peter was a bad boy; - - Peter was a runaway. - -* _The negroes never distinguish between “him” and “her” in their -conversation_. - - Peter, him Massa thief--Oh! fye! - - Missy Sally, him say him do so. - - Him money spent, Sally bid him bye. - - And from Peter away him go; - - Fye, Missy Sally, fye on you! - - Poor Blacky Peter what him do? - - Oh! Peter, Peter was a sad boy; - - Peter was a runaway! - - Peter, him go to him Massa back; - - There him humbly own him crime: - - “Massa, forgib one poor young Black! - - Oh! Massa, good Massa, forgib dis time!”-- - - Then in come him Missy so fine, so gay, - - And to him Peter thus him say: - - “Oh! Missy, good Missy, you for me pray! - - Beg Massa forgib poor runaway!” - - “Missy, you cheeks so red, so white; - - Missy, you eyes like diamond shine I - - Missy, you Massa’s sole delight, - - And Lilly Sally, him was mine! - - Him say--6 Come, Peter, mid me go!’-- - - Could me refuse him? Could me say 6 no?’--» - - Poor Peter--‘no’ him could no say! - - So Peter, Peter ran away!”-- - - Him Missy him pray; him Massa so kind - - Was moved by him prayer, and to Peter him says - - “Well, boy, for this once I forgive you!--but mind! - - With the buckra girls you no more go away! - - Though fair without, they’re foul within; - - Their heart is black, though white their skin. - - Then Peter, Peter with me stay; - - Peter no more run away!”-- - - -JANUARY 21. (Sunday.) - -The hospital has been crowded, since my arrival, with patients who -have nothing the matter with them. On Wednesday there were about thirty -invalids, of whom only four were cases at all serious; the rest had “a -lilly pain here, Massa,” or “a bad pain me know nowhere, Massa,” and -evidently only came to the hospital in order to sit idle, and chat away -the time with their friends. Four of them the doctor ordered into the -field peremptorily; the next day there came into the sick-house six -others; upon this I resolved to try my own hand at curing them; and -I directed the head-driver to announce, that the presents which I had -brought from England should be distributed to-day, that the new-born -children should be christened, and that the negroes might take -possession of my house, and amuse themselves till twelve at night. The -effect of my prescription was magical; two thirds of the sick were hale -and hearty, at work in the field on Saturday morning, and to-day not a -soul remained in the hospital except the four serious cases. - -The christening took place about four o’clock. Sully’s infant, which -had been destined to perform a part on this occasion, had died in -the hospital; but this morning the father came to complain of his -disappointment, and to beg leave to substitute a child _by another_ -wife, which had been born about two months before my arrival; and as -the father is a very serviceable fellow, and the mother, besides having -brought up three children of her own, had the additional merit of having -reared an infant whose own mother had died in child-bed, I broke through -the rule of only christening those myself who should be born since my -coming to Jamaica, and granted his request. By good luck, the first -child to be named was the offspring of Minerva and Captain; so I told -the parents that as it would be highly proper to call the boy after -the greatest Captain that the world could produce, he should be named -Wellington; and that I hoped that he would grow up to serve _me_ in -Jamaica as well as the Duke of Wellington had served his massa, the -King of England, in Europe. The Duke of Sully’s child I wanted to call -Navarre; but the father had brought over a free negro from Savannah la -Mar to stand godfather, who was his _fidus Achates_, by the name of John -Davies, and I found that he had set his heart upon calling the boy John -Lewis, after his friend and myself; so John Lewis he was. - -There ought to have been a third child, born at seven months, whom -the _graundee_ had reared with great difficulty, and dismissed, quite -strong, from the hospital; the mother had taken great care of it -till the tenth day, when she was entitled to an allowance of clothes, -provisions, &c.; but no sooner had she received her reward, than on that -very night she suffered the child to remain so long without food, while -she went herself to dance on a neighbouring estate, that it was brought, -in an exhausted state, back to the hospital; and, in spite of every -care, it expired within four and twenty hours after its return. - -The ceremony was performed with perfect gravity and propriety by all -parties; I thought it as well to cut the reading part of it very short; -but I read a couple of prayers, marked the foreheads of the children -with the sign of the cross, and, instead of the concluding prayer, I -substituted a wish, “that God would bless the children, and make them -live to be as good servants to me, as I prayed him to make me a kind -massa to them;” upon which all present very gravely made me their lowest -bows and courtesies, and then gave me a loud huzza; so unusual a mode -of approbation at a christening that it had nearly overturned my -seriousness; and I made haste to serve out Madeira to the parents and -assistants, that they might drink the healths of the new Christians and -of each other. The mothers and the _graindee_ were then called up to -the table, and the ladies in a family way were arranged behind them. - -_Their_ title in Jamaica is rather coarse, but very expressive. I asked -Cubina one day “who was that woman with a basket on her head?” - -“Massa,” he answered, “that one belly-woman going to sell provisions -at the Bay.” As she was going to sell _provisions_, I supposed that -_belly_-woman was the name of her trade; but it afterwards appeared that -she was one of those females who had given in their names as being then -labouring under - - “The pleasing punishment which women bear;” - -and who, in consequence, were discharged from all severe labour. I then -gave the _graundee_ and the mothers a dollar each, and told them, that -for the future they might claim the same sum, in addition to their usual -allowance of clothes and provisions, for every infant which should be -brought to the overseer alive and well on the fourteenth day; and I also -gave each mother a present of a scarlet girdle with a silver medal in -the centre, telling her always to wear it on feasts and holidays, when -it should entitle her to marks of peculiar respect and attention, such -as being one of the first served, and receiving a larger portion than -the rest; that the _first_ fault which she might commit, should be -forgiven on the production of this girdle; and that when she should -have any favour to ask, she should always put it round her waist, and -be assured, that on seeing it, the overseer would allow the wearer to -be entitled to particular indulgence. On every additional child an -additional medal is to be affixed to the belt, and precedence is to -follow the greater number of medals. I expected that this notion of -an order of honour would have been treated as completely fanciful and -romantic; but to my great surprise, my manager told me, that “he never -knew a dollar better bestowed than the one which formed the medal of the -girdle, and that he thought the institution likely to have a very good -effect.” - -Immediately after the christening the Eboe drums were produced, and in -defiance of Sunday the negroes had the irreverence to be gay and happy, -while the presents were getting in order for distribution. All the men -got jackets, the women seven yards of stuff each for petticoats, &c., -and the children as much printed cotton as would make a couple of -frocks. The Creoles were delighted beyond measure when some of the -African male negroes exclaimed, “Tank, massa,” and made a low courtesy -in the confusion of their gratitude. As they were all called to receive -their presents alphabetically in pairs, some of the combinations were -very amusing. We had Punch and Plato, Priam and Pam, Hemp and Hercules, -and Minerva and Moll come together. By twelve they dispersed, and I went -to bed, as usual on these occasions, with a violent headach. - - -JANUARY 22. - -While I was at dinner, a violent uproar was heard below stairs. On -enquiry, it proved to be Cubina, quarrelling with his niece Phillis -(a goodlooking black girl employed about the house), about a broken -pitcher; and as her explanation did not appear satisfactory to him, -he had thought proper to give her a few boxes on the ear. Upon hearing -this, I read him such a lecture upon the baseness of a man’s striking a -woman, and told him with so much severity that his heart must be a bad -one to commit such an offence, that poor Cubina, having never heard a -harsh word from me before, scarcely knew whether he stood upon his head -or his heels. When he afterwards brought my coffee, he expressed his -sorrow for having offended me, and begged my pardon in the most humble -manner. I told him, that to obtain mine, he must first obtain that -of Phillis, and he immediately declared himself ready to make her any -apology that I might dictate. So the girl was called in; and her uncle -going up to her, “I am very sorry, Phillis,” said he, “that I gave way -to high passion, and called you hard names, and struck you: which I -ought not to have done while massa was in the house;” (here I was going -to interrupt him, but he was too clever not to perceive his blunder, and -made haste to add) “nor if he had _not_ been here, nor at all; so I hope -you will have the kindness to forgive me this once, and I never will -strike you again, and so I beg your pardon.” And he then put out his -hand to her in the most frank and hearty manner imaginable; and on -her accepting it, made her three or four of his very lowest and most -graceful bows. I furnished him with a piece of money to give her as a -peace-offering; they left the room thoroughly reconciled, and in five -minutes after they and the rest of the servants were all chattering, -laughing, and singing together, in the most perfect harmony and -good-humour. I suppose, if I had desired an upper servant in England to -make the same submission, he would have preferred quitting my service to -doing what he would have called “humbling himself to an inferior;” or, -if he had found himself compelled to give way, he would have been sulky -with the girl, and found fault with every thing that she did in the -house for a twelvemonth after. - -On the other hand, there are some choice ungrateful scoundrels among -the negroes: on the night of their first dance, a couple of sheep -disappeared from the pen, although they could not have been taken -from want of food, as on that very morning there had been an ample -distribution of fresh beef; and last night another sheep and a quantity -of poultry followed them. Yesterday, too, a young rascal of a boy called -“massa Jackey,” who is in the frequent habit of running away for months -at a time, and whom I had distinguished from the cleverness of his -countenance and buffoonery of his manners, came to beg my permission -to go and purchase food with some money which I had just given him, -“because he was almost starving; his parents were dead, he had no -provision-grounds, no allowance, and nobody ever gave him anything.” - Upon this I sent Cubina with the boy to the storekeeper, when it -appeared that he had always received a regular allowance of provisions -twice a week, which he generally sold, as well as his clothes, at the -Bay, for spirits; had received an additional portion only last Friday; -and, into the bargain, during the whole of that week had been fed from -the house. What he could propose to himself by telling a lie which must -be so soon detected, I cannot conceive; but I am assured, that unless a -negro has an interest in telling the truth, he always lies--in order to -keep his tongue in practice. - -One species of flattery (or of _Congo-saw_, as we call it here) amused -me much this morning: an old woman who is in the hospital wanted to -express her gratitude for some stewed fish which I had sent her for -supper, and, instead of calling me “massa,” she always said--“Tank him, -_my husband_.” - - -JANUARY 24. - -This was a day of perpetual occupation. I rose at six o’clock, and went -down to the Bay to settle some business; on my return I visited the -hospital while breakfast was getting ready; and as soon as it was over, -I went down to the negro-houses to hear the whole body of Eboes lodge a -complaint against one of the book-keepers, and appoint a day for their -being heard in his presence. On my return to the house, I found two -women belonging to a neighbouring estate, who came to complain of cruel -treatment from their overseer, and to request me to inform their trustee -how ill they had been used, and see their injuries redressed. They said, -that having been ill in the hospital, and ordered to the field while -they were still too weak to work, they had been flogged with much -severity (though not beyond the limits of the law); and my head driver, -who was less scrupulously delicate than myself as to ocular inspection -of Juliet’s person (which Juliet, to do her justice, was perfectly ready -to submit to in proof of her assertions), told me, that the woman had -certainly suffered greatly; the other, whose name was Delia, was -but just recovering from a miscarriage, and declared openly that the -overseer’s conduct had been such, that nothing should have prevented her -running away long ago if she could but have had the heart to abandon -a child which she had on the estate. Both were poor feeble-looking -creatures, and seemed very unfit subjects for any severe correction. I -promised to write to their trustee; and, as they were afraid of being -punished on their return home for having thrown themselves on my -protection, I wrote a note to the overseer, requesting that the women -might remain quite unmolested till the trustee’s arrival, which was -daily expected; and, with this note and a present of cocoa-fingers and -salt fish, Delia and Juliet departed, apparently much comforted. - -They were succeeded by no less a personage than _Venus_ herself--a poor, -little, sickly, timid soul, who had purchased her freedom from my -father by substituting in her place a fine stout black wench, who, being -Venus’s _locum tenens_, was, by courtesy, called Venus, too, though her -right name was “Big Joan;” but, by some neglect of the then attorney, -Venus had never received any title, and she now came to beg “massa -so good as give paper;” otherwise she was still, to all intents and -purposes, my slave, and I might still have compelled her to work, -although, at the same time, her substitute was on the estate. Of course, -I promised the paper required, and engaged to act the part of a second -Vulcan by releasing Venus from my chains: but the paper was not the only -thing that Venus wanted; she also wanted a petticoat! She told me, that -when the presents were distributed on Sunday, the petticoat, which she -would otherwise have had, was, of course, “given to the _other_ Venus;” - and though, to be sure, she was free now, yet, “when she belonged to -massa, she had always worked for him well,” and “she was quite as glad -to see massa as the other Venus,” and, therefore, “ought to have quite -as much petticoat.” I tried to convince her, that for Venus to wear a -petticoat of blue durant, or, indeed, any petticoat at all, would be -quite unclassical: the goddess of beauty stuck to her point, and finally -carried off the petticoat. - -Venus had scarcely evacuated the premises, when her place was occupied -by the minister of Savannah la Mar, with proposals for instructing the -negroes in religion; and the minister, in his turn, was replaced by one -of the Sunday-night thieves, who had been caught while in the actual -possession of one of my sheep and a great turkey-cock; and, to make the -matter worse, the depredator’s name was Hercules! Hercules, whom Virgil -states to have exercised so much severity on Cacus, when his own oxen -were stolen, was taken up himself for stealing my sheep in Jamaica! The -demi-god had nothing to say in his excuse: he had just received a large -allowance of beef:--therefore, hunger had no share in his transgression; -and the committing the offence during the very time that I was giving -the negroes a festival, rendered his ingratitude the more flagrant. - -I perfectly well understood that the man was sent to me by my agent, -in order to show the absolute necessity of sometimes employing the -cart-whip, and to see whether I would suffer the fellow to escape -unpunished. But, as this was the first offender who had been brought -before me, I took that for a pretext to absolve him: so I lectured -him for half an hour with great severity, swore that on the very next -offence I would order him to be sold; and that if he would not do his -fair proportion of work without being lashed, he should be sent to -work somewhere else; for I would suffer no such worthless fellows on my -estate, and would not be at the expense of a cart-whip to correct him. -He promised most earnestly to behave better in future, and Hercules was -suffered to depart: but I am told that no good can be expected of him; -that he is perpetually running away; and that he had been absent for -five weeks together before my arrival, and only returned home upon -hearing that there was a distribution of beef, rum, and jackets going -forward; in return for all which, he stole my sheep and my poor great -turkey-cock. - -But now came the most puzzling business of the day. About four years -ago, two Eboes, called Pickle and Edward, were rivals, after being -intimate friends: Pickle (who is an excellent faithful negro, but not -very wise) was the successful candidate; and, of course, the friendship -was interrupted, till Edward married the sister of the disputed fair -one. From this time the brothers-in-law lived in perfect harmony -together; but, during the first festival given on my arrival, Pickle’s -house was broken open, and robbed of all his clothes, &c. The thief was -sought for, but in vain. On Monday last I found Pickle in the hospital, -complaining of a pain in his side; and the blood, which had been taken -from him, gave reason to apprehend a pleurisy arising from cold; but, as -the disorder had been taken in its earliest stage, nothing dangerous -was expected. The fever abated; the medicines performed their offices -properly; still the man’s spirits and strength appeared to decline, and -he persisted in saying that he was not better, and should never do -well. At length, to-day, he got out of his sick bed, came to the house, -attended by the whole body of drivers, and accused his brother-in-law -of having been the stealer of his goods. I asked, “Had Edward been seen -near his house? Had any of his effects been seen in Edward’s possession? -Did Edward refuse to suffer his hut to be searched?” No. Edward, who was -present, pressed for the most strict scrutiny, and asserted his perfect -ignorance; nor could the accuser advance any grounds for the charge, -except his belief of Edward’s guilt. “Why did he think so?” After -much beating about the bush, at length out came the real _causa -doloris_--“Edward had _Obeahed_ him!” He had accused Edward of breaking -open his house, and had begged him to help him to his goods again; and -“Edward had gone at midnight into the bush” (i. e. the wood), and “had -gathered the plant whangra, which he had boiled in an iron pot, by -a fire of leaves, over which he went pufij puffie!” and said the -sautee-sautee; and then had cut the whangra root into four pieces, three -to bury at the plantation gates, and one to burn; and to each of these -three pieces he gave the name of a Christian, one of which was Daniel, -and Edward had said, that this would help him to find his goods; but -instead of that, he had immediately felt this pain in his side, and -therefore he was sure that, instead of using Obeah to find his goods, -Edward had used it to kill himself. “And were these all his reasons?” I -enquired. “No; when he married, Edward was very angry at the loss of -his mistress, and had said that they never would live well and happily -together; and they never _had_ lived happily and well together.” - -This last argument quite got the better of my gravity. By parity of -reasoning, I thought that almost every married couple in Great Britain -must be under the influence of Obeah! I endeavoured to convince the -fellow of his folly and injustice, especially as the person accused was -the identical man who had detected the Obeah priest harboured in one -of my negro huts last year, had seized him with his own hands, and -delivered him up to my agent, who had prosecuted and transported him. It -was, therefore, improbable in the highest degree, that he should be an -Obeah man himself; and all the bystanders, black and white, joined me in -ridiculing Pickle for complaints so improbable and childish. But anger, -argument, and irony were all ineffectual. I offered to christen him, and -expel black Obeah by white, but in vain; the fellow persisted in saying, -that “he had a pain in his side, and, _therefore_, Edward must have -given it to him;” and he went back to his hospital, shaking his head all -the way, sullen and unconvinced. He is a young strong negro, perfectly -well disposed, and doing his due portion of work willingly; and it -will be truly provoking to lose him by the influence of this foolish -prejudice. - - -JANUARY 25. - -I sent for Edward, had him alone with me for above two hours, and -pressed him most earnestly to confide in me. I gave him a dollar to -convince him of my good-will towards him; assured him that whatever -he might tell me should remain a secret between us; said, that I was -certain of his not having used any poison, or done any thing really -mischievous; but as I suspected him of having played some monkey-tricks -or other, which, however harmless in themselves, had evidently operated -dangerously upon Pickle’s imagination, I begged him to tell me precisely -what had passed, in order that I might counteract its baleful effects. -In reply, Edward swore to me most solemnly, “by the great God Almighty, -who lives above the clouds,” that he never had used any such practices: -that he had never gone into the wood to gather whangra; and that he had -considered Pickle, from the moment of his own marriage, as his brother, -and had always, till then, loved him as such. His eyes filled with tears -while he protested that he should be as sorry for Pickle’s death as if -it were himself; and he complained bitterly of having the ill name of -an Obeah man given to him, which made him feared and shunned by his -companions, and entirely without cause. But he said that he was certain -that Pickle would never have suspected him of such a crime, if a third -person had not put it into his head. There is a negro on my estate -called Adam, who has been long and strongly suspected of having -connections with Obeah men. When Edward was quite young, he was under -this fellow’s superintendence, and he now assured me, that Adam had -not only endeavoured to draw him into similar practices, but had even -pressed him very earnestly to lay a magical egg under the door of a -book-keeper whose conduct had been obnoxious. Edward had positively -refused: from that moment his superintendent, from being his protector, -had become his enemy, had shown him spite upon every occasion; and he it -was, he had no doubt, who, for the purpose of injuring him, had put this -foolish notion into Pickle’s head. - -Upon enquiry it appeared, that on the very morning succeeding Pickle’s -entering the hospital, this suspected man had gone there also, on -pretence of sickness, and had remained there to watch the invalid; -although it was so evident that nothing was the matter with him, that -the doctor had frequently ordered him to the field, but the man had -always found means for evading the order. The first thing that we now -did was to turn him out of the sick-house, neck and heels; I then -took Edward with me to Pickle’s bedside, where the former told his -brother-in-law, that if he had ever done any thing to offend him, he -heartily begged his pardon; that he swore by the Almighty God that -he had never been in the bush to hurt him, nor any where else; on the -contrary, that he had always loved him, and wished him well; and that he -now begged him to be friends with him again, to forget and forgive all -former quarrels, and to accept the hand which he offered him in all -sincerity. The sick man also confessed, that he had always loved Edward -as his brother, had “eaten and drunk with him for many years with -perfect good-will,” and that it was his ingratitude for such affection -which vexed him more than any thing. On this I told him, that I insisted -upon their being good friends for the future, and that I should never -hear the word Obeah, or any such nonsense, mentioned on my estate, -on pain of my extreme displeasure. I promised that, as soon as Pickle -should be quite recovered, I would buy for him exactly a set of such -things as had been stolen from him; that Edward should bring them to his -house, to show that he had rather give him things than take them away; -and I then desired to see them shake hands. They did so, with much -apparent cordiality; Edward then went back to his work; and this -evening, when I sent him a dish from my table, Pickle desired the -servant to tell me, that he had hardly any fever, and felt “_quite so -so_,” which, in the negro dialect, means “a great deal better.” I begin, -therefore, to hope that we shall save the foolish fellow’s life at last, -which, at one time, appeared to be in great jeopardy. - -There was a great dinner and ball for the whole county given to-day at -Montego Bay, to which I was invited; but I begged leave to decline this -and all other invitations, being determined to give up my whole time to -my negroes during my stay in Jamaica. - - -JANUARY 26. - -Every morning my agent regales me with some fresh instance of -insubordination: he says nothing plainly, but shakes his head, and -evidently gives me to understand, that the estate cannot be governed -properly without the cart-whip. It seems that this morning, the women, -one and all, refused to carry away the _trash_ (which is one of the -easiest tasks that can be set), and that without the slightest pretence: -in consequence, the mill was obliged to be stopped; and when the driver -on that station insisted on their doing their duty, a little fierce -young devil of a Miss Whaunica flew at his throat, and endeavoured to -strangle him: the agent was obliged to be called in, and, at length, -this petticoat rebellion was subdued, and every thing went on as usual. -I have, in consequence, assured the women, that since they will not be -managed by fair treatment, I must have recourse to other measures; and -that, if any similar instance of misconduct should take place, I was -determined, on my return from Kingston, to sell the most refractory, -ship myself immediately for England, and never return to them and -Jamaica more. This threat, at the time, seemed to produce a great -effect; all hands were clasped, and all voices were raised, imploring me -not to leave them, and assuring me, that in future they would do their -work quietly and willingly. But whether the impression will last beyond -the immediate moment is a point greatly to be doubted. - - -JANUARY 27. - -Another morning, with the mill stopped, no liquor in the boiling-house, -and no work done. The driver brought the most obstinate and insolent of -the women to be lectured by me; and I bounced and stormed for half -an hour with all my might and main, especially at Whaunica, whose -ingratitude was peculiar; as she is the wife of Edward, the Eboe, whom -I had been protecting against the charge of theft and Obeahism, and had -shown him more than usual kindness. They, at last, appeared to be very -penitent and ashamed of themselves, and engaged never to behave ill -again, if I would but forgive them this present fault; Whaunica, in -particular, assuring me very earnestly, that I never should have cause -to accuse her of “bad manners” again; for, in negro dialect, ingratitude -is always called “bad manners.” My agent declares, that they never -conducted themselves so ill before; that they worked cheerfully and -properly till my arrival; but now they think that I shall protect them -against all punishment, and have made regularly ten hogsheads of sugar -a week less than they did before my coming upon the estate. This is the -more provoking, as, by delaying the conclusion of the crop, the latter -part of it may be driven into the rainy season, and then the labour -is infinitely more severe both for the slaves and the cattle, and more -detrimental to their health. - -The minister of Savannah la Mar has shown me a plan for the religious -instruction of the negroes, which was sent to him by the ecclesiastical -commissaries at Kingston. It consisted but of two points: against the -first (which recommended the slaves being _ordered_ to go to church on -a Sunday) I positively declared myself. Sunday is now the absolute -property of the negroes for their relaxation, as Saturday is for the -cultivation of their grounds; and I will not suffer a single hour of it -to be taken from them for any purpose whatever. If my slaves choose to -go to church on Sundays, so much the better; but not one of them shall -be _ordered_ to do one earthly thing on Sundays, but that which he -chooses himself. The second article recommended occasional pastoral -visits of the minister to the different estates; and in this respect I -promised to give him every facility--although I greatly doubt any good -effect being produced by a few short visits, at considerable intervals, -on the minds of ignorant creatures, to whom no palpable and immediate -benefit is offered. It appears, indeed, to me, that the only means of -giving the negroes morality and religion must be through the medium of -education, and their being induced to read such books in the minister’s -absence as may recall to their thoughts what they have heard from him; -otherwise, he may talk for an hour, and they will have understood but -little--and remember nothing. There is not a single negro among my whole -three hundred who can read a line; and what I suppose to be wanted -on West-Indian estates is not an importation of missionaries, but of -schoolmasters on Dr. Bell’s plan, if it could by any means be introduced -here with effect. However, in the mean while I told the minister, that -I was perfectly well inclined to have every measure tried that might -enlighten the minds of the negroes, provided it did not interfere with -their own hours of leisure, and were not compulsory. I mentioned to -him a plan for commencing his instructions under the most favourable -auspices, of which he seemed to approve; and he has promised to make -occasional visits on my estate during my absence, which may do good and -can do no harm; and, even should it fail to make the negroes religious, -will, at least, add another humane inspector to my list. Soon after the -minister’s departure, John Fuller came to repair one of the windows. Now -John is in great disgrace with me in one respect. Instead of having a -wife on the estate, he keeps one at the Bay, so that his children will -not belong to me. Phillis, too, who formerly lived with John, says, that -she parted with him, because he threw away all his money upon the Bay -girls; though John asserts that the cause of separation was his catching -the false Phillis coming out of one of the book-keepers’ bedrooms. - -However, it is certain, that now his connections are all at the Bay; and -I have assured him, that if he does not provide himself with a wife at -Cornwall, before my return from Kingston, I will put him up to auction, -and call the girls together to bid for him, one offering half a dozen -yams, and another a bit of salt fish; and the highest bidder shall carry -him off as her property. But to-day, as he came into the room just as -the minister left it, I told him that Dr. Pope was coming to give the -negroes some instruction; and that he had left part of a catechism for -him, which he was to get by heart against his next visit. John promised -to study it diligently, and went off to get it read to him by one of the -book-keepers. Several of his companions came to hear it from curiosity, -and the book-keeper read aloud:-- - - “John Fuller is gone to the Bay, boys, - - On the girls to spend his cash; - - And when John Fuller comes home, boys, - - John Fuller deserves the lash.” - -So John went away shaking his head, and saying, “Massa had told him, -that the minister had left that paper to make him a better Christian. -But he was certain that the minister had nothing to do with that, and -that massa had made it all himself about the Bay girls.” - - -JANUARY 28. (Sunday.) - -I shall have enough to do in Jamaica if I accept all the offices that -are pressed upon me. A large body of negroes, from a neighbouring -estate, came over to Cornwall this morning, to complain of hard -treatment, in various ways, from their overseer and drivers, and -requesting me to represent their injuries to their trustee here, and -their proprietor in England. The charges were so strong, that I am -certain that they must be fictitious; however, I listened to their story -with patience; promised that the trustee (whom I was to see in a few -days) should know their complaint;--and they went away apparently -satisfied. Then came a runaway negro, who wanted to return home, and -requested me to write a few lines to his master, to save him from the -lash. He was succeeded by a poor creature named Bessie, who, although -still a young woman, is dispensed with from labour, on account of her -being afflicted with the _cocoa-bay_, one of the most horrible of negro -diseases. It shows itself in large blotches and swellings, and which -generally, by degrees, moulder away the joints of the toes and fingers, -till they rot and drop off; sometimes as much as half a foot will go at -once. As the disease is communicable by contact, the person so afflicted -is necessarily shunned by society; and this poor woman, who is married -to John Fuller, one of the best young men on the estate, and by whom she -has had four children (although they are all dead), has for some time -been obliged to live separated from him, lest he should be destroyed by -contracting the same complaint. She now came to tell me, that she wanted -a blanket, “for that the cold killed her of nights;” cold being that -which negroes dislike most, and from which most of their illnesses -arise. Of course she got her blanket; then she said, that she wanted -medicine for her complaint. “Had not the doctor seen her?” - -“Oh, yes! Dr. Goodwin; but the white doctor could do her no good. -She wanted to go to a black doctor, named Ormond, who belonged to -a neighbouring gentleman.” I told her, that if this black doctor -understood her particular disease better than others, certainly she -should go to him; but that if he pretended to cure her by charms or -spells, or any thing but medicine, I should desire his master to -cure the black doctor by giving him the punishment proper for such an -impostor. Upon this Bessie burst into tears, and said “that Ormond was -not an Obeah man, and that she had suffered too much by Obeah men to -wish to have any more to do with them. She had made Adam her enemy by -betraying him, when he had attempted to poison the former attorney; he -had then cursed her, and wished that she might never be hearty again: -and from that very time her complaint had declared itself; and her poor -pickaninies had all died away, one after another; and she was sure that -it was Adam who had done all this mischief by Obeah.” Upon this, I put -myself in a great rage, and asked her “how she could believe that God -would suffer a low wicked fellow like Adam to make good people die, -merely because he wished them dead?” - -“She did not know; she knew nothing about God; had never heard of any -such Being, nor of any other world.” I told her, that God was a great -personage, “who lived up yonder above the blue, in a place full of -pleasures and free from pains, where Adam and wicked people could not -come; that her pickaninies were not dead for ever, but were only gone up -to live with God, who was good, and would take care of them for her; and -that if she were good, when she died, she too would go up to God above -the blue, and see all her four pickaninies again.” The idea seemed so -new and so agreeable, to the poor creature, that she clapped her hands -together, and began laughing for joy; so I said to her every thing that -I could imagine likely to remove her prejudice; told her that I should -make it a crime even so much as to mention the word Obeah on the estate; -and that, if any negro from that time forward should be proved to have -accused another of Obeahing him, or of telling another that he had been -Obeahed, he should forfeit his share of the next present of salt-fish, -which I meant soon to distribute among the slaves, and should never -receive any favour from me in future; so I gave Bessie a piece of money, -and she seemed to go away in better spirits than she came. - -This Adam, of whom she complained, is a most dangerous fellow, and the -terror of all his companions, with whom he lives in a constant state -of warfare. He is a creole, born on my own property, and has several -sisters, who have obtained their freedom, and are in every respect -creditable and praiseworthy; and to one of whom I consider myself as -particularly indebted, as she was the means of saving poor Richard’s -life, when the tyranny of the overseer had brought him almost to the -brink of the grave. But this brother is in every thing the very reverse -of his sisters: there is no doubt of his having (as Bessie stated) -infused poison into the water-jars through spite against the late -superintendent. It was this same fellow whom Edward suspected of -having put into his brother-in-law’s head the idea of his having been -bewitched; and it was also in his hut that the old Obeah man was found -concealed, whom my attorney seized and transported last year. He is, -unfortunately, clever and plausible; and I am told that the mischief -which he has already done, by working upon the folly and superstition of -his fellows, is incalculable; yet I cannot get rid of him: the law will -not suffer any negro to be shipped off the island, until he shall have -been convicted of felony at the sessions; I cannot sell him, for nobody -would buy him, nor even accept him, if I would offer them so dangerous -a present; if he were to go away, the law would seize him, and bring him -back to me, and I should be obliged to pay heavily for his re-taking -and his maintenance in the workhouse. In short, I know not what I can do -with him, except indeed make a Christian of him! This might induce the -negroes to believe, that he had lost his infernal power by the superior -virtue of the holy water; but, perhaps he may refuse to be christened. -However, I will at least ask him the question; and if he consents, I -will send him--and a couple of dollars--to the clergyman--for he shall -not have so great a distinction as baptism from massa’s own hand--and -see what effect “white Obeah” will have in removing the terrors of this -professor of the black. - -As to my sick Obeah patient, Pickle, from the moment of his -reconciliation with his brother-inlaw he began to mend, and has -recovered with wonderful rapidity: the fellow seems _really_ grateful -for the pains which I have taken about him; and our difficulty now is -to prevent his fancying himself too soon able to quit the hospital, so -eager is he to return “to work for massa.” - -There are certainly many excellent qualities in the negro character; -their worst faults appear to be, this prejudice respecting Obeah, and -the facility with which they are frequently induced to poison to the -right hand and to the left. A neighbouring gentleman, as I hear, has now -three negroes in prison, all domestics, and one of them grown grey in -his service, for poisoning him with corrosive sublimate; his brother -was actually killed by similar means; yet I am assured that both of them -were reckoned men of great humanity. Another agent, who appears to be in -high favour with the negroes whom he now governs, was obliged to quit an -estate, from the frequent attempts to poison him; and a person against -whom there is no sort of charge alleged for tyranny, after being brought -to the doors of death by a cup of coffee, only escaped a second time by -his civility, in giving the beverage, prepared for himself to two young -book-keepers, to both of whom it proved fatal. It, indeed, came out, -afterwards, that this crime was also effected by the abominable belief -in Obeah: the woman, who mixed the draught, had no idea of its being -poison; but she had received the deleterious ingredients from an Obeah -man, as “a charm to make her massa good to her;” by which the negroes -mean, the compelling a person to give another every thing for which that -other may ask him. - -Next to this vile trick of poisoning people (arising, doubtless, in a -great measure, from their total want of religion, and their ignorance -of a future state, which makes them dread no punishment hereafter for -themselves, and look with but little respect on human life in others), -the greatest drawback upon one’s comfort in a Jamaica existence seems to -me to be the being obliged to live perpetually in public. Certainly, if -a man was desirous of leading a life of vice _here_, he must have set -himself totally above shame, for he may depend upon every thing done -by him being seen and known. The houses are absolutely transparent; the -walls are nothing but windows--and all the doors stand wide open. No -servants are in waiting to announce arrivals: visiters, negroes, dogs, -cats, poultry, all walk in and out, and up and down your living-rooms, -without the slightest ceremony. - -Even the Temple of Cloacina (which, by the bye, is here very elegantly -spoken of generally as “_The_ Temple,”) is as much latticed and as -pervious to the eye as any other part of my premises; and many a time -has my delicacy been put to the blush by the ill-timed civility of some -old woman or other, who, wandering that way, and happening to cast her -eye to the left, has stopped her course to curtsy very gravely, and pay -me the passing compliment of an “Ah, massa! bless you, massa! how day?” - - -JANUARY 29. - -I find that Bessie’s black doctor is really nothing more than a -professor of medicine as to this particular disease; and I have ordered -her to be sent to him in the mountains immediately. Several gentlemen -of the county dined with me to-day, and when they left me, one of the -carriages contrived to get overturned, and the right shoulder of one of -the gentlemen was dislocated. Luckily, it happened close to the house; -and as the physician who attends my estate had dined with me also, a -boy, on a mule, was despatched after him with all haste. He was soon -with us, the bone was replaced with perfect ease, and this morning the -patient left me with every prospect of finding no bad effects whatever -from his accident. - -We had at dinner a land tortoise and a barbecued pig, two of the best -and richest dishes that I ever tasted;--the latter, in particular--which -was dressed in the true maroon fashion, being placed on a barbecue (a -frame of wicker-work, through whose interstices the steam can ascend), -filled with peppers and spices of the highest flavour, wrapt in plantain -leaves, and then buried in a hole filled with hot stones, by whose -vapour it is baked, no particle of the juice being thus suffered to -evaporate. I have eaten several other good Jamaica dishes, but none so -excellent as this, a large portion of which was transferred to the most -infirm patients in the hospital. Perhaps an English physician would have -felt every hair of his wig bristle upon his head with astonishment, at -hearing me ask, this morning, a woman in a fever, how her bark and -her barbe cued pig had agreed with her. But, with negroes, I find that -feeding the sick upon stewed fish and pork, highly seasoned, produces -the very best effects possible. - -Some of the fruits here are excellent, such as shaddocks, oranges, -granadelloes, forbidden fruit; and one between an orange and a lemon, -called “the grape or cluster fruit,” appears to me quite delicious. For -the vegetables, I cannot say so much, yams, plantains, cocoa poyers, -yam-poys, bananas, &c. look and taste all so much alike, that I scarcely -know one from the other: they are all something between bread and -potatoes, not so good as either, and I am quite tired of them all. The -Lima Bean is said to be more like a pea than a bean, but whatever it be -like, it appeared to me very indifferent. As to peas themselves, nothing -can be worse. The achie fruit is a kind of vegetable, which generally -is fried in butter; many people, I am told, are fond of it, but I could -find no merit in it. The palm-tree (or abba, as it is called here) -produces a long scarlet or reddish brown cone, which separates into -beads, each of which contains a roasting nut surrounded by a kind of -stringy husk--which, being boiled in salt and water, upon being chewn -has a taste of artichoke, but the consistence is very disagreeable. The -only native vegetable, which I like much, is the ochra, which tastes -like asparagus, though not with quite so delicate a flavour. - -As to fish, the variety is endless; but I think it rather consists in -variety of names than of flavour. From this, however, I must except the -Silk-Fish and Mud-Fish, and above all, the Mountain-Mullet, which is -almost the best fish that I ever tasted. All the shell-fish, that I have -met with as yet, have been excellent; the oysters have not come, in -my way, but I am told that they are not only poor and insipid, but -frequently are so poisonous that I had better not venture upon them; and -so ends this chapter of the “Almanach des Gourmands” for Jamaica. - - -JANUARY 30. - -There were above twenty ladies literally at my feet this morning. I went -down to the negro-village to speak to Bessie about going to her black -doctor; and all the refractory females of last week heard of my being -there, and came in a body to promise better conduct for the future, and -implore me not to go away. The sight of my carriage getting ready to -take me to Kingston, and the arrival of post-horses, had alarmed them -with the idea that I was really going to put my threats into execution -of leaving them for ever. They had artfully enough prevailed on the -wife of Clifford (the driver whom Whannica had collared) to be their -spokes-woman; and they begged, and lifted up their folded hands, and -cried, and fell on the ground, and kissed my feet--and, in short, acted -their part so well, that they almost made me act mine to perfection, and -fall to blubbering. I told them, that I certainly should go to Kingston -on Thursday; but if I had good accounts of them during my absence, I -should return in a few days;--if, on the contrary, the idle negroes -continued to refuse to work without compulsion, then, in justice to -the good ones (who last week were obliged to do more than their share), -those punishments, which I had stopped, must be resumed;--but that, as -Cornwall would be unsupportable to me, if I could not live there without -hearing the crack of the abominable cart-whip all day long, I would not -return to it, but ship myself off for England, and never visit them or -Jamaica any more. And then I talked very sternly and positively about -“punishments” and “making bad negroes do their work properly,” and every -third word was the cart-whip, till I almost fancied myself the princess -in the “Fairy Tale,” who never opened her mouth, but out came two toads -and three couple of serpents. However, to sweeten my oration a little at -the end, I told them, that, “having enquired closely into the characters -of the present book-keepers, I had found no charge against any of them -except one, who was accused of having occasionally struck a negro, of -using bad language to them, and of being a hasty passionate man, though -in other respects very serviceable to the estate. But although these -faults were but trifling, and some of them not proved, so determined -was I to show that I would suffer no white person on the estate who -maltreated the negroes, either by word or deed, that I had determined to -make an example of him for the warning of the rest; and accordingly had -dismissed him this morning.” - -The man in question (by his own account) had made himself obnoxious to -them; and on hearing of his discharge, they, one and all, sprawled upon -the ground in such a rapture of joy and gratitude, that now I may safely -say with Sir Andrew Aguecheek, “I was adored once!” - -The book-keeper had denied positively the charge of striking the -negroes, and ascribed it to the revenge of the Eboe Edward, whom he had -detected in cutting out part of a boiling-house window, in order that he -might pass out stolen sugar unperceived; for, to do the negroes justice, -it is a doubt whether they are the greatest thieves or liars, and the -quantity of sugar which they purloin during the crop, and dispose of at -the Bay for a mere trifle, is enormous. However, whether the charge -of striking were true or not, it was sufficiently proved that this -book-keeper was a passionate man, and he said himself, “that the negroes -had conceived a spite against him,” which alone were reasons enough for -removing him. Indeed, I had the less scruple from the slight nature of -his offence making it easy for him to find another situation; and I -have besides desired him to stay out his quarter on the estate, and -then receive a double salary on going away, which will free him from any -charge of having been dismissed disgracefully. - - -JANUARY 31. - -I went to enquire after my petitioners Juliet and Delia, and had the -satisfaction to find that the trustee had enquired into their complaint; -and, as it appeared not to be entirely unfounded, he had done every -thing that was right and necessary. Aberdeen, too, the runaway cooper, -who had applied to me to obtain his pardon, had been suffered to return -to his work unpunished; and as it had been found that his flight had in -a great measure been occasioned by his being in a bad state of health, -which rendered him apprehensive of being put to labour beyond his -strength, he had been permitted to select his own occupation, which, -of course, was the easiest one in his trade. But I found it a more -difficult matter to ascertain the truth or falsehood of the charges -brought to me on Sunday last: the books positively contradicted them, -but the register might have been falsely kept; and as the negroes -persisted most positively in their complaint against the overseer -(particularly as to his having curtailed them of the legal allowance of -time for their meals, and the cultivation of their own grounds) with the -concurrence of the trustee, I wrote to the magistrates of the county, -desiring that they would summon the negroes in question before a -council of protection, and examine into the injuries of which they had -complained to me. - - -FEBRUARY 1. (Thursday.) - -I left Cornwall for Spanish Town at six in the morning, accompanied by -a young naval officer, the son of my next neighbour, Mr. Hill of Amity, -who not only was good enough to lend me a kittereen, with a canopy, to -perform my journey, but his son to be my _cicerone_ on my tour. The -road wound through mountain passes, or else on a shelf of rock so -narrow--though without the slightest danger--that one of the wheels was -frequently in the sea, while my other side was fenced by a line of bold -broken cliffs, clothed with trees completely from their brows down to -the very edge of the water. Between eight and nine we reached a solitary -tavern, called Blue-fields, where the horses rested for a couple of -hours. It had a very pretty garden on the sea-shore, which contained -a picturesque cottage, exactly resembling an ornamental Hermitage; and -leaning against one of the pillars of its porch we found a young girl, -who exactly answered George Colman’s description of Yarico, “quite -brown, but extremely genteel, like a Wedgewood teapot.” She told us that -she was a Spanish creole, who had fled with her mother from the disputes -between the royalists and independents in the island of Old Providence; -and the owner of the tavern being a relation of her mother, he had -permitted the fugitives to establish themselves in his garden-cottage, -till the troubles of their own country should be over. She talked -perfectly good English, for she said that there were many of that nation -established in Providence. Her name was Antonietta. Her figure was light -and elegant; her black eyes mild and bright; her countenance intelligent -and good-humoured; and her teeth beautiful to perfection: altogether, -Antonietta was by far the handsomest creole that I have ever seen. - -From Blue-fields we proceeded at once to Lakovia (a small village), a -stage of thirty miles. Here we found a relay of horses, which conveyed -us by seven o’clock to “the Gutturs;” a house belonging to the -proprietor of the post-horses, and which is situated at the very foot of -the tremendous May-day Mountains. The house is an excellent one, and we -found good beds, eatables, and, in short, every thing that travellers -could wish. The distance from Lakovia to “the Gutturs” is sixteen miles. - - -FEBRUARY 2. - -Yesterday the only very striking point of view (although the whole of -the road was picturesque) was “the Cove,” situated between Blue-fields -and Lakovia, and which resembled the most beautiful of the views of -coves to be found in “Cook’s Voyages,” but our journey to-day was a -succession of beautiful scenes, from beginning to end. Instantly on -leaving “the Gutturs,” we began to ascend the May-day Mountains, and it -was not till after travelling for five and twenty miles, that we found -ourselves at the foot of them on the other side, at a place called -Williamsfield, about twelve miles from the toll-house, where we rested -for the night. To be sure, the road was so rough, that it was enough to -make one envy the Mahometan women, who, having no souls at all, could -not possibly have them jolted out of their bodies; but the beauty of the -scenery amply rewarded us for our bruised sides and battered backs. The -road was, for the most part, bounded by lofty rocks on one side, and -a deep precipice on the other, and bordered with a profusion of noble -trees and flowering shrubs in great variety. In particular, I was struck -with the picturesque appearance of some wild fig-trees of singular size -and beauty. Although there were only two of us, besides servants, we -found it necessary to employ seven horses and a couple of mules; and, as -our cavalcade wound along through the mountains, the Spanish look of our -sumpter-mules, and of our kittereens (which are precisely the vehicle in -which Gil Bias is always represented when travelling with Scipio towards -Lirias) gave us quite the appearance of a caravan; nor should I have -been greatly surprised to see a trap-door open in the middle of the -road, and Captain Rolando’s whiskers make their appearance. Every one -spoke to me with contempt of this south road, in respect of beauty, -when compared with the north; however, it certainly seemed to me more -beautiful than any road which I have ever travelled as yet. - - -FEBRUARY 3. - -A stage of twenty miles brought us to Old Harbour, and, passing through -the Dry River, twelve more landed us at Spanish Town, otherwise called -St. Jago de la Vega, and the seat of government in Jamaica, although -Kingston is much larger and more populous, and must be considered as -the principal town. We found very clean and comfortable lodgings at Miss -Cole’s. Spanish Town has no recommendations whatever; the houses are -mostly built of wood: the streets are very irregular and narrow; every -alternate building is in a ruinous state, and the whole place wears -an air of gloom and melancholy. The government house is a large -clumsy-looking brick building, with a portico the stucco of which -has suffered by the weather, and it can advance no pretensions to -architectural beauty. On one side of the square in which it stands there -is a small temple protecting a statue of Lord Rodney, executed by Bacon: -some of the bas-reliefs on the pedestal appeared to me very good; -but the old admiral is most absurdly dressed in the habit of a Roman -General, and furnished out with buskins and a truncheon. The temple -itself is quite in opposition to good taste, with very low arches, -surmounted by heavy bas reliefs out of all proportion. - - -FEBRUARY 4. (Sunday.) - -We breakfasted with the Chief Justice, who is my relation, and of my -own name, and then went to the church, which is a very handsome one; the -walls lined with fine mahogany, and ornamented with many monuments of -white marble, in memory of the former governors and other principal -inhabitants. It seems that my ancestors, on both sides, have always had -a taste for being well lodged after their decease; for, on admiring one -of these tombs, it proved to be that of my maternal grandfather; but -still this was not to be compared for a moment with my mausoleum at -Cornwall. After church I went home with the Rector, who is one of -the ecclesiastical commissaries, and had a long conversation with him -respecting a plan which is in agitation for giving the negroes something -of a religious education. We afterwards dined with the member for -Westmoreland; and as every body in Jamaica is on foot by six in the -morning, at ten in the evening we were quite ready to go to bed. - - -FEBRUARY 5. - -The Chief Justice went with me to Kingston, where I had appointed the -agent for my other estate in St. Thomas-in-the-East to meet me. The -short time allotted for my stay in the island makes it impossible to -attend properly both to this estate and to Cornwall at this first visit, -and therefore I determined to confine my attention to the negroes on -the latter estate till my return to Jamaica. I now contented myself by -impressing on the mind of my agent (whom I am certain of being a most -humane and intelligent man) my extreme anxiety for the abolition of the -cart-whip; and I had the satisfaction of hearing from him, that for a -long time it had never been used more than perhaps twice in the year, -and then only very slightly, and for some offence so flagrant that it -was impossible to pass it over; and he assured me, that whenever I visit -Hordley, I may depend upon its not being employed at all. On the other -hand, I am told that a gentleman of the parish of Vere, who came over -to Jamaica for the sole purpose of ameliorating the condition of his -negroes, after abolishing the cart-whip, has at length been constrained -to resume the occasional use of it, because he found it utterly -impossible to keep them in any sort of subordination without it. - -There is not that air of melancholy about Kingston which pervades -Spanish Town; but it has no pretensions to beauty; and if any person -will imagine a large town entirely composed of booths at a race-course, -and the streets merely roads, without any sort of paving, he will have, -a perfect idea of Kingston. - - -FEBRUARY 6. - -The Jamaica canoes are hollowed cotton-trees. We embarked in one of them -at six in the morning, and visited the ruins of Port Royal, which, last -year, was destroyed by fire: some of the houses were rebuilding; but -it was a melancholy sight, not only from the look of the half-burnt -buildings, but the dejected countenances of the ruined inhabitants. -I returned to breakfast at the rectory, with two other ecclesiastical -commissaries; had more conversation about their proposed plan; and -became still more convinced of the difficulty of doing any thing -effectual without danger to the island and to the negroes themselves, -and of the extreme delicacy requisite in whatever may be attempted. -We afterwards visited the school of the children of the poor, who are -educating upon Dr. Bell’s system; and then saw the church, a very large -and handsome one on the inside, but mean enough as to its exterior. I -was shown the tombstone of Admiral Benbow, who was killed in a naval -engagement, and whose ship afterwards - - “Bore down to Port Royal, where the people flocked very - - much - - To see brave Admiral Benbow laid in Kingston Town - - Church,” - -as the admiral’s Homer informs us. - -The church is a large one, but it is going to be still further extended; -the negroes in Kingston and its neighbourhood being (as the rector -assured me) so anxious to obtain religious instruction, that on Sundays -not only the church but the churchyard is so completely thronged with -them, as to make it difficult to traverse the crowd; and those who are -fortunate enough to obtain seats for the morning service, through fear -of being excluded from that of the evening, never stir out of the church -during the whole day. They also flock to be baptized in great numbers, -and many have lately come to be married; and their burials and -christenings are performed with great pomp and solemnity. - -One of the most intelligent of the negroes with whom I have yet -conversed, was the coxswain of my Port Royal canoe. I asked him whether -he had been christened? He answered, no; he did not yet think himself -good enough, but he hoped to be so in time. Nor was he married; for he -was still young, and afraid that he could not break off his bad habits, -and be contented to live with no other woman than his wife; and so he -thought it better not to become a Christian till he could feel certain -of performing the duties of it. However, he said, he had at least cured -himself of one bad custom, and never worked upon Sundays, except on some -very urgent necessity. I asked what he did on Sundays instead: did he go -to church?--No. Or employ himself in learning to read?--Oh, no; though -he thought being able to read _was a great virtue_; (which was his -constant expression for any thing right, pleasant, or profitable;) but -he had no leisure to learn, no week days, and as he had heard the parson -say that Sunday ought to be a day of rest, he made a point of doing -nothing at all on that day. He praised his former master, of whose son -he was now the property, and said that neither of them had ever occasion -to lay a finger on him. He worked as a waterman, and paid his master ten -shillings a week, the rest of his earnings being his own profit; and -when he owed wages for three months, if he brought two his master would -always give him time for the remainder, and that in so kind a manner, -that he always fretted himself to think that so kind a master should -wait for his rights, and worked twice as hard till the debt was -discharged. He said that kindness was the only way to make good negroes, -and that, if _that_ failed, flogging would never succeed; and he advised -me, when I found my negro worthless, “to sell him at once, and not stay -to flog him, and so, by spoiling his appearance, make him sell for less; -for blacks must not be treated now, massa, as they used to be; they can -think, and hear, and see, as well as white people: blacks are wiser, -massa, than they were, and will soon be still wiser.” I thought the -fellow himself was a good proof of his assertion. - -I left Kingston at two o’clock, in defiance of a broiling sun; reached -Spanish Town in time to dine with the Attorney-General; and went -afterwards to the play, where I found my acquaintance Mr. Hill of Covent -Garden theatre performing Lord William in “The Haunted Tower,” and Don -Juan in the pantomime which followed. The theatre is neat enough, but, I -am told, very inferior in splendour to that in Kingston. As to the -performance, it was about equal to any provincial theatricals that I -ever saw in England; although the pieces represented were by no means -well selected, being entirely musical, and the orchestra consisting of -nothing more than a couple of fiddles. My stay in Spanish Town has been -too short to admit of my inspecting the antiquities of it, which must be -reserved for a future visit, although I never intend to make a longer -than the present. The difference of climate was very sensible, both at -Spanish Town and Kingston; and the suffocating closeness made me long to -breathe again in the country. - -The governor happened to be absent on a tour in the north; but I had an -opportunity of seeing many of the principal persons of the island during -my residence here; and the civilities which I received from all of them -were not only more than I expected, but such as I should be unreasonable -if I had desired more, and very ungrateful if I could ever forget them. - - -FEBRUARY 7. - -We were to return by the North Road, and set out at six in the morning. -The first stage was to the West Tavern, nineteen miles; and nothing can -be imagined at once more sublime and more beautiful than the scenery. -Our road lay along the banks of the Rio Cobre, which runs up to Spanish -Town, where its floods frequently commit dreadful ravages. Large masses -of rock intercept its current at small intervals, which, as well as its -shallowness, render it unnavigable. The cliffs and trees are of the -most gigantic size, and the road goes so near the brink of a tremendous -precipice, that we were obliged always to send a servant forwards to -warn any other carriage of our approach, in order that it might stay in -some broader part while we passed it. A bridge had been attempted to -be built over the river, but a storm had demolished it before its -completion, and nothing was now left standing but a single enormous -arch. In like manner, “the Dry River” sets all bridges at defiance: when -we crossed it between Old Harbour and Spanish Town, it was nothing but -a waste of sand; but its floods frequently pour down with irresistible -strength and rapidity, and sometimes render it impassable for weeks -together. I was extremely delighted with the first ten miles of this -stage: unluckily, a mist then arose, so thick, that it was utterly -impossible even to guess at the surrounding scenery; and the morning was -so cold, that I was very glad to wrap myself up in my cloak as closely -as if I had been travelling in an English December. - -By the time of our leaving the West Tavern the mist had dispersed, and I -was able to ad mire the extraordinary beauty of Mount Diavolo, which we -were then crossing. Though we had left the river, the road was still a -narrow shelf of rock running along the edge of ravines of great depth, -and filled with broken masses of stone and trees of wonderful magnitude; -only that at intervals we emerged for a time into places resembling -ornamental parks in England, the lawns being of the liveliest verdure, -the ground rising and falling with an endless variety of surface, and -enriched with a profusion of trees majestic in stature and picturesque -in their shapes, many of them entirely covered with the beautiful -flowers of “hogsmeat,” and other creeping plants. The logwood, too, is -now perfectly golden with its full bloom, and perfumes all the air; and -nothing can be more gay than the quantity of wild flowers which -catch the eye on all sides, particularly the wild pine, and the wild -ipecacuanha. We travelled for sixteen miles, which brought us to our -harbour for the night,---a solitary tavern called Blackheath, situated -in the heart of the mountains of St. Anne. - - -FEBRUARY 8. - -The road soon brought us down to the very brink of the sea, which we -continued to skirt during the whole of the stage. It then brought us to -St. Anne’s Bay, where we found an excellent breakfast, at an inn quite -in the English fashion,--for the landlady had been long resident in -Great Britain. Every thing was clean and comfortable, and the windows -looked full upon the sea. This stage was sixteen miles: the next was -said to be twenty-five; but from the time which we took to travel it, I -can scarcely believe it to be so much. Our road still lay by the -sea-side, till we began to ascend the mountain of Rio Bueno; from which -we at length perceived the river itself running into the sea. It was at -Porto Bueno that Columbus is said to have made his first landing on the -island. Rio Bueno is a small town with a fort, situated close to the -sea. Here also we found a very good inn, kept by a Scotchman. - -The present landlady (her father being from home) was a very pretty -brown girl, by name Eliza Thompson. She told me that she was only -residing with her parents during her _husband’s_ absence; for she was -(it seems) the _soi-disant_ wife of an English merchant in Kingston, and -had a house on Tachy’s Bridge. This kind of establishment is the highest -object of the _brown_ females of Jamaica; they seldom marry men of their -own colour, but lay themselves out to captivate some white person, who -takes them for mistresses, under the appellation of housekeepers. - -Soon after my arrival at Cornwall, I asked my attorney whether a -clever-looking brown woman, who seemed to have great authority in -the house, belonged to me?--No; she was a free woman.--Was she in -my service, then?--No; she was not in my service. I began to grow -impatient.--“But what _does_ she do at Cornwall? Of what use is she in -the house?”--“Why sir, as to use.... of no great use, sir;” and then, -after a pause, he added in a lower voice, “It is the custom, sir, in -this country, for unmarried men to have housekeepers, and Nancy is -mine.” But he was unjust in saying that Nancy is of no use on the -estate; for she is perpetually in the hospital, nurses the children, -can bleed, and mix up medicines, and (as I am assured) she is of more -service to the sick than all the doctors. These brown housekeepers -generally attach themselves so sincerely to the interests of their -protectors, and make themselves so useful, that they in common retain -their situation; and their children (if slaves) are always honoured by -their fellows with the title of Miss. My mulatto housemaid is always -called “Miss Polly,” by her fellow-servant Phillis. This kind of -connection is considered by a brown girl in the same light as marriage. -They will tell you, with an air of vanity, “I am Mr. Such-a-one’s -_Love!_” and always speak of him as being her _husband_; and I am told, -that, except on these terms, it is extremely difficult to obtain the -favours of a woman of colour. To gain the situation of housekeeper to a -white man, the mulatto girl - - “directs her aim; - - This makes her happiness, and this her fame.” - - -FEBRUARY 9. - -The sea-view from a bridge near Falmouth was remarkably pleasing; -a stage of eighteen miles brought us to the town itself, which I -understand to be in size the second in the island. - -However various are the characters which actors sustain, I find their -own to be the same every where. Although the Jamaica company did not -consist of more than twenty persons, their green-room squabbles had -divided it, and we found one half performing at Falmouth. We did not -wait for the play, but proceeded for twenty-two miles to Montego Bay, -where I once more found myself under the protecting roof of Miss Judy -James. - -On our return from dinner at Mr. Dewer’s, we discovered a ball of brown -ladies and gentlemen opposite to the inn. No whites nor blacks were -permitted to attend this assembly; but as our landlady had two nieces -there, under her auspices we were allowed to be spectators. The females -chiefly consisted of the natural daughters of attorneys and overseers, -and the young men were mostly clerks and book-keepers. I saw nothing at -all to be compared, either for form or feature, to many of the humbler -people of colour, much less to the beautiful Spaniard at Blue-fields. -Long, or Bryan Edwards, asserts that mulattos never breed except with a -separate black or white; but at this ball two girls were pointed out to -me, the daughters of mulatto parents; and I have been assured that -the assertion was a mistake, arising from such a connection being very -rarely formed; the females generally preferring to live with white men, -and the brown men having thus no other resource than black women. As to -the above girls, the fact is certain; and the different shades of -colour are distinguished by too plain a line to allow any suspicion of -infidelity on the part of their parents. - - -FEBRUARY 10. - -We passed the day at Mr. Plummer’s estate, Anchovy Bottom. - -When Lord Bolingbroke was resident in America, large flocks of turkeys -used to ravage his corn-fields; but, from their extreme wildness, he -never could make any of them prisoners. He had a barn lighted by a large -sash window, and into this he laid a train of corn, hiding some servants -with guns behind the large doors, which were folded back. The turkeys -picked up the corn, and gradually were enticed to enter the barn. But -as soon as a dozen had passed in, the servants clapped the doors to with -all possible expedition. Now they reckoned themselves secure of their -game; but to their utter consternation, the turkeys in a body darted -towards the light, dashed against the glass, forced out the wood-work, -and away went turkeys, glass, wood-work, and all. - - -FEBRUARY 11. (Sunday.) - -I reached Cornwall about three o’clock, after an excursion the most -amusing and agreeable that I ever made in my life. Almost every step -of the road presented some new and striking scene; and although we -travelled at all hours, and with as little circumspection as if we had -been in England, I never felt a headach except for one half hour. On my -arrival, I found the satisfactory intelligence usually communicated to -West Indian proprietors. My estate in the west is burnt up for want of -moisture; and my estate in the east has been so completely flooded, that -I have lost a whole third of my crop. At Cornwall, not a drop of rain -has fallen since the 16th of November. Not a vestige of verdure is to -be seen; and we begin to apprehend a famine among the negroes in -consequence of the drought destroying their provision grounds. This -alone is wanting to complete the dangerous state of the island; -where the higher classes are all in the utmost alarm at rumours of -Wilberforce’s intentions to set the negroes entirely at freedom; the -next step to which would be, in all probability, a general massacre of -the whites, and a second part of the horrors of St. Domingo: while, -on the other hand, the negroes are impatient at the delay; and such -disturbances arose in St. Thomas’s in the East, last Christmas, as -required the interposition of the magistrates. They say that the negroes -of that parish had taken it into their heads that _The Regent and -Wilherforce_ had actually determined upon setting them all at liberty at -once on the first day of the present year, but that the interference of -the island had defeated the plan. Their discontent was most carefully -and artfully fomented by some brown Methodists, who held secret and -nightly meetings on the different estates, and did their best to mislead -and bewilder these poor creatures with their fantastic and absurd -preaching. These fellows harp upon sin, and the devil, and hell-fire -incessantly, and describe the Almighty and the Saviour as beings so -terrible, that many of their proselytes cannot hear the name of Christ -without shuddering. One poor negro, on one of my own estates, told the -overseer that he knew himself to be so great a sinner that nothing could -save him from the devil’s clutches, even for a few hours, except singing -hymns; and he kept singing so incessantly day and night, that at length -terror and want of sleep turned his brain, and the wretch died raving -mad. - - -FEBRUARY 12. - -A Sir Charles Price, who had an estate in this island infested by rats, -imported, with much trouble, a very large and strong species for the -purpose of extirpating the others. The new-comers answered his purpose -to a miracle; they attacked the native rats with such spirit, that in a -short time they had the whole property to themselves; but no sooner had -they done their duty upon the rats, than they extended their exertions -to the cats, of whom their strength and size at length enabled them -completely to get the better; and since that last victory, Sir Charles -Price’s rats, as they are called, have increased so prodigiously, that -(like the man in Scripture, who got rid of one devil, and was taken -possession of by seven others) this single species is now a greater -nuisance to the island than all the others before them were together. -The best, mode of destroying rats here is with terriers; but those -imported from England soon grow useless, being blinded by the sun, while -their puppies, born in Jamaica, are provided by nature with a protecting -film over their eyes, which effectually secures them against incurring -that calamity. - - -FEBRUARY 12. - -Poor Philippa, the woman who used always to call me her “husband,” and -whom I left sick in the hospital, during my absence has gone out of -her senses; and there cannot well happen any thing more distressing, as -there is no separate place for her confinement, and her ravings disturb -the other invalids. There is, indeed, no kind of bedlam in the whole -island of Jamaica: whether this proceeds from people being so very -sedate and sensible, that they never go mad, or from their all being so -mad, that no one person has a right to shut up another for being out -of his senses, is a point which I will not pretend to decide. One of my -domestic negroes, a boy of sixteen, named Prince, was abandoned by his -worthless mother in infancy, and reared by this Philippa; and since her -illness he passes every moment of his leisure in her sick-room. On the -other hand, there is a woman named Christian, attending two fevered -children in the hospital; one her own, and the other an adopted infant, -whom she reared upon the death of its mother in child-birth; and there -she sits, throwing her eyes from one to the other with such unceasing -solicitude, that no one could discover which was her own child and which -the orphan. - - -FEBRUARY 13. - -Two Jamaica nightingales have established themselves on the orange tree -which grows against my window, and their song is most beautiful. This -bird is also called “the mocking-bird,” from its facility of imitating, -not only the notes of every other animal, but--I am told--of catching -every tune that may be played or sung two or three times in the house -near which it resides, after which it will go through the air with the -greatest taste and precision, throwing in cadences and ornaments that -Catalani herself might envy. - -But by far the most curious animal that I have yet seen in Jamaica is -“the soldier,” a species of crab, which inhabits a shell like a snail’s, -so small in proportion to its limbs, that nothing can be more curious -or admirable than the machinery by which it is enabled to fold them -up instantly on the slightest alarm. They inhabit the mountains, but -regularly once a year travel in large troops down to the seaside to -spawn and change their shells. If I recollect right, Goldsmith gives a -very full and entertaining account of this animal, by the name of “the -soldier crab.” They are seldom used in Jamaica except for soups, which -are reckoned delicious: that which was brought to me was a very small -one, the shell being no bigger than a large snail’s, although the animal -itself, when marching with his house on his back, appears to be above -thrice the size; but I am told that they are frequently as large as a -man’s fist. Mine was found alone in the public road: how it came to be -in so solitary a state, I know not, for in general they move in armies, -and march towards the sea in a straight line; I am afraid, by his being -found alone, that my soldier must have been a deserter. - - -FEBRUARY 14. - -To-day there was a shower of rain for the first time since my arrival; -indeed, not a drop has fallen since the 16th of November; and in -consequence my present crop has suffered terribly, and our expectations -for next season are still worse. - - -FEBRUARY 18. (Sunday.) - -The rain has brought forth the fire-flies, and in the evening the hedges -are all brilliant with their numbers. In the day they seem to be torpid -beetles of a dull reddish colour, but at night they become of a shining -purple. The fire proceeds from two small spots in the back part of the -head. It is yellow in the light, and requires motion to throw out its -radiance in perfection; but as soon as it is touched, the fly struggles -violently, and bends itself together with a clicking noise like the snap -of a spring; and I understand that this effort is necessary to set it in -motion. It is sufficiently strong to turn itself upwards with a single -movement, if lying on its back: some people say that it is always -obliged to throw itself upon its back in order to take wing; but this -I have, again, heard others contradict. When confined in a glass, the -light seems almost extinguished; nothing can be discerned but two pale -yellow spots; but on being pressed by the hand it becomes more brilliant -than any emerald, and when on the wing it seems entirely composed of the -most beautifully coloured fire. - - -FEBRUARY 20. - -I attended the Slave Court, where a negro was tried for sheep-stealing, -and a black servant girl for attempting to poison her master. The former -was sentenced to be transported. The latter was a girl of fifteen, -called Minetta: she acknowledged the having infused corrosive sublimate -in some brandy and water; but asserted that she had taken it from the -medicine chest without knowing it to be poison, and had given it to -her master at her grandmother’s desire. This account was evidently a -fabrication: there was no doubt of the grandmother’s innocence, although -some suspicion attached to the mother’s influence; but as to the girl -herself, nothing could be more hardened than her conduct through the -whole transaction. She stood by the bed to see her master drink the -poison; witnessed his agonies without one expression of surprise or -pity; and when she was ordered to leave the room, she pretended to -be fast asleep, and not to hear what was said to her. Even since her -imprisonment, she could never be prevailed upon to say that she was -sorry for her master’s having been poisoned; and she told the people in -the gaol, that “they could do nothing to her, for she had turned king’s -evidence against her grandmother.” She was condemned to die on Thursday -next, the day after to-morrow: she heard the sentence pronounced without -the least emotion; and I am told, that when she went down the steps of -the courthouse, she was seen to laugh. - -The trial appeared to be conducted with all possible justice and -propriety; the jury consisted of nine respectable persons; the bench of -three magistrates, and a senior one to preside. There were no lawyers -employed on either side; consequently no appeals to the passions, no -false lights thrown out, no traps, no flaws, no quibbles, no artful -cross-examinings, and no brow-beating of witnesses; and I cannot say -that the trial appeared to me to go on at all the worse. Nobody appeared -to be either for or against the prisoner; the only object of all present -was evidently to come at the truth, and I sincerely believe that they -obtained their object. The only part of the trial of which I disapproved -was the ordering the culprit to such immediate execution, that -sufficient time was not allowed for the exercise of the royal -prerogative, should the governor have been disposed to commute the -punishment for that of transportation. - - -FEBRUARY 21. - -During my excursion to Spanish Town, the complaining negroes of -Friendship, who had applied to me for relief, were summoned to Savannah -la Mar, before the Council of Protection, and the business thoroughly -investigated. Their examination has been sent to me, and they appear -to have had a very fair hearing. The journals of the estate were -produced;--the book-keepers examined upon oath; and in order to make out -a case at all, the chief complainant contradicted himself so grossly, -as left no doubt that the whole was a fabrication. They were, therefore, -dismissed without relief, but also without punishment, in spite of their -gross falsehoods and calumnies; and although they did not gain their -object, I make no doubt that they will go on more contentedly for having -had attention paid to their complaints. It was indeed evident, that -Nelly (the chief complainant) was actuated more by wounded pride than -any real feeling of hardship; for what she laid the most stress upon -was, the overseer’s turning his back upon her, when she stated herself -to be injured, and walking away without giving her any answer. - -There are so many pleasing and amusing parts of the character of -negroes, that it seems to me scarcely possible not to like them. But -when they are once disposed to evil, they seem to set no bounds to the -indulgence of their bad passions. A poor girl came into the hospital -to-day, who had had some trifling dispute with two of her companions; on -which the two friends seized her together, and each fixing her teeth on -one of the girl’s hands, bit her so severely, that we greatly fear her -losing the use of both of them. I happened also to ask, this morning, to -whom a skull had belonged, which I had observed fixed on a pole by the -roadside, when returning last from Montego Bay. I was told, that about -five years ago a Mr. Dunbar had given some discontent to his negroes in -the article of clothing them, although, in other respects, he was by no -means a severe master. However, this was sufficient to induce his head -driver, who had been brought up in his own house from infancy, to form -a plot among his slaves to assassinate him; and he was assisted in -this laudable design by two young men from a neighbouring property, who -barely knew Mr. Dunbar by sight, had no enmity against him whatever, and -only joined in the conspiracy in compliment to their worthy friend -the driver. During several months a variety of attempts were made for -effecting their purpose; but accident defeated them; till at length they -were made certain of his intention to dine out at some distance, and of -his being absolutely obliged to return in the evening. An ambuscade was -therefore laid to intercept him; and on his passing a clump of trees, -the assassins sprang upon him, the driver knocked him from his horse, -and in a few moments their clubs despatched him. No one suspected the -driver; but in the course of enquiry, his house as well as the other was -searched, and not only Mr. Dunbar’s watch was found concealed there, -but with it one of his ears, which the villain had carried away, from a -negro belief that, as long as the murderer possesses one of the ears -of his victim, he will never be haunted by his spectre. The -stranger-youths, two of Dunbar’s negroes, and the driver, were tried, -confessed the crime, and were all executed; the head of the latter being -fixed upon a pole _in terrorem_. But while the offenders were still in -prison, the overseer upon a neighbouring property had occasion to find -fault in the field with a woman belonging to a gang hired to perform -some particular work; upon which she flew upon him with the greatest -fury, grasped him by the throat, cried to her fellows--“Come here! come -here! Let us Dunbar him!” and through her strength and the suddenness -of her attack had nearly accomplished her purpose, before his own slaves -could come to his assistance. This woman was also executed. - -This happened about five years ago, when the mountains were in a very -rebellious state. Every thing there is at present quiet. But only last -year a book-keeper belonging to the next estate to me was found with -his skull fractured in one of my own cane-pieces; nor have any enquiries -been able to discover the murderer. - - -FEBRUARY 22. - -During many years the Moravians have been established upon the -neighbouring estate of Mesopotamia. As the ecclesiastical commissaries -had said so much to me respecting the great appetite of the negroes for -religious instruction, I was desirous of learning what progress had been -made in this quarter, and this morning I went over to see one of the -teachers. He told me, that he and his wife had jointly used their best -efforts to produce a sense of religion in the minds of the slaves; that -they were all permitted to attend his morning and evening lectures, -if they chose it; but that he could not say that they showed any great -avidity on the subject. It seems that there are at least three hundred -negroes on the estate; the number of believers has rather increased than -diminished, to be sure, but still in a very small proportion. When this -gentleman arrived, there were not more than forty baptised persons: he -has been here upwards of five years, and still the number of persons -“belonging to his church” (as he expressed it) does not exceed fifty. Of -these, seldom more than ten or a dozen attend his lectures at a time. As -to the remaining two hundred and fifty, they take no more notice of his -lectures or his exhortations, than if there were no such person on the -property, are only very civil to him when they see him, and go on in -their own old way, without suffering him to interfere in any shape. By -the overseer of Greenwich’s express desire, the Moravian has, however, -agreed to give up an hour every day for the religious instruction of the -negro children on that property: and I should certainly request him to -extend his labours to Cornwall, if I did not think it right to give -the Church of England clergymen full room for a trial of their intended -periodical visitations; which would not be the case, if the negroes -were to be interfered with by the professors of any other communion: -otherwise I am myself ready to give free ingress and egress upon my -several estates to the teachers of any Christian sect whatever, the -Methodists always excepted, and “Miss Peg, who faints at the sound of an -organ.” - -For my own part, I have no hope of any material benefit arising from -these religious visitations made at quarterly intervals. It seems to me -as nugatory as if a man were to sow a field with horse-hair, and expect -a crop of colts. - - -FEBRUARY 23. - -This morning my picture was drawn by a self-taught genius, a negro -Apelles, belonging to Dr. Pope, the minister; and the picture was -exactly such as a self-taught genius might be expected to produce. It -was a straight hard outline, without shade or perspective; the hair -was a large black patch, and the face covered with an uniform layer -of flesh-colour, with a red spot in the centre of each cheek. As to -likeness, there was not even an attempt to take any. But still, such as -they were, there were eyes, nose, and mouth, to be sure. A long red -nose supplied the place of my own snub; an enormous pair of whiskers -stretched themselves to the very corner of my mouth; and in place -of three hairs and a half, the painter, in the superabundance of his -generosity, bestowed upon me a pair of eye-brows more bushy than Dr. -Johnson’s, and which, being formed in an exact semicircle, made the eyes -beneath them stare with an expression of the utmost astonishment. The -negroes, however, are in the highest admiration of the painter’s skill, -and consider the portrait as a striking resemblance; for there is a very -blue coat with very yellow buttons, and white gaiters and trow-sers, and -an eye-glass so big and so blue, that it looks as if I had hung a pewter -plate about my neck; and a bunch of watch-seals larger than those with -which Pope has decorated Belinda’s great great grandsire. John Fuller -(to whom, jointly with Nicholas, the charge of this inestimable treasure -is to be entrusted) could not find words to express his satisfaction at -the performance. “Dere massa coat! and dere him chair him sit in! and -dere massa seals, all just de very same ting! just all as one! And oh! -ki! dere massa pye-glass!” In the midst of his raptures he dropped the -picture, and fractured the frame-glass. His despair now equalled his -former joy;--“Oh, now what for him do? Such a pity! Just to break it -after it was all done so well! All so pretty!” However, we stuck the -broken glass together with wafers, and he carried it off, assuring me, -“that when massa gone, he should talk to it every morning, all one as -if massa still here.” Indeed, this “talking to massa” is a favourite -amusement among the negroes, and extremely inconvenient: they come to me -perpetually with complaints so frivolous, and requests so unreasonable, -that I am persuaded they invent them only to have an excuse for “talk -to massa;” and when I have given them a plump refusal, they go away -perfectly satisfied, and “tank massa for dis here great indulgence of -talk.” - -There is an Eboe carpenter named Strap, who was lately sick and in great -danger, and whom I nursed with particular care. The poor fellow thinks -that he never can express his gratitude sufficiently; and whenever he -meets me in the public road, or in the streets of Savannah la Mar, he -rushes towards the carriage, roars out to the postilion to stop, and if -the boy does not obey instantly, he abuses him with all his power; “for -why him no stop when him want talk to massa?”--“But look, Strap, your -beast is getting away!”--“Oh! damn beast, massa.”--“But you should go to -your mountain, or you will get no vittle.”--“Oh, damn vittle, and damn -mountain! me no want vittle, me want talk wid massa;” and then, all that -he has got to say is, “Oh massa, massa! God bless you, massa! me quite, -_quite_ glad to see you come back, my own massa!” And then he bursts -into a roar of laughter so wild and so loud, that the passers-by cannot -help stopping to stare and laugh too. - - -FEBRUARY 24. - -On the Sunday after my first arrival, the whole body of Eboe negroes -came to me to complain of the attorney, and more particularly of one of -the book-keepers. I listened to them, if not with unwearied patience, -at least with unsubdued fortitude, for above an hour and a half; and -finding some grounds for their complaint against the latter, in a few -days I went down to their quarter of the village, told them that to -please them I had discharged the book-keeper, named a day for examining -their other grievances, and listened to them for an hour more. When the -day of trial came, they sent me word that they were perfectly satisfied, -and had no complaint to make. I was, therefore, much surprised to -receive a visit from Edward, the Eboe, yesterday evening, who informed -me, that during my absence his fellows had formed a plan of making a -complaint _en masse_ to a neighbouring magistrate; and that, not only -against the attorney, but against myself “for not listening to them when -they were injured;” and Edward claimed great merit with me for having -prevented their taking this step, and convinced them, that while I was -on the estate myself, there could be no occasion for applying to a third -person. Now, having made me aware of my great obligations to him, here -Edward meant the matter to rest; but being a good deal incensed at -their ingratitude, I instantly sent for the Eboes, and enquired into the -matter; when it appeared, that Edward (who is a clever fellow, and has -great influence over the rest) had first goaded them into a resolution -of complaining to a magistrate, had then stopped them from putting their -plan into execution, and that the whole was a plot of Edward’s, in order -to make a merit with me for himself at the expense of his countrymen. -However, as they confessed their having had the intention of applying -to Mr. Hill as a magistrate, I insisted upon their executing their -intention. I told them, that as Mr. Hill was the person whom they had -selected for their protector, to Mr. Hill they should go; that they -should either make their complaint to him against me, or confess that -they had been telling lies, and had no complaint to make; and that, as -the next day was to be a play-day given them by me, instead of passing -it at home in singing and dancing, they should pass it at the Bay in -stating their grievances. - -This threw them into terrible confusion; they cried out that they wanted -to make no complaint whatever, and that it was all Edward’s fault, who -had misled them. Three of them, one after the other, gave him the lie to -his face; and each and all (Edward as well as the rest) declared that go -to the Bay they absolutely would _not_. The next morning they were all -at the door waiting for my coming out: they positively refused to go to -Mr. Hill, and begged and prayed, and humbled themselves; now scraping -and bowing to me, and then blackguarding Edward with all their might and -main; and when I ordered the driver to take charge of them, and carry -them to Mr. Hill, some of them fairly took to their heels, and ran away. -However, the rest soon brought them back again, for they swore that -if one went, all should go; and away they were marched, in a string of -about twenty, with the driver at their head. When they got to the Bay, -they told Mr. Hill that, as to their massa, they had no complaint to -make against him, except that he had compelled them to make one; and -what they said against the attorney was so trifling, that the magistrate -bade the driver take them all back again. Upon which they slunk away to -their houses, while the Creoles cried out “Shame! shame!” as they passed -along. - -Indeed, the Creoles could not have received a greater pleasure than -the mortification of the Eboes; for the two bodies hate each other as -cordially as the Guelphs and Ghibellines; and after their departure -for the Bay, I heard the head cook haranguing a large audience, and -declaring it to be her fixed opinion, “that massa ought to sell all the -Eboes, and buy Creoles instead.” Probably, Mrs. Cook was not the less -loud in her exclamations against the ingratitude of the Eboes, from her -own loyalty having lately been questioned. She had found fault one day -in the hospital with some women who feigned sickness in order to remain -idle. “You no work willing for massa,” said Mrs. Cook, “and him so vex, -him say him go to Kingston to-morrow, and him wish him neber come back -again!”--“What!” cried Philippa, the mad woman, “you wish massa neber -come back from Kingston?” So she gave Mrs. Cook a box on the ear with -all her might; upon which Mrs. Cook snatched up a stick and broke the -mad woman’s pate with it. But though she could beat a hole in her head, -she never could beat out of it her having said that she wished massa -might never come back. And although Philippa has recovered her senses, -in her belief of Mrs. Cook’s disloyalty she continues firm; and they -never meet without renewing the dispute. - -To-day being a play-day, the gaiety of the negroes was promoted by a -distribution of an additional quantity of salt-fish (which forms a most -acceptable ingredient in their pepper-pots), and as much rum and sugar -as they chose to drink. But there was also a dinner prepared at the -house where the “white people” reside, expressly for none but the -_piccaninny-mothers_; that is, for the women who had children living. I -had taken care, when this play-day was announced by the head driver, to -make him inform the negroes that they were indebted for it entirely to -these mothers; and to show them the more respect, I went to them after -dinner myself, and drank their healths. The most respectable blacks on -the estate were also assembled in the room; and I then told them that -clothes would wear out, and money would be spent, and that I wished to -give them something more lasting than clothes or money. The law -only allows them, as a matter of right, every alternate Saturday for -themselves, and holidays for three days at Christmas, which, with all -Sundays, forms their whole legal time of relaxation. I therefore granted -them as a matter of right, and of which no person should deprive them on -any account whatever, _every_ Saturday to cultivate their grounds; and -in addition to their holidays at Christmas, I gave them for play-days -Good-Friday, the second Friday in October, and the second Friday in -July. By which means, they will in future have the same number of -holidays four times a year, which hitherto they have been allowed only -once, i.e. at Christmas. The first is to be called “the royal play-day,” - in honour of that excellent Princess, the Duchess of York; and the -negroes are directed to give three cheers upon the head driver’s -announcing “The health of our good lady, H. R. H. the Duchess of York.” - And I told them, that before my leaving the island, I should hear them -drink this health, and should not fail to let Her Royal Highness know, -that the negroes of Cornwall drank her health every year. This evidently -touched the right chord of their vanity, and they all bowed and -courtesied down to the very ground, and said, that would do them much -high honour. The ninth being my own birthday, the July play-day is to -be called “the massa’s” and that in October is to be in honour of the -piccaninny-mothers, from whom it is to take its name. - -The poor creatures overflowed with gratitude; and the prospective -indulgences which had just been announced, gave them such an increase of -spirits, that on returning to my own residence, they fell to singing and -dancing again with as much violence as if they had been a pack of French -furies at the Opera. The favourite song of the night was, - - “Since massa come, we very well off;” - -which words they repeated in chorus, without intermission (dancing all -the time), for hours together; till, at half-past three, neither my eyes -nor my brain could endure it any longer, and I was obliged to send them -word that I wanted to go to bed, and could not sleep till the noise -should cease. The idea of my going to bed seemed never to have occurred -to them till that moment. Fortunately, like Johnson’s definition of wit, -“the idea, although novel, was immediately acknowledged to be just.” So -instantly the drums and gumbies left off beating; the children left -off singing; the women and men left off dancing; and they all with one -accord fell to kicking, and pulling, and thumping about two dozen of -their companions, who were lying fast asleep upon the floor. Some were -roused, some resisted, some began fighting, some got up and lay down -again; but at length, by dint of their leading some, carrying others, -and rolling the remainder down the steps, I got my house clear of my -black guests about four in the morning. - -Another of their popular songs this evening was-- - -“All the stories them telling you are lies, oh!” - -which was meant as a satire upon the Eboes. My friend Strap being an -Eboe, and one who had hitherto generally taken a leading part in all -the discontents and squabbles of his countrymen, I was not without -apprehensions of his having been concerned in the late complaint. I was, -therefore, much pleased to find that he had positively refused to take -any share in the business, and had been to the full as violent as any of -the Creoles in reprobating the ingratitude of the Eboes. Today he -came up to the house dressed in his best clothes, to show me his seven -children; and he marched at their head in all the dignity of paternal -pride. He begged me particularly to notice two fine little girls, who -were twins. I told him that I had seen them already. “Iss! iss!” he -said; “massa see um; but massa no _admire_ um enough yet.” Upon which -I fell to admiring them, tooth and nail, and the father went away quite -proud and satisfied. - - -FEBRUARY 25. - -Yesterday it was observed at George’s Plain, an estate about four miles -off, that the water-mill did not work properly, and it was concluded -that the grating was clogged up with rubbish. To clear it away, a negro -immediately jumped down into the trench upon a log of wood; when he felt -the log move under him, and of course jumped out again with all possible -expedition. It was then discovered that the impediment in question -proceeded from a large alligator which had wandered from the morass, -and, in the hope of finding his way to the river, had swam up the -mill-trench till he found himself stopped by the grating; and the banks -being too high for him to gain them by leaping upwards, and the place -of his confinement too narrow to admit of his turning round to go back -again, his escape was impossible, and a ball, lodged near his eye, soon -put an end to him. I went over to see him this morning; but I was not -contented with merely seeing him, so I begged to have a steak cut off -for me, brought it home, and ordered it to be broiled for dinner. One of -the negroes happened to see it in the kitchen; the news spread through -the estate like wildfire; and I had immediately half a dozen different -deputations, all hoping that massa would not think of eating the -alligator, for it was poisonous. However, I was obstinate, and found the -taste of the flesh, when broiled with pepper and salt, and assisted by -an onion sauce, by no means to be despised; but the consistence of the -meat was disagreeable, being as tough as a piece of eel-skin. Perhaps -any body who wishes to eat alligator steaks in perfection, ought to keep -them for two or three days before dressing them; or the animal’s age -might be in fault, for the fellow was so old that he had scarcely -a tooth in his head; I therefore contented myself with two or three -morsels; but a person who was dining with me ate a whole steak, and -pronounced the dish to be a very good one. The eggs are said to be -very palatable; nor have the negroes who live near morasses, the same -objection with those of Cornwall to eating the flesh; it is, however, -true that the gall of the alligator, if not extracted carefully, will -render the whole animal unfit for food; and when this gall is reduced to -powder, it forms a poison of the most dangerous nature, as the negroes -know but too well. - - -FEBRUARY 26. - -I had given the most positive orders that no person whatever should -presume to strike a negro, or give him abusive language, or, however -great the offence might be, should inflict any punishment, except by -the sole direction of the trustee himself. Yet, although I had already -discharged one bookkeeper on this account, this evening another of them -had a dispute in the boiling-house with an African named Frank, because -a pool of water was not removed fast enough; upon which he called him a -rascal, sluiced him with the dirty water, and finally knocked him down -with the broom. The African came to me instantly; four eye-witnesses, -who were examined separately, proved the truth of his ill-usage; and I -immediately discharged the book-keeper, who had contented himself with -simply denying the blow having been given by him: but I told him that I -could not possibly allow his single unsupported denial to outweigh five -concordant witnesses to the assertion; and that, if he grounded his -claim to being believed merely upon his having a white skin, he -would find that, on Cornwall estate at least, that claim would not be -admitted. The fact was established as evident as the sun; and nothing -should induce me to retain him on my property, except his finding some -means of appeasing the injured negro, and prevailing on him to intercede -in his behalf. This was an humiliation to which he could not bring -himself to stoop; and, accordingly, the man has left the estate. -Probably, indeed, the attempt at reconciliation would have been -unsuccessful; for when one of his companions asked Frank whether, if -Mr. Barker would make him a present, he had not better take it, and -beg massa to let him stay, he exclaimed, in the true spirit of a -Zanga,--“No, no, no! me no want present! me no want noting! Me no beg -for Mr. Barker! him go away!”--I was kept awake the greatest part of the -night by the songs and rejoicings of the negroes, at their triumph over -the offending book-keeper. - - -FEBRUARY 27. - -The only horned cattle said to be fit for Jamaica work, are those which -have a great deal of black in them. The white are terribly tormented -by the insects, and they are weak and sluggish in proportion to their -quantity of white. On the contrary I am told that such a thing as -a black horse is not to be found in the island; those which may be -imported black soon change their colour into a bay; and colts are said -to have been dropped perfectly black, which afterwards grew lighter and -lighter till they arrived at being perfectly white. - - -FEBRUARY 28. - -Hearing that a manati (the sea-cow) had been taken at the mouth of -the Cabrita River, and was kept alive at the Hope Wharf I got a -sailing-boat, and went about eight miles to see the animal. It was -suffered to live in the sea, a rope being fastened round it, by which -it could be landed at pleasure. It was a male, and a very young one, not -exceeding nine feet in length, whereas they have frequently been found -on the outside of eighteen. The females yield a quart of milk at a -time: a gentleman told me that he had tasted it, and could not have -distinguished it from the sweetest cow’s milk. Unlike the seal, it never -comes on shore, although it ventures up rivers in the night, to feed on -the grass of their banks; but during the day it constantly inhabits the -ocean, where its chief enemy is the shark, whose attacks it beats off -with its tail, the strength of which is prodigious. It was killed this -morning, and the gentleman to whom it belonged was obliging enough -to send me part of it; we roasted it for dinner, and, except that its -consistence was rather firmer, I should not have known it from veal. - - -FEBRUARY 29. - -The wife of an old negro on the neighbouring estate of Anchovy had -lately forsaken him for a younger lover. One night, when she happened to -be alone, the incensed husband entered her hut unexpectedly, abused her -with all the rage of jealousy, and demanded the clothes to be restored, -which he had formerly given her. On her refusal he drew a knife, and -threatened to cut them off her back; nor could she persuade him to -depart, till she had received a severe beating. He had but just left the -hut, when he encountered his successful rival, who was returning home: -a quarrel instantly ensued; and the husband, having the knife still -unsheathed in his hand, plunged it into the neck of his antagonist. It -pierced the jugular vein; of course the man fell dead on the spot; and -the murderer has been sent to Montego Bay, to take his trial. - - - -MARCH 1. (Friday.) - -One of my house-boys, named Prince, is son to the Duke of Sully; and -to-day his Grace came to beg that, when I should leave Jamaica, I would -direct the boy to be made a tradesman, instead of being sent back to be -a common field-negro: but my own shops are not only full at present, but -loaded with future engagements. Sully then requested that I would send -his son to learn some other trade (a tailor’s, for instance) at Savannah -la Mar, as had been frequently done in former times; but this, also, I -was obliged to refuse. I told him, that formerly a master could pay for -the apprenticeship of a clever negro boy, and, instead of employing him -afterwards on the estate, could content himself with being repaid by -a share of the profits; but that, since The Abolition had made it -impossible for the proprietor of an estate to supply the place of one -negro by the purchase of another, it would be unjust to his companions -to suffer any one in particular to be withdrawn from service; as in -that case two hundred and ninety-nine would have to do the work, which -was now performed by three hundred; and, therefore, I could allow my -negroes to apply themselves to no trades but such as related to the -business of the property, such as carpenters, coopers, smiths, &c. “All -true, massa,” said Sully; “all fair and just; and, to be sure, a tailor -or a saddler would be of no great use towards your planting and getting -in your crop; nor----” - -He hesitated for a moment, and then added, with a look of doubt, and in -a lower voice,--“Nor--nor a fiddler either, I suppose, massa?” I began -to laugh. “No, indeed, Sully; nor a fiddler either!” It seems the lad, -who is about sixteen, very thoughtless, and _un tantino_ stupid, has a -passion for playing the fiddle, and, among other trades, had suggested -this to his father, as one which would be extremely to his taste. We -finally settled, that when the plough should be introduced on my estate -(which I am very anxious to accomplish, and substitute the labour of -oxen for that of negroes, wherever it can possibly be done), Prince -should be instructed in farming business, and in the mean while should -officiate as a pen-keeper to look after the cattle. - -Just now Prince came to me with a request of his own. “Massa, please, me -want one little coat.”--“A little coat! For what?”--“Massa, please, for -wear when me go down to the Bay.”--“And why should you wear a little -coat when you go to the Bay?”--“Massa, please, make me look eerie -(buckish) when me go abroad.” So I assured him that he looked quite -eerie enough already; and that, as I was going away too soon to admit -of my seeing him in his little coat, there could not be the slightest -occasion for his being a bit _eerier_ than he was. A master in England -would probably have been not a little astonished at receiving such a -request from one of his groom-boys; but here one gets quite accustomed -to them; and when they are refused, the petitioners frequently laugh -themselves at their own unreasonableness. - - -MARCH 2. - -Most of those negroes who are tolerably industrious, breed cattle on my -estate, which are their own peculiar property, and by the sale of which -they obtain considerable sums. The pasturage of a steer would amount, in -this country, to £12 a year; but the negro cattle get their grass from -me without its costing them a farthing; and as they were very desirous -that I should be their general purchaser, I ordered them to agree among -themselves as to what the price should be. It was, therefore, settled -that I should take their whole stock, good and bad indifferently, at the -rate of £15 a head for every three-year-old beast; and they expressed -themselves not only satisfied, but very grateful for my acceptance of -their proposal. John Fuller and the beautiful Psyche had each a steer -to sell (how Psyche came to be so rich, I had too much discretion to -enquire), and they were paid down their £15 a piece instantly, which -they carried off with much glee. - - -MARCH 3. (Sunday.) - -In this country it may be truly said that “it never rains but it pours.” - After a drought of three months, it began to rain on Thursday morning, -and has never stopped raining since, with thunder all the day, and -lightning all the night; one consequence of which incessant showers is, -that it has brought out all sorts of insects and reptiles in crowds: the -ground is covered with lizards; the air is filled with mosquitoes, and -their bite is infinitely more envenomed than on my first arrival. A -centipede was found squeezed to death under the door of my bed-room this -morning. As to the cock-roaches, they are absolutely in legions; every -evening my negro boys are set to hunt them, and they kill them by dozens -on the chairs and sofas, in the covers of my books, and among the leaves -in my fruit-baskets. Yesterday I wanted to send away a note in a great -hurry, snatched up a wafer, and was on the point of putting it into my -mouth, when I felt it move, and found it to be a cockroach, which had -worked its way into the wafer-box. - - -MARCH 4. (Monday.) - -Since my arrival in Jamaica, I am not conscious of having omitted any -means of satisfying my negroes, and rendering them happy and secure from -oppression. I have suffered no person to be punished, except the two -female demons who almost bit a girl’s hands off (for which they received -a slight switching), and the most worthless rascal on the estate, whom -for manifold offences I was compelled, for the sake of discipline, to -allow to pass two days in the bilboes. I have never refused a -favour that I could possibly grant. I have listened patiently to all -complaints. I have increased the number of negro holidays, and have -given away money and presents of all kinds incessantly. Now for my -reward. On Saturday morning there were no fewer than forty-five persons -(not including children) in the hospital; which makes nearly a fifth of -my whole gang. Of these, the medical people assured me that not above -seven had any thing whatever the matter with them; the rest were only -feigning sickness out of mere idleness, and in order to sit doing -nothing, while their companions were forced to perform their part of -the estate-duty. And sure enough, on Sunday morning they all walked away -from the hospital to amuse themselves, except about seven or eight: they -will, perhaps, go to the field for a couple of days; and on Wednesday we -may expect to have them all back again, complaining of pains, which (not -existing) it is not possible to remove. Jenny (the girl whose hands were -bitten) was told by the doctoress, that having been in the hospital -all the week, she ought not, for very shame, to go out on Sunday. -She answered, “She wanted to go to the mountains, and go she would.” - “Then,” said the doctoress, “you must not come back again on Monday at -least.” - -“Yes,” Jenny said, “she _should_ come back;” and back this morning -Jenny came. But as her wounds were almost completely well, she had tied -packthread round them so as to cut deep into the flesh, had rubbed dirt -into them, and, in short, had played such tricks as nearly to produce a -mortification in one of her fingers. - -The most worthless fellow on the whole property is one Nato,--a thief, a -liar, a runaway, and one who has never been two days together out of the -hospital since my arrival, although he has nothing the matter with him; -indeed, when the other negroes abused him for his laziness, and leaving -them to do his work for him, he told them plainly that he did not mean -to work, and that nobody should make him. The only real illness which -brought him to the hospital, within my knowledge, was the consequence of -a beating received from his own father, who had caught him in the act of -robbing his house by the help of a false key. In the hospital he found -his wife, Philippa, the mad woman, with whom he instantly quarrelled, -and she cut his head open with a plate; and as she might have served -one of the children in the same way, we were obliged to confine her. -Her husband was thought to be the fittest person to guard her; and -accordingly they were locked up together in a separate room from the -other invalids, till a straight waistcoat could be made. The husband was -then restored to freedom, and desired to go to work, which he declared -to be impossible from illness; yet he disappeared the whole of the next -day; and on his return on the following morning, he had the impudence to -assert that he had never been out of the hospital for an hour. For this -runaway offence, and for endeavouring to exasperate his wife’s phrensy, -he was put into the bilboes for two days: on the third he was released; -when he came to me with tears in his eyes, implored me most earnestly to -forgive what had past, and promised to behave better for the future, -“to so good a massa.” It appeared afterwards, that he had employed his -absence in complaining to Mr. Williams, a neighbouring magistrate, -that, “having a spite against them, although neither he nor his wife -had committed any fault, I had punished them both by locking them up -for several days in a solitary prison, under pretence of his wife’s -insanity, when, in fact, she was perfectly in her senses.” Unluckily, -one of my physicians had told Mr. Williams, that very morning, how much -he had been alarmed at Cornwall, when, upon going into a mad woman’s -room, her husband had fastened the door, and he had found himself shut -up between them; the woman really mad, and the man pretending to be so -too. The moment that Nato mentioned the mad woman as his wife, “What -then,” said Mr. Williams, “you are the fellow who alarmed the doctor so -much two days ago?” Upon which Nato had the impudence to burst into a -fit of laughter,--“Oh, ki, massa, doctor no need be fright; we no want -to hurt him; only make lilly bit fun wid him, massa, that all.” On which -he was ordered to get out of Mr. Williams’s house, slunk back into the -Cornwall hospital, and in a few days came to me with such a long story -of penitence, and “so good massa,” that he induced me to forgive him. - -To sum up the whole, about three this morning an alarm was given that -the pen-keeper had suffered the cattle to get among the canes, where -they might do infinite mischief; the trustee was roused out of his bed; -the drivers blew their shells to summon the negroes to their assistance; -when it appeared, that there was not a single watchman at his post; the -watch-fires had all been suffered to expire; not a single domestic was -to be found, nor a horse to be procured; even the little servant boys, -whom the trustee had locked up in his own house, and had left fast -asleep when he went to bed, had got up again, and made their escape to -pass the night in play and rioting; and although they were perfectly -aware of the detriment which the cattle were doing to my interests, not -a negro could be prevailed upon to rouse himself and help to drive them -out, till at length Cubina (who had run down from his own house to mine -on the first alarm) with difficulty collected about half a dozen -to assist him: but long before this, one of my best cane-pieces was -trampled to pieces, and the produce of this year’s crop considerably -diminished.--And so much for negro gratitude! However, they still -continue their eternal song of “Now massa come, we very well off;” - but their satisfaction evidently begins and ends with themselves. They -rejoice sincerely at being very well off, but think it unnecessary to -make the slightest return to massa for making them so. - - -MARCH 5. - -The worst of negro diseases is “the cocoa-bag” it is both hereditary and -contagious, and will lurk in the blood of persons apparently the most -healthy and of regular habits, till a certain age; when it declares -itself in the form of offensive sores, attended with extreme debility. -No cure for it has yet been discovered: there are negro doctors, who -understand how to prepare diet drinks from simples of the island, which -moderate its virulence for a time; but the disease itself is never -entirely subdued. On the contrary, “the yaws,” although it defies the -power of medicine, ultimately cures itself. This, also, is communicated -by contact, and that of so slight a nature, that a fly, which had -touched an ulcer produced by the yaws, has been known to convey the -infection by merely alighting on the wound of a cut finger. It generally -shows itself by a slight pimple, which is soon converted into a sore; -and this spreads itself gradually over the invalid’s whole body, till -having made its progress through the system completely, its virulence -gradually abates, and at length the disease disappears all together. As -“the yaws” can only be taken once, inoculation has been tried upon -the most hopeful subjects; but the disease showed itself with as much -violence as when contracted in the natural way. - - -MARCH 6. - -Nato has kept his promise as yet, and has actually past a whole week -in the field; a thing which he was never known to do before within the -memory of man. So I sent him a piece of money to encourage him; and told -him, that I sent him a _maccarony_ for behaving well, and wished to know -whether any one had ever given him a maccarony for behaving ill. I hear -that he was highly delighted at my thinking him worthy to receive a -present from me, and sent me in return the most positive assurances of -perseverance in good conduct. On the other hand, Mackaroo has not -only run away himself, but has carried his wife away with him. This is -improving upon the profligacy of British manners with a vengeance. In -England, a man only runs away with another person’s wife: but to run -away with his own--what depravity!--As to my ungrateful demigod of a -sheep-stealer, Hercules, the poor wretch has brought down upon himself -a full punishment for all his misdeeds. By running away, and sleeping in -the woods, exposed to all the fury of the late heavy rains, he has -been struck by the palsy. Yesterday some of my negroes found him in the -mountains, unable to raise himself from the ground, and brought him in -a cart to the hospital; where he now lies, having quite lost the use of -one side, and without any hopes of recovery. He is still a young man, -and in every other respect strong and healthy; so that he may look -forward to a long and miserable existence. - - -MARCH 8. - - -THE HUMMING BIRD. - - Deck’d with all that youth and beauty - - E’er bestow’d on sable maid, - - Gathering bloom her fragrant duty, - - Down the lime-walk Zoè stray’d. - - Many a logwood brake was ringing - - With the chicka-chinky’s cry; - - Many a mock-bird loudly singing - - Bless’d the groves with melody. - - Fly-birds, on whose plumage showers - - Nature’s hand her wealth profuse, - - Humming round, from banks of flowers - - Suck’d the rich ambrosial juice. - - There an orange-plant, perfuming - - All the air with blossoms white, - - Near a bush of roses blooming, - - Charm’d at once the scent and sight. - - Of that plant the loveliest daughter, - - One sweet bloom-bough all preferr’d; - - When his glittering eye had caught her, - - Oh, how joy’d the Humming Bird! - - Here the fairest blossoms thinking, - - Swift he flies, nor loads the stem; - - Poised in air, and odour drinking, - - Fluttering hangs the feather’d Gem. - - Sure, he deems, these cups untasted, - - Many a honied drop allow! - - Soon he finds his labour wasted; - - Bees have robb’d that orange bough. - - Wandering bees, at blush of morning, - - Drain’d of all their sweets the bells; - - Then the rifled beauty scorning, - - How his angry throat he swells! - - See his bill the blossoms rending; - - Round their leaves in wrath he throws; - - Then, once more his wings extending, - - Flies to woo the opening rose. - - (e Mark, my Zoe,” said her mother, - - (t Mark that bough, so lovely late! - - Thou in bloom art such another-- - - Such, perhaps, may be thy fate. - - (e Some wild youth may charm and cheat thee, - - Sip thy sweets, and break his vow; - - Then the world will scorn and treat thee - - As the Fly-Bird did just now.” - - British mothers thus impress on - - Virgin minds some maxim true; - - Zoè heard and used the lesson - - Just as British daughters do. - - -MARCH 9. - -The shaddock contains generally thirty-two seeds, two of which only will -reproduce shaddocks; and these two it is impossible to distinguish: the -rest will yield, some sweet oranges, others bitter ones, others again -forbidden fruit, and, in short, all the varieties of the orange; but -until the trees actually are in bearing, no one can guess what the fruit -is likely to prove; and even then, the seeds which produce shaddocks, -although taken from a tree remarkable for the excellence of its fruit, -will frequently yield only such as are scarcely eatable. So also -the varieties of the mango are infinite: the fruit of no two trees -resembling each other; and the seeds of the very finest mango (although -sown and cultivated with the utmost care) seldom affording any thing -at all like the parent stock. The two first mangoes which I tasted were -nothing but turpentine and sugar; the third was very delicious; and yet -I was told that it was by no means of a superior quality. The _sweet_ -cassava requires no preparation; the _bitter_ cassava, unless the juice -is carefully pressed out of it, is a deadly poison; there is a third -kind, called the _sweet-and-bitter_ cassava, which is perfectly -wholesome till a certain age, when it acquires its deleterious -qualities. Many persons have been poisoned by mistaking these various -kinds of cassava for each other. As soon as the plantain has done -bearing, it is cut down; when four or five suckers spring from each -root, which become plants themselves in their turn. Ratoons are suckers -of the sugar-cane: they are far preferable to the original plants, -where the soil is rich enough to support them; but they are much better -adapted to some estates than to others. Thus, on my estate in St. -Thomas’s in the East, they can allow of ten ratoons from the same plant, -and only dig cane-holes every eleventh year; while, at Cornwall, the -strength of the cane is exhausted in the fourth ratoon, or the fifth -at furthest. The fresh plants are cane-tops; but those canes which bear -_flags_ or feathers at their extremities will not answer the purpose, as -dry weather easily burns up the slight arrows to which the flags adhere, -and destroys them before they can acquire sufficient vigour to resist -the climate. - - -MARCH 10. (Sunday.) - -I find that I have not done justice to the cotton tree, and, on the -other hand, have given too much praise to the Jamaica kitchen. The first -cotton trees which I saw, were either withered by age, or struck by -lightning, or happened to be ill-shaped of their kind; but I have since -met with others, than which nothing could be more noble or picturesque, -from their gigantic height, the immense spread of their arms, the colour -of their stems and leaves, and the wild fantastic wreathings of their -roots and branches. As to the kitchen, nothing can be larger and -finer in appearance than the poultry of all kinds, but nothing can be -uniformly more tough and tasteless; and the same is the case with all -butcher’s meat, pork excepted, which is much better here than in Europe. -The fault is in the climate, which prevents any animal food from being -kept sufficiently long to become tender; so that when a man sits down -to a Jamaica dinner, he might almost fancy himself a guest at Macbeth’s -Covent-Garden banquet, where the fowls, hams, and legs of mutton are all -made of deal boards. I ordered a duck to be kept for two days; but it -was so completely spoiled, that there was no bearing it upon the table. -Then I tried the expedient of boiling a fowl till it absolutely fell to -pieces; but even this violent process had not the power of rendering it -tender. The only effect produced by it was, that instead of being helped -to a wing of solid wood, I got a plateful of splinters. Perhaps, my -having totally lost my appetite (probably from my not being able to -take, in this climate, sufficient of my usual exercise) makes the meat -appear to me less palatable than it may to others; but I have observed, -that most people here prefer living upon soups, stews, and salted -provisions. For my own part, I have for the last few weeks eaten nothing -except black crabs, than which I never met with a more delicious article -for the table. I have also tried the _soldier_ soup, which is in great -estimation in this island; but although it greatly resembled the very -richest cray-fish soup, it seemed to be composed of cray-fish which had -been kept too long. The _soldiers_ themselves were perfectly fresh, for -they were brought to the kitchen quite alive and merry; but I was told -that this taste of staleness is their peculiar flavour, as well as their -peculiar scent even when alive, and is precisely the quality which forms -their recommendation. It was quite enough to fix my opinion of the soup: -I ate two spoonfuls, and never mean to venture on a third. - - -MARCH 12. - -The most general of negro infirmities appears to be that of lameness. -It is chiefly occasioned by the _chiga_, a diminutive fly which works -itself into the feet to lay its eggs, and, if it be not carefully -extracted in time, the flesh around it corrupts, and a sore ensues not -easily to be cured. No vigilance can prevent the attacks of the chiga; -and not only soldiers, but the very cleanest persons of the highest -rank in society, are obliged to have their feet examined regularly. The -negroes are all provided with small knives for the purpose of extracting -them: but as no pain is felt till the sore is produced, their extreme -laziness frequently makes them neglect that precaution, till all kinds -of dirt getting into the wound, increases the difficulty of a cure; and -sometimes the consequence is lameness for life. - -There is another disease which commits great ravages among them; for -although in this climate its quality is far from virulent, and it is -easy to be cured in its beginning, the negro will most carefully conceal -his having such a complaint, till it has made so great a progress -that its effects are perceived by others. Even then, they will never -acknowledge the way in which they have contracted it; but men and women, -whose noses almost shake while speaking to you, will still insist upon -it that their illness arises from catching cold, or from a strain in -lifting a weight, or, in short, from any cause except the true one. Yet -why they act thus it is difficult to imagine; for certainly it does not -arise from shame. - -Indeed, it is one of their singular obstinacies, that, however ill they -may be, they scarcely ever will confess to the physician what is really -the matter with them on their first coming into the hospital, but will -rather assign some other cause for their being unwell than the true one; -and it is only by cross-questioning, that their superintendents are able -to understand the true nature of their case. Perhaps this duplicity is -occasioned by fear; for in any bodily pain it is not possible to be more -cowardly than the negro; and I have heard strong young men, while the -tears were running down their cheeks, scream and roar as if a limb was -amputating, although the doctoress was only applying a poultice to a -whitlow on the finger. I suppose, therefore, that dread of the pain of -some unknown mode of treatment makes them conceal their real disease, -and name some other, of which they know the cure to be unattended with -bodily suffering or long restraint. In the disease I allude to, such -a motive would operate with peculiar force, as one of their chief -aversions is the necessarily being long confined to one certainly not -fragrant room. - - -MARCH 13. - -The Reporter of the African Institution asserts, in a late pamphlet, -that in the West Indies the breeding system is to this day discouraged, -and that the planters are still indifferent to the preservation of -their present stock of negroes, from their confidence of getting fresh -supplies from Africa. Certainly the negroes in Jamaica are by no -means of this Reporter’s opinion, but are thoroughly sensible of their -intrinsic value in the eyes of the proprietor. On my arrival, every -woman who had a child held it up to show to me, exclaiming,--“See massa, -see! here nice new neger me bring for work for massa;” and those who had -more than one did not fail to boast of the number, and make it a claim -to the greater merit with me. Last week, an old watchman was brought -home from the mountains almost dead with fever; he would neither move, -nor speak, nor notice any one, for several days. For two nights I sent -him soup from my own table; but he could not even taste it, and always -gave it to his daughter. On the third evening, there happened to be no -soup at dinner, and I sent other food instead; but old Cudjoe had been -accustomed to see the soup arrive, and the disappointment made him fancy -himself hungry, and that he could have eaten the soup if it had been -brought as usual: accordingly, when I visited him the next morning, he -bade the doctoress tell me that massa had send him no soup the night -before. This was the first notice that he had ever taken of me. I -promised that some soup should be ordered for him on purpose that -evening. Could he fancy any thing to eat _then?_--“Milk! milk!” So milk -was sent to him, and he drank two full calabashes of it. I then tried -him with an egg, which he also got down; and at night, by spoonfuls at -a time, he finished the whole bason of soup; but when I next came to see -him, and he wished to thank me, the words in which he thought he could -comprise most gratitude were bidding the doctoress tell me he would do -his best not to die yet; he promised to _fight hard_ for it. He is -now quite out of danger, and seems really to be grateful. When he was -sometimes too weak to speak, on my leaving the room he would drag his -hand to his mouth with difficulty, and kiss it three or four times -to bid me farewell; and once, when the doctoress mentioned his having -charged her to tell me that he owed his recovery to the good food that -I had sent him, he added, “And him kind words too, massa; kind words -do neger much good, much as good food.” In my visits to the old man, I -observed a young woman nursing him with an infant in her arms, which (as -they told me) was her own, by Cudjoe. I therefore supposed her to be his -wife: but I found that she belonged to a _brown_ man in the mountains; -and that Cudjoe hired her from her master, at the rate of thirty pounds -a year! - -I hope this fact will convince the African _Reporter_, that it is -possible for some of this “oppressed race of human beings”--“of these -our most unfortunate fellow-creatures,”--to enjoy at least _some_ of the -luxuries of civilised society; and I doubt, whether even Mr. Wilberforce -himself, with all his benevolence, would not allow a negro to be quite -rich enough, who can afford to pay thirty pounds a year for the hire of -a kept mistress. - - -MARCH 14. - -Poor Nato’s stock of goodness is quite exhausted; and the day before -yesterday he returned to the hospital with most piteous complaints of -pains and aches, whose existence he could persuade no person to credit. -His pulse was regular, his skin cool, his tongue red and moist, and the -doctor declared nothing whatever to be the matter with him. However, -on my arrival, he began to moan, and groan, and grunt, and all so -lamentably, that every soul in the hospital, sick or well, burst into a -fit of laughter. For my part, I told him that I really believed him to -be very bad; and that, as he met with no sympathy in the hospital, I -should remove him from such unfeeling companions. Accordingly I had -a comfortable bed made for him in a separate house. Here he was -plentifully supplied with provisions: but, in order that he might enjoy -perfect repose daring his illness, the doors were kept locked, and no -person allowed to disturb him with their conversation; while, by the -doctor’s orders, he was obliged to take frequent doses of Bitter-Wood -and Assafotida. Shame would not suffer him to get well all at once; so -yesterday he still complained of a pain in his chest, and begged to be -blooded. His request was granted; and the blood proved to be so pure -and well-coloured, that every one exclaimed, that for a man who had -such good blood to part with it so wantonly was a shame and a folly. The -fellow was at length convinced that his tricks would serve no object; -and this morning he begged me to suffer him to return to his duty, -and promised that I should have no more cause to complain of him. So -I consented to consider his cure as completed, and he set off for the -field perfectly satisfied with his release. - - -MARCH 15. - -On opening the Assize-court for the county of Cornwall on March 4., -Mr. Stewart, the Custos of Trelawny, and Presiding Judge, said, in his -charge to the jury, he wished to direct their attention in a peculiar -manner to the infringement of slave-laws in the island, in consequence -of charges having been brought forward in England of slave laws not -being enforced in this country, and being in fact perfect dead letters. -The charge was unfounded; but it became proper, in consequence, for the -bench to call in a strong manner on the grand jury to be particularly -vigilant and attentive to the discharge of this part of their duty. The -bench at the same time adverted to another subject connected with the -above. Many out of the country, and _some in it_, had thought proper -to interfere with our system, and by their insidious practices and -dangerous doctrines to call the peace of the island into question, and -to promote disorder and confusion. The jury were therefore enjoined, in -every such case, to investigate it thoroughly, and to bring the parties -concerned before the country, and not to suffer the systems of the -island, as established by the laws of the land, to be overset or -endangered. It was their bounden duty to watch over and support the -established laws, and to act against those who dared to infringe them; -and that, otherwise, it was imperiously called for on the principle -of self-preservation. Every country had its peculiar laws, on the due -maintenance of which depended the public safety and welfare. I read all -this with the most perfect unconsciousness; when, lo and behold! I have -been assured, from a variety of quarters, that all this was levelled at -myself! It is I (it seems) who am “calling the peace of the island -in question;” who am “promoting disorder and confusion;” and who am -“infringing the established laws!” I should never have guessed it! By -“insidious practices” is meant (as I am told) my overindulgence to my -negroes; and my endeavouring to obtain either redress or pardon for -those belonging to other estates, who occasionally appeal to me for -protection: while “dangerous doctrines” alludes to my being of opinion, -that the evidence of negroes ought at least to be _heard_ against white -persons; the jury always making proportionable abatements of belief, -from bearing in mind the bad habits of most negroes, their general want -of probity and good faith in every respect, and their total ignorance of -the nature of religious obligations. At the same time, these defects may -be counterbalanced by the respectable character of the particular negro; -by the strength of corroborating circumstances; and, finally, by the -irresistible conviction which his evidence may leave upon the minds -of the jury. They are not obliged to _believe_ a negro witness, but I -maintain that he ought to be _heard_, and then let the jury give their -verdict according to their conscience. But this, in the opinion of the -bench at Montego Bay, it seems, is “dangerous doctrine!” At least, the -venom of my doctrines is circumscribed within very narrow limits; for -as I have made a point of never stirring off my own estate, nobody could -possibly be corrupted by them, except those who were at the trouble of -walking into my house for the express purpose of being corrupted. - -At all events, if I _really_ am the person to whom Mr. Stewart alluded, -I must consider his speech as the most flattering compliment that I ever -received. If my presence in the island has made the bench of a whole -country think it necessary to exact from the jury a more severe -vigilance than usual in all causes relating to the protection of -negroes, I cannot but own myself most richly rewarded for all my pains -and expense in coming hither, for every risk of the voyage, and for -every possible sacrifice of my pleasures. There is nothing earthly that -is too much to give for the power of producing an effect so beneficial; -and I would set off for Constantinople to-morrow, could I only be -convinced that my arrival would make the Mufti redress the complaints of -the lower orders of Turks with more scrupulous justice, and the Bashaws -relax the fetters of their slaves as much as their safety would permit. -But I cannot flatter myself with having done either the one or the other -in Jamaica; and if Mr. Stewart _really_ alluded to me in his charge, I -am certainly greatly obliged to him; but he has paid me much too high a -compliment;--God grant that I may live to deserve it! - - -MARCH 16. - -Hercules, the poor paralytic runaway, has neither moved nor spoken since -his being brought into the hospital. For the two last days he refused -all sustenance; blisters, rubbing with mustard, &c. were tried without -producing the least sensation; and in the course of last night he -expired without a groan. - -Another offender, by name Charles Fox, is also under the doctor’s hands, -suffering under the effects of his own transgressions. Having been -Pickle’s shipmate, he professed the strongest attachment to him, and was -perpetually at his house; till Pickle’s wife made her husband aware that -love for herself was the real object of his shipmate’s visits. Finding -her story disbelieved, she hid Pickle behind the bed, when he had an -opportunity of hearing the solicitations of his perfidious Pylades; and, -rushing from his concealment, he gave Fox so complete a thrashing, -that he was obliged to come to the hospital. Here is another proof that -negroes, “our unfortunate fellow-creatures,” are not without some of -the luxuries of civilised life; old men of sixty keeping mistresses, and -young ones seducing their friends’ wives; why, what would the Reporter -of the African Institution have? - -It is only to be wished, that the negroes would content themselves with -these fashionable peccadilloes; but, unluckily, there are some palates -among them which require higher seasoned vices; and besides their -occasional amusements of poisoning, stabbing, thieving, &c., a plan has -just been discovered in the adjoining parish of St. Elizabeth’s, for -giving themselves a grand fête by murdering all the whites in the -island. The focus of this meditated insurrection was on Martin’s Penn, -the property of Lord Balcarras, where the overseer is an old man of the -mildest character, and the negroes had always been treated with peculiar -indulgence. Above a thousand persons were engaged in the plot, three -hundred of whom had been regularly sworn to assist in it with all the -usual accompanying ceremonies of drinking human blood, eating earth from -graves, &c. Luckily, the plot was discovered time enough to prevent any -mischief; and yesterday the ringleaders were to be tried at Black River. - - -MARCH 17. (Sunday.) - -The Cornwall Chronicle informs us, that, at the Montego Bay assizes, a -man was tried on the Monday, for assaulting, while drunk, an officer who -had served with great distinction, and calling him a coward; for which -offence he was sentenced to a month’s imprisonment and fine of £100; and -on the Tuesday the same man brought an action against another person -for calling him a “drunken liar,” for which he was awarded £1000 for -damages! A plain man would have supposed two such verdicts to be rather -incompatible; but one lives to learn. - -I remember to have read the case of a French nobleman, who was accused -of impotence by his wife before the Parliament of Paris, and by a -farmer’s daughter for seduction and getting her with child before the -Parliament of Rouen; he thought himself perfectly sure of gaining either -the one cause or the other: but, however, he was condemned in both. -Certainly the poor Frenchman had no luck in matters of justice. - -To make the matter better, in the present instance, the man was a -clergyman; and his cause of quarrel against the officer was the latter’s -refusal to give him a puncheon of rum to christen all his negroes in a -lump. - - -MARCH 22. - -Mr. Plummer came over from St. James’s to-day, and told me, that the -“insidious practices and dangerous doctrines” in Mr. Stewart’s speech -were intended for the Methodists, and that only the charge to the grand -jury respecting “additional vigilance” was in allusion to myself; but he -added that it was the report at Montego Bay, that, in consequence of -my over-indulgence to my negroes, a song had been made at Cornwall, -declaring that I was come over to set them all free, and that this was -now circulating through the neighbouring parishes. If there be any such -song (which I do not believe), I certainly never heard it. However, my -agent here says, that he has reason to believe that my negroes really -have spread the report that I intend to set _them_ free in a few years; -and this merely out of vanity, in order to give themselves and their -master the greater credit upon other estates. As to the truth of an -assertion, that is a point which never enters into negro consideration. - -The two ringleaders of the proposed rebellion have been condemned at -Black River, the one to be hanged, the other to transportation. The plot -was discovered by the overseer of Lyndhurst Penn (a Frenchman from -St. Domingo) observing an uncommon concourse of stranger negroes to a -child’s funeral, on which occasion a hog was roasted by the father. He -stole softly down to the feasting hut, and listened behind a hedge -to the conversation of the supposed mourners; when he heard the whole -conspiracy detailed. It appears that above two hundred and fifty had -been sworn in regularly, all of them Africans; not a Creole was among -them. But there was a _black_ ascertained to have stolen over into the -island from St. Domingo, and a _brown_ Anabaptist missionary, both of -whom had been very active in promoting the plot. They had elected a King -of the Eboes, who had two Captains under him; and their intention was -to effect a complete massacre of all the whites on the island; for which -laudable design His Majesty thought Christmas the very fittest season -in the year, but his Captains were more impatient, and were for striking -the blow immediately. The next morning information was given against -them: one of the Captains escaped to the woods; but the other, and the -King of the Eboes, were seized and brought to justice. On their trial -they were perfectly cool and unconcerned, and did not even profess to -deny the facts with which they were charged. - -Indeed, proofs were too strong to admit of denial; among others, a copy -of the following song was found upon the King, which the overseer had -heard him sing at the funeral feast, while the other negroes joined in -the chorus:-- - - -SONG OF THE KING OF THE EBOES. - - Oh me good friend, Mr. Wilberforce, make we free! - - God Almighty thank ye! God Almighty thank ye! - - God Almighty, make we free! - - Buckra in this country no make we free: - - What Negro for to do? What Negro for to do? - - Take force by force! Take force by force! - - CHORUS. - - To be sure! to be sure! to be sure! - -The Eboe King said, that he certainly had made use of this song, and -what harm was there in his doing so? He had sung no songs but such as -his brown priest had assured him were approved of by John the Baptist. -“And who, then, was John the Baptist?” He did not very well know; only -he had been told by his brown priest, that John the Baptist was a friend -to the negroes, and had got his head in a pan! - -As to the Captain, he only said in his defence, that if the court would -forgive him this once, he would not do so again, as he found the whites -did not like their plans which, it seems, till that moment they had -never suspected! They had all along imagined, no doubt, that the whites -would find as much amusement in having their throats cut, as the blacks -would find in cutting them. I remember hearing a sportsman, who was -defending the humanity of hunting, maintain, that it being as much the -nature of a hare to run away as of a dog to run after her, consequently -the hare must receive as much pleasure from being coursed, as the dog -from coursing. - - -MARCH 23. - -Two negroes upon Amity estate quarrelled the other day about some -trifle, when the one bit the other’s nose off completely. Soon after his -accident, the overseer meeting the sufferer--“Why, Sambo,” he exclaimed, -“where’s your nose?” - -“I can’t tell, massa,” answered Sambo; “I looked every where about, but -I could not find it.” - - -MARCH 24. (Sunday.) - -Every Sunday since my return from Kingston I have read prayers to -such of the negroes as chose to attend, preparatory to the intended -visitations of the minister, Dr. Pope. About twenty or thirty of the -most respectable among them generally attended, and behaved with great -attention and propriety. I read the Litany, and made them repeat the -responses. I explained the Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer to them, -teaching them to say each sentence of the latter after me, as I read it -slowly, in hopes of impressing it upon their memory. Then came “the -good Samaritan,” or some such apologue; and, lastly, I related to them -a portion of the life of Christ, and explained to them the object of -his death and sufferings. The latter part of my service always seemed -to interest them greatly; but, indeed, they behaved throughout with much -attention. Unluckily, the head driver, who was one of the most zealous -of my disciples, never could repeat the responses of the Litany without -an appeal to myself, and always made a point of saying--“Good Lord, -deliver us; yes, sir!” and made me a low bow: and one day when I -was describing the wonderful precocity of Christ’s understanding, as -evidenced by his interview with the doctors in the temple, while but -a child, the head driver thought fit to interrupt me with--“Beg massa -pardon, but want know one ting as puzzle me. Massa say ‘the child,’ and -me want know, massa, one ting much; was Jesus Christ a boy or a girl?” - Like my friend the Moravian, at Mesopotamia, I cannot boast of any -increased audience; and if the negroes will not come to hear massa, I -have little hope of their giving up their time to hear Dr. Pope, who -inspires them with no interest, and can exert no authority. Indeed, I am -afraid that I am indebted for the chief part of my present auditory to -my quality of massa rather than that of priest; and when I ask any of -them why they did not come to prayers on the preceding Sunday, their -excuse is always coupled with an assurance, that they wished very much -to come, “because they wish to do _any thing_ to oblige massa.” - - -MARCH 25. - -The negroes certainly are perverse beings. They had been praying for -a sight of their master year after year; they were in raptures at my -arrival; I have suffered no one to be punished, and shown them every -possible indulgence during my residence amongst them; and one and all -they declare themselves perfectly happy and well treated. Yet, previous -to my arrival, they made thirty-three hogsheads a week; in a fortnight -after my landing, their product dwindled to twenty-three; daring this -last week they have managed to make but thirteen. Still they are not -ungrateful; they are only selfish: they love me very well, but they -love themselves a great deal better; and, to do them justice, I verily -believe that every negro on the estate is extremely anxious that -all should do their full duty, except himself. My censure, although -accompanied with the certainty of their not being punished, is by no -means a matter of indifference. If I express myself to be displeased, -the whole property is in an uproar; every body is finding fault with -every body; nobody that does not represent the shame of neglecting my -work, and the ingratitude of vexing me by their ill-conduct; and then -each individual--having said so much, and said it so strongly, that he -is convinced of its having its full effect in making the others do their -duty--thinks himself quite safe and snug in skulking away from his own. - - -MARCH 26. - -Young Hill was told at the Bay this morning, that I make a part of the -Eboe King’s song! According to this report, “good King George and -good Mr. Wilberforce” are stated to have “given me a paper” to set the -negroes free (i. e. an order), but that the white people of Jamaica will -not suffer me to show the paper, and I am now going home to say so, and -“to resume my chair, which I have left during my absence to be filled by -the Regent.” - -Since I heard the report of a rebellious song issuing from Cornwall, I -have listened more attentively to the negro chaunts; but they seem, -as far as I can make out, to relate entirely to their own private -situation, and to have nothing to do with the negro state in general. -Their favourite, “We varry well off,” is still screamed about the estate -by the children; but among the grown people its nose has been put out of -joint by the following stanzas, which were explained to me this morning. -For several days past they had been dinned into my ears so incessantly, -that at length I became quite curious to know their import, which I -learned from Phillis, who is the family minstrel. It will be evident -from this specimen, that the Cornwall bards are greatly inferior to -those of Black River, who have actually advanced so far as to make an -attempt at rhyme and metre. - - -NEGRO SONG AT CORNWALL. - - Hey-ho-day! me no care a dammee! (i. e. a damn,) - - Me acquire a house, (i. e. I have a solid foundation to - - build on,) - - Since massa come see we--oh! - - Hey-ho-day! neger now quite eerie, (i. e. hearty,) - - For once me see massa--hey-ho-day! - - When massa go, me no care a dammee, - - For how them usy we--hey-ho-day! - -An Alligator, crossing the morass at Bellisle, an estate but a few miles -distant from Cornwall, fell into a water-trench, from which he struggled -in vain to extricate himself, and was taken alive; so that, according to -the vulgar expression, he may literally be said to “have put his foot -in it.” Fontenelle says, that when Copernicus published his system, he -foresaw the contradictions which he should have to undergo--“Et il se -tira d’affaire très-habilement. Le jour qu’on lui présentoit le premier -exemplaire, scavez-vous ce qu’il fit? Il mourut;” which was precisely -the resource resorted to by the alligator. He died on the second morning -of his captivity, and his proprietor, Mr. Storer, was obliging enough to -order the skin to be stuffed, and to make me a present of him. Neptune -was despatched to bring him (or rather her, for nineteen eggs were found -within her) over to Cornwall; and at dinner to-day we were alarmed with -a general hubbub. It proved to be occasioned by Neptune’s arrival (if -Thames or Achelous had been despatched on this errand, it would have -been more appropriate) with the alligator on his head. In a few minutes -every thing on the estate that was alive, without feathers, and with -only two legs, flocked into the room, and requested to take a bird’s-eye -view of the monster; for as to coming near her, _that_ they were much -too cowardly to venture. It was in vain that I represented to them, that -being dead it was utterly impossible that the animal could hurt them: -they allowed the impossibility, but still kept at a respectful distance; -and when at length I succeeded in persuading them to approach it, upon -some one accidentally moving the alligator’s tail, they all, with one -accord, set up a loud scream, and men, women, and children tumbled out -of the room over one another, to the irreparable ruin of some of -my glasses and decanters, and the extreme trepidation of the whole -side-board. - -***** - -The negro-husband, who stabbed his rival in a fit of jealousy, has been -tried at Montego Bay, and acquitted. On the other hand, the King of the -Eboes has been hung at Black Hiver, and died, declaring that he left -enough of his countrymen to prosecute the design in hand, and revenge -his death upon the whites. Such threats of a rescue were held out, -that it was judged advisable to put the militia under arms, till the -execution should have taken place; and also to remove the King’s Captain -to the gaol at Savannah la Mar, till means can be found for transporting -him from the island. - - -MARCH 27. - -The Eboe Captain has effected his escape by burning down the prison -door. It is supposed that he has fled towards the fastnesses in the -interior of the mountains, where I am assured that many settlements of -run-away slaves have been formed, and with which the inhabited part of -the island has no communication. However, the chief of the Accompong -Maroons, Captain Roe, is gone in pursuit of him, and has promised -to bring him in, alive or dead. The latter is the only reasonable -expectation, as the fugitive is represented as a complete desperado. - -***** - -The negroes have at least given me one proof of their not being entirely -selfish. When they heard that the boat was come to convey my baggage to -the ship at Black River, they collected all their poultry, and brought -it to my agent, desiring him to add it to my sea-stores. Of course -I refused to let them be received, and they were evidently much -disappointed, till I consented to accept the fowls and ducks, and then -gave them back to them again, telling them to consider them as a present -from my own hen-house, and to distinguish them by the name of “massa’s -poultry.” - - -MARCH 28. - -I have been positively assured, that an attempt was made to persuade the -grand jury at Montego Bay, to present me for over-indulgence to my own -negroes! It is a great pity that so reasonable an attempt should not -have succeeded.--The rebel captain who broke out of prison, has been -found concealed in the hut of a notorious Obeah-man, and has been lodged -a second time in the gaol of Savannah la Mar. - - -MARCH 29. - -About two months ago, a runaway cooper, belonging to Shrewsbury estate, -by name Edward, applied to me to intercede for his not being punished on -his return home. As soon as he got the paper requested, he gave up -all idea of returning to the estate, and instead of it went about the -country stealing every thing upon which he could lay his hands; and -whenever his proceedings were enquired into by the magistrates, he -stated himself to be on the road to his trustee, and produced my letter -as a proof of it. At length some one had the curiosity to open the -letter, and found that it had been written two months before. - - -MARCH 30. - -This was the day appointed for the first “Royal play-day,” when I bade -farewell to my negroes. I expected to be besieged with petitions and -complaints, as they must either make them on this occasion or not at -all. I was, therefore, most agreeably surprised to find, that although -they had opportunities of addressing me from nine in the morning till -twelve at night, the only favours asked me were by a poor old man, who -wanted an iron cooking pot, and by Adam, who begged me to order a little -daughter of his to be instructed in needle-work: and as to complaints, -not a murmur of such a thing was heard; they all expressed themselves to -be quite satisfied, and seemed to think that they could never say -enough to mark their gratitude for my kindness, and their anxiety for -my getting safe to England. We began our festival by the head driver’s -drinking the health of H. R. H. the Duchess of York, whom the negroes -cheered with such a shout as might have “rent hell’s concave.” - -Then we had a christening of such persons as had been absent on the -former occasion, one of whom was Adam, the reputed Obeah-man. In the -number was a new-born child, whom we called Shakspeare, and whom Afra, -the Eboe mother, had very earnestly begged me to make a Christian, as -well as a daughter of hers, about four or five years old; at the same -time that she declined being christened herself! In the same manner -Cubina’s wife, although her father and husband were both baptised on the -former occasion, objected to going through the ceremony herself; and the -reason which she gave was, that “she did not like being christened while -she was with child, as she did not know what change it might not produce -upon herself and the infant.” - -After the christening there was a general distribution of salt-fish by -the trustee; and I also gave every man and woman half a dollar each, and -every child a maccarony (fifteen pence) as a parting present, to -show them that I parted with them in good-humour. While the money was -distributing, young Hill arrived, and finding the house completely -crowded, he enquired what was the matter. “Oh, massa,” said an old -woman, “it is only _my son_, who is giving the negroes all something.” - -I also read to them a new code of laws, which I had ordered to be put in -force at Cornwall, for the better security of the negroes. The principal -were, that “a new hospital for the lying-in women, and for those who -might be seriously ill, should be built, and made as comfortable as -possible; while the present one should be reserved for those whom the -physicians might declare to be very slightly indisposed, or not ill at -all; the doors being kept constantly locked, and the sexes placed in -separate chambers, to prevent its being made a place of amusement by -the lazy and lying, as is the case at present.”--“A book register of -punishments to be kept, in which the name, offence, and nature and -quantity of punishment inflicted must be carefully put down; and also -a note of the same given to the negro, in order that if he should think -himself unjustly, or too severely punished, he may show his note to my -other attorney on his next visit, or to myself on my return to Jamaica, -and thus get redress if he has been wronged.”--“No negro is to be -struck, or punished in any way, without the trustee’s express orders: -the black driver so offending to be immediately degraded, and sent to -work in the field; and the white person, for such a breach of my orders, -to be discharged upon the spot.”--“No negro is to be punished till -twenty-four hours shall have elapsed between his committing the fault -and suffering for it, in order that nothing should be done in the heat -of passion, but that the trustee should have time to consider the matter -coolly. But to prevent a guilty person from avoiding punishment by -running away, he is to pass those twenty-four hours in such confinement -as the trustee may think most fitting.”--“Any white person, who can be -proved to have had an improper connection with a woman known publicly -to be living as the wife of one of my negroes, is to be discharged -immediately upon complaint being made.” I also gave the head driver -a complete list of the allowances of clothing, food, &c. to which the -negroes were entitled, in order that they might apply to it if -they should have any doubts as to their having received their full -proportion; and my new rules seemed to add greatly to the satisfaction -of the negroes, who were profuse in their expressions of gratitude. - -The festival concluded with a grander ball than usual, as I sent for -music from Savanna la Mar to play country dances to them; and at twelve -o’clock at night they left me apparently much pleased, only I heard some -of them saying to each other, “When shall we have such a day of pleasure -again, since massa goes to-morrow?” - - -MARCH 31. (Sunday.) - -With their usual levity, the negroes were laughing and talking as gaily -as ever till the very moment of my departure; but when they saw my -curricle actually at the door to convey me away, then their faces grew -very long indeed. In particular, the women called me by every endearing -name they could think of. “My son! my love! my husband! my father!” - -“You no my massa, you my tata!” said one old woman (upon which another -wishing to go a step beyond her, added, “Iss, massa, iss! It was -you”);----------and when I came down the steps to depart, they crowded -about me, kissing my feet, and clasping my knees, so that it was with -difficulty that I could get into the carriage. And this was done with -such marks of truth and feeling, that I cannot believe the whole to be -mere acting and mummery. - -I dined with Mr. Allwood at Shaftstone, his pen near Blue-fields, and at -half past seven found myself once more on board the Sir Godfrey Webster. - -To fill up my list of Jamaica delicacies, I must not forget to mention, -that I did my best to procure a Cane-piece Cat roasted in the true -African fashion. The Creole negroes, however, greatly disapproved of -my venturing upon this dish, which they positively denied having tasted -themselves; and when, at length, the Cat was procured, last Saturday, -instead of plainly boiling it with negro-pepper and salt, they made into -a high seasoned stew, which rendered it impossible to judge of its real -flavour. However, I tasted it, as did also several other people, and we -were unanimous in opinion, that it might have been mistaken for a very -good game-soup, and that, when properly dressed, a Cane-piece Cat must -be excellent food. - -One of the best vegetable productions of the island is esteemed to be -the Avogada pear, sometimes called “the vegetable marrow.” It was not -the proper season for them, and with great difficulty I procured a -couple, which were said to be by no means in a state of perfection. Such -as they were, I could find no great merit in them; they were to be eaten -cold with pepper and salt, and seemed to be an insipid kind of melon, -with no other resemblance to marrow than their softness. - - -APRIL 1. (Monday.) - -At eight this morning we weighed anchor on our return to England. - - -YARRA. - - Poor Yarra comes to bid farewell, - - But Yarra’s lips can never say it! - - Her swimming eyes--her bosom’s swell-- - - The debt she owes you, these must pay it. - - She ne’er can speak, though tears can start, - - Her grief, that fate so soon removes you; - - But One there is, who reads the heart, - - And well He knows how Yarra loves you! - - See, massa, see this sable boy! - - When chill disease had nipp’d his flower, - - You came and spoke the word of joy, - - And poured the juice of healing power. - - To visit far Jamaica’s shore - - Had no kind angel deign’d to move you, - - These laughing eyes had laugh’d no more, - - Nor Yarra lived to thank and love you, - - Then grieve not, massa, that to view - - Our isle you left your British pleasures: - - One tear, which falls in grateful dew, - - Is worth the best of Britain’s treasures. - - And sure, the thought will bring relief, - - What e’er your fate, wherever rove you, - - Your wealth’s not given by pain and grief, - - But hands that know, and hearts that love you. - - - May He, who bade you cross the wave, - - Through care for Afric’s sons and daughters; - - When round your bark the billows rave, - - In safety guide you through the waters! - - By all you love with smiles be met; - - Through life each good man’s tongue approve you: - - And though far distant, don’t forget, - - While Yarra lives, she’ll live to love you! - - -APRIL 3. - -The trade-winds which facilitate the passage to Jamaica, effectually -prevent the return of vessels by the same road. The common passage is -through the Gulf of Florida, but there is another between Cuba and -St. Domingo, which is at least 1000 miles nearer. The first, however, -affords almost a certainty of reaching Europe in a given time; while you -may keep tacking in the attempt to make the windward passage (as it is -called) for months together. Last night the wind was so favourable for -this attempt, that the captain determined upon risking it. Accordingly -he altered his course; and had not done so for more than a few hours, -when the wind changed, and became as direct for the Gulf, as till then -it had been contrary. The consequence was, that the Gulf passage was -fixed once for all, and we are now steering towards it with all our -might and main. Besides the distance saved, there was another reason -for preferring the windward passage, if it could have been effected. The -Gulf of Florida has for some time past been infested by a pirate called -Captain Mitchell, who, by all accounts, seems to be of the very worst -description. It is not long ago, since, in company with another vessel -of his own stamp, he landed on the small settlement of St. Andrews, -plundered it completely, and on his departure carried off the governor, -whom he kept on board for more than fourteen days, and then hung him at -the yard-arm out of mere wanton devilry; and indeed he is said to show -no more mercy to any of his prisoners than he did to the poor governor. -His companion has been captured and brought into Kingston, and the -conquering vessel is gone in search of Captain Mitchell. If it does -not fall in with him, and _we_ do, I fear that we shall stand but a bad -chance; for he has one hundred men on board according to report, while -we have not above thirty. However, the captain has harangued them, -represented the necessity of their fighting if attacked, as Captain -Mitchell is known to spare no one, high or low, and has engaged to give -every man five guineas apiece, if a gun should be fired. The sailors -promise bravery; whether their promises will prove to be pie-crust, -we must leave to be decided by time and Captain Mitchell. In the mean -while, every sail that appears on the horizon is concluded to be this -terrible pirate, and every thing is immediately put in readiness for -action. - -This day we passed the Caymana islands; but owing to our having always -either a contrary wind, or no wind at all, it was not till the 12th that -Cuba was visible, nor till the 14th that we reached Cape Florida. - - -APRIL 15. - -At noon this day we found ourselves once more sailing on the Atlantic, -and bade farewell to the Gulf of Florida without having heard any news -of the dreaded Commodore Mitchell. The narrow and dangerous part of -this Gulf is about two hundred miles in length, and fifty in breadth, -bordered on one side by the coast of Florida, and on the other, first -by Cuba, and then by the Bahama Islands, of which the Manilla reef forms -the extremity, and which reef also terminates the Gulf. But on both -sides of these two hundred miles, at the distance of about four or -five miles from the main land, there extends a reef which renders the -navigation extremely dangerous. The reef is broken at intervals by large -inlets; and the sudden and violent squalls of wind to which the Gulf is -subject, so frequently drive vessels into these perilous openings, that -it is worth the while of many of the poorer inhabitants of Florida to -establish their habitations within the reef, and devote themselves and -their small vessels entirely to the occupation of assisting vessels -in distress. They are known by the general name of “wreckers,” and are -allowed a certain salvage upon such ships as they may rescue. As a proof -of the violence of the gales which are occasionally experienced in this -Gulf, our captain, about nine years ago, saw the wind suddenly take a -vessel (which had unwisely suffered her canvass to stand, while the -rest of the ships under convoy had taken theirs down,) and turn her -completely over, the sails in the water and the keel uppermost. It -happened about four o’clock in the afternoon: the captain and the -passengers were at dinner in the cabin; but as she went over very -leisurely, they and the crew had time allowed them to escape out of the -windows and port-holes, and sustain themselves upon the rigging, till -boats from the ships near them could arrive to take them off. As -she filled, she gradually sunk, and in a quarter of an hour she had -disappeared totally. - - -APRIL 17. - - -THE FLYING FISH. - - Bright ocean-bird, alike who sharing - - Both elements, could sport the air in, - - Or swim the sea, your winged fins wearing - - The rainbow’s hues, - - Your fate this day full long shall bear in - - Her mind the muse, - - In vain for you had nature blended - - Two regions, and your powers extended; - - Now high you rose, now low descended; - - But folly marred - - Those gifts, the bounteous dame intended - - To prove your guard. - - A flying fish, could bounds include her? - - She winged the deep, if birds pursued her; - - She swam the sky, if dolphins viewed her; - - But now what wish - - Tempts you to watch yon bright deluder, - - Unthinking fish? - - Alas!--a fly above you viewing, - - Gay tints his gilded wings imbuing, - - You mount; and ah! too far pursuing - - At fancy’s call, - - Heedless you strike the sails, where ruin - - Awaits your fall. - - Your fins, too dry, no longer play you, - - And soon those fins no more upstay you; - - You drop; and now on deck survey you - - Jack, Tom, and Bill, - - Who up may take, and down may lay you, - - As suits their will. - - Oh! list my tale, fair maids of Britain! - - This subject fain I’d try my wit on, - - And show the rock you’re apt to split on: - - Then cry not--“Pish!”-- - - You’re all (I’m glad the thought I hit on) - - Just flying fish! - - Beauty, does nature’s hand bestow it? - - It swells your pride, and plain you show it; - - Though wealthy cit, and airy poet - - Your charms pursue, - - Church--physic--law--you he fair, you know it, - - You’ll none, not you! . - - Age looks too dry, and youth too blooming: - - The scholar’s face there’s too much gloom in; - - This man’s too dull, that too presuming; - - His mouth’s too wide!-- - - For mending, Lord! you think there’s room in - - The best, when tried. - - In each you find some fault to snarl at, - - And wilful seek the sun by starlight; - - Till some gay glittering rogue in scarlet, - - Who lures the eye, - - Dazzles poor miss, and then the varlet - - Pretends to fly. - - His flight has piqued, his glitter caught her; - - And soon her mammy’s darling daughter, - - Whose eyes have made such mighty slaughter, - - Charm’d by a fop, - - Is fairly hit ’twixt wind and water, - - And, miss! you drop! - - Then certain fate of fallen lasses, - - When short-lived bliss more frail than glass is, - - To eyes of all degrees and classes - - Exposed you stand, - - And soon your beauty circling passes - - From hand to hand. - - In vain your flattering charms display you; - - From home and parents far away, you - - See former friends with scorn survey you; - - While fools and brutes - - May take you up, or down may lay you, - - As humour suits. - - Oh! mark, dear girls, the moral story - - Of one, who breathes but to adore ye! - - Let no rash action mar your glory; - - But when you wish - - To catch some coxcomb, place before ye - - The flying fish. - - -APRIL 20. - -Two or three years ago, our captain, while his vessel was lying in Black -River Bay, for the purpose of loading, was informed by his sailors, -that their beef and other provisions frequently disappeared in a very -unaccountable manner. However, by setting a strict watch during the -night, he soon managed to clear up the mystery: and a negro, who had -made his escape from the workhouse, and concealed himself on board among -the bags of cotton, was found to be the thief. He was sent back to the -workhouse, of which the chain was still about his neck. But another -negro had better luck in a similar attempt on board of a different -vessel. He contrived to secrete himself in the lower part of it, where -the sugar hogsheads are stored, unknown to any one. As soon as the cargo -was completed, the planks above it were caulked down, and raised no more -till their ship reached Liverpool; when, to the universal astonishment, -upon opening the hold, out walked Mungo, in a wretched condition to be -sure, but still at least alive, and a freeman in Great Britain. During -his painful voyage, he had subsisted entirely upon sugar, of which he -had consumed nearly an hogshead; how he managed for water I could not -learn, nor can imagine. - - -APRIL 23. - -The old steward, this morning, told one of the sailors, who complained -of being ill, that he would get well as soon as he should reach England, -and could have plenty of vegetables; “for,” he said, “the man had only -got a _stomachick_ complaint; nothing but just scurvy!” - - -APRIL 24. - -Sea Terms.--The _sheets_, a term for various ropes; the _halyards_, -ropes which extend the topsails; the _painter_, the rope which fastens -the boat to the vessel; the eight points of the compass, south, south -and by east, south-south east, south east and by east, south-east, -east south and by east, east south east, east and by south east. The -knowledge of these points is termed “knowing how to box the compass.” - - -APRIL 27. - -Many years ago, a new species of grass was imported into Jamaica, by Mr. -Vassal, (to whom an estate near my own then belonged), as he said “for -the purpose of feeding his pigs and his bookkeepers.” Its seeds being -soon scattered about by the birds, it has taken possession of the -cane-pieces, whence to eradicate it is an utter impossibility, the roots -being as strong as those of ginger, and insinuating themselves under -ground to a great extent; so that the only means of preventing it from -entirely choking up the canes, is plucking it out with the hand, which -is obliged to be done frequently, and has increased the labour of the -plantation at least one third. This nuisance, which is called “Vassal’s -grass,” from its original introducer, has now completely over-run the -parish of Westmoreland, has begun to show itself in the neighbouring -parishes, and probably in time will get a footing throughout the island. -St. Thomas’s in the East has been inoculated with another self-inflicted -plague, under the name of “the rifle-ant,” which was imported for the -purpose of eating up the ants of the country; and so to be sure they -did, but into the bargain they eat up every thing else which came in -their way, a practice in which they persist to this hour; so that it -may be doubted whether in Jamaica most execrations are bestowed in -the course of the day upon Vassal’s grass, the rifle-ants, Sir Charles -Price’s rats, or the Reporter of the African Society; only that the -maledictions uttered against the three first are necessarily local, -while the Reporter of the African Society comes in for curses from all -quarters. - - -APRIL 30. (Tuesday.) - -A whole calendar month has elapsed since our quitting Jamaica, -during which the wind has been favourable for something less than -four-and-twenty hours; either it has blown precisely from the point on -which we wanted to sail, or has been so faint, that we scarcely made -one knot an hour. However, on Tuesday last, finding ourselves in the -latitude of the “still-vexed Bermoothes,” by way of variety, a sudden -squall carried away both our lower stunsails in the morning; and at nine -in the evening there came on a gale of wind truly tremendous. The ship -pitched and rolled every minute, as if she had been on the point of -overturning; the hencoops floated about the deck, and many of the -poultry were found drowned in them the next morning. Just as the last -dead-light was putting up, the sea embraced the opportunity of -the window being open, to whip itself through, and half filled the -after-cabin with water; and in half an hour more a mountain of waves -broke over the vessel, and pouring itself through the sky-light, -paid the same compliment to the fore-cabin, with which it had already -honoured the after one. About four in the morning the storm abated, and -then we relapsed into our good old jog-trot pace of a knot an hour. Our -passengers consist of a Mrs. Walker with her two children, and a sick -surgeon of the name of Ashman. - - -MAY 5. (Sunday.) - -We continue to proceed at such a tortoise-pace, that it has been thought -advisable to put the crew upon an allowance of water. - - -MAY 7. - -A negro song.--“Me take my cutacoo, (i. e. a basket made of matting,) -and follow him to Lucea, and all for love of my bonny man-O--My bonny -man come home, come home! Doctor no do you good. When neger fall into -neger hands, buckra doctor no do him good more. Come home, my gold ring, -come home!” This is the song of a wife, whose husband had been Obeahed -by another woman, in consequence of his rejecting her advances. A negro -riddle: “Pretty Miss Nancy was going to market, and she tore her fine -yellow gown, and there was not a taylor in all the town who could mend -it again.” This is a ripe plantain with a broken skin. The negroes -are also very fond of what they call Nancy stories, part of which is -related, and part sung. The heroine of one of them is an old woman named -Mamma Luna, who having left a pot boiling in her hut, found it robbed -on her return. Her suspicions were divided between two children whom she -found at play near her door, and some negroes who had passed that way to -market. The children denied the theft positively. It was necessary for -the negroes, in order to reach their own estate, to wade through a river -at that time almost dry; and on their return, Mammy Luna (who it should -seem, was not without some skill in witchcraft,) warned them to take -care in venturing across the stream, for that the water would infallibly -rise and carry away the person who had stolen the contents of her pot; -but if the thief would but confess the offence, she engaged that no harm -should happen, as she only wanted to exculpate the innocent, and not to -punish the guilty. One and all denied the charge, and several -crossed the river without fear or danger; but upon the approach of a -_belly-woman_ to the bank, she was observed to hesitate. “My neger, my -neger,” said Mammy Luna, “why you stop? me tink, you savee well, who -thief me?” This accusation spirited up the woman, who instantly marched -into the river, singing as she went ( and the woman’s part is always -chanted frequently in chorus, which the negroes call, “taking up the -sing”). - - “If da me eat Mammy Luna’s pease-O, - - Drowny me water, drowny, drowny!” - -“My neger, my neger,” cried the old woman, “me sure now you the thief! -me see the water wet you feet. Come back, my neger, come back.” Still on -went the woman, and still continued her song of - - “If da me eat Mammy Luna’s pease, &c.” - -“My neger, my neger,” repeated Mammy Luna, “me no want punish you; my -pot smell good, and you belly-woman. Come back, my neger, come back; -me see now water above your knee!” But the woman was obstinate; she -continued to sing and to advance, till she reached the middle of the -river’s bed, when down came a tremendous flood, swept her away, and she -never was heard of more; while Mammy Luna warned the other negroes -never to take the property of another; always to tell the truth; and, at -least, if they should be betrayed into telling a lie, not to persist in -it, otherwise they must expect to perish like their companion. Observe, -that a moral is always an indispensable part of a Nancy story. Another -is as follows:--“Two sisters had always lived together on the best -terms; but, on the death of one of them, the other treated very harshly -a little niece, who had been left to her care, and made her a common -drudge to herself and her daughter. One day the child having broken a -water-jug, was turned out of the house, and ordered not to return till -she could bring back as good a one. As she was going along, weeping, -she came to a large cotton-tree, under which was sitting an old woman -without a head. I suppose this unexpected sight made her gaze rather too -earnestly, for the old woman immediately enquired--‘Well, my piccaniny, -what you see?’ ‘Oh, mammy,’ answered the girl, ‘me no see nothing.’ -‘Good child!’ said again the old woman; ‘and good will come to you.’ Not -far distant was a cocoa-tree; and here was another old woman, without -any more head than the former one. The same question was asked her, and -she failed not to give the same answer which had already met with so -good a reception. Still she travelled forwards, and began to feel faint -through want of food, when, under a mahogany tree, she not only saw a -third old woman, but one who, to her great satisfaction, had got a head -between her shoulders. She stopped, and made her best courtesy--‘How -day, grannie!’ ‘How day, my piccaniny; what matter, you no look well?’ -‘Grannie, me lilly hungry.’ ‘My piccaniny, you see that hut, there’s -rice in the pot, take it, and yam-yam me; but if you see one black -puss, mind you give him him share.’ The child hastened to profit by the -permission; the ‘one black puss’ failed not to make its appearance, and -was served first to its portion of rice, after which it departed; and -the child had but just finished her meal, when the mistress of the hut -entered, and told her that she might help herself to three eggs out of -the fowl-house, but that she must not take any of the _talking_ ones: -perhaps, too, she might find the black puss there, also; but if she did, -she was to take no notice of her. Unluckily all the eggs seemed to be -as fond of talking as if they had been so many old maids; and the moment -that the child entered the fowl-house, there was a cry of ‘Take -_me!_ Take _me!_’ from all quarters. However she was punctual in her -obedience; and although the conversable eggs were remarkably fine and -large, she searched about till at length she had collected three little -dirty-looking eggs, that had not a word to say for themselves. The old -woman now dismissed her guest, bidding her to return home without fear; -but not to forget to break one of the eggs under each of the three -trees near which she had seen an old woman that morning. The first egg -produced a water-jug exactly similar to that which she had broken; out -of the second came a whole large sugar estate; and out of the third a -splendid equipage, in which she returned to her aunt, delivered up the -jug, related that an old woman in a red docker (i. e. petticoat) had -made her a great lady, and then departed in triumph to her sugar estate. -Stung by envy, the aunt lost no time in sending her own daughter to -search for the same good fortune which had befallen her cousin. She -found the cotton-tree and the headless old woman, and had the -same question addressed to her; but instead of returning the same -answer--‘What me see,’ said she; ‘me see one old woman without him -head!’ Now this reply was doubly offensive; it was rude, because -it reminded the old lady of what might certainly be considered as a -personal defect; and it was dangerous, as, if such a circumstance were -to come to the ears of the buckras, it might bring her into trouble, -women being seldom known to walk and talk without their heads, indeed, -if ever, except by the assistance of Obeah. ‘Bad child!’ cried the old -woman; ‘bad child! and bad will come to you!’ Matters were no better -managed near the cocoa-tree; and even when she reached the mahogany, -although she saw that the old woman had not only got her head on, but -had a red docker besides, she could not prevail on herself to say more -than a short ‘How day?’ without calling her ‘grannie.’ [Among negroes -it is almost tantamount to an affront to address by the name, without -affixing some term of relationship, such as ‘grannie,’ or ‘uncle,’ or -‘cousin.’] My Cornwall boy, George, told me one day, that ‘Uncle Sully -wanted to speak to massa.’ ‘Why, is Sully your uncle, George?’ ‘No, -massa; me only call him so for honour.’ However, she received the -permission to eat rice at the cottage, coupled with the injunction of -giving a share to the black puss; an injunction, however, which she -totally disregarded, although she scrupled not to assure her hostess -that she had suffered puss to eat till she could eat no more. The old -lady in the red petticoat seemed to swallow the lie very glibly, and -despatched the girl to the fowl-house for three eggs, as she had before -done her cousin; but having been cautioned against taking the talking -eggs, she conceived that these must needs be the most valuable; and, -therefore, made a point of selecting those three which seemed to be the -greatest gossips of the whole poultry yard. Then, lest their chattering -should betray her disobedience, she thought it best not to return into -the hut, and, accordingly, set forward on her return home; but she had -not yet reached the mahogany tree, when curiosity induced her to break -one of the eggs. To her infinite disappointment it proved to be empty; -and she soon found cause to wish that the second had been empty too; -for, on her dashing it against the ground, out came an enormous yellow -snake, which flew at her with dreadful hissings. Away ran the girl; a -fallen bamboo lay in her path; she stumbled over it, and fell. In -her fall the third egg was broken; and the old woman without the head -immediately popping out of it, told her, that if she had treated her as -civilly, and had adhered as closely to the truth as her cousin had done, -she would have obtained the same good fortune; but that as she had shown -her nothing but rudeness, and told her nothing but lies, she must be -contented to carry nothing home but the empty egg-shells. The old woman -then jumped upon the yellow snake, galloped away with incredible speed, -and never showed her red docker in that part of the island any more.” - - -APRIL 8. - -At breakfast the captain was explaining to me the dangerous consequences -of breaking the wheel-rope: two hours afterwards the wheel-rope broke, -and round swung the vessel. However, as the accident fortunately took -place in the day time, and when the sea was perfectly calm, it was -speedily remedied: but this was “talking of the devil and his imps” with -a vengeance. - - -APRIL 10. - -During the early part of my outward-bound voyage I was extremely -afflicted with sea-sickness; and between eight o’clock on a Monday -morning, and twelve on the following Thursday, I actually brought up -almost a thousand lines, with rhymes at the end of them. Having nothing -better to do at present, I may as well copy them into this book. -Composed with such speed, and under such circumstances, I take it for -granted that the verses cannot be very good; but let them be ever so -bad, I defy any one to be more sick while reading them than the author -himself was while writing them. This strange story was found by me in -an old Italian book, called “II Palagio degli Incanti,” in which it was -related as a fact, and stated to be taken from the “Annals of Portugal,” - an historical work. I will not vouch for the truth of it myself; and, at -all events, I earnestly request that no person who may read these verses -will ask me “who the hero really was?” If he does, I shall only return -the same answer which the lady gave her husband when, being on the point -of shipwreck, he requested her to tell him whether she had really ever -wronged his bed? “My dear,” said she, “sink or swim, that secret shall -go to the grave with me.” - - - -THE ISLE OF DEVILS. - - -A METRICAL TALE. - - - “Should I report this now, would they believe me? - - If I should say, I saw such islanders, - - Who, though they were of monstrous shape, yet, note, - - Their manners were more gentle-kind, than of - - Our human generation you shall find - - Many; nay, almost any!”-- - - _Tempest_, Act 3. - - -I. - - Speed, Halcyon, speed, and here construct thy nest: - - Brood on these waves, and charm the winds to rest! - - No wave should dare to rage, no wind to roar, - - Till lands yon blooming maid on Lisbon’s shore. - - That maid, as Venus fair and chaste is she, - - When first to dazzled sky and glorying sea - - The bursting conch Love’s new-born queen exposed, - - The fairest pearl that ever shell inclosed. - - While love’s fantastic hand had joyed to braid - - Her locks with weeds and shells like some sea-maid, - - High seated at the stern was Irza seen, - - And seemed to rule the tide, as ocean’s queen. - - Smooth sailed the bark; the sun shone clear and bright - - The glittering billows danced along in light; - - While Irza, free from fear, from sorrow free, - - Bright as the sun, and buoyant as the sea, - - Bade o’er the lute her flying fingers move, - - And sang a Spanish lay of Moorish love. - - -ZAYDE AND ZAYDA. - - - (From Las Guerras Civiles de Granada.’) - - - Lo! beneath yon haughty towers, - - Where the young and gallant Zayde - - Fondly chides the lingering hours, - - Till they bring his lovely maid. - - Evening shades are gathering round him; - - Doubting fear his heart alarms; - - But nor doubt nor fear can wound him, - - If he views his lady’s charms. - - Hark! the window softly telling, - - Zayda comes to bless his sight; - - Bright as sun-beams clouds dispelling, - - Mild as Cynthia’s trembling light. - - “Dearest, say, to what I’m fated!” - - Cried the Moor, as near he drew: - - “Is the tale my page related, - - Loveliest lady, is it true? - - “To an ancient lord thy beauty - - Does thy tyrant father doom? - - Must my love, the slave of duty, - - Waste in age’s arms her bloom? - - “If my lot be still to languish, - - Thine, another’s bride to be, - - Let thy lips pronounce my anguish; - - ‘Twill be bliss to die by thee!” - - Rising sighs her grief discover; - - Fast her tears, while speaking, pour-- - - “Zayde, my Zayde, our loves are over! - - Zayde, my Zayde, we meet no more! - - “Allah knows, I cherished dearly, - - Fondest hopes of being thine! - - Allah knows, I grieve sincerely, - - When I those fond hopes resign! - - “May some lady, happier, fairer, - - Blest with every charm and grace, - - Whose kind friends would grieve to tear her - - From all comfort, fill my place: - - “May all pleasures greet your bridal; - - May she give you heart for heart! - - Never be she from her idol - - Forced, as I am now, to part!” - - “Rumour did not then deceive me!” - - Wild the Moor in anguish cries: - - “Then ’tis true! for wealth you leave me! - - Wealth has charms for Zayda’s eyes! - - “Blind to beauty, cold to pleasure, - - Ozmyn shall my hopes destroy! - - Yes; though worthless such a treasure, - - He shall Zayda’s charms enjoy! - - “Fare thee well! so soon to sever - - Little thought I, when you said, - - “Thine it is, and thine for ever - - ‘Shall be Zayda’s heart, my Zayde!’” - - -II. - - Scarce moved the zephyr’s wings, while breathed the song, - - And waves in silence bore the bark along. - - ’Twas Irza sang! Rosalvo at her side - - Gazed on his cherub-love, his destined bride, - - Felt at each look his soul in softness melt, - - Nor wished to feel more bliss than then he felt. - - Gainst the high mast, intent on book and beads, - - A reverend abbot leans, and prays, and reads: - - Yet oft with secret glance the pair surveys, - - Marks how she looks, and listens what he says. - - An idle task! The terms which speak their love - - Had served for prayer, and passed unblamed above. - - He finds each tender phrase so free from harm, - - So pure each thought, each look so chaste though warm, - - Still to his book and beads he turns again, - - Pleased to have found his guardian care so vain; - - While oft a blush of shame his pale cheek wears, - - To find his thoughts so much less pure than theirs. - - Oh! they _were_ pure! pure as the moon, whose ray - - Loves on the shrines of virgin-saints to play; - - Pure as the falling snow, ere yet its shower - - Bends with its weight its own pale fragile flower. - - Not fourteen years were Irza’s; nay, tis true, - - Most maids at twelve know more than Irza knew: - - And scarce two more had spread with silken down - - Her youthful cousin’s cheek of glowing brown. - - His tutor sage (in fact, not show, a saint) - - Had kept his heart and mind secure from taint. - - In liberal arts, in healthful manly sports, - - In studies fit for councils, camps, and courts, - - His moments found their full and best employ, - - Nor left one leisure hour for guilty joy. - - Since her blue dove-like eyes six springs had seen, - - Immured in cloistered shades had Irza been, - - From duties done her sole delight deriven, - - And her sole care to please the queen of heaven. - - None e’er approached her, save the pure and good: - - Her promised spouse; that monk who near them stood; - - Her viceroy uncle, and some guardian nun - - Were all she e’er had seen by moon or sun. - - No amorous forms, by wanton art designed, - - Had e’er inflamed her blood, or stained her mind; - - No hint in books, no coarse or doubtful phrase - - E’er bade her curious thought explore the maze - - No glowing dream by memory’s pencil drawn - - Had e’er profaned her sleep, and made her blush at dawn. - - With flowers she decked the virgin mother’s shrine, - - Nor guessed a wonder made that name divine. - - The very love, which lent her looks such fire, - - Ne’er raised one blameful thought, nor loose desire; - - Like streams of gold, which in alembic roll, - - The flames she suffered but refined her soul; - - Made it more free from stain, more light from dross, - - With brighter lustre, and with softer gloss. - - That, which she bore her bridegroom, well might claim - - A brother’s love, and bear a sister’s name: - - And e’en where now her lips in playful bliss - - Sealed on Rosalvo’s eyes a balmy kiss, - - Love’s highest, dearest grace she meant to show, - - Nor thought he more could ask, nor she bestow. - - -III - - From Goa’s precious sands to Lisbon’s shore. - - The viceroy’s countless wealth that vessel bore: - - In heaps there jewels lay of various dyes, - - Ingots of gold, and pearls of wondrous size; - - And there (two gems worth all that Cortez won) - - He placed his angel niece and only son. - - Sebastian sought the Moors! With loyal zeal - - Rosalvo cased his youthful limbs in steel; - - To die or conquer by his sovereign’s side - - He came; and with him came his destined bride. - - E’en now in Lisbon’s court for Irza’s hair - - Virgins the myrtle’s nuptial crown prepare, - - And Hymen waves his torch from Cintra’s towers, - - Hails the dull bark, and chides the slow-winged hours. - - Seldom in this bad world two hearts we see - - So blest, and meriting so blest to be; - - Then oh! ye winds, gently your pinions move, - - And speed in safety home the bark of love. - - Brood, Halcyon, brood: thy sea-spell chaunt again, - - And keep the mirror of the enchanted main, - - Where his white wing the exulting tropic dips, - - Calm as their hearts, and smiling as their lips. - - The charm prevails! Hushed are the waves and still; - - The expanded sails light favouring zephyrs fill. - - Wafting with motion scarce perceived; and now - - In rapture Irza from the vessel’s prow - - Gazed on an isle with verdure gay and bright, - - Which seemed (so green it shone in solar light) - - An emerald set in silver. Long her eyes - - Dwelt on its rocks; and “Oh! dear friend,” she cries, - - And clasps Rosalvo’s hand,--“admire with me - - Yon isle, which rising crowns the silent sea! - - How bold those mossy cliffs, which guard the strand, - - Like spires, and domes, and towers in fairy-land! - - How green the plains! how balsam-fraught the breeze! - - How bend with golden fruit the loaded trees; - - While, fluttering midst their boughs in joyful notes, - - Myriads of birds attune their warbling throats! - - Blooms all the ground with flowers! and mark, oh! mark - - That giant palm, whose foliage broad and dark - - Plays on the sun-clad rock!--Beneath, a cave - - Spreads wide its sparry mouth: while loosely wave - - A thousand creepers, dyed with thousand stains, - - Whose wreaths enrich the trees, and cloathe the plains. - - Dear friend, how blest, if passed my life could be - - In that fair isle, with God alone and thee, - - Far from the world, from man and fiend secure, - - No guilt to harm us, and no vice to lure! - - Bright round the virgin’s shrine would blush and bloom - - That world of flowers, which pour such rich perfume; - - And sweet yon caves repeat with mellowing swell - - Eve’s closing hymn, when chimed the vesper-bell.” - - The pilot heard--“Oh! spring of life,” he cried, - - “How bright and beauteous seems the world untried! - - I too, like you, in youth’s romantic bowers - - Dreamt not of wasps in fruit, nor thorns in flowers; - - And when on banks of sand the sunbeams shone, - - I deemed each sparkling flint a precious stone. - - Ah! noble lady, learn, that isle so fair, - - The fields all roses, and all balm the air, - - That isle is one, where every leaf’s a spell, - - Where no good thing e’er dwelt, nor e’er shall dwell. - - No fisher, forced from home by adverse breeze, - - Would slake his thirst from yon infernal trees: - - No shipwrecked sailor from the following waves - - Would seek a shelter in those haunted caves. - - There flock the damned! there Satan reigns, and revels! - - And thence yon isle is called (( The Isle of Devils!” - - Nor think, on rumour’s faith this tale is given: - - Once, hot in youthful blood, when hell nor heaven - - Much claimed my thoughts, (the truth with shame I tell; - - Holy St. Francis, guard thy votary well! ) - - In quest of water near that isle I drew: - - When lo! such monstrous forms appalled my view, - - Such shrieks I heard, sounds all so strange and dread, - - That from the strand with shuddering haste I fled, - - Plyed as for life my oars, nor backward bent my head. - - And though since then hath flown full many a year, - - Still sinks my heart, still shake my limbs with fear, - - Soon as yon awful island meets mine eye! - - Cross we our breasts! say, ‘Ave!’ and pass by!” - - -IV. - - The isle is past. And still in tranquil pride - - Bears the rich bark its treasures o’er the tide. - - And now the sun, ere yet his lamp he shrouds, - - Stains the pure western sky with crimson clouds: - - Now from the sea’s last verge he sheds his rays, - - And sinks triumphant in a golden blaze. - - Still o’er the heavens reflected splendours flow, - - Which make the world of waters gleam and glow: - - Wide and more wide each billow shines more bright, - - Till all the empurpled ocean floats in light. - - Soon as fair Irza marked the evening’s close, - - Grave from her seat the young enthusiast rose, - - Told o’er her beads, and when the string was said, - - “Ave Maria!” sang the enraptured maid; - - Her look so humble, so devout her air, - - Each worldly wish appeared so lost in prayer, - - All felt, no thought could to her mind be near, - - That man her form could see, her voice could hear: - - Hushed all the ship!--Each sailor checked his glee, - - Clasped his hard hands, and bent his trembling knee; - - And each (as rose that soft mysterious strain, - - Best help in trouble, and sweet balm in pain) - - Gazed on the maid with mingled awe and fear, - - Damp on his cheek perceived the unwonted tear, - - Then raised to Heaven his eyes in earnest prayer, - - And half believed himself already there. - - Low too Rosalvo knelt, nor knew, if now - - For Mary’s grace, or Irza’s, rose his vow. - - Scarce e’en the monk forbore to kneel; his child - - Fondly he viewed, and sweetly, gravely smiled, - - And blessed that God, as swelled each melting note, - - Who gave such heavenly powers to human throat! - - Melodious strains, oh! speed your flight above - - On Neptune’s wings, and reach the ear of Love! - - Oh! spread thy starry robe, celestial queen, - - (For much thine aid she needs!) from ills to screen - - Thy virgin-votaress!--Silence holds the deep, - - And e’en the helmsman’s eyes are sealed by sleep: - - Yet mark yon gathering clouds!--the moon is fled!-- - - Mark too that deathlike stillness, deep and dread! - - And hark!--from yon black cloud an awful voice - - Pours the wild chaunt, and bids the winds rejoice! - - -SONG OF THE TEMPEST-FIEND. - - I marked her!--the pennants, how gaily they streamed!-- - - How well was she armed for resistance! - - The waves that sustained her, how brightly they beamed - - In the sun’s setting rays, and the sailors all seemed - - To forget the storm-spirit’s existence. - - But I marked her!--and now from the clouds I descend! - - My spells to the billows I mutter! - - I clap my black pinions! my wand I extend, - - In darkness the sky and the ocean to blend, - - And the winds mark the charms which I utter. - - Now more and more rapid in eddies I whirl, - - In my voice while the thunder-clap rumbles: - - And now the white mountainous waves, as they curl, - - I joy o’er the deck of the vessel to hurl, - - And laugh, as she tosses and tumbles. - - The crew is alarmed; but the tempest prevails, - - No care from my fury delivers! - - Ere there’s time for their furling the canvass, the sails - - From the top to the bottom I split with my nails, - - And they stream in the blast, rent in shivers! - - The sky and the ocean, fierce battle they wage; - - The elements all are in action! - - No sailor the storm longer hopes to assuage: - - What clamours, what hurry, what oaths, and what rage! - - Oh, brave! what despair, what distraction! - - Their heart-strings, they ache, while my ravage they view; - - Each knee ’gainst its fellow is knocking! - - My eyes, darting lightnings to dazzle the crew, - - Burn and blaze; and those lightnings so forked and so blue - - Make the darkness of midnight more shocking. - - The morn to that vessel no succour shall bring! - - Now high o’er the main-mast I hover; - - Now I plunge from the sky to the deck with a spring, - - And I shatter the mast with one flap of my wing; - - It cracks! and it breaks! and goes over! - - Hew away, gallant seamen! fatigue never dread; - - You shall all rest to-night from your labours! - - The ocean’s wide mantle shall o’er you be spread, - - The white bones of mariners pillow your head, - - And the whale and the shark be your neighbours. - - For I swoop from aloft, and I blaze, and I burn, - - While my spouts the salt billows are drinking: - - And I drive ’gainst the vessel, and beat down the stern, - - And pour in a flood, which shall never return, - - And all cry--66 She’s sinking! she’s sinking!”-- - - The barge?--well remembered!--’tis strong, and ’tis large, - - And will live in the billows’ commotion; - - But now all my spouts from the clouds I discharge, - - And down goes the vessel, and down goes the barge! - - Hurrah! I reign lord of the ocean! - - How their shrieks rose in chorus! Now all is at rest; - - The tempest no longer is brewing! - - My dreams by the harm newly done will be blest, - - So I’ll sleep for a while on a thunder-cloud’s breast, - - Then rouze to hurl round me fresh ruin. - - Hushed is the storm: the heavens no longer frown; - - And o’er that spot, where late the bark went down, - - All bright and smiling flows the treacherous wave, - - Like sunshine playing on a new-made grave. - - Full rose the watery moon: it showed a plank, - - To which, all deadly pale, with tresses dank, - - And robes of white, on which the sea had flung - - Loose wreaths of ocean-flowers, unconscious clung - - A fair frail form:--‘twas Irza!--to the shore - - Each following wave the virgin nearer bore; - - And now the mountain surge overwhelmed the land, - - Then flying left her on the wished-for strand. - - Soon hope and love of life her powers renew; - - Swift towards a cliff she speeds, which towers in view, - - Nor waits the wave’s return’; and now again - - Safe on the shore, and rescued from the main, - - Prostrate she falls, and thanks the Sire of life, - - Whose arm hath snatched her from the billowy strife. - - That duty done, she rose, and gazed around: - - Mossed are the rocks, and flowers bestrew the ground. - - Not distant far, a group of fragrant trees - - Bend with their golden fruit. The ocean-breeze - - Shakes a gigantic palm, which o’er a cave - - Its dark green foliage spreads, and wildly wave - - Their blooming wreaths, all starred with midnight dews, - - A thousand creeping plants of thousand hues. - - Then flashed the dreadful truth on Irza’s view! - - That cave--those trees--that giant palm she knew! - - Then from her lips for ever fled the smile: - - --“Mother of God!” she shrieked, “the Demon-Isle!”-- - - Long on a broken crag she knelt, and prayed, - - And wearied every saint for strength and aid; - - Then speechless, heedless, senseless lay; when, lo! - - Strange mutterings near her roused from torpid woe - - Her soul to fresh alarms. Her head she reared, - - And near her face an hideous face appeared; - - But straight ’twas gone!--In trembling haste she rose, - - And saw a ring of monstrous dwarfs inclose - - Her rugged couch. Not Teniers’ hand could paint - - Forms more grotesque to scare the tempted saint, - - Than here, as on they pressed in circling throng, - - With gnashing teeth seemed for her blood to long, - - And grinned, and glared, and gloated! Quicker grew - - Her breath! Death hemmed her round! As yet, ‘tis true, - - Far off they kept; but soon, more daring grown, - - More near they crept, oft sharpening on some stone - - Their long crookt claws; and still, as on they came, - - They screeched and chattered; and their eyes of flame, - - Twinkling and goggling, told, what pleasure grim - - ‘Twould give to rack and rend her limb from limb: - - --“Heaven take my soul!” she cried,--when, hark! a - - moan, - - So full, so sad, so strange--not shriek--not groan-- - - Something scarce earthly--breathed above her head-- - - ‘Twas heard, and instant every imp was fled. - - What was that sound? What pitying saint from high - - Had stooped to save her? Now to heaven her eye - - Grateful she raised. Almighty powers!--a form, - - Gigantic as the palm, black as the storm, - - All shagged with hair, wild, strange in shape and show, - - Towered on the loftiest cliff, and gazed below. - - On her he gazed, and gazed so fixed, so hard, - - Like knights of bronze some hero’s tomb who guard. - - Bright wreaths of scarlet plumes his temples crowned, - - And round his ankles, arms, and wrists were wound - - Unnumbered glassy strings of crystals bright, - - Corals, and shells, and berries red and white. - - On her he gazed, and floods of sable fires - - Rolled his huge eyes, and spoke his fierce desires, - - As on his club, a torn-up lime, he leaned.-- - - “Help, Heaven!” thought Irza, “‘tis the master-fiend!” - - Not long he paused: he now with one quick bound - - Sprang from the cliff, and lighted on the ground. - - Back fled the maid in terror; but her fear - - Was needless. Humbly, slowly crept he near, - - Then kissed the earth, his club before her laid, - - And of his neck her footstool would have made: - - But from his touch she shrank. He raised his head, - - And saw her limbs convulsed, her face all dread, - - And felt the cause his presence! Sad and slow - - He rose, resumed his club, and turn’d to go. - - Reproachful was his look, but still ’twas kind; - - He climb’d the rock, but oft he gazed behind; - - He reach’d the cave; one look below he threw; - - Plaintive again he moan’d, and with slow steps withdrew. - - She is alone; she breathes again!--Fly, fly!-- - - Ah! wretched girl, too late! with frenzied eye, - - (Scarce gone the master-fiend) his imps she sees, - - Pour from the rocks, and drop from all the trees - - With yell, and squeak, and many a horrid sound, - - And form a living fence to hedge her round: - - --“Now then,” she cried, 4 c all’s over!--oh! farewell, - - Farewell, Rosalvo!” On her knee she fell, - - And told her beads with trembling hands. Yet still - - On came the throng; and soon, with wanton skill - - (Lured by its coral glow and cross of gold), - - One snatch’d her chaplet, nor forsook his hold, - - Though hard she struggled: while more bold, more fierce - - Another seized her arm, and dared to pierce - - With his sharp teeth its snow. The pure blood stream’d - - Fast from the wound, and loud the virgin scream’d; - - And strait again was heard that sad strange moan, - - And instant all the dwarfs again were flown. - - Scarce conscious that she lived, scarce knowing why, - - Half grieved, half grateful, Irza raised her eye: - - Still on the rock (not dared he down to spring) - - Dark and majestic stood the demon-king; - - Then lowly knelt, and raised his arm to wave - - An orange bough, and court her to his cave. - - Lost are her friends; no help, no hope is nigh; - - What can she do, and whither can she fly? - - To him already twice her life she owes, - - And but his presence now restrains her foes. - - On wings of flame the sun had left the main; - - And peeping from the trees, the imps too plain - - Shot darts of rage from their green orbs of sight: - - She heard their gibberings, and she mark’d their spite; - - And, while they eyed her form, their care she saw - - To grind their teeth, and whet each cruel claw. - - Demons alike, the monarch-demon’s breast - - Appear’d least fierce; of ills she chose the best, - - Sought, where profaned her coral rosary lay, - - Then slowly mounted where he show’d the way. - - Cautious he led her tow’rds his lone abode, - - And clear’d each stone that might impede her road. - - With pain she trod: she reach’d the cave; but there - - No more their weight her wearied limbs could bear. - - Exhausted, fainting, anguish, terror, thirst, - - Fatigue o’erpower’d her frame: her heart must burst, - - Her eyes grow dim! Sunk on the rock she lies, - - And sinking, prays she never more may rise. - - Long in this deathlike swoon she lay: at length - - Exhausted nature show’d forth all its strength, - - And call’d her back to life. Her opening eyes - - Beheld a grotto vast in depth and size, - - Whose high straight sides forbade all hopes of flight: - - The fractured roof gave ample space for light, - - Through which in gorgeous guise the day-star shone - - On many a lucid shell and brilliant stone. - - Through pendent spars and crystals as it falls, - - Each beam with rainbow hues adorns the walls, - - Gilds all the roof, emblazes all the ground, - - And scatters light, and warmth, and splendour round. - - Gently on pillowing furs reposed her head; - - With many a verdant rush her couch was spread; - - A gourd with blushing fruits was near her placed, - - Whose scent and colour woo’d alike her taste; - - And round her strewn there bloom’d unnumber’d flowers - - Charming her sense with aromatic powers. - - One only object chill’d her blood with ear: - - Far off removed (but still, alas! too near), - - Scarce breathing, lest a breath her sleep might break, - - There stood the fiend, and watch’d to see her wake. - - In sooth, if credit outward show might crave, - - Than Irza, ne’er had nymph an humbler slave. - - He watched her every glance; her frown he fear’d; - - And if his pains to meet her wish appear’d, - - All pains seem’d far o’er-paid, all cares appeased, - - And so she found but pleasure, he was pleased. - - One power he claim’d, but claim’d that power alone: - - Still, when he left her side, a mass of stone - - Barr’d up the grotto, nor allow’d her feet - - To pass the limits of her bright retreat. - - But when in quest of food not forced to stray, - - In Irza’s sight he wore the livelong day, - - And show’d her living springs and noontide shades, - - Spice-breathing groves, and flower-enamell’d glades. - - For her he still selects the sweetest roots, - - The coolest waters, and the loveliest fruits; - - To deck her charms the softest furs he brings, - - And plucks their plumage from flamingo wings; - - Bids blooming shrubs, to shade her, bend in bowers, - - And strews her couch with fragrant herbs and flowers - - While many an ivy-twisted grate restrains - - The splendid tenants of the etherial plains. - - Then, when she sought her lonesome grot at eve, - - And waved her hand, and warn’d him take his leave, - - Her will was his: he breathed his plaintive moan, - - Gazed one last look, then gently roll’d the stone. - - Perhaps, such constant care and worship paid, - - More fit for angel than for mortal maid, - - At length had won her, with more grateful mind - - To view his gifts, and pay respect so kind; - - But, as her giant-gaoler she esteem’d - - Some prince of subterraneous fire, she deem’d - - His favours snares, his presents only given - - To shake her faith, and steal her soul from heaven. - - Still then her loathing heart remain’d the same, - - Joy’d when he went, and shudder’d when he came; - - And when to share his fruits by hunger press’d, - - Ever she bless’d them first, and cross’d her breast. - - Days creep--months roll--no change! no hope! and oh! - - Rosalvo lost, what hope can life bestow? - - Death, only death, she feels, can end her woes; - - Nor doubts death soon will bring that wish’d-for close; - - For now her frame, her mind, confess disease; - - Painful and faint she moves; her tottering knees - - Scarce bear her weight; and oft, by humour moved, - - Her sickening soul now loathes what late it loved. - - It comes! the moment comes! Her frame is rent - - By sharper pangs; her nerves, too strongly bent, - - Seem on the point to break; her forehead burns; - - Her curdling blood is fire, is ice by turns; - - Her heart-strings crack!--“This hour is sure her last!’ - - Fainting she sinks, and hopes “that hour is pass’d!” - - Wake, Irza, wake to grief most strange and deep! - - Still must thou live, and only live to weep! - - Oh, lift thine aching head, thy languid eyes, - - And mark what hideous stranger near thee lies. - - “Guard me, all blessed saints!”--A monster child - - Press’d her green couch; and, as it grimly smiled, - - Its shaggy limbs, and eyes of sable fire, - - Betray’d the crime, and claim’d its hellish sire! - - “Lost! lost! My soul is lost!” the affrighted maid, - - (Ah, now a maid no more!) distracted, said, - - And wrung her hands. Those words she scarce could say; - - Yet would have pray’d, but fear’d’t was sin to pray! - - That only veil which ne’er admits a stain, - - The veil of ignorance, was rent in twain: - - In spite of virtue, cloisters, horror, youth, - - She knows, and feels, and shudders at the truth. - - That night accursed!--In death-like swoon she slept-- - - Then near her couch if that dark demon crept-- - - Oh! where was then her guardian angel’s aid? - - And would not heavenly Mary save her maid? - - Deprived of sense--betray’d by place and time-- - - Then was she doom’d to share the unconscious crime? - - Debased, deflower’d, and stamp’d a wretch for life, - - A monster’s mother, and a demon’s wife? - - Oh! at that thought her soul what passions tear! - - How then she beats her breast, how rends her hair, - - And bids, with golden ringlets scatter’d round, - - Stream all the air, and glitter all the ground! - - Sighs, sobs, and shrieks the place of words supply; - - And still she mourns to live, and prays to die, - - Till heart denies to groan, and eyes to flow; - - Then, on her couch of rushes sinking low, - - Languid and lost she lies, in silent, senseless woe. - - What lifts her burning head? why opes her eye? - - What makes her blood run back? A faint shrill cry! - - Too well, alas! that cry was understood: - - The monster pined for want, and claim’d its food. - - Then in her heart what rival passions strove! - - How shrinks disgust, how yearns maternal love! - - Now to its life her feelings she prefers; - - Now Nature wakes, and makes her own--“’Tis hers!” - - Loathing its sight, she melts to hear its cries, - - And, while she yields the breast, averts her eyes. - - Not so the demon-sire: the child he raised, - - He kiss’d it--danced it--nursed it--knelt, and gazed, - - Till joyful tears gush’d forth, and dimm’d his sight: - - Scarce Irza’s self was view’d with more delight. - - He held it tow’rds her--horror seem’d to thrill - - Her frame. He sigh’d, and clasp’d it closer still. - - Once, and but once, his features wrath express’d: - - He saw her shudder, as it drain’d her breast; - - And, while reproach half mingled with his moan, - - Snatch’d it from her’s, and press’d it to his own. - - Three months had pass’d; still lived the monster-brat: - - Its sire had sought the wood; alone she sat: - - She sheds no tears--no tears are left to shed; - - Unmoisten’d burn her eyes--her heart seems dead-- - - Her form seems marble. Lo! from far the sound - - Of music steals, and fills the caves around. - - She starts!--scarce breathing--trembling;--“Oh! for - - wings!”-- - - But hark! for nearer now the minstrel sings. . - - - -SONG. - - -1. - - When summer smiled on Goa’s bowers - - They seem’d so fair; - - All light the skies, all bloom the flowers, - - All balm the air! - - The mock-bird swell’d his amorous lay, - - Soft, sweet, and clear; . - - And all was beauteous, all was gay, - - For she was near. - - -2. - - But now the skies in vain are bright - - With Summer’s glow; - - The pea-dove’s call to Love’s delight - - Augments my woé; - - And blushing roses vainly bloom; - - Their charms are fled, - - And all is sadness, all is gloom, - - For she is dead! - - -3. - - Now o’er thy head, my virgin love, - - Rolls Ocean’s wave; - - But fond regret, in myrtle grove, - - Hath dug thy grave. - - Sweet flowers, around her vacant urn - - Your wreaths I’ll twine, - - And pray such flowers, ere Spring’s return, - - May garland mine! - - “He! he!”--That love-lorn dirge--that heavenly - - tongue-- - - That air, she taught him‘t was Rosalvo sung! - - Rosalvo, whom the waves, which wreck’d their bark, - - Had borne, like her, for purpose sad and dark, - - To that strange isle; though far remote the beach - - From Irza’s grot, which Fate ordain’d him reach; - - But now at length his curious search explores - - These rude and slippery crags and distant shores; - - And while he treads his dangerous path, the strains - - Which Irza taught him soothe her lover’s pains. - - She hears his steps, and hears them soon more near; - - And loud she cries--“Rosalvo! Hear! oh, hear! - - ‘Tis Irza calls!” and now more quick, more nigh, - - Down the steep rock she hears those footsteps fly. - - Again she calls. He comes! He searches round; - - He seeks the gate, and soon the gate is found. - - Alas! ‘t is found in vain! the marble guard - - Seem’d rooted as the rock, whose mouth it barr’d. - - Yet still, with labouring nerves, to move the stone - - He struggles. Now he stops; and, hark! A groan! - - But one; then all was hush’d! A sickening chill - - Seized Irza’s heart, and seem’d her veins to thrill. - - Fain had she call’d her youthful bridegroom’s name; - - Her tongue Fear’s numbing fingers seem’d to lame. - - Footsteps!--more near they drew:--slow rolled the - - stone-- - - The infernal gaoler came, but came alone. - - With anxious glance his eye explored the cell; - - But when it fix’d on her’s, abash’d it fell. - - He knelt, and seem’d to fear her frown. He bore - - His club.’T was splash’d with brains! ‘twas wet with - - gore! - - She fear’d--she guess’d--she rush’d--she ran--she - - flew,-- - - Nor dared the fiend her frantic course pursue. - - “Rosalvo! speak! Rosalvo!” Shrill, yet sweet, - - She wakes the echoes. What obstructs her feet? - - ‘T is he, the young, the good, the kind, the fair! - - As some frail lily, which the passing share * - - Or wanton boy hath wounded, droops its head, - - Its whiteness wither’d, and its fragrance fled, - - Low lay the youth, and from his temple’s wound - - With precious streams bedew’d the ensanguin’d ground. - - Then reason fled its seat! She shrieks! she raves! - - And fills with hideous yells the ocean caves; - - Rends her bright locks, and laughs to see them fly, - - And bids them seek Rosalvo in the sky. - - To dig his grave she fiercely ploughs the ground, - - Loud shrieks his name, nor feels the flints that wound - - Her bosom’s globes, and stain their snow with gore, - - As wild she dashes down, and beats in rage the floor. - - Now fail her strength, her spirits; mute she sits, - - Silent and sad; then laughs and sings by fits. - - A statue now she seems, or one just dead, - - Her looks all gloom, her eyes two balls of lead: - - Then simply smiles, and chaunts, with idiot glee, - - “Ave Maria! Benedicite!” - - Till, Nature’s powers revived by rest, again - - The fury passions riot in her brain, - - And all is rage, revenge, and helpless, hopeless pain. - - Days, weeks, months pass. Time came with slow relief; - - But still at length it came. No more her grief - - Disturbs her brain: she knows “that groan was his!” - - And fully feels herself the wretch she is. - - She rises: towards the grotto’s mouth she goes, - - Nor dares the fiend her wandering steps oppose. - - She seeks the spot on which Rosalvo fell, - - On which he died! She knows that spot too well! - - But, lo! no corse was there! All smooth and green - - A velvet turf o’erstrewn with flowers was seen, - - And fenced with roses. “Oh! whose pious care - - Hath deck’d this grave? Hear, gracious Heaven, his - - prayer, - - When most he needs!” While thus in doubt she stands, - - She marks the fiend’s approach. His ebon hands - - Sustain’d a gourd of flowers of various hue; - - He pour’d them, kiss’d the turf, and straight withdrew - - Hither each morn his blooming gifts he bore, - - Smooth’d the green sod, and strew’d it o’er and o’er. - - Hither, each morn, came Irza; on those flowers - - She wept, she pray’d, she sang away her hours. - - So mourns the nightingale on poplar spray *, - - Her callow brood by shepherds borne away, - - Weeps all the night, and from her green retreat - - Fills the wide groves with warblings sad as sweet. - - And still fresh woes succeed. She feels again - - Mysterious pangs, nor doubts her cause of pain. - - Too sure, while lost in maniac state she lay, - - Her sense, her wits, her feeling all away, - - The fiend once more had seized the unguarded hour - - To force her weakness, and abuse his ower. - - “Qualis populeâ,” &c.--Virgil. - - Again Lucina came. That new-born cry, - - Shuddering, again she heard; her fearful eye - - Wander’d around awhile, nor dared to stay. - - “There, there he lies! my child!” With fresh essay - - Once more she turn’d. But when at length her sight - - Dwelt on its face, her wonder--her delight-- - - Can ne’er by tongue be told, by fancy guess’d! - - Frantic she caught, she kiss’d, and lull’d him on her breast. - - Oh! who can paint how Irza loved that child! - - Grieved when he moan’d, and smiled whene’er he smiled! - - His dimpled arm soft on the rushes lay; - - Through his fine skin the blood was seen to play; - - That skin than down of swans more smooth and white; - - Nor e’er shone summer sky so blue and bright, - - As shone the eyes of that same cherub elf; - - In small the model of her beauteous self. - - The scant gold locks which gilt his ivory brow, - - Were sun-beams gleaming on a globe of snow; - - And on his coral lips the red which stood, - - Shamed the first rose, whose milk was Paphia’s blood. - - By fairy-thefts since nurses were beguiled, - - Never stole fairy yet a lovelier child! - - In Nature’s costlier charms no babe array’d, - - At length a mother’s fears and throes repaid: - - Not when Lucina first in myrtle grove, - - To Beauty’s kiss presented new-born Love; - - And while, with wond’ring eyes, the immortal boy - - Imbibed new light, and pour’d ecstatic joy: - - He kiss’d and drain’d by turns her fragrant breast, - - Till amorous ring-doves coo’d the god to rest. - - Mothers may love as much, but never more, - - Nor e’er did mother love so well before, - - As Irza loved that child! Her sable lord - - Mark’d well that love; and now, to health restored, - - He felt her child to home would chain her feet, - - Nor roll’d the stone to close her lone retreat. - - Still, when he went, he with him bore away - - That fav’rite babe, nor fear’d she far would stray. - - Arm’d with his club, she now might safely rove - - Through verdant vale, or weep in shadowy grove; - - For soon the dwarfs were used to bear her sight, - - Knew that dread club, nor dared indulge their spite. - - Still from afar off looks of rage they cast, - - And shrilly squeal’d and clamour’d as she pass’d; - - But by their flight when near she came, ‘twas seen, - - They own’d allegiance, and confess’d their queen. - - One morn her savage lord, in quest of food, - - Forsook tho cave, and sought th’ adjacent wood; - - And as her darling boy he with him bore, - - Irza, unwatch’d, might pace the sounding shore. - - Listless and slow she moved, and climb’d with pain - - A tow’ring cliff, which beetled o’er the main. - - Now three full years had flown, since Irza’s eye - - Had dwelt on human form, and since reply - - From human tongue had blest her ear.’Tis true, - - Throned on a rock, which spread before her view - - The sea’s wide-stretching plains, she once descried - - A gallant vessel plough the neighbouring tide. - - By cries to draw it near she long essay’d, - - And oft a palm-bough waved in sign for aid: - - But all her cries and all her signs were vain; - - On sail’d the bark, nor e’er return’d again! - - On that same rock she sat, and eyed the wave, - - And wish’d she there had found her wat’ry grave! - - Fain had she sought one then, plunged from the steep. - - And buried all her sufferings in the deep; - - But faith alike and reason bade her shun - - That wish, nor break a thread which God had spun. - - Hark!--was it fancy?--hark again!--the shores - - Echo the sound of fast approaching oars. - - Oh! how she gazed!--a barge (by friars ’twas mann’d) - - Cut the smooth waves, and sought the rocky strand. - - Soon (while his wither’d hands a crosier hold, - - All rich with gems, and rough with sculptured gold), - - Landing alone, a reverend monk appear’d:-- - - His jewell’d cross--his flowing silver beard-- - - “‘Tis he!--‘tis he!”--swift down the steep she flies, - - Falls at the stranger’s feet, and frantic cries, - - Down her pale cheek while tears imploring roll, - - “Help, father abbot! save me! save my soul!” - - ‘Twas he indeed! that bark which ne’er return’d, - - Well on the cliff* her fair wild form discern’d, - - But deem’d some island-fiend had spread a snare - - To lure them with a form so wild and fair. - - Yet oft in Lisbon would those seamen tell, - - How angled for their souls the prince of hell; - - And warmly paint, their leisure to beguile, - - The fallen angel of th’ enchanted isle. - - At length this wonder reach’d the abbot’s ear, - - And prompt affection made the wonder clear:-- - - “’Twas Irza! shipwreck’d Irza! none but she - - So heav’nly fair, so lonely lost could be!” - - Straight he prepares anew that sea to brave, - - Which once already seem’d to yawn his grave; - - Nor ask, how chanced it that he reach’d the shore: - - It was through a miracle and nothing more. - - Whether on monkish frock as safe rode he, - - As night-hags skim in sieves o’er Norway’s sea; - - Or like Arion plough’d the wat’ry plain, - - Horsed on some monster of the astonish’d main, - - Some shark, some whale, some kraken, some sea-cow-- - - St. Francis saved him, and it boots not how. - - And now again the saint his priest survey’d, - - From waves and winds imploring heavenly aid; - - Resolved for Irza’s sake to brave the worst - - Which fate could offer on that isle accurst. - - Far off his ship was anchor’d; on that strand - - Not India’s wealth could make a layman land! - - Therefore with none but monks he mann’d his barge, - - Which bore of beads and bells a sacred charge; - - Whole heaps of relics lent by Cintra’s nuns, - - And holy water (blest at Rome) by tons! - - His toils were all o’erpaid! he saw again - - His fav’rite child, and kindly soothed her pain; - - And while her tale he heard, oft dropp’d a tear, - - And sign’d his beard-swept breast in awe and fear: - - Then bade her speed the friendly bark to gain, - - And fly the infernal monarch’s green domain; - - Nor yield her tyrant time to cast a spell, - - And rouse to cross her flight the powers of hell. - - Then first from Irza’s cheek the glow of red, - - By hope of rescue raised, grew faint, and fled; - - Trembling she nam’d her cherub-boy, confess’d - - A mother’s fondness fill’d his mother’s breast; - - Described how fair he look’d, how sweet he smiled, - - And fear’d her flight might quite destroy her child. - - Then rose the abbot’s ire--ee Oh, guilty care!” - - Frowning, he cried, and shook his hoary hair: - - “Fair is the imp? and shall he therefore breathe - - To win new subjects for the realms beneath? - - The fiends most dangerous are those spirits bright, - - Who toil for hell, and show like sons of light; - - And still when Satan spreads his subtlest snares, - - The baits are azure eyes, the lines are golden hairs. - - Name thou the brat no more! To Cintra’s walls - - Fly, where thy footsteps mild repentance calls. - - I’ll hear no plaint! kneel not! I’m deaf to prayer! - - Swift, brethren, to the barge this maniac bear; - - Speed! speed!--no tears!--no struggling!--no delay - - Row, brethren, row, and waft us swift away!” - - The monks obeyed. Then, then in Irza’s soul - - What various passions raged, and mock’d control! - - Now how she mourn’d, now how she wept for joy, - - How loathed the sire, and how adored the boy! - - The barge is gain’d; they row. When, lo! from high - - Her ear again receives that well-known cry, - - That sad, strange moan! she starts, and lifts her eye. - - There, on a rock which fenced the strand, once more - - She saw her demon-husband stand: he bore - - Her beauteous babe; and, while he view’d the barge, - - Keen anguish seem’d each feature to enlarge, - - And shake each giant limb. With piteous air - - His arms he spread, his hands he clasp’d in prayer; - - Knelt, wept, and while his eye-balls seem’d to burn, - - Oft show’d the child, and woo’d her to return. - - His suit the monks disdain; the barge recedes; - - More humbly now he kneels, more earnest pleads. - - But when he found no tears their course delay, - - And still the boat pursued its watery way; - - Then, ‘gainst his grief and rage no longer proof, - - He gnash’d his teeth, he stamp’d his iron hoof, - - Whirl’d the boy wildly round and round his head, - - Hash’d it against the rocks, and howling fled. - - Loud shrieks the mother! changed to stone she stands, - - And silent lifts to heav’n her clay-cold hands: - - Then, sinking down, stretch’d on the deck she lies, - - Hid her pale face, and closed her aching eyes. - - But hark! why shout the monks?--C£ Again,” they said, - - “Again the demon comes!” with desperate dread - - Starts the poor wretch, and lifts her anguish’d head. - - Yes! there the infant-murderer stood once more, - - But now far different were the looks he wore. - - No bending knee, no suppliant glance was seen, - - Proud was his port, and stern and fierce his mien. - - His blood-stain’d eye-balls glared with vengeful ire; - - His spreading nostrils seem’d to snort out fire. - - Swiftly from crag to crag he following sprung, - - While round his neck his shaggy offspring clung; - - And now, like some dark tow’r, erect he stood, - - Where the last rock hung frowning o’er the flood:-- - - “Look! look!” he seem’d to say, with action wild, - - “Look, mother, look! this babe is still your child! - - With him as me all social bonds you break, - - Scorn’d and detested for his father’s sake: - - My love, my service only wrought disdain, - - And nature fed his heart from yours in vain! - - Then go, Ingrate, far o’er the ocean go, - - Consign your friend, your child to endless woe! - - Renounce us! hate us! pleased, your course pursue, - - And break their hearts who lived alone for you!” - - His eyes, which flash’d red fire--his arms spread wide, - - Her child raised high to heaven--too plain implied, - - Such were his thoughts, though nature speech denied. - - And now with eager glance the deep he view’d, - - And now the barge with savage howl pursued; - - Then to his lips his infant wildly press’d, - - And fondly, fiercely, clasp’d it to his breast: - - Three piteous moans, three hideous yells he gave, - - Plunged headlong from the rock, and made the sea his - - grave. - - Where, screen’d by orange groves and myrtle bowers, - - Saint-favour’d Cintra rears her gothic towers; - - A nun there dwells, most holy, sad, and fair, - - Her only business penance, fasts, and prayer; - - Her only joy with flowers the shrines to dress, - - Weep with the suff’ring, and relieve distress. - - A poor lay-sister she; yet golden rain - - Showers from her hand to glad each barren plain: - - In other eyes she lights up joy, but ne’er - - Those eyes of hers were seen a smile to wear: - - From other breasts she plucks the thorn of grief, - - But feels, her own admits of no relief. - - Where age and sickness count the hours by groans, - - Uncalled, she comes to hear and hush their moans. - - There, ever humble, watchful, patient, kind, - - No nauseous task, no servile care declined, - - O’er the sick couch, all day, all night she hangs, - - Till health or death relieves the sufferer’s pangs. - - No thanks she takes, no praise from man receives, - - Her duty done, the rest to God she leaves; - - But only when her care redeems a life, - - Parting she says--“Pray for a demon’s wife!” - - With blessings still, whene’er that nun they view, - - The young, the aged her sainted steps pursue, - - And cry, with bended knee and suppliant air, - - ee Sister of mercy, name us in thy prayer!” - - With beads the night, in gracious acts the day, - - So wore her youth, so wears her age away. - - Now cease, my lay! thy mournful task is o’er; - - Irza, farewell! I wake thy lute no more. - - “Was such her fate? and did her days thus creep - - So sad, so slow, till came the long last sleep? - - And did for this her hands with roses twine - - The Saviour’s altars and the Virgin’s shrine? - - Pure, beauteous, rich, did all these blessings tend, - - But from the world in prime of life to send - - This gifted maid, in prayer to waste her hours, - - And weep a fancied crime in cloister’d bowers?” - - Oh, blind to fate! perhaps that fancied crime - - Which bade her quit the world in youthful prime, - - Snatch’d her from paths, where beauty, wealth, and fame - - Had proved but snares to load her soul with shame, - - And spared her pangs from wilful guilt which flow, - - The only serious ills that man can know! - - Ah! what avails it, since they ne’er can last, - - If gay or sad our span of days be past? - - Pray, mortals, pray, in sickness or in pain, - - Not long nor blest to live, but pure from stain. - - A life of pleasure, and a life of woe, - - When both are past, the difference who can show? - - But all can tell, how wide apart in price - - A life of virtue, and a life of vice. - - Then still, sad Irza, tread your thorny way, - - Since life must end, and merits ne’er decay. - - Wounded past hope, still prize the pleasure pure, - - To heal those hearts which yet can hope a cure; - - Nor doubt, the soul which joys in noble deeds - - Shall reap a rich reward when most it needs. - - When comes that day to conscious guilt so dread, - - Angels unseen shall bathe your burning head: - - The prayers of orphans fan with balmy breath, - - And widow’s blessings drown the threats of death; - - Each sigh your pity hush’d shall swelling rise - - In loud hosannas when you mount the skies; - - And every tear on earth to sorrow given, - - Be precious pearls to wreathe your brows in heaven! - - -APRIL 17. - - - Piansi i riposi di quest’ umil vita, - - E sospirai la mia perduta pace!” - -I regret the loss of our dead calm and our crawling pace of a knot and -a half an hour; for during the last four days we have had nothing but -gales and squalls, mountainous waves, the vessel rolling and pitching -incessantly, and the sea perpetually pouring in at the windows and down -through the hatchway. Into the bargain, we are now sufficiently towards -the north to find the weather perishingly cold, and we have neither wood -nor coals enough on board to allow a fire for the cabin. - -But, among all our inconveniences, that which is the most intolerable -undoubtedly arises from the sick apothecary. It seems that his complaint -is the consequence of dram-drinking, which has affected his liver. Since -his coming on board, he has continued to indulge his taste; and growing -worse (as might be expected), he has now thought proper to put himself -in a state of salivation: the consequence is, that what with the mercury -and what with the man, aided by the concomitant effluvia of our cargo of -sugar, rum, and coffee, for a combination of villanous smells, Falstaff’s -buck-basket was nothing to the cabin of the Sir Godfrey Webster. I could -almost fancy myself Slawken-bergius’s Don Diego just returned from the -Promontory of Noses, and that I had exchanged my snub for a proboscis; -so much do all my other senses appear to be absorbed in that of -smelling, and so completely do I seem to myself to be nose all over. As -to the poor apothecary, his mercury annoys us without any signs as yet -of its benefiting himself. He grows worse daily, and I greatly doubt his -ever reaching England. - - -APRIL 19. (Sunday.) - -I have not been able to ascertain exactly the negro notions concerning -the _Duppy_; indeed, I believe that his character and qualities vary in -different parts of the country. At first, I thought that the term Duppy -meant neither more nor less than a ghost; but sometimes he is spoken of -as “the Duppy,” as if there were but one, and then he seems to answer -to the devil. Sometimes he is a kind of malicious spirit, who haunts -burying-grounds (like the Arabian gouls), and delights in playing tricks -to those who may pass that way. On other occasions, he seems to be a -supernatural attendant on the practitioners of Obeah, in the shape of -some animal, as familiar imps are supposed to belong to our English -witches; and this latter is the part assigned to him in the following -“Nancy-story:”-- - -“Sarah Winyan was scarcely ten years old, when her mother died, and -bequeathed to her considerable property. Her father was already dead; -and the guardianship of the child devolved upon his sister, who had -always resided in the same house, and who was her only surviving -relation. Her mother, indeed, had left two sons by a former husband, but -they lived at some distance in the wood, and seldom came to see their -mother; chiefly from a rooted aversion to this aunt; who, although -from interested motives she stooped to flatter her sister-in-law, -was haughty, ill-natured, and even suspected of Obeahism, from the -occasional visits of an enormous black dog, whom she called Tiger, and -whom she never failed to feed and caress with marked distinction. -In case of Sarah’s death, the aunt, in right of her brother, was the -heiress of his property. She was determined to remove this obstacle to -her wishes; and after treating her for some time with harshness and -even cruelty, she one night took occasion to quarrel with her for some -trifling fault, and fairly turned her out of doors. The poor girl seated -herself on a stone near the house, and endeavoured to beguile the time -by singing-- - - ‘Ho-day, poor me, O! - - Poor me, Sarah Winyan, O! - - They call me neger, neger! - - They call me Sarah Winyan, O!’ - -“But her song was soon interrupted by a loud rushing among the bushes; -and the growling which accompanied it announced the approach of the -dreaded Tiger. She endeavoured to secure herself against his attacks -by climbing a tree: but it seems that Tiger had not been suspected of -Obeahism without reason; for he immediately growled out an assurance -to the girl, that come down she must and should! Her aunt, he said, had -made her over to him by contract, and had turned her out of doors that -night for the express purpose of giving him an opportunity of carrying -her away. If she would descend from the tree, and follow him willingly -to his own den to wait upon him, he engaged to do her no harm; but if -she refused to do this, he threatened to gnaw down the tree without -loss of time, and tear her into a thousand pieces. His long sharp -teeth, which he gnashed occasionally during the above speech, appeared -perfectly adequate to the execution of his menaces, and Sarah judged it -most prudent to obey his commands. But as she followed Tiger into the -wood, she took care to resume her song of - - ‘Ho-day, poor me, O!’ - -in hopes that some one passing near them might hear her name, and come -to her rescue. Tiger, however, was aware of this, and positively forbad -her singing. However, she contrived every now and then to loiter behind; -and when she thought him out of hearing, her - - ‘Ho-day! poor me, O!’ - -began again; although she was compelled to sing in so low a voice, -through fear of her four-footed master, that she had but faint hopes of -its reaching any ear but her own. Such was, indeed, the event, and Tiger -conveyed her to his den without molestation. In the meanwhile, her two -half-brothers had heard of their mother’s death, and soon arrived at the -house to enquire what was become of Sarah. The aunt received them with -every appearance of welcome; told them that grief for the loss of her -only surviving parent had already carried her niece to the grave, which -she showed them in her garden; and acted her part so well, that the -youths departed perfectly satisfied of the decease of their sister. -But while passing through the wood on their return, they heard some one -singing, but in so low a tone that it was impossible to distinguish the -words. As this part of the wood was the most unfrequented, they were -surprised to find any one concealed there. Curiosity induced them to -draw nearer, and they soon could make out the - - ‘Ho-day! poor me, O! - - Poor me, Sarah Winyan, O!’ - -“There needed no more to induce them to hasten onwards; and upon -advancing deeper into the thicket, they found themselves at the mouth of -a large cavern in a rock. A fire was burning within it; and by its light -they perceived their sister seated on a heap of stones, and weeping, -while she chanted her melancholy ditty in a low voice, and supported on -her lap the head of the formidable Tiger. This was a precaution which he -always took when inclined to sleep, lest she should escape; and she had -taken advantage of his slumbers to resume her song in as low a tone as -her fears of waking him would allow. She saw her brothers at the mouth -of the cave: the youngest fortunately had a gun with him, and he made -signs that Sarah should disengage herself from Tiger if possible. It was -long before she could summon up courage enough to make the attempt; but -at length, with fear and trembling, and moving with the utmost caution, -she managed to slip a log of wood between her knees and the frightful -head, and at length drew herself away without waking him. She then crept -softly out of the cavern, while the youngest brother crept as softly -into it: the monster’s head still reposed upon the block of wood; in a -moment it was blown into a thousand pieces; and the brothers, afterwards -cutting the body into four parts, laid one in each quarter of the wood.” - -From that time only were dogs brought into subjection to men; and -the inhabitants of Jamaica would never have been able to subdue those -ferocious animals, if Tiger had not been killed and quartered by Sarah -Winyan’s brothers. As to the aunt, she received the punishment which -she merited, but I cannot remember what it was exactly. Probably, the -brothers killed and quartered _her_ as well as her four-footed ally; or, -perhaps, she was turned into a wild beast, and supplied the vacancy left -by Tiger, as was the case with the celebrated Zingha, queen of Angola; -who, although she embraced Christianity on her death-bed, and died -according to the most orthodox forms of the Romish religion, still had -conducted herself in such a manner while alive, that shortly after her -decease, the kingdom being ravaged by a hyena, her subjects could not -be persuaded but that the soul of this most Christian queen had -transmigrated into the body of the hyena. Yet this was surely doing the -hyena great injustice; for she, at least, had never been in the habit of -composing ointments by pounding little children in a mortar with her own -hands; an amusement which Zingha had introduced at the court of Angola. -It took surprisingly; shortly, no woman thought her toilette completed, -unless she had used some of this ointment. Pounding children became all -the rage; and ladies who aspired to be the leaders of fashion, pounded -their own. - - -APRIL 20. - - - EPIGRAM.--(From the French.) - - “Whose can that little monster be? - - Its parents really claim one’s pity!” - - “Madam, that child belongs to me.”-- - - “Well, I protest, she’s vastly pretty!” - - -APRIL 21. - -The weather gets no better, the apothecary gets no worse, and both are -as foul and as disagreeable as they can well be. As to the man, it is -wonderful that he is still alive, for he has swallowed nothing for the -last three weeks except drams and laudanum. He drinks, and he stinks, -and he does nothing else earthly or celestial. The quantity of spirits -which he pours down his throat incessantly should, of itself, be -sufficient to finish him; but he seems to have accustomed himself to -drams, as Mithridates used himself to poisons, till his stomach is -completely proof against them; or like the Scythian princess, who was -fed upon ratsbane pap from her infancy, for the express purpose of one -day or other poisoning Alexander in her embraces; and who arrived -at such perfection, that although the venom did no harm to her own -constitution, she killed a condemned criminal with a single kiss. The -consequence was, that hemp fell fifty per cent, and Jack Ketch’s -nose was put out of joint completely; for the devil a culprit of -any pretensions to taste could be found in all Scythia, who could be -prevailed upon to be executed except by her royal highness’s own lips. I -am afraid this story is not strictly historical, and that we should look -for it in vain in Quintus Curtius. - - -APRIL 23. - -A gale of wind began to show itself on Monday night; it has continued -to blow ever since with increasing violence, and is now become very -serious. The captain says that he never experienced weather so severe at -this season: this is only my usual luck. Certainly nothing can be more -disagreeable than a ship on these occasions. The sea breaks over the -vessel every minute, and it is really something awful to see the waves -raised into the air by the force of the gale, hovering for a while over -the ship, and then coming down upon us swop, to inundate every thing -below deck as well as upon it. The wind is piercingly cold; the floors -and walls are perpetually streaming. But a fire is quite out of the -question; and, indeed, at one time to-day, our eating appeared to be out -of the question too; for at four o’clock the cook sent us word, that the -sea put the kitchen-fire out as fast as he could light it; that he was -almost frozen, having been for the last eight hours up to his waist -in water; and that we must make up our minds to get no dinner to-day. -However, the steward coaxed him, and encouraged him, and poured spirits -down his throat, and at last a dinner of some kind was put upon the -table; but it had not been there ten minutes, before a tremendous sea -poured itself down the companion stairs and through the hatchway, set -every thing on the table afloat, deluged the cabin, ducked most of the -company, and drove us all into the other room. I was lucky enough to -escape with only a sprinkling; but Mrs. Walker was soaked through from -head to foot. We can only cross the cabin by creeping along by the sides -as if we were so many cats. Walking the deck, even for the sailors, is -absolutely out of the question; and the little cabin-boy has so fairly -given up the attempt, that he goes crawling about upon all fours. Even -our Spanish mastiff, Flora, finds it impossible to keep her four legs -upon deck. Every five minutes up they all go, away rolls the dog over -and over; and when she gets up again, shakes her ears, and howls in a -tone of the most piteous astonishment. - - -APRIL 24. - -Though the gale was itself sufficiently serious, its effects at first -were ludicrous enough; but yesterday it produced a consequence truly -shocking and alarming. Edward Sadler, the second mate, was at breakfast -in the steerage: the boatswain had been cutting some beef with a large -case-knife, which he had afterwards put down upon the chest on which -they were sitting: a sudden heel of the ship threw them all to the other -side of the cabin: the knife fell with its haft against the ladder; and -poor Edward falling against it, at least three inches of the blade were -forced into his right side. The wound was dressed without the loss of a -moment; but, from its depth, the jaggedness of the weapon with which it -was made, and from a pain which immediately afterwards seized the poor -fellow in his chest, the apothecary thinks that his recovery is very -improbable: he says that the liver is certainly perforated, and so -probably are the lungs. If the latter have escaped, it must have been -only by the breadth of a hair. Every one in the ship is distressed -beyond measure at this accident, for the young man is a universal -favourite. He is but just one and twenty, good-looking, with manners -much superior to his station; and so unusually steady, as well as -active, that if Providence grants him life, he cannot fail to raise -himself in his profession. - - -APRIL 25. - -Edward complains no longer of the pain in his chest; he sleeps well, -eats enough, has no fever, and every symptom is so favourable, that Dr. -Ashman encourages us to hope that he has received no material injury. -Our ship-carpenter has always appeared to be the sulkiest and surliest -of sea-bears: yet, on the day of Edward’s accident, he passed every -minute that he could command by the side of his sofa, kneeling, and -praying, and watching him as if he had been his son; and every now -and then wiping away his “own tears” with the dirtiest of all possible -pocket-handkerchiefs. So that what Goldsmith said of Dr. Johnson may be -applied to this old man: “He has nothing of a bear but his skin.” After -tearing every sail in the ship into shivers, and being as disagreeable -as ever it could be, the gale has at length abated. Yesterday it was -a storm, and we were going to Ireland, Lisbon, Brest--in short, every -where except to England; to-day, it is a dead calm, and we are going -nowhere at all. - - -APRIL 26. (Sunday.) - -The gale has returned with increased violence, and we are once more -at our old trade of dead lights; however, for this time, the wind, at -least, is in our favour. - - -APRIL 28. - -The wounded mate is so much recovered as to come upon deck for a few -hours to-day, and may now be considered as completely out of danger; -although Dr. Ashman is positive (from his difficulty of breathing -at first, and the subsequent pain in his chest) that his lungs must -actually have been wounded, however slightly. We are now nearly abreast -of Scilly; we fell in with several Scilly boats to-day, from whom we -obtained a very acceptable supply of fish, vegetables, and newspapers. - - -APRIL 29. - -_An African Nancy-Story_.--The headman (i. e. the king) of a large -district in Africa, in one of his tours, visited a young nobleman, to -whom he lost a considerable sum at play. On his departure he loaded -his host with caresses, and insisted on his coming in person to receive -payment at court; but his pretended kindness had not deceived the nurse -of the young man. She told him, that the headman was certainly incensed -against him for having conquered him at play, and meant to do him some -injury; that having been so positively ordered to come to court, he -could not avoid obeying; but she advised him to take the river-road, -where, at a particular hour, he would find the king’s youngest and -favourite daughter bathing; and she instructed him how to behave. The -youth reached the river, and concealed himself, till he saw the princess -enter the stream alone; but when she thought fit to regain the bank, -she found herself extremely embarrassed.--‘Ho-day! what is become of -my clothes? ho-day! who has stolen my clothes? ho-day! if any one will -bring me back my clothes, I promise that no harm shall happen to him -this day--O!’--This was the cue for which the youth had been instructed -to wait. ‘Here are your clothes, missy!’ said he, stepping from his -concealment: ‘a rogue had stolen them, while you were bathing; but I -took them from him, and have brought them back.’--‘Well, young man, I -will keep my promise to you. You are going to court, I know; and I know -also, that the headman will chop off your head, unless at first sight -you can tell him which of his three daughters is the youngest. Now I am -she; and in order that you may not mistake, I will take care to make a -sign; and then do not you fail to pitch upon me.’ The young man assured -her, that, having once seen her, he never could possibly mistake her -for any other, and then set forwards with a lightened heart. The headman -received him very graciously, feasted him with magnificence, and told -him that he would present him to his three daughters, only that there -was a slight rule respecting them to which he must conform. Whoever -could not point out which was the youngest, must immediately lose his -head. The young man kissed the ground in obedience, the door opened, -and in walked three little black dogs. Now, then, the necessity of the -precaution taken by the princess was evident; the youth looked at the -dogs earnestly; something induced the headman to turn away his eyes for -a moment, and in that moment one of the dogs lifted up its fore paw. - -‘This,’ cried the youth--‘this is your youngest daughter;’--and -instantly the dogs vanished, and three young women appeared in their -stead. The headman was equally surprised and incensed; but concealing -his rage, he professed the more pleasure at that discovery; because, in -consequence, the law of that country obliged him to give his youngest -daughter in marriage to the person who should recognise her; and he -charged his future son-in-law to return in a week, when he should -receive his bride. But his feigned caresses could no longer deceive the -young man: as it was evident that the headman practised Obeah, he did -not dare to disobey him; and knew that to escape by flight would be -unavailing. It was, therefore, with melancholy forebodings that he set -out for court on the appointed day; and (according to the advice of his -old nurse) he failed not to take the road which led by the river. The -princess came again to bathe; her clothes again vanished; she had again -recourse to her ‘Ho-day! what is become of my clothes?’ and on hearing -the same promise of protection, the youth again made his appearance. -‘Here are your clothes, missy,’ said he; ‘the wind had blown them away -to a great distance; I found them hanging upon the bushes, and have -brought them back to you.’ Probably the princess thought it rather -singular, that whenever her petticoats were missing, the same person -should always happen to be in the way to find them: however, as she was -remarkably handsome, she kept her thoughts to herself, swallowed the -story like so much butter, and assured him of her protection. ‘My -father,’ said she, ‘will again ask you which is the youngest daughter; -and as he suspects me of having assisted you before, he threatens to -chop off _my_ head instead of yours, should I disobey him a second time. -He will, therefore, watch me too closely to allow of my making any sign -to you; but still I will contrive something to distinguish me from my -sisters; and do you examine us narrowly till you find it.’ As she had -foretold, the headman no sooner saw his destined son-in-law enter, than -he told him that he should immediately receive his bride; but that if he -did not immediately point her out, the laws of the kingdom sentenced him -to lose his head. Upon which the door opened, and in walked three large -black cats, so exactly similar in every respect, that it was utterly -impossible to distinguish one from the other. The youth was at length on -the point of giving up the attempt in despair, when it struck him, that -each of the cats had a slight thread passed round its neck; and that -while the threads of two were scarlet, that of the third was blue. -‘_This_ is your youngest daughter;’ cried he, snatching up the cat with -the blue thread. The headman was utterly at a loss to conceive by what -means he had made the discovery; but could not deny the fact, for there -stood the princesses in their own shape. He therefore affected to be -greatly pleased, gave him his bride, and made a great feast, which was -followed by a ball; but in the midst of it the princess whispered her -lover to follow her silently into the garden. Here she told him, that an -old Obeah woman, who had been her father’s nurse, had warned him, that -if his youngest daughter should live to see the day after her wedding, -he would lose his power and his life together; that she, therefore, was -sure of his intending to destroy both herself and her bridegroom that -night in their sleep; but that, being aware of all these circumstances, -she had watched him so narrowly as to get possession of some of his -magical secrets, which might possibly enable her to counteract his cruel -designs. She then gathered a rose, picked up a pebble, filled a small -phial with water from a rivulet; and thus provided, she and her lover -betook themselves to flight upon a couple of the swiftest steeds in her -father’s stables. It was midnight before the headman missed them: his -rage was excessive; and immediately mounting his great horse, Dandy, he -set forwards in pursuit of the lovers. Now Dandy galloped at the rate of -ten miles a minute. The princess was soon aware of her pursuer: without -loss of time she pulled the rose to pieces, scattered the leaves behind -her, and had the satisfaction of seeing them instantly grow up into -a wood of briars, so strong and so thickly planted, that Dandy vainly -attempted to force his way through them. But, alas! this fence was but -of a very perishable nature. In the time that it would have taken to -wither its parent rose-leaves, the briars withered away; and Dandy was -soon able to trample them down, while he continued his pursuit. Now, -then, the pebble was thrown in his passage; it burst into forty pieces, -and every piece in a minute became a rock as lofty as the Andes. But -the Andes themselves would have offered no insurmountable obstacles to -Dandy, who bounded from precipice to precipice; and the lovers and the -headman could once more clearly distinguish each other by the first -beams of the rising sun. The headman roared, and threatened, and -brandished a monstrous sabre; Dandy tore up the ground as he ran, -neighed louder than thunder, and gained upon the fugitives every moment. -Despair left the princess no choice, and she violently dashed her phial -upon the ground. Instantly the water which it contained swelled itself -into a tremendous torrent, which carried away every thing before -it,--rocks, trees, and houses; and ‘the horse and his rider’ were -carried away among the rest.--‘Hic finis Priami fatorum!’ There was an -end of the headman and Dandy! The princess then returned to court, where -she raised a strong party for herself; seized her two sisters, who were -no better than their father, and had assisted him in his witchcraft; and -having put them and all their partisans to death by a summary mode of -proceeding, she established herself and her husband on the throne as -headman and head-woman. It was from this time that _all_ the kings of -Africa have been uniformly mild and benevolent sovereigns. Till then -they were all tyrants, and tyrants they would all still have continued, -if this virtuous princess had not changed the face of things by drowning -her father, strangling her two sisters, and chopping off the heads of -two or three dozen of her nearest and dearest relations. - -It seems to be an indispensable requisite for a Nancy-story, that -it should contain a witch, or a duppy, or, in short, some marvellous -personage or other. It is a kind of “pièce à machines” But the creole -slaves are very fond of another species of tale, which they call -“Neger-tricks,” and which bear the same relation to a Nancy-story -which a farce does to a tragedy. The following is a specimen:--_A -Neger-trick_.--“A man who had two wives divided his provision-grounds -into two parts, and proposed that each of the women should cultivate one -half. They were ready to do their proper share, but insisted that the -husband should at least take his third of the work. However, when they -were to set out, the man was taken so ill, that he found it impossible -to move; he quite roared with pain, and complained bitterly of a large -lump which had formed itself on his cheek during the night. The wives -did what they could to relieve him, but in vain they boiled a negro-pot -for him, but he was too ill to swallow a morsel: and at length they were -obliged to leave him, and go to take care of the provision-grounds. As -soon as they were gone, the husband became perfectly well, emptied the -contents of the pot with great appetite, and enjoyed himself in ease and -indolence till evening, when he saw his wives returning; and immediately -he became worse than ever. One of the women was quite shocked to see the -size to which the lump had increased during her absence: she begged -to examine it; but although she barely touched it with the tip of -her finger as gingerly as possible, it was so tender that the fellow -screamed with agony. Unluckily, the other woman’s manners were by no -means so delicate; and seizing him forcibly by the head to examine it, -she undesignedly happened to hit him a great knock on the jaw, and, lo -and behold! out flew a large lime, which he had crammed into it. Upon -which both his wives fell upon him like two furies; beat him out of -the house; and whenever afterwards he begged them to go to the -provision-grounds, they told him that he had got no lime in his mouth -_then_, and obliged him from that time forwards to do the whole work -himself.” - -A negro was brought to England; and the first point shown him being the -chalky cliffs of Dover, “O ki!” he said; “me know now what makes the -buckras all so white!” - - -MAY 29. - -We once more saw the “Lizard,” the first point of England; and, indeed, -it was full time that we should. Besides that our provisions were nearly -exhausted by the length of the voyage, our crew was in a great measure -composed of fellows of the most worthless description; and the captain -lately discovered that some of them had contrived to break a secret -passage into the hold, where they had broached the rum-casks, and had -already passed several nights in drinking, with lighted candles: a -single spark would have been sufficient to blow us all up to the moon! - - -June 1. (Saturday.) - -We took our river pilot on board; and on Wednesday, the 5th, we reached -Gravesend. I went on shore at nine in the morning; and here I conclude -my _Jamaica Journal_. - - - - - -1817. - - -November 5. (Wednesday.) - -I left London, and embarked for Jamaica on board the same vessel, -commanded by the same captain, which conveyed me thither in 1815. We -did not reach the Downs till Sunday, the 9th, after experiencing in our -passage a severe gale of wind, which broke the bowsprit of a vessel in -our sight, but did no mischief to ourselves. On arriving in the Downs, -we found all the flags lowered half way down the masts, which is a -signal of mourning; and we now learnt, that, in a few hours after giving -birth to a still-born son, the Princess Charlotte of Wales had expired -at half-past two on Thursday morning. - - -November 16. (Sunday.) - -“Peaceful slumbering on the ocean.” Here we are still in the Downs, and -no symptoms of a probable removal. Indeed, when we weighed our anchor at -Gravesend, it gave us a broad hint that there was no occasion as yet for -giving ourselves the trouble; for, before it could be got on board, the -cable was suffered to slip, and down again went the anchor, carrying -along with it one of the men who happened to be standing upon it at the -moment, and who in consequence went plump to the bottom. Luckily, the -fellow could swim; so in a few minutes he was on board again, and no -harm done. - - -November 19. - -We resumed our voyage with fine weather, but wind so perverse, that we -did not arrive in sight of Portsmouth till the evening of the 21st. A -pilot came on board, and conveyed us into Spithead. - - -November 22. - -This morning we quitted Portsmouth, and this evening we returned to it. -The Needle rocks were already in sight, when the wind failed completely. -There was no getting through the passage, and the dread of a gale -would not admit of our remaining in so dangerous a roadstead. So we -had nothing for it but to follow Mad Bess’s example, and “return to the -place whence we came.” We are now anchored upon the Motherbank, about -two miles from Ryde in the Isle of Wight. - - -November 30. (Sunday.) - -Edward, the young man who was so dangerously wounded on our return from -my former voyage to Jamaica, is now chief mate of the vessel, and feels -no other inconvenience from his accident, except a slight difficulty in -raising his left arm above his head. - - -DECEMBER 1. (Monday.) - -Here we are, still riding at anchor, with no better consolation than -that of Klopstock’s halfdevil Abadonna; the consciousness that others -are deeper damned than ourselves. Another ship belonging to the same -proprietor left the West India Docks three weeks before us, and here she -is still rocking cheek by jowl alongside of us, - - “One writ with us in sour misfortune’s book.” - - -DECEMBER 3. - -A tolerably fair breeze at length enabled us to set sail once more. - - -DECEMBER 24. (Wednesday.) - -I had often heard talk of “a hell upon earth,” and now I have a perfect -idea of “a hell upon water.” It must be precisely our vessel during the -last three weeks. At twelve at noon upon the 4th, we passed Plymouth, -and were actually in sight of the Lizard point, when the wind suddenly -became completely foul, and drove us back into the Channel. It continued -to strengthen gradually but rapidly; and by the time that night arrived, -we had a violent gale, which blew incessantly till the middle of Sunday, -the 7th, when we were glad to find ourselves once more in sight of -Plymouth, and took advantage of a temporary abatement of the wind to -seek refuge in the Sound. Here, however, we soon found that we had but -little reason to rejoice at the change of our situation. The Sound was -already crowded with vessels of all descriptions; and as we arrived so -late, the only mooring still unoccupied, placed us so near the rocks on -one side, and another vessel astern, that the captain confessed that -he should feel considerable anxiety if the gale should return with its -former violence. So, of course, about eleven at night, the gale _did_ -return; not, indeed, with its former violence, but with its violence -increased tenfold; and once we were in very imminent danger from our -ship’s swinging round by a sudden squall, and narrowly escaping coming -in contact with the ship astern, which had not, it seems, allowed itself -sufficient cable. Luckily, we just missed her; and our cables (for both -our anchors were down) being new and good, we rode out the storm -without driving, or meeting with any accident whatever. The next day was -squally; and in spite of the Breakwater, the rocking of the ship from -the violent agitation of the waves by the late stormy weather was almost -insupportable. However, on the 9th, the wind took a more favourable -turn, though in so slight a degree, that the pilot expressed great -doubts whether it would last long to do us any service. But the captain -felt his situation in Plymouth Sound so uneasy, that he resolved at -least to make the attempt; and so we crept once more into the Channel. -In a few hours the breeze strengthened; about midnight we passed the -lights upon the Lizard, and the next morning England was at length out -of sight. This cessation of ill luck soon proved to be only “_reculer -‘pour mieux sauter_” The gale, it seems, had only stopped to take -breath: about four in the afternoon of Wednesday, the wind began to rise -again; and from that time till the middle of the 23d it blew a complete -storm day and night, with only an occasional intermission of two or -three hours at a time. Every one in the ship declared that they had -never before experienced so obstinate a persecution of severe weather: -every rag of sail was obliged to be taken down; the sea was blown up -into mountains, and poured itself over the deck repeatedly. The noise -was dreadful; and as it lasted incessantly, to sleep was impossible; and -I passed ten nights, one after another, without closing my eyes; so that -the pain in the nerves of them at length became almost intolerable, and -I began to be seriously afraid of going blind. In truth, the captain -could not well have pitched upon a set of passengers worse calculated to -undergo the trial of a passage so rough. As for myself, my brain is so -weak, that the continuation of any violent noise makes me absolutely -light-headed; and a pop-gun going off suddenly is quite sufficient at -any time to set every nerve shaking, from the crown of my head to -the sole of my foot. Then we had a young lady who was ready to die of -seasickness, and an old one who was little better through fright; and -I had an Italian servant into the bargain, who was as sick as the young -lady, and as frightened as the old one. The poor fellow had never been -on board a ship before; and with every crack which the vessel gave, he -thought that to be sure, she was splitting right in half. The sailors, -too, appeared to be quite knocked up from the unremitting fatigue to -which they were subjected by the perseverance of this dreadful weather. -Several of them were ill; and one poor fellow actually died, and was -committed to the ocean. To make matters still worse, during the first -week the wind was as foul as it could blow; and we passed it in running -backwards and forwards, without advancing a step towards our object; -till at length every drop of my very small stock of patience was -exhausted, and I could no longer resist suggesting our returning to -port, rather than continue buffeting about in the chops of the Channel, -so much to the damage of the ship, and all contained in her. A change of -wind, however, gave a complete answer to this proposal. On Thursday -it became favourable as to the prosecution of our voyage, but its fury -continued unabated till the evening of the 23d. It then gradually died -away, and left us becalmed before the island of Madeira; where we are -now rolling backwards and forwards, in sight of its capital, Funchal, on -the 24th of December, being seven immortal weeks since my departure from -Gravesend. The evening sun is now very brilliant, and shines full upon -the island, the rocks of which are finely broken; the height of the -mountains cause their tops to be lost in the clouds; the sides are -covered with plantations of vines and forests of cedars; and the white -edifices of Funchal, built upon the very edge of the shore, have a truly -picturesque appearance. We are now riding between the island and an -isolated group of inaccessible rocks called “the Deserters;” * and the -effect of the scene altogether is beautiful in the extreme. - -* The Dezertas. - - -DECEMBER 25. (Christmas-day.) - -A light breeze sprang up in the night, and this morning Madeira was no -longer visible. - - -DECEMBER 31. (Wednesday.) - -We are now in the latitudes commonly known by the name of “the Horse -Latitudes.” During the union of America and Great Britain, great numbers -of horses used to be exported from the latter; and the winds in -these latitudes are so capricious, squally, and troublesome in every -respect,--now a gale, and then a dead calm--now a fair wind, and the -next moment a foul one,--that more horses used to die in this portion -of the passage than during all the remainder of it. These latitudes from -thence obtained their present appellation, and extend from 29° to 25° or -24 1/2°. - - - - -1818.--JANUARY 1. - - -(Thursday.) - -On this day, on my former voyage, I landed at Black River. Now we are -still at some distance from the line, and are told that we cannot expect -to reach Jamaica in less than three weeks, even with favourable breezes; -and our breezes at present are _not_ favourable. Nothing but light -winds, or else dead calms; two knots an hour, and obliged to be thankful -even for that! A-weel! this is weary work! - - -JANUARY 17. (Saturday.) - -On Saturday, the 3d, we managed to crawl over the line, and had no -sooner got to the other side of it, than we were completely becalmed; -and even when we resumed our progress, it was at such a pace that a -careless observer might have been pardoned for mistaking our manner of -moving for a downright standing still. Day after day produced nothing -better for us than baffling winds, so light that we scarcely made two -miles an hour, and so variable that the sails could be scarcely set in -one direction before it became necessary to shift them to another; -while the monotony of our voyage was only broken by an occasional -thunderstorm, the catching a stray dolphin now and then, watching a -shoal of flying fish, or guessing at the complexion of the corsairs on -board some vessel in the offing: for the Caribbean Sea is now dabbed all -over like a painter’s pallette with corsairs of all colours,--black -from St. Domingo, brown from Carthagena, white from North America, and -pea-green from the Cape de Verd Islands. On the afternoon of the 4th, -one of them was at no very great distance from us; she hoisted English -colours on seeing ours; but there was little doubt, from her peculiar -construction and general appearance, that she was a privateer from -Carthagena. She set her head towards us, and seemed to be doing her best -to come to a nearer acquaintance; but the same calm which hindered us -from bravely running away from her, hindered her also from reaching us, -although at nightfall she seemed to have gained upon us. In the night -we had a violent thunder-storm, and the next morning she was not to be -seen. Still we continued to creep and to crawl, grumbling and growling, -till on Sunday, the 11th, the long-looked-for wind came at last. The -trade wind began to blow with all its might and main right in the -vessel’s poop, and sent us forward at the rate of 200 miles a day. We -passed between Deseada and Antigua in the night of the 15th; and, on the -16th, the rising sun showed us the island mountain of Montserrat; the -sight of which was scarcely less agreeable to our eyes from its -romantic beauty, than welcome from its giving us the assurance that our -long-winded voyage is at length drawing towards its termination. - - -JANUARY 19. - -Yesterday morning a miniature shark chose to swallow the bait laid for -dolphins, and in consequence soon made his appearance upon deck. It was -a very young one, not above three feet long. I ordered a slice of him to -be broiled at dinner, but he was by no means so good as a dolphin; but -still there was nothing in the taste so unpalatable as to prevent the -flesh from being very acceptable in the absence of more delicate food. -In the evening, a bird, about the size of a large pigeon, flew on board, -and was knocked down by the mate with his hat. It was sulky, and would -not be persuaded to eat any thing that was offered, so he was suffered -to escape this morning. It was beautifully shaped, with a swallow-tail, -wings of an extraordinary spread in comparison with the smallness of -the body, a long sharp bill, black and polished like a piece of jet, and -eyes remarkably large and brilliant. The head, back, and outside of the -wings were of a brownish slate colour, and the rest of his feathers of -the most dazzling whiteness. It is called a crab-catcher. - - -JANUARY 24. (Saturday.) - -Our favourable breeze lasted till Tuesday, the 20th; when, having -brought us half way between St. Domingo and Jamaica, it died away, and -we dragged on at the rate of two or three miles an hour till Thursday -afternoon, which placed us at the mouth of Black River. If we had -arrived one hour earlier, we could have immediately entered the -harbour; but, with our usual good fortune, we were just too late for the -daylight. We therefore did not drop anchor till two o’clock on Friday, -before the town of Black River; and on Saturday morning, at four -o’clock, I embarked in the ship’s cutter for Savannah la Mar. Every one -assured us that we could not fail to have a favourable seabreeze the -whole way, and that we should be on land by eight: instead of which, -what little wind there was veered round from one point of the compass to -the other with the most indefatigable caprice; and we were not on shore -till eleven. Here I found Mr. T. Hill, who luckily had his phaëton -ready, in which he immediately conveyed me once more to my own estate. -The accounts of the general behaviour of my negroes is reasonably good, -and they all express themselves satisfied with their situation and their -superintendents. Yet, among upwards of three hundred and thirty -negroes, and with a greater number of females than men, in spite of all -indulgences and inducements, not more than twelve or thirteen children -have been added annually to the list of the births. On the other hand, -this last season has been generally unhealthy all over the island, and -more particularly so in my parish; so that I have lost several negroes, -some of them young, strong, and valuable labourers in every respect; and -in consequence, my sum total is rather diminished than increased since -my last visit. I had been so positively assured that the custom of -plunging negro infants, immediately upon their being born, into a tub of -cold water, infallibly preserved them from the danger of tetanus, that, -on leaving Jamaica, I had ordered this practice to be adopted uniformly. -The negro mothers, however, took a prejudice against it into their -heads, and have been so obstinate in their opposition, that it was -thought unadvisable to attempt the enforcing this regulation. From this -and other causes I have lost several infants; but I am told, that on -other estates in the neighbourhood they have been still more unfortunate -in regard to their children; and one was named to me, on which sixteen -were carried off in the course of three days. - - -JANUARY 26. (Monday.) - -The joy of the negroes on my return was quite sufficiently vociferous, -and they were allowed today for a holiday. They set themselves to -singing and dancing yesterday, in order to lose no time; and to show -their gratitude for the indulgence, not one of the five pen-keepers -chose to go to their watch last night; the consequence was that the -cattle made their escape, and got into one of my very best cane-pieces. -The alarm was given; my own servants and some of the head people had -grace enough to run down to the scene of action; but the greatest -part remained quietly in the negro-houses, beating the gumby-drum, and -singing their joy for my arrival with the whole strength of their lungs, -but without thinking it in the least necessary to move so much as a -finger-joint in my service. The cattle were at length replaced in their -pen, but not till the cane-piece had been ruined irretrievably. Such -is negro gratitude, and such my reward for all that I have suffered on -ship-board. To be sure, as yet there could not be a more ill-starred -expedition than my present one. - -I only learned, yesterday, that before making the island of Madeira an -Algerine corsair was actually in sight, and near enough to discern the -turbans of the crew; but we lost each other through the violence of the -gale. - - -JANUARY 29. - -There is a popular negro song, the burden of which is,-- - - Take him to the Gulley! Take him to the Gulley! - - But bringee back the frock and board.”-- - - “Oh! massa, massa! me no deadee yet!”-- - - “Take him to the Gulley! Take him to the Gulley!” - - “Carry him along!” - -This alludes to a transaction which took place some thirty years ago, -on an estate in this neighbourhood, called Spring-Garden; the owner -of which (I think the name was Bedward) is quoted as the cruellest -proprietor that ever disgraced Jamaica. It was his constant practice, -whenever a sick negro was pronounced incurable, to order the poor wretch -to be carried to a solitary vale upon his estate, called the Gulley, -where he was thrown down, and abandoned to his fate; which fate was -generally to be half devoured by the john-crows, before death had put an -end to his sufferings. By this proceeding the avaricious owner avoided -the expence of maintaining the slave during his last illness; and in -order that he might be as little a loser as possible, he always enjoined -the negro bearers of the dying man to strip him naked before leaving the -Gulley, and not to forget to bring back his frock and the board on which -he had been carried down. One poor creature, while in the act of being -removed, screamed out most piteously “that he was not dead yet;” and -implored not to be left to perish in the Gulley in a manner so horrible. -His cries had no effect upon his master, but operated so forcibly on the -less marble hearts of his fellow-slaves, that in the night some of them -removed him back to the negro village privately, and nursed him there -with so much care, that he recovered, and left the estate unquestioned -and undiscovered. Unluckily, one day the master was passing through -Kingston, when, on turning the corner of a street suddenly, he found -himself face to face with the negro, whom he had supposed long ago -to have been picked to the bones in the Gulley of Spring-Garden. He -immediately seized him, claimed him as his slave, and ordered his -attendants to convey him to his house; but the fellow’s cries attracted -a crowd round them, before he could be dragged away. He related his -melancholy story, and the singular manner in which he had recovered his -life and liberty; and the public indignation was so forcibly excited by -the shocking tale, that Mr. Bedward was glad to save himself from -being torn to pieces by a precipitate retreat from Kingston, and never -ventured to advance his claim to the negro a second time. - - -JANUARY 30. - -A man has been tried, at Kingston, for cruel treatment of a Sambo female -slave, called Amey. She had no friends to support her cause, nor any -other evidence to prove her assertions, than the apparent truth of -her statement, and the marks of having been branded in five different -places. The result was, that the master received a most severe reprimand -for his inhuman conduct, and was sentenced to close confinement for six -months, while the slave, in consequence of her sufferings, was restored -to the full enjoyment of her freedom. - -It appears to me that nothing could afford so much relief to the -negroes, under the existing system of Jamaica, as the substituting the -labour of animals for that of slaves in agriculture, whereever such a -measure is practicable. On leaving the island, I impressed this wish of -mine upon the minds of my agents with all my power; but the only result -has been the creating a very considerable additional expense in the -purchase of ploughs, oxen, and farming implements; the awkwardness, -and still more the obstinacy, of the few negroes, whose services were -indispensable, was not to be overcome: they broke plough after plough, -and ruined beast after beast, till the attempt was abandoned in despair. -However, it was made without the most essential ingredient for success, -the superintendence of an English ploughman; and such of the ploughs as -were of cast-iron could not be repaired when once broken, and therefore -ought not to have been adopted; but I am told, that in several other -parts of the island the plough has been introduced, and completely -successful. Another of my farming speculations answered no better: this -was to improve the breed of cattle in the county, for which purpose -Lord Holland and myself sent over four of the finest bulls that could be -procured in England. One of them got a trifling hurt in its passage -from the vessel to land; but the remaining three were deposited in their -respective pens without the least apparent damage. They were taken all -possible care of, houses appropriated to shelter them from the sun and -rain, and, in short, no means of preserving their health was neglected. -Yet, shortly after their arrival in Jamaica, they evidently began to -decline; their blood was converted into urine; they paid no sort of -attention to the cows, who were confined in the same paddock; and at the -end of a fortnight not one was in existence, two having died upon -the same day. The injured one, having been bled the most copiously in -consequence of its hurt, was that which survived the longest. - - -JANUARY 31. - -Some days ago, a negro woman, who has lost four children, and has always -been a most affectionate mother, brought the fifth, a remarkably fine -infant, into the hospital. She complained of its having caught cold, a -fever, and so on; but nothing administered was of use, and its manner of -breathing made the doctor enquire, whether the child had not had a fall? -The mother denied this most positively, and her fondness for the infant -admitted no doubt of her veracity. Still the child grew worse and -worse; still the question about the fall was repeated, and as constantly -denied; until luckily being made in the presence of a new-comer, the -latter immediately exclaimed, “that to her certain knowledge the infant -had really had a fall, for that the mother having fastened it behind her -back, the knot of the handkerchief had slipped, and the baby had fallen -upon the floor.”--“It is false,” answered the mother: “the child did not -fall; for when the knot slipped, I had time to catch it by the foot, and -so I saved it from falling, just as its head struck against the ground.” - Fear of being blamed as having occasioned the baby’s illness through -her own carelessness had induced her to adopt this equivocation, and its -life had nearly been the sacrifice of her duplicity. A proper mode of -treatment was now adopted without loss of time; their beneficial effect -was immediately visible, and the poor little negro is now recovering -rapidly. But certainly there is no folly and imprudence like unto negro -folly and imprudence. One of my best disposed and most sensible Eboes -has had a violent fever lately, but was so nearly well as to be put -upon a course of bark. On Wednesday morning a son of his died of -dirt-eating,--a practice which neither severity nor indulgence could -induce him to discontinue. The boy was buried that night according to -African customs, accompanied with dancing, singing, drinking, eating, -and riot of all kinds; and the father, although the kindest-hearted -negro on my estate, and remarkably fond of his children, danced and -drank to such an excess, that I found him on the following morning in a -raging fever, and worse than he was when he first entered the hospital. -I had warned him against the consequences of the funeral, reminded him -of the dangerous malady from which he was but just recovering, and he -had promised solemnly to be upon his guard; and such was the manner in -which he performed his promise. - - -FEBRUARY 1. (Sunday.) - -During my former visit to Jamaica I had interceded in behalf of a -negro belonging to Greenwich estate, named Aberdeen, who had run away -repeatedly, but who attributed his misconduct to the decay of his -health, which rendered him unable to work as well as formerly, and to -the fear of consequent punishment for not having performed the tasks -assigned to him. The fellow while he spoke to me had tears running -down his cheeks, looked feeble and ill, and indeed seemed to be quite -heart-broken. On my speaking to the attorney, he readily promised to -enquire into the truth of the man’s statement, and to take care that he -should be only allotted such labour as his strength might be fully equal -to. This morning he came over to see me, and so altered, that I could -scarcely believe him to be the same man. He was cleanly dressed, walked -with his head erect, and his eyes sparkled, and his mouth grinned from -ear to ear, while he told me, that during my absence every thing had -gone well with him, nobody had “put upon him;” he had been tasked no -more than suited his strength; as much as he was able to do, he had -done willingly, and had never run away. Even his asthma was better in -consequence of the depression being removed from his spirits. So, he -said, as soon as he heard of my return, he thought it his duty to -come over and show himself to me, and tell me that he was well, and -contented, and behaving properly; for that “to be sure, if massa no -speak that good word for me to trustee, me no livee now; me good, -massa!” Gratitude made him absolutely eloquent: his whole manner, and -the strong expression of his countenance, put his sincerity out of -all doubt, and I never saw a man seem to feel more truly thankful. -All negroes, therefore, are not absolutely without some remembrance of -kindness shown them; and indeed I ought not in justice to my own people -to allow myself to forget, that when I sent a reward to those who had -roused themselves to drive the cattle out of my canes the other night, -there was considerable difficulty in persuading them to accept the -money: they sent me word, “that as they were all well treated on the -estate, it was their business to take care that no mischief was done to -it, and that they did not deserve to be rewarded for having merely done -their duty by me.” Nor was it till after they had received repeated -orders from me, that their delicacy could be overcome, and themselves -persuaded to pocket the affront and the _maccaroni_. - - -FEBRUARY 2. - -One of the deadliest poisons used by the negroes (and a great variety is -perfectly well known to most of them) is prepared from the root of the -cassava. - -Its juice being expressed and allowed to ferment, a small worm is -generated, the substance of which being received into the stomach is of -a nature the most pernicious. A small portion of this worm is concealed -under one of the thumb-nails, which are suffered to grow long for this -purpose; then when the negro has contrived to persuade his intended -victim to eat or drink with him, he takes an opportunity, while handing -to him a dish or cup, to let the worm fall, which never fails to destroy -the person who swallows it. Another means of destruction is to be found -(as I am assured) in almost every negro garden throughout the island: -it is the arsenic bean, neither useful for food nor ornamental in its -appearance; nor can the negroes, when questioned, give any reason for -affording it a place in their gardens; yet there it is always to be -seen. The alligator’s liver also possesses deleterious properties; and -the gall is said to be still more dangerous. - - -FEBRUARY 3. - -On Friday I was made to observe, in the hospital, a remarkably fine -young negro, about twenty-two years of age, stout and strong, and whom -every one praised for his numerous good qualities, and particularly for -his affection for his mother, and the services which he rendered her. He -complained of a little fever, and a slight pain in his side. On Saturday -he left the hospital, and intended to go to his provision grounds, among -the mountains, on Sunday morning; but, as he complained of a pain in his -head, his mother prevented his going, and obliged him to return to the -hospital in the evening. On Monday he was seized with fainting fits, -lost his speech and power of motion, and this morning I was awaked by -the shrieks and lamentations of the poor mother, who, on coming to the -hospital to enquire for her son, found, that in spite of all possible -care and exertions on the part of his medical attendants, he had just -expired. Whether it be the climate not agreeing with their African -blood (genuine or inherited), or whether it be from some defect in their -general formation, certainly negroes seem to hold their lives upon a -very precarious tenure. Nicholas, John Fuller, and others of my best -and most favoured workmen, the very servants, too, in my own house, are -perpetually falling ill with little fevers, or colds, or pains in the -head or limbs. However, the season is universally allowed to have been -peculiarly unhealthy for negroes; and, indeed, even for white people, -the deaths on board the shipping having been unusually numerous this -year. As to the barracks, which are scarcely a couple of miles distant -from my estate, there the yellow fever has established itself, and, as -I hear, is committing terrible ravages, particularly among the wives -of the soldiers.--This morning several negro-mothers, belonging to -Friendship and Greenwich, came to complain to their attorney (who -happened to be at my house) that the overseer obliged them to wean their -children too soon. Some of these children were above twenty-two months -old, and none under eighteen; but, in order to retain the leisure and -other indulgences annexed to the condition of nursing-mothers, the -female negroes, by their own good-will, would never wean their offspring -at all. Of course their demands were rejected, and they went home in -high discontent; one of them, indeed, not scrupling to declare aloud, -and with a peculiar emphasis and manner, that if the child should be put -into the weaning-house against her will, the attorney would see it dead -in less than a week. - - -FEBRUARY 4. - -The violent gale of wind which persecuted us with so much pertinacity on -our leaving the English Channel is supposed to have been the tail of a -tremendous hurricane, which has utterly laid waste Barbados and several -other islands. No less than sixteen of the ships which sailed at the -same time with us are reported to have perished upon the passage; so -that I ought to consider it at least as a negative piece of good luck to -have reached Jamaica myself, no bones broke, though sore peppered but -I am still trembling in uncertainty for the fate of the vessel which is -bringing out all my Irish supplies, and the non-arrival of which would -be a misfortune to me of serious magnitude. - -The negroes are so obstinate and so wilful in their general character, -that if they do not receive the precise articles to which they have -been accustomed, and which they expect as their right, no compensation, -however ample, can satisfy them. Thus, at every Christmas it would go -near to create a rebellion if they did not receive a certain proportion -of salt fish; but if, in the intervening months, accident should prevent -their receiving their usual allowance of herrings, the giving them salt -fish to the amount of double the value would be considered by them as an -act of the grossest injustice. - - -FEBRUARY 5. - -On Saturday, about eight in the evening, a large centipede dropped from -the ceiling upon my dinner-table, and was immediately cut in two exact -halves by one of the guests. As it is reported in Jamaica that these -reptiles, when thus divided, will re-unite again, or if separated will -reproduce their missing members, and continue to live as stoutly as -ever, I put both parts into a plate, under a glass cover. On Sunday they -continued to move about their prison with considerable agility, although -the tail was evidently much more lively and full of motion than the -head: perhaps the centipede was a female. On Monday the head was dead, -but the tail continued to run about, and evidently endeavoured to to -make its escape, although it appeared not to know very well how to set -about it, nor to be perfectly determined as to which way it wanted to -go: it only seemed to have Cymon’s reason for wishing to take a walk, -and “would rather go any where, than stay with any body.” On Wednesday, -at twelve o’clock, its vivacity was a little abated, but only a little; -the wound was skinned over, and I was waiting anxiously to know whether -it would subsist without its numskull till a good old age, or would put -forth an entirely spick and span new head and shoulders; when, on going -to look at the plate on Thursday morning, lo and behold! the dead head -and the living tail had disappeared together. I suppose some of the -negro servants had thrown them away through ignorance, but they deny, -one and all, having so much as touched the plate, most stoutly; and as -a paper case, pierced in several places, had been substituted for the -glass cover, some persons are of opinion that the tail made its escape -through one of these air-holes, and carried its head away with it in its -forceps. Be this as it may, gone they both are, and I am disappointed -beyond measure at being deprived of this opportunity of reading the -last volume of “The Life and Adventures of a Centipede’s Tail.” I have -proclaimed a reward for the bringing me another, but I am told that -these reptiles are only found by accident; and that, very possibly, one -may not be procured previous to my leaving the island. - - -FEBRUARY 6. - -Mr. Lutford, the proprietor of a considerable estate in the parish -of Clarendon, had frequently accused a particular negro of purloining -coffee. About six months ago the slave was sent for, and charged with a -fresh offence of the same nature, when he confessed the having taken a -small quantity; upon which his master ordered him to fix his eyes on a -particular cotton tree, and then, without any further ceremony, shot him -through the head. His mistress was the coroner’s natural daughter, -and the coroner himself was similarly connected with the custos of -Clarendon. In consequence of this family compact, no inquest was held, -no enquiry was made; the whole business was allowed to be slurred -over, and the murder would have remained unpunished if accident had -not brought some rumours respecting it to the governor’s ear. An -investigation was ordered to take place without delay; but Mr. Lutford -received sufficient warning to get on shipboard, and escape to America; -and the displacing of the custos of Clarendon, for neglecting his -official duty, was the only means by which the governor could express -his abhorrence of the act. - - -FEBRUARY 8. (Sunday.) - -My estate is greatly plagued by a negress named Catalina; she is either -mad, or has long pretended to be so, never works, and always steals. -About a week before my arrival she was found in the trash-house, which -she had pitched upon as the very fittest place possible for her kitchen; -and there she was sitting, very quietly and comfortably, boiling her -pot over an immense fire, and surrounded on all sides by dry canes, -inflammable as tinder. This vagary was of too dangerous a nature to -allow of her being longer left at liberty, and she was put into the -hospital. But her husband was by no means pleased with her detention, -as he never failed to appropriate to himself a share of her plunder, and -when discovered, the blame of the robbery was laid upon his wife, in a -fit of insanity. So, while the general joy at my first arrival drew the -hospital attendants from their post, he took the opportunity to carry -off his wife, and conceal her. The consequence was, that this morning -complaints poured upon me of gardens robbed by Catalina, who had carried -off as much as she could, dug up and destroyed the rest, and had shown -as little conscience in providing herself with poultry as in -helping herself to vegetables. I immediately despatched one of the -negro-governors with a party in pursuit of her, who succeeded in lodging -her once more in the hospital; where she must remain till I can get her -sent to the asylum at Kingston, the only hospital for lunatics in the -whole island. - - -FEBRUARY 12. (Thursday.) - -On my former visit to Jamaica, I found on my estate a poor woman nearly -one hundred years old, and stone blind. She was too infirm to walk; but -two young negroes brought her on their backs to the steps of my house, -in order, as she said, that she might at least touch massa, although she -could not see him. When she had kissed my hand, “that was enough,” she -said; “now me hab once kiss a massa’s hand, me willing to die to-morrow, -me no care.” She had a woman appropriated to her service, and was shown -the greatest care and attention; however, she did not live many months -after my departure. There was also a mulatto, about thirty years of age, -named Bob, who had been almost deprived of the use of his limbs by -the horrible cocoa-bay, and had never done the least work since he -was fifteen. He was so gentle and humble, and so fearful, from the -consciousness of his total inability of soliciting my notice, that I -could not help pitying the poor fellow; and whenever he came in my way -I always sought to encourage him by little presents, and other trifling -marks of favour. His thus unexpectedly meeting with distinguishing -kindness, where he expected to be treated as a worthless incumbrance, -made a strong impression on his mind. Soon after my departure his malady -assumed a more active appearance but during the last stages of its -progress the only fear which he expressed was, that he should not live -till last Christmas, when my return was expected to a certainty. In the -mean while he endeavoured to find out a means of being of some little -use to me, although his weak constitution would not allow of his being -of much. Some of his relations being in opulent circumstances, they -furnished him with a horse, for he was too weak to walk for more than a -few minutes at a time; and, mounted upon this, he passed all his time -in traversing the estate, watching the corn that it might not be stolen, -warning the pen-keepers if any of the cattle had found their way into -the cane-pieces, and doing many other such little pieces of service to -the property; so that, as the negroes said, “if he had been a white man -he might have been taken for an overseer.” At length Christmas arrived; -it was known that I was on the sea; Bob, too, was still alive; but still -there was nothing to be heard of me. His perpetual question to all who -came to visit him was, How was the wind? and he was constantly praying -to the wind and the ocean to bring massa’s vessel soon to Savanna la -Mar, that he might but see him once more, and thank him, before he died. -At length I landed; and when, on the day of my arrival on my estate, I -expressed my surprise at the nonappearance of several of the negroes, -who had appeared to be most attached to me, and I had expected to find -most forward in greeting me, I was told that a messenger had been sent -to call them, and that their absence was occasioned by their attendance -at poor Bob’s funeral. Several of his relations, who nursed him on his -death-bed, have assured me, that the last audible words which he uttered -were--“Are there still no news of massa?” - - -FEBRUARY 13. - -Talk of Lucretia! commend me to a she-turkey! The hawk of Jamaica is -an absolute Don Giovanni; and he never loses an opportunity of being -extremely rude indeed to these feathered fair ones; not even scrupling -to use the last violence, and that without the least ceremony, not so -much as saying, “With your leave,” or “By your leave,” or using any of -the forms which common civility expects upon such occasions. The poor -timid things are too much frightened by the sudden attack of this -Tarquin with a beak and claws, to make any resistance; but they no -sooner recover from their flutter sufficiently to be aware of what has -happened, than they feel so extremely shocked, that they always make a -point of dying; nor was a female turkey ever known to survive the loss -of her honour above three days. - - -FEBRUARY 14. - -I think that I really may now venture to hope that my plans for the -management of my estate have succeeded beyond even my most sanguine -expectations. I have now passed three weeks with my negroes, the doors -of my house open all day long, and full liberty allowed to every person -to come and speak to me without witnesses or restraint; yet not one man -or woman has come to me with a single complaint. On the contrary, all my -enquiries have been answered by an assurance, that during the two years -of my absence my regulations were adhered to most implicitly, and that, -“except for the pleasure of seeing massa,” there was no more difference -in treatment than if I had remained upon the estate. Many of them have -come to tell me instances of kindness which they have received from one -or other of their superintendents; others, to describe some severe fit -of illness, in which they must have died but for the care taken of them -in the hospital; some, who were weakly and low-spirited on my former -visit, to show me how much they are improved in health, and tell me -“how they keep up heart now, because since massa come upon the property -nobody put upon them, and all go well;” and some, who had formerly -complained of one trifle or other, to take back their complaints, and -say, that they wanted no change, and were willing to be employed in any -way that might be thought most for the good of the estate; but although -I have now at least _seen_ every one of them, and have conversed with -numbers, I have not yet been able to find one person who had so much as -even an imaginary grievance to lay before me. Yet I find, that it has -been found necessary to punish with the lash, although only in a very -few instances; but then this only took place on the commission of -absolute _crimes_, and in cases where its necessity and justice were so -universally felt, not only by others, but by the sufferers themselves, -that instead of complaining, they seem only to be afraid of their -offence coming to my knowledge; to prevent which, they affect to be -more satisfied and happy than all the rest, and now when I see a mouth -grinning from ear to ear with a more than ordinary expansion of jaw, I -never fail to find, on enquiry, that its proprietor is one of those who -have been punished during my absence. I then take care to give them an -opportunity of making a complaint, if they should have any to make; but -no, not a word comes; “every thing has gone on perfectly well, and -just as it ought to have done.” Upon this, I drop a slight hint of the -offence in question; and instantly away goes the grin, and down falls -the negro to kiss my feet, confess his fault, and “beg massa forgib, -and them never do so bad thing more to fret massa, and them beg massa -pardon, hard, quite hard!” But not one of them has denied the justice -of his punishment, or complained of undue severity on the part of his -superintendents. On the other hand, although the lash has thus been in -a manner utterly abolished, except in cases where a much severer -punishment would have been inflicted by the police, and although they -are aware of this unwillingness to chastise, my trustee acknowledges -that during my absence the negroes have been quiet and tractable, and -have not only laboured as well as they used to do, but have done much -more work than the negroes on an adjoining property, where there are -forty more negroes, and where, moreover, a considerable sum is paid for -hired assistance. Having now waited three weeks to see how they would -conduct themselves, and found no cause of dissatisfaction since the -neglect of the watchman to guard the cattle (and which they one and -all attributed to their joy at seeing me again), I thought it time -to distribute the presents which I had brought with me for them from -England. During my absence I had ordered a new and additional hospital -to be built, intended entirely for the use of lying-in women, nursing -mothers, and cases of a serious nature, for which purpose it is to be -provided with every possible comfort; while the old hospital is to be -reserved for those who have little or nothing the matter with them, but -who obstinately insist upon their being too ill to work, in defiance -of the opinion of all their medical attendants. The new hospital is -not quite finished; but wishing to connect it as much as possible -with pleasurable associations, I took occasion of the distribution of -presents to open it for the first time. Accordingly, the negroes were -summoned to the new hospital this morning; the rooms were sprinkled with -Madeira for good luck; and the toast of “Health to the new hospital, and -shame to the old lazy house!” was drunk by the trustee, the doctoresses, -the governors, &c., and received by the whole congregation of negroes -with loud cheering; after which, every man received a blue jacket lined -with flannel, every woman a flaming red stuff petticoat, and every child -a frock of white cotton. They then fell to dancing and singing, and -drinking rum and sugar, which they kept up till a much later hour than -would be at all approved of by the bench of bishops; for it is now -Sunday morning, and they are still dancing and singing louder than ever. - - -FEBRUARY 15. (Sunday.) - -To-day divine service was performed at Savanna la Mar for the first -time these five weeks. The rector has been indisposed lately with the -lumbago: he has no curate; and thus during five whole weeks there was -a total cessation of public worship. I had told several of my female -acquaintance that it was long since they had been to church; that I was -afraid of their forgetting “all about and about it,” and that if there -should be no service for a week longer I should think it my duty to come -and hear them say their Catechism myself. Luckily the rector recovered, -and saved me the trouble of hearing them; but the long privation of -public prayer did not seem to have created any very great demand for the -article, as I have seldom witnessed a more meagre congregation. It was -literally “two or three gathered together,” and it seemed as if five or -six would be too many, and forfeit the promise. I cannot discover that -the negroes have any external forms of worship, nor any priests in -Jamaica, unless their Obeah men should be considered as such; but still -I cannot think that they ought to be considered as totally devoid of -all natural religion. There is no phrase so common on their lips as “God -bless you!” and “God preserve you!” and “God will bless you wherever you -go!” Phrases which they pronounce with every-appearance of sincerity, -and as if they came from the very bottom of their hearts. “God-A’mity! -God-A’mity!” is their constant exclamation in pain and in sorrow; -and with this perpetual recurrence to the Supreme Being, it must be -difficult to insist upon their being atheists. But they have even got a -step further than the belief in a God; they also allow the existence of -an evil principle. One of them complained to me the other day, that when -he went to the field his companions had told him “that he might go -to hell, for he was not worthy to work with them;” and one of his -adversaries in return accused him of being so lazy, “that instead of -being a slave upon Cornwall estate, he was only fit to be the slave of -the devil.” Then surely they could not be afraid of duppies (or ghosts) -without some idea of a future state; and indeed nothing is more firmly -impressed upon the mind of the Africans, than that after death they -shall go back to Africa, and pass an eternity in revelling and feasting -with their ancestors. The proprietor of a neighbouring estate lately -used all his influence to persuade his foster-sister to be christened; -but it was all in vain: she had imbibed strong African prejudices from -her mother, and frankly declared that she found nothing in the Christian -system so alluring to her taste as the post-obit balls and banquets -promised by the religion of Africa. I confess, that this prejudice -appears to me to be so strongly rooted, that in spite of the curates -expected from the hands of the bishop of London, I am sadly afraid, that -“the pulpit drum ecclesiastic” will find it a hard matter to overpower -the gumby; and that the joys of the Christian paradise will be seen to -kick the beam, when they are weighed against the pleasures of eating -fat hog, drinking raw rum, and dancing for centuries to the jam-jam and -kitty-katty. In the negro festivals in this life, the chief point -lies in making as much noise as possible, and the Africans and Creoles -dispute it with the greatest pertinacity. I am just informed that at the -dance last night the Eboes obtained a decided triumph, for they roared -and screamed and shouted and thumped their drums with so much effect, -that the Creoles were fairly rendered deaf with the noise of their -rivals, and dumb with their own, and obliged to leave off singing -altogether. - - -FEBRUARY 16. - -On my arrival I found that idle rogue Nato, as usual, an inmate of the -hospital, where he regularly passes at least nine months out of the -twelve. He was with infinite difficulty persuaded, at the end of a -fortnight, to employ himself about the carriage-horses for a couple of -days; but on the third he returned to the hospital, although the medical -attendants, one and all, declared nothing to be the matter with him, and -the doctors even refused to insert his name in the sick list. Still he -persisted in declaring himself to be too ill to do a single stroke of -work: so on Thursday I put him into one of the sick rooms by himself, -and desired him to get well with the doors locked, which he would find -to the full as easy as with the doors open; at the same time assuring -him, that he should never come out, till he should be sufficiently -recovered to cut canes in the field. He held good all Friday; but -Saturday being a holy-day, he declared himself to be in a perfect state -of health, and desired to be released. However, I was determined to make -him suffer a little for his lying and obstinacy, and would not suffer -the doors to be opened for him till this morning, when he quitted the -hospital, saluted on all sides by loud huzzas in congratulation of his -amended health, and which followed him during his whole progress to -the cane-piece. I was informed that a lad, named Epsom, who used to be -perpetually running away, had been stationary for the last two years. -So on Wednesday last, as he happened to come in my way, I gave him all -proper commendation for having got rid of his bad habits; and to -make the praise better worth his having, I added a maccarony: he was -gratified in the extreme, thanked me a thousand times, promised most -solemnly never to behave ill again, and ran away that very night. -However, he returned on Saturday morning, and was brought to me all -rags, tears, and penitence, wondering “how he could have had such _bad -manners_ as to make massa fret.” - - -FEBRUARY 17. - -Some of the free people of colour possess slaves, cattle, and other -property left them by their fathers, and are in good circumstances; but -few of them are industrious enough to increase their possessions by any -honest exertions of their own. As to the free blacks, they are almost -uniformly lazy and improvident, most of them half-starved, and only -anxious to live from hand to mouth. Some lounge about the highways -with pedlar-boxes, stocked with various worthless baubles; others keep -miserable stalls provided with rancid butter, damaged salt-pork, and -other such articles: and these they are always willing to exchange for -stolen rum and sugar, which they secretly tempt the negroes to pilfer -from their proprietors; but few of them ever make the exertion of -earning their livelihood creditably. Even those who profess to be -tailors, carpenters, or coopers, are for the most part careless, -drunken, and dissipated, and never take pains sufficient to attain any -dexterity in their trade. As to a free negro hiring himself out for -plantation labour, no instance of such a thing was ever known in -Jamaica, and probably no price, however great, would be considered by -them as a sufficient temptation. - - -FEBRUARY 18. - -The Africans and Creoles certainly do hate each other with a cordiality -which would have appeared highly gratifying to Dr. Johnson in his “Love -of Good Haters.” Yesterday, in the field, a girl who had taken some -slight offence at something said to her by a young boy, immediately -struck him with the bill, with which she was cutting canes. Luckily, -his loose wrapper saved him from the blow; and, on his running away, she -threw the bill after him in his flight with all the fury and malice of -a fiend. This same vixen, during my former visit, had been punished -for fixing her teeth in the hand of one of the other girls, and nearly -biting her thumb off; and on hearing of this fresh instance of devilism, -I asked her mother, “how she came to have so bad a daughter, when all -her sons were so mild and good?”--“Oh, massa,” answered she, “the girl’s -father was a Guineaman.” - - -FEBRUARY 19. - -Neptune came this morning to request that the name of his son, Oscar, -might be changed for that of Julius, which (it seems) had been that of -his own father. The child, he said, had always been weakly, and he was -persuaded, that its ill-health proceeded from his deceased grandfather’s -being displeased, because it had not been called after him. The other -day, too, a woman, who had a child sick in the hospital, begged me to -change its name for any other which might please me best: she cared not -what; but she was sure that it would never do well, so long as it should -be called Lucia. Perhaps this prejudice respecting the power of names -produces in some measure their unwillingness to be christened. They find -no change produced in them, except the alteration of their name, and -hence they conclude that this name contains in it some secret power; -while, on the other hand, they conceive that the ghosts of their -ancestors cannot fail to be offended at their abandoning an appellation, -either hereditary in the family, or given by themselves. It is another -negro-prejudice that the eructation of the breath of a sucking child has -something in it venomous; and frequently nursing mothers, on showing the -doctor a swelled breast, will very gravely and positively attribute it -to the infant’s having broken wind while hanging at the nipple. - - -FEBRUARY 20. - -I asked one of my negro servants this morning whether old Luke was -a relation of his. “Yes,” he said.--“Is he your uncle, or your -cousin?”--“No, massa.”--“What then?”--“He and my father were shipmates, -massa.” - - -FEBRUARY 23. - -The law-charges in Jamaica have lately been regulated by the House of -Assembly; and by all accounts (except that of the lawyers) it was full -time that something should be done on the subject. A case was mentioned -to me this morning of an estate litigated between several parties. At -length a decision was given: the estate was sold for £16,000; but the -lawyer’s claim must always be the first discharged, and as this amounted -to more than £16,000 the lawyer found himself in possession of the -estate. This was the fable of Æsop’s oyster put in action with a -vengeance. - - -FEBRUARY 25. - -A negro, named Adam, has long been the terror of my whole estate. He was -accused of being an Obeah-man, and persons notorious for the practice -of Obeah had been found concealed from justice in his house, who were -afterwards convicted and transported. He was strongly suspected of -having poisoned more than twelve negroes, men and women; and having been -displaced by my former trustee from being principal governor, in revenge -he put poison into his water jar. Luckily he was observed by one of the -house servants, who impeached him, and prevented the intended mischief. -For this offence he ought to have been given up to justice; but being -brother of the trustee’s mistress she found means to get him off, after -undergoing a long confinement in the stocks. I found him, on my arrival, -living in a state of utter excommunication; I tried what reasoning with -him could effect, reconciled him to his companions, treated him with -marked kindness, and he promised solemnly to behave well during my -absence. However, instead of attributing my lenity to a wish to reform -him, his pride and confidence in his own talents and powers of deception -made him attribute the indulgence shown him to his having obtained an -influence over my mind. This he determined to employ to his own purposes -upon my return; so he set about forming a conspiracy against Sully, -the present chief governor, and boasted on various estates in the -neighbourhood that on my arrival he would take care to get Sully broke, -and himself substituted in his place. In the meanwhile he quarrelled and -fought to the right and to the left; and on my arrival I found the whole -estate in an uproar about Adam. No less than three charges of assault, -with intent to kill, were preferred against him. In a fit of jealousy -he had endeavoured to strangle Marlborough with the thong of a whip, and -had nearly effected his purpose before he could be dragged away: he -had knocked Nato down in some trifling dispute, and while the man was -senseless had thrown him into the river to drown him; and having taken -offence at a poor weak creature called Old Rachael, on meeting her -by accident he struck her to the ground, beat her with a supplejack, -stamped upon her belly, and begged her to be assured of his intention -(as he eloquently worded it) “to kick her guts out.” The breeding -mothers also accused him of having been the cause of the poisoning a -particular spring, from which they were in the habit of fetching water -for their children, as Adam on that morning had been seen near the -spring without having any business there, and he had been heard to -caution his little daughter against drinking water from it that day, -although he stoutly denied both circumstances. Into the bargain, my head -blacksmith being perfectly well at five o’clock, was found by his son -dead in his bed at eight; and it was known that he had lately had a -dispute with Adam, who on that day had made it up with him, and had -invited him to drink, although it was not certain that his offer had -been accepted. He had, moreover, threatened the lives of many of the -best negroes. Two of the cooks declared, that he had severally directed -them to dress Sully’s food apart, and had given them powders to mix -with it. The first to whom he applied refused positively; the second -he treated with liquor, and when she had drunk, he gave her the poison, -with instructions how to use it. Being a timid creature, she did not -dare to object, so threw away the powder privately, and pretended that -it had been administered; but finding no effect produced by it, Adam -gave her a second powder, at the same time bidding her remember the -liquor which she had swallowed, and which he assured her would effect -her own destruction through the force of Obeah, unless she prevented -it by sacrificing his enemy in her stead. The poor creature still threw -away the powder, but the strength of imagination brought upon her -a serious malady, and it was not till after several weeks that she -recovered from the effects of her fears. The terror thus produced was -universal throughout the estate, and Sully and several other principal -negroes requested me to remove them to my property in St. Thomas’s, -as their lives were not safe while breathing the same air with Adam. -However, it appeared a more salutary measure to remove Adam himself; but -all the poisoning charges either went no further than strong suspicion, -or (any more than the assaults) were not liable by the laws of Jamaica -to be punished, except by flogging or temporary imprisonment, which -would only have returned him to the estate with increased resentment -against those to whom he should ascribe his sufferings, however -deserved. - -However, on searching his house, a musket with a plentiful accompaniment -of powder and ball was found concealed, as also a considerable quantity -of materials for the practice of Obeah: the possession of either of the -above articles (if the musket is without the consent of the proprietor) -authorises the magistrates to pronounce a sentence of transportation. In -consequence of this discovery, Adam was immediately committed to gaol; -a slave court was summoned, and to-day a sentence of transportation from -the island was pronounced, after a trial of three hours. As to the man’s -guilt, of that the jury entertained no doubt after the first half -hour’s evidence; and the only difficulty was to restrain the verdict -to transportation. We produced nothing which could possibly affect -the man’s life; for although perhaps no offender ever better de served -hanging; yet I confess my being weak-minded enough to entertain doubts -whether hanging or other capital punishment ought to be inflicted for -any offence whatever: I am at least certain, that if offenders waited -till they were hanged by me, they would remain unhanged till they were -all so many old Parrs. However, although I did my best to prevent Adam -from being hanged, it was no easy matter to prevent his hanging himself. -The Obeah ceremonies always commence with what is called, by the -negroes, “the Myal dance.” This is intended to remove any doubt of -the chief Obeah-man’s supernatural powers; and in the course of it, he -undertakes to show his art by killing one of the persons present, whom -he pitches upon for that purpose. He sprinkles various powders over the -devoted victim, blows upon him, and dances round him, obliges him to -drink a liquor prepared for the occasion, and finally the sorcerer and -his assistants seize him and whirl him rapidly round and round till the -man loses his senses, and falls on the ground to all appearance and -the belief of the spectators a perfect corpse. The chief Myal-man then -utters loud shrieks, rushes out of the house with wild and frantic -gestures, and conceals himself in some neighbouring wood. At the end of -two or three hours he returns with a large bundle of herbs, from some -of which he squeezes the juice into the mouth of the dead person; -with others he anoints his eyes and stains the tips of his fingers, -accompanying the ceremony with a great variety of grotesque actions, and -chanting all the while something between a song and a howl, while the -assistants hand in hand dance slowly round them in a circle, stamping -the ground loudly with their feet to keep time with his chant. A -considerable time elapses before the desired effect is produced, but at -length the corpse gradually recovers animation, rises from the ground -perfectly recovered, and the Myal dance concludes. After this proof of -his power, those who wish to be revenged upon their enemies apply to the -sorcerer for some of the same powder, which produced apparent death -upon their companion, and as they never employ the means used for his -recovery, of course the powder once administered never fails to be -lastingly fatal. It must be superfluous to mention that the Myal-man -on this second occasion substitutes a poison for a narcotic. Now, among -other suspicious articles found in Adam’s hut, there was a string of -beads of various sizes, shapes, and colours, arranged in a form peculiar -to the performance of the Obeah-man in the Myal dance. Their use was -so well known, that Adam on his trial did not even attempt to deny -that they could serve for no purpose but the practice of Obeah; but he -endeavoured to refute their being his own property, and with this view -he began to narrate the means by which he had become possessed of them. -He said that they belonged to Fox (a negro who was lately transported), -from whom he had taken them at a Myal dance held on the estate of -Dean’s Valley; but as the assistants at one of these dances are by law -condemned to death equally with the principal performer, the court had -the humanity to interrupt his confession of having been present on such -an occasion, and thus saved him from criminating himself so deeply as to -render a capital punishment inevitable. I understand that he was quite -unabashed and at his ease the whole time; upon hearing his sentence, he -only said very coolly, “Well! I ca’n’t help it!” turned himself round, -and walked out of court. That nothing might be wanting, this fellow had -even a decided talent for hypocrisy. When on my arrival he gave me a -letter filled with the grossest lies respecting the trustee, and every -creditable negro on the estate, he took care to sign it by the name -which he had lately received in baptism; and in his defence at the bar -to prove his probity of character and purity of manners, he informed the -court that for some time past he had been learning to read, for the sole -purpose of learning the Lord’s Prayer. The nick-name by which he was -generally known among the negroes in this part of the country, was -Buonaparte, and he always appeared to exult in the appellation. Once -condemned, the marshal is bound under a heavy penalty to see him shipped -from off the island before the expiration of six weeks, and probably he -will be sent to Cuba. He is a fine-looking man between thirty and forty, -square built, and of great bodily strength, and his countenance equally -expresses intelligence and malignity. The sum allowed me for him is one -hundred pounds currency, which is scarcely a third of his worth as a -labourer, but which is the highest value which a jury is permitted to -mention. - - -MARCH 1. (Sunday.) - -Last night the negroes of Friendship took it into their ingenious -heads to pay me a compliment of an extremely inconvenient nature. They -thought, that it would be highly proper to treat me with a nightly -serenade just by way of showing their _enjoyment_ on my return; and -accordingly a large body of them arrived at my doors about midnight, -dressed out in their best clothes, and accompanied with drums, rattles, -and their whole orchestra of abominable instruments, determined to pass -the whole night in singing and dancing under my windows. Luckily, my -negro-governors heard what was going forwards, and knowing my taste a -little better than my visiters, they hastened to assure them of my being -in bed and asleep, and with much difficulty persuaded them to remove -into my village. Here they contented themselves with making a noise for -the greatest part of the night; and the next morning, after coming up to -see me at breakfast, they went away quietly. One of them only remained -to enquire particularly after Lady H-------, as her mother had been her -nurse, and she was very particular in her enquiries as to her health, -her children, their ages and names. When she went away, I gave her a -plentiful provision of bread, butter, plantains, and cold ham from the -breakfast table; part of which she sat down to eat, intending, as she -said, to carry the rest to her piccaninny at home. But in half an hour -after she made her appearance again, saying she was come to take leave -of me, and hoped I would give her a _bit_ to buy tobacco. I gave her a -maccaroni, which occasioned a great squall of delight. Oh! since I had -given her so much, she would not buy tobacco but a fowl; and then, when -I returned, she would bring me a chicken from it for my dinner; that is, -if she could keep the other negroes from stealing it from her, a piece -of extraordinary good luck of which she seemed to entertain but slender -hopes. At length off she set; but she had scarcely gone above ten yards -from the house, when she turned back, and was soon at my writing-table -once more, with a “Well! here me come to massa again!” So then she said, -that she had meant to eat part of the provisions which I had given her, -and carry home the rest to her boy; but that really it was so good, she -could not help going on eating and eating, till she had eaten the whole, -and now she wanted another bit of cold ham to carry home to her child, -and then she should go away perfectly contented. I ordered Cubina -to give her a great hunch of it, and Mrs. Phillis at length took her -departure for good and all. - - -MARCH 4. (Wednesday.) - -I set out to visit my estate in St. Thomas’s in the East, called -Hordley. It is at the very furthest extremity of the island, and -never was there a journey like unto my journey. Something disagreeable -happened at every step; my accidents commenced before I had accomplished -ten miles from my own house; for in passing along a narrow shelf -of rock, which overhangs the sea near Bluefields, a pair of young -blood-horses in my carriage took fright at the roaring of the waves -which dashed violently against them, and twice nearly overturned me. On -the second occasion one of them actually fell down into the water, while -the off-wheel of the curricle flew up into the air, and thus it remained -suspended, balancing backwards and forwards, like Mahomet’s coffin. -Luckily, time was allowed the horse to recover his legs, down came the -wheel once more on terra firma, and on we went again. We slept at Cashew -(an estate near Lacovia), and the next morning at daylight proceeded to -climb the Bogr, a mountain so difficult, that every one had pronounced -the attempt to be hopeless with horses so young as mine; but those -horses were my only ones, and therefore I was obliged to make the trial. -The road is bordered by tremendous precipices for about twelve miles; -the path is so narrow, that a servant must always be sent on before to -make any carts which may be descending stop in recesses hollowed out for -this express purpose; and the cartmen are obliged to sound their shells -repeatedly, in order to give each other timely warning. The chief -danger, however, proceeds from the steepness of the road, which in -some places will not permit the waggons to stop, however well their -conductors may be inclined; then down they come drawn by twelve or -fourteen, or sometimes sixteen oxen, sweeping every thing before them, -and any carriage unlucky enough to find itself in their course must -infallibly be dashed over the precipice. To-day, it really appeared as -if all the estates in the island had agreed to send their produce by -this particular road; the shells formed a complete chorus, and sounded -incessantly during our whole passage of the mountain; and at one time -there was a very numerous accumulation of carts and oxen in consequence -of my carriage coming to a complete stop. As we were ascending,--“It -is very well,” said a gentleman who was travelling with me, (Mr. Hill) -“that we did not come by this road three months sooner. I remember about -that time travelling it on horseback, and an enormous tree had fallen -over the path, which made me say to myself as I passed under it, ‘Now, -how would a chaise with a canopy get along here? The tree hangs so low -that the carriage never could pass, and it would certainly have to go -all the way home again.’ Of course, the obstacle must now be removed; -but if I remember right, this must have been the very spot.... and as -I hope to live, yonder is the very tree still!”--And so it proved; -although three months had elapsed, the impediment had been suffered to -remain in unmolested possession of the road, and to pass my carriage -under it proved an absolute impossibility. After much discussion, -and many fruitless attempts, we at length succeeded in unscrewing the -wheels, lifting off the body, which we carried along, and then built -the curricle up again on the opposite side of the tree. However, by -one means or other (after leaving a knocked-up saddle-horse at a coffee -plantation, to the owner of which I was a perfect stranger, but who very -obligingly offered to take charge of the animal) we found ourselves at -the bottom of the mountain; but the fatal tree, and the delay occasioned -by taking unavoidable shelter from tremendous storms of rain, had lost -us so much time, that night surprised us when we were still eight miles -distant from our destined inn. The night was dark as night could be; -no moon, no stars, nor any light except the flashing of myriads of -fire-flies, which, flapping in the faces of the young horses, frightened -them, and made them rear. The road, too, was full of water-trenches, -precipices, and deep and dangerous holes. As to the ground, it was quite -invisible, and we had no means of proceeding with any chance of safety -except by making some of the servants lead the horses, while others -went before us to explore the way, while they cried out at every -moment,--“Take care; a little to the left, or you will slip into that -water-trench--a little to the right, or you will tumble over that -precipice.”--Into the bargain there was neither inn nor gentleman’s -house within reach; and thus we proceeded crawling along at a foot’s -pace for five eternal miles, when we at length stopped to beg a shelter -for the night at a small estate called Porous. By this time it was -midnight; all the family was gone to bed; the gates were all locked; and -before we could obtain admittance a full hour elapsed, during which I -sat in an open carriage, perspiration streaming down from my head to my -feet through vexation, impatience and fatigue, while the night-dew fell -heavy and the night-breeze blew keen; which (as I had frequently been -assured) was the very best recipe possible for getting a Jamaica fever. -On such I counted both for myself and my white servant, when I at -length laid myself down in a bed at Porous; but to my equal surprise and -satisfaction we both rose the next morning without feeling the slightest -inconvenience from our risks of the preceding day, and in the evening of -Friday, the 5th, I reached Miss Cole’s hotel at the Spanish Town. One of -my young horses, however, was so completely knocked up by the fatigue of -crossing the mountain, that I could get no further than Kingston (only -fourteen miles) this next day. In consequence of the delay, I -was enabled to visit the Kingston theatre; the exterior is rather -picturesque; within it has no particular recommendations; the scenery -and dresses were shabby, the actors wretched, and the stage ill lighted; -the performance was for the benefit of the chief actress, who had but -little reason to be satisfied with the number of her audience; and I -may reckon it among my other misfortunes on this ill-starred expedition, -that it was my destiny to sit out the tragedy of “Adelgitha,” whom the -author meant only to be killed in the last act, but whom the actors -murdered in all five. The heroine was the only one who spoke tolerably, -but she was old enough and fat enough for the Widow Cheshire; Guiscard -did not know ten words of his part; the tyrant was really comical -enough; and Lothair was played by a young Jamaica Jew about fifteen -years of age, and who is dignified here with the name of “the Creole -Roscius.” His voice was just breaking, which made him “pipe and whistle -in the sound,” his action was awkward, and altogether he was but a sorry -specimen of theatrical talent: however, his _forte_ is said to lie -in broad farce, which perhaps may account for his being no better in -tragedy. On Sunday, the 8th, I resumed my journey, but my horses were so -completely knocked up, that I was obliged to hire an additional pair to -convey me to Miss Hetley’s inn on the other side of the Yallacks River, -which is nineteen miles from Kingston. This river, as well as that of -Morant (which I passed about ten miles further) both in breadth and -strength sets all bridges at defiance, and in the rainy season it is -sometimes impassable for several weeks. On this occasion there was but -little water in either, and I arrived without difficulty at Port Morant, -where I found horses sent by my trustee to convey me to Hordley. The -road led up to the mountains, and was one of the steepest, roughest, -and most fatiguing that I ever travelled, in spite of its picturesque -beauties. At length I reached my estate, jaded and wearied to death; -here I expected to find a perfect paradise, and I found a perfect hell. -Report had assured me, that Hordley was the best managed estate in the -island, and as far as the soil was concerned, report appeared to have -said true; but my trustee had also assured me, that my negroes were -the most contented and best disposed, and here there was a lamentable -incorrectness in the account. I found them in a perfect uproar; -complaints of all kinds stunned me from all quarters: all the blacks -accused all the whites, and all the whites accused all the blacks, and -as far as I could make out, both parties were extremely in the right. -There was no attachment to the soil to be found _here_; the negroes -declared, one and all, that if I went away and left them to groan under -the same system of oppression without appeal or hope of redress, they -would follow my carriage and establish themselves at Cornwall. I had -soon discovered enough to be certain, that although they told me plenty -of falsehoods, many of their complaints were but too well founded; and -yet how to protect them for the future or satisfy them for the present -was no easy matter to decide. Trusting to these fallacious reports of -the Arcadian state of happiness upon Hordley, I supposed, that I should -have nothing to do there but grant a few indulgences, and establish -the regulations already adopted with success on Cornwall; distribute -a little money, and allow a couple of play-days for dancing; and under -this persuasion I had made it quite impossible for me to remain above a -week at Hordley, which I conceived to be fully sufficient for the above -purpose. As to grievances to be redressed, I was totally unprepared for -any such necessity; yet now they poured in upon me incessantly, each -more serious than the former; and before twenty-four hours were elapsed -I had been assured, that in order to produce any sort of tranquillity -upon the estate, I must begin by displacing the trustee, the physician, -the four white book-keepers, and the four black governors, all of whom -I was modestly required to remove and provide better substitutes in the -space of five days and a morning. What with the general clamour, -the assertions and denials, the tears and the passion, the odious -falsehoods, and the still more odious truths, and (worst of all to me) -my own vexation and disappointment at finding things so different from -my expectations, at first nearly turned my brain; and I felt strongly -tempted to set off as fast as I could, and leave all these black devils -and white ones to tear one another to pieces, an amusement in which they -appeared to be perfectly ready to indulge themselves. It was, however, -considerable relief to me to find, upon examination, that no act of -personal ill-treatment was alleged against the trustee himself, who -was allowed to be sufficiently humane in his own nature, and was -only complained of for allowing the negroes to be maltreated by the -book-keepers, and other inferior agents, with absolute impunity. -Being an excellent planter, he confined his attention entirely to the -cultivation of the soil, and when the negroes came to complain of some -act of cruelty or oppression committed by the book-keepers or the black -governors, he refused to listen to them, and left their complaints -unenquired into, and consequently unredressed. The result was, that the -negroes were worse off, than if he had been a cruel man himself; for -his cruelty would have given them only one tyrant, whereas his indolence -left them at the mercy of eight. Still they said, that they would be -well contented to have him continue their trustee, provided that I would -appoint some protector, to whom they might appeal in cases of injustice -and ill-usage. The trustee declaring himself well satisfied that some -such appointment should take place, a neighbouring gentleman (whose -humanity to his own negroes had established him in high favour -with mine) was selected for this purpose. I next ordered one of the -book-keepers (of the atrocious brutality of whose conduct the trustee -himself upon examination allowed that there could be no doubt) to quit -the estate in two hours under pain of prosecution; away went the man, -and when I arose the next morning, another book-keeper had taken himself -off of his own accord, and that in so much haste that he left all -his clothes behind him. My next step was to displace the chief black -governor, a man deservedly odious to the negroes, and whom a gross and -insolent lie told to myself enabled me to punish without seeming to -displace him in compliance with their complaints against him; and these -sources of discontent being removed, I read to them my regulations for -allowing them new holidays, additional allowances of salt-fish, rum, -and sugar, with a variety of other indulgences and measures taken -for protection, &c. All which, assisted by a couple of dances and -distribution of money on the day of my departure had so good an effect -upon their tempers, that I left them in as good humour apparently, as -I found them in bad. But to leave them was no such easy matter; the -weather had been bad from the moment of my commencing my journey, but -from the moment of my reaching Hordley, it became abominable. The rain -poured down in cataracts incessantly; the old crazy house stands on the -top of a hill, and the north wind howled round it night and day, shaking -it from top to bottom, and threatening to become a hurricane. The -storm was provided with a very suitable accompaniment of thunder -and lightning; and to complete the business, down came the mountain -torrents, and swelled Plantain Garden River to such a degree, that -it broke down the dam-head, stopped the mill, and all work was at a -stand-still for two days and nights. But the worst of all was that this -same river lay between me and Kingston; bridge there was none, and it -soon became utterly impassable. Thus it continued for four days; on the -fifth (the day which I had appointed for my departure, and on which I -gave the negroes a parting holiday) the water appeared to be somewhat -abated at a ford about four miles distant; for as to crossing at my -own, that was quite out of the question for a week at least. A negro was -despatched on horseback to ascertain the height of the water; his report -was very unfavourable. However, as at worst I could but return, and had -no better means of employing my time, I resolved to make the experiment. -About forty of the youngest and strongest negroes left their dancing and -drinking, and ran on foot to see me safe over the water. The few hours -which had elapsed since my messenger’s examination, had operated very -favourably towards the reduction of the water, although it was still -very high. But a servant going before to ascertain the least dangerous -passage, and the negroes rushing all into the river to break the force -of the stream, and support the carriage on both sides, we were enabled -to struggle to the opposite bank, and were landed in safety with loud -cheering from my sable attendants, who then left me, many with tears -running down their cheeks, and all with thanks for the protection which -I had shown them, and earnest entreaties that I would come to visit them -another time. Whether my visit will have been productive of essential -service to them must remain a doubt; the trustee at least promised -me most solemnly that my regulations for their happiness and security -should be obeyed, and that the slave-laws (of which I had detected -beyond a doubt some very flagrant violations) should be carried into -effect for the future with the most scrupulous exactness. If he breaks -his promise, and I discover it, I have pledged myself most solemnly -to remove him, however great may be his merits as a planter; if he -contrives to keep me in ignorance of his proceedings (which, however, -from the precautions which I have now taken, I trust, will be no easy -matter), and the state of the negroes should continue after my departure -to be what it was before my arrival, then I can only console myself with -thinking, that the guilt is his, not mine; and that it is on _his_ head -that the curse of the sufferers and the vengeance of heaven will fall, -not on my own. I have been told that this estate of mine is one of the -most beautiful in the island. It may be so for anything that I can tell -of the matter. The badness of the weather and the disquietude of my -mind during the whole of my short stay, made every thing look gloomy and -hideous; and when I once found myself again beyond my own limits, I -felt my spirits lighter by a hundred weight. Of all the points which had -displeased me at Hordley, none had made me more angry for the time, than -the lie told me by the chief governor, which occasioned my displacing -him. This fellow, who for the credit of our family (no doubt) had got -himself christened by the name of John Lewis, had the impudence to walk -into my parlour just as I was preparing to go to bed, and inform me, -that he could not get the business of the estate done. Why not? He could -get nobody to come to the night-work at the mill, which he supposed was -the consequence of my indulging the negroes so much. Indeed! and where -were the people who ought to come to their night-work? in the negro -village? No; they were in the hospital, and refused to come out to work. -Upon which I blazed up like a barrel of gunpowder, and volleying out -in a breath all the curses that I ever heard in my life, I asked him, -whether any person really had been insolent enough to select a whole -night party from the sick people in the hospital, not one of whom ought -to stir out of it till well? There stood the fellow, trembling and -stammering, and unable to get out an answer, while I stamped up and down -the piazza, storming and swearing, banging all the doors till the house -seemed ready to tumble about our ears, and doing my best to out-herod -Herod, till at last I ordered the man to begone that instant, and get -the work done properly. He did not wait to be told twice, and was off in -a twinkling. In a quarter of an hour I sent for him again, and enquired -whether he had succeeded in getting the proper people to work at the -mill? Upon which he had the assurance to answer, that all the people -were there, and that it was not of their not being at the mill that he -had meant to complain. Of what was it then? “Of their not being in the -field.” When? “Yesterday. He could not get the negroes to come to work, -and so there had been none done all day.” And who refused to come? “All -the people.” But who? “All.” But who, who, who?--their names, -their names, their names? “He could not remember them all.” Name -one--well?--speak then, speak! “There was Beck.” And who else? “There -was Sally, who used to be called Whan-ica.” And who else? “There was.... -there was Beck.” But who else? “Beck... and Sally”... But who else? who -else? “Little Edward had gone out of the hospital, and had not come to -work.” Well! Beck and Sally, and little Edward; who else? “Beck, and -little Edward, and Sally.” - -But who else: I say, who else? “He could not remember any body else.” - Then to be sure I was in such an imperial passion, as would have done -honour to “her majesty the queen Dolallolla.” - -Why, you most impudent of all impudent fellows that ever told a lie, -have you really presumed to disturb me at this time of night, prevent -my going to bed, tell me that you can’t get the business done, and that -none of the people would come to work, and make such a disturbance, and -all because two old women and a little boy missed coming into the field -yesterday! Down dropped the fellow in a moment upon his marrow bones: -“Oh, me good massa,” cried he (and out came the truth, which I knew well -enough before he told me), “me no come of my own head; me _ordered_ to -come; but me never tell massa lie more, so me pray him forgib me!” - But his obeying any person on my own estate in preference to me, and -suffering himself to be converted into an instrument of my annoyance, -was not to be easily overlooked; so I turned him out of the house with a -flea in his ear as big as a camel; and the next morning degraded him to -the rank of a common field negro. The trustee pleaded hard for his being -permitted to return to the waggons, from whence he had been taken, and -where he would be useful. But I was obdurate. Then came his wife to beg -for him, and then his mother, and then his cousin, and then his cousin’s -cousin: still I was firm; till on the day of my departure, the new chief -governor came to me in the name of the whole estate, and bested me to -allow John Lewis to return to the command of the waggons, “for that all -the negroes said, that it would be _too sad a thing_ for them to see a -man who had held the highest place among them, degraded quite to be a -common field negro.” There was something in this appeal which argued so -good a feeling, that I did not think it right to resist any longer; so I -hinted that if the trustee should ask it again as a favour to himself, -I might perhaps relent; and the proper application being thus made, -John Lewis was allowed to quit the field, but with a positive injunction -against his ever being employed again in any office of authority over -the negroes. I found baptism in high vogue upon Hordley, but I am sorry -to say, that I could not discover much effect produced upon their minds -by having been made Christians, except in one particular: whenever one -of them told me a monstrous lie (and they told me whole dozens), he -never failed to conclude his story by saying--“And now, massa, you know, -I’ve been christened; and if you do not believe what I say, I’m ready to -buss the booh to the truth of it.” The whole advantages to be derived -by negroes from becoming Christians, seemed to consist with them in two -points; being a superior species of magic itself, it preserved them from -black Obeah; and by enabling them to take an oath upon the ‘Bible to the -truth of any lie which it might suit them to tell, they believed that -it would give them the power of humbugging the white people with perfect -ease and convenience. They had observed the importance attached by -the whites to such an attestation, and the conviction which it always -appeared to carry with it; as to the crime or penalty of perjury, of -that they were totally ignorant, or at least indifferent; therefore -they were perfectly ready to “buss the book,” which they considered as -a piece of buckra superstition, mighty useful to the negroes, and valued -taking their oath upon the Bible to a lie, no more than Mrs. Mincing -did the oath which she took in the Blue Garret “upon an odd volume of -Messalina’s Poems.” Although I set out from Hordley at two o’clock, it -was past seven before I reached an estate called “The Retreat,” which -was only twelve miles off, so abominable was the road. Here I stopped -for the night, which I passed at supper with the musquitoes,--“not where -I ate, but where I was eaten.” Morant River had been swelled by the late -heavy rains to a tremendous height, and its numerous quicksands render -the passage in such a state extremely dangerous, However, a negro having -been sent early to explore it, and having returned with a favourable -report, we proceeded to encounter it. A Hordley negro, well acquainted -with these perilous rivers, had accompanied me for the express purpose -of pointing out the most practicable fords; but for some time his -efforts to find a safe one were unavailing, his horse at the end of a -minute or two plunging into a quicksand or some deep hole, among the -waters thrown up from which he totally disappeared for a moment, and -then was seen to struggle out again with such an effort and leap, as -were quite beyond the capability of any carriage’s attempting. However, -at the end of half an hour he was fortunate to find a place, where he -could cross (up to his horse’s belly in the water, to be sure), but at -least without tumbling into holes and quicksands; and here we set out, -conscious that our whole chance of reaching the opposite shore consisted -in keeping precisely the path which he had gone already, and determined -to stick as close as possible to his horse’s tail. But no sooner were -we fairly in the water, than my young horses found themselves unable to -resist the strength and rapidity of the torrent, which was rolling -down huge stones as big as rocks from the mountain; and to my utter -consternation, I perceived the curricle carried down the stream, and -the distance from my guide (who, by swimming his horse, had reached the -destined landing-place in safety) growing wider and wider with every -moment. We were now driving at all hazards; every moment I expected -to see a horse or a wheel sink down into some deep hole, the chaise -overturned, and ourselves either swallowed up in a quicksand, or dashed -to pieces against the stones, which were rolling around us. I never -remember to have felt myself so completely convinced of approaching -destruction, and I roared out with all my might and main:--“We are -carried away! all is over!” although, to be sure, I might as well -have held my tongue, seeing that all my roaring could not do the least -possible good. However, my horses, although too weak to resist the -current, were fortunately strong enough to keep their legs; while they -drifted down the stream, they struggled along in an oblique direction, -which gradually (though but slowly) brought us nearer to the opposite -shore; and after several minutes passed in most painful anxiety, a -desperate plunge out of the water enabled them to _jump_ the carriage -upon terra firma on the same side with my guide, although at a -considerable distance from the spot where he had landed. The Yallack’s -River was less dangerous; but even this too had been sufficiently -swelled to make the crossing it no easy matter; so that what with one -obstacle and another, when I reached Kingston at six o’clock with -my bones and my vehicle unbroken, I was almost as much surprised as -satisfied. I dined with the curate of Kingston (Rev. G. Hill), where I -met the admiral upon this station, Sir Home Popham, and a large party. -At Kingston I was obliged to send back a horse, which had been lent me -in aid of my own; another had been dropped at “the Retreat a third could -get no farther than the mountains; and my companion’s three horses had -found themselves unable even to reach Spanish Town, and I had thus been -obliged to leave them and theirs behind upon the road. On the morning of -our departure from Cornwall, when my Italian servant saw the quantity -of horses, mules, servants, and carriages collected for the journey, -he clapped his hands together in exultation, and exclaimed,--“They will -certainly take us for the king of England!” But now when after leaving -one horse in one place and another horse in another, on the morning -of Monday the 16th, he beheld my whole caravan reduced to one pair of -chaise horses and a couple of miserable mules, he cast a rueful look -upon my diminished cavalry and sighed to himself,--“I verily believe, we -shall return home on foot after all!” I reached Spanish Town in time to -dine with the chief justice (Mr. Jackson), and intended to remain two -or three days longer; but the fatality, which had persecuted me from the -very commencement of this abominable journey, was not exhausted yet. On -Tuesday morning, my landlady just hinted, that “she thought it right -to let me know, that to be sure there _was_ a gentleman unwell in the -house; but she supposed, that I should not care about it: however, if -I particularly disliked the neighbourhood of a sick person, she would -procure me lodgings.” I asked, “What was the complaint?” - -“Oh! he was a little sick, that was all.” To which I only could answer, -that, “in that case I hoped he would get better,” and thought no more -about it. However, when I went to visit the governor, I found, that this -“little sickness” of my landlady’s was neither more nor less than the -yellow fever; of which the gentleman in question was now dying, of which -a lady had died only two days before, and of which another European, -newly arrived, had fallen ill in this very same hotel only a fortnight -before, and had died, after throwing himself out of an upper window in a -fit of delirium. Under all these circumstances, I thought it to the full -as prudent not to prolong my residence in Spanish Town; and accordingly, -on Wednesday the 18th, I resumed my journey homewards. I travelled the -north side of the island, which was the road used by me on my return two -years ago. I have nothing to add to my former account of it, except that -there need not be better inns anywhere than the Wellington hotel at -Rio Bueno, and Judy James’s at Montego Bay, which latter is now, in my -opinion, by far the prettiest town in Jamaica. Indeed, all the inns upon -this road are excellent, with the solitary exception of the Black-heath -Tavern, which I stopped at by a mistake instead of that of Montague. At -this most miserable of all inns that ever entrapped an unwary traveller, -there was literally nothing to be procured for love or money: no corn -for the horses; no wine without sending six miles for a bottle; no food -but a miserable starved fowl, so tough that the very negroes could not -eat it; and a couple of eggs, one of which was addled: there was but one -pair of sheets in the whole house, and neither candles, nor oranges, -nor pepper, nor vinegar, nor bread, nor even so much as sugar, white or -brown. Yams there were, which prevented my servants from going to bed -quite empty, and I contented myself with the far-fetched bottle of wine -and the solitary egg, which I eat by the light of a lamp filled with -stinking oil. The one pair of sheets I seized upon to my own share, and -my servants made themselves as good beds as they could upon the floor -with great coats and travelling mantles. It was on Wednesday night, that -after the fatigue of crossing Mount Diablo, “myself I unfatigued” in -this delectable retreat, which seemed to have been established upon -principles diametrically opposite to those of Shenstone’s. On Thursday I -slept at Rio Bueno, on Friday at Montego Bay, passed Saturday at Anchovy -estate (Mr. Plummer’s), and was very glad, on Sunday the 22d, to find -myself once more quietly established at Cornwall, fully determined to -leave it no more, till I leave it on my return to England. The lady, who -had died so lately at Kingston, had arrived not long before in a vessel, -both the crew and passengers of which landed (to all appearance) in -perfect health after a favourable passage from England. Of course, they -soon dispersed in different directions; yet almost all of them were -attacked nearly at the same period by the fever, which seemed to have a -particular commission to search out such persons as had arrived by that -particular ship, at however remote a distance they might be from each -other. - - -MARCH 29. (Sunday.) - -This morning (without either fault or accident) a young, strong, healthy -woman miscarried of an eight months’ child; and this is the third -time that she has met with a similar misfortune. No other symptom of -child-bearing has been given in the course of this year, nor are there -above eight women upon the breeding list out of more than one hundred -and fifty females. Yet they are all well clothed and well fed, contented -in mind, even by their own account, over-worked at no time, and when -upon the breeding list are exempted from labour of every kind. In -spite of all this, and their being treated with all possible care -and indulgence, rewarded for bringing children, and therefore anxious -themselves to have them, how they manage it so ill I know not, but -somehow or other certainly the children do not come. - - -MARCH 31. - -During the whole three weeks of my absence, only two negroes have been -complained of for committing fault. The first was a domestic quarrel -between two Africans; Hazard stole Frank’s calabash of sugar, which -Frank had previously stolen out of my boiling-house. So Frank broke -Hazard’s head, which in my opinion settled the matter so properly, -that I declined spoiling it by any interference of my own. The other -complaint was more serious. Toby, being ordered to load the cart -with canes, answered “I wo’nt”--and Toby was as good as his word; -in consequence of which the mill stopped for want of canes, and the -boilinghouse stopped for want of liquor. I found on my return that for -this offence Toby had received six lashes, which Toby did not mind three -straws. But as his fault amounted to an act of downright rebellion, I -thought that it ought not by any means to be passed over so lightly, and -that Toby ought to be _made_ to mind. I took no notice for some days; -but the Easter holidays had been deferred till my return, and only began -here on Friday last. On that day, as soon as the head governor had blown -the shell, and dismissed the negroes till Monday morning, he requested -the pleasure of Mr. Toby’s company to the hospital, where he locked him -up in a room by himself. All Saturday and Sunday the estate rang with -laughing, dancing, singing, and huzzaing. Salt-fish was given away in -the morning; the children played at ninepins for jackets and petticoats -in the evening; rum and sugar was denied to no one. The gumbys -thundered; the kitty-katties clattered; all was noise and festivity; and -all this while, “_qualis morens Philomela_,” sat solitary Toby gazing -at his four white walls! Toby had not minded the lashes; but the loss of -his amusement, and the disgrace of his exclusion from the fête operated -on his mind so forcibly, that when on the Monday morning his door was -unlocked, and the chief governor called him to his work, not a word -would he deign to utter; let who would speak, there he sat motionless, -silent, and sulky. However, upon my going down to him myself, his -voice thought proper to return, and he began at once to complain of his -seclusion and justify his conduct. But he no sooner opened his lips than -the whole hospital opened theirs to censure his folly, asking him how -he could presume to justify himself when he knew that he had done wrong? -and advising him to humble himself and beg my pardon; and their clamours -were so loud and so general (Mrs. Sappho, his wife, being one of the -loudest, who not only “gave it him on both sides of his ears,” but -enforced her arguments by a knock on the pate now and then), that they -fairly drove the evil spirit out of him; he confessed his fault with -great penitence, engaged solemnly never to commit such another, and set -off to his work full of gratitude for my granting him forgiveness. I -am more and more convinced every day, that the best and easiest mode of -governing negroes (and governed by some mode or other they must be) is -not by the detestable lash, but by confinement, solitary or otherwise; -they cannot bear it, and the memory of it seems to make a lasting -impression upon their minds; while the lash makes none but upon their -skins, and lasts no longer than the mark. The order at my hospital -is, that no negro should be denied admittance; even if no symptoms of -illness appear, he is allowed one day to rest, and take physic, if he -choose it. On the second morning, if the physician declares the man to -be shamming, and the plea of illness is still alleged against going -to work, then the negro is locked up in a room with others similarly -circumstanced, where care is taken to supply him with food, water, -physic, &c., and no restraint is imposed except that of not going out. -Here he is suffered to remain unmolested as long as he pleases, and he -is only allowed to leave the hospital upon his own declaration that he -is well enough to go to work; when the door is opened, and he walks -away unreproached and unpunished, however evident his deception may have -been. Before I adopted this regulation, the number of patients used to -vary from thirty to forty-five, not more than a dozen of whom perhaps -had anything the matter with them: the number at this moment is but -fourteen, and all are sores, burns, or complaints the reality of which -speaks for itself. Some few persevering tricksters will still submit -to be locked up for a day or two; but their patience never fails to -be wearied out by the fourth morning, and I have not yet met with an -instance of a patient who had once been locked up with a fictitious -illness, returning to the hospital except with a real one. In general, -they offer to take a day’s rest and physic, promising to go out to work -the next day, and on these occasions they have uniformly kept their -word. Indeed, my hospital is now in such good order, that the physician -told the trustee the other day that “mine gave him less trouble than any -hospital in the parish.” - -My boilers, too, who used to make sugar the colour of mahogany, are -now making excellent; and certainly, if appearances may be trusted, and -things will but last, I may flatter myself with the complete success -of my system of management, as far as the time elapsed is sufficient -to warrant an opinion. I only wish from my soul that I were but half -as certain of the good treatment and good behaviour of the negroes at -Hordley. - - -APRIL 1. (Wednesday.) - -Jug-Betty having had two leathern purses full of silver coin stolen out -of her trunk, her cousin Punch told her to have patience till Sunday, -and he thought that by that time he should be able to find it for her. -Upon which she very naturally suspected her cousin Punch of having -stolen the money himself, and brought him to day to make her charge -against him. However, he stuck firmly to a denial, and as several days -had been suffered to elapse since the theft, there could be no doubt of -his having concealed the money, and therefore no utility in searching -his person or his house. I found great fault with the persons in -authority for not having taken such a measure without a moment’s delay; -but the trustee informed me that it frequently produced very serious -consequences, many instances having occurred of the disgrace of their -house being searched having offended negroes so much to the heart, as to -occasion their committing suicide: so that it was a proceeding which was -seldom ventured upon without urgent necessity. It was now too late to -take it, at all events; the man confessed, indeed, that he had quitted -his work, and gone down to the negro-village on the day of the robbery, -which rendered his guilt highly probable, but he could be brought to -confess no more; and as to his saying that he thought he could find -the money by Sunday, he explained _that_ into an intention of “going to -consult a brown woman at the bay, who was a fortune-teller, and who when -any thing was stolen, could always point out the thief by _cutting -the cards_.” This was all that we could extract from him, and we were -obliged to dismiss him. However, the fright of his examination was not -without good consequences: one of the stolen purses had belonged to a -sister of Jug-Betty’s, not long deceased; and on her return home, _this_ -purse (with its contents untouched) was found lying on the sister’s -grave in her garden. Perhaps, the thief had taken it without knowing -the owner; and on finding that it had belonged to a dead person, he had -surrendered it through apprehension of being haunted by her _duppy_. - - -APRIL 5. (Sunday.) - -Clearing their grounds by fire is a very expeditious proceeding, -consequently in much practice among the negroes; but in this tindery -country it is extremely dangerous, and forbidden by the law. As I -returned home to-day from church, I observed a large smoke at no great -distance, and Cubina told me, he supposed that the negroes of the -neighbouring estate of Amity were clearing their grounds. “Then they are -doing a very wrong thing,” said I; “I hope they will fire nothing else -but their grounds, for with so strong a breeze a great deal of mischief -might be done.” However, in half an hour it proved that the smoke in -question arose from my own negro-grounds, that the fire had spread -itself, and I could see from my window the flames and smoke pouring -themselves upwards in large volumes, while the crackling of the dry -bushes and brush-wood was something perfectly terrific. The alarm was -instantly given, and whites and blacks all hurried to the scene of -action. Luckily, the breeze set the contrary way from the plantations; -a morass interposed itself between the blazing ground and one of my -best cane-pieces: the flames were suffered to burn till they reached -the brink of the water, and then the negroes managed to extinguish them -without much difficulty. Thus we escaped without injury, but I own I was -heartily frightened. - - -APRIL 8. - -This morning I was awaked by a violent coughing in the hospital; and as -soon as I heard any of the servants moving, I despatched a negro to ask, -“whether any body was bad in the hospital?” He returned and told me, -“No, massa; nobody bad there; for Alick is better, and Nelson is dead.” - Nelson was one of my best labourers, and had come into the hospital for -a glandular swelling. Early this morning he was seized with a violent -fit of coughing, burst a large artery, and was immediately suffocated -in his blood! This is the sixth death in the course of the first three -months of the year, and we have not as yet a single birth for a set-off. -Say what one will to the negroes, and treat them as well as one can, -obstinate devils, they will die! - - -APRIL 9. - -I had mentioned to Mr. Shand my having found a woman at Hordley, who had -been crippled for life, in consequence of her having been kicked in the -womb by one of the book-keepers. He writes to me on this subject:--“I -trust that conduct so savage occurs rarely in _any_ country. I can only -say, that in my long experience nothing of the kind has ever fallen -under my observation.” Mr. S. then ought to consider _me_ as having -been in high luck. I have not passed six months in Jamaica, and I have -already found on one of my estates a woman who had been kicked in the -womb by a white book-keeper, by which she was crippled herself, and on -another of my estates another woman who had been kicked in the womb by -another white book-keeper, by which he had crippled the child. The name -of the first man and woman were Lory and Jeannette; those of the second -were Full-wood and Martia: and thus, as my two estates are at the two -extremities of the island, I am entitled to say, from my own knowledge -(i.e, speaking _lite-rally_, observe), that “white book-keepers kick -black women in the belly _from one end of Jamaica to the other_.” - - -APRIL 15. (Wednesday.) - -About noon to-day a well-disposed healthy lad of seventeen years of -age was employed in unhaltering the first pair of oxen of one of the -waggons, in doing which he entangled his right leg in the rope. At that -moment the oxen set off full gallop, and dragged the boy along with them -round the whole inclosure, before the other negroes could succeed in -stopping them. However, when the prisoner was extricated, although his -flesh appeared to have been terribly lacerated, no bones were broken, -and he was even able to walk to the hospital without support. He was -blooded instantly, and two physicians were sent for by express. At -two o’clock he was still in perfect possession of his senses, and only -complained of the soreness of his wounds: but in half an hour after -he became apoplectic; sank into a state of utter insensibility, during -which a dreadful rattling in his throat was the only sign of still -existing life, and before six in the evening all was over with him! - - -APRIL 17. - -Pickle had accused his brother-in-law, Edward the Eboe, of having given -him a pleurisy by the practice of Obeah. During my last visit I had -convinced him that the charge was unjust (or at least he had declared -himself to be convinced), and about six weeks ago they came together to -assure me, that ever since they had lived upon the best terms possible. -Unluckily, Pickle’s wife miscarried lately, and for the third time; -previously to which Edward had said, that his wife would remain sole -heiress of the father’s property. This was enough to set the suspicious -brains of these foolish people at work; and to-day Pickle and his -father-in-law, old Damon, came to assure me, that in order to prevent -a child coming to claim its share of the grandfather’s property, Edward -had practised Obeah to make his sister-in-law miscarry; the only proof -of which adduced was the above expression, and the woman’s having -miscarried “just according to Edward’s very words!” To reason with -such very absurd persons was out of the case. I found too, that the two -sisters were quarrelling perpetually, and always on the point of tearing -each other’s eyes out. Therefore, as domestic peace “in a house so -disunited” was out of the question, I ordered the two families to -separate instantly, and to live at the two extremities of the negro -village; at the same time forbidding all intercourse between them -whatsoever: a plan, which was received with approbation by all parties; -and Edward moved his property out of the old man’s house into another -without loss of time. Among other charges of Obeah, Pickle declared, -that his house having been robbed, Edward had told him that Nato was -the offender; and in order to prove it beyond the power of doubt, he -had made him look at something round, “just like massa’s watch,” out of -which he had taken a sentee (a something) which looked like an egg; this -he gave to Pickle, at the same time instructing him to throw it at night -against the door of Nato’s house; which he had no sooner done and broken -the egg, than the very next day Nato’s wife Philippa “began to bawl, and -halloo, and went mad.” Now that Philippa had bawled and hallooed enough -was certainly true; but it was also true that she had confessed her -madness to have been a trick for the purpose of exciting my compassion, -and inducing me to feed her from my own table. Yet was this simple -fellow persuaded that he had made her go mad by the help of his broken -egg, and his old fool of a father-in-law was goose enough to encourage -him in the persuasion. - - -APRIL 19. (Sunday.) - -“And massa,” said Bridget, the doctoress, this morning, “my old mother -a lilly so-so to-day; and him tank massa much for the good supper massa -send last night; and him like it so well.--Laud! massa, the old lady was -just thinking what him could yam (eat) and him no fancy nothing; and -him could no yam salt, and him just wishing for something fresh, when at -that very moment Cu-bina come to him from massa with a stewed pig’s -head so fresh: it seemed just as if massa had got it from the Almighty’s -hands himself.” - - -APRIL 22. - -Naturalists and physicians, philosophers and philanthropists, may argue -and decide as they please; but certainly, as far as mere observation -admits of my judging, there does seem to be a very great difference -between the brain of a black person and a white one. I should think that -Voltaire would call a negro’s reason “_une raison très particulière_.” - Somehow or other, they never can manage to do anything _quite_ as it -should be done. If they correct themselves in one respect to-day they -are sure of making a blunder in some other manner to-morrow. Cubina is -now twenty-five, and has all his life been employed about the stable; -he goes out with my carriage twice every day; yet he has never yet been -able to succeed in putting on the harness properly. Before we get to one -of the plantation gates we are certain of being obliged to stop, and put -something or other to rights: and I once remember having laboured -for more than half an hour to make him understand that the Christmas -holidays came at Christmas; when asked the question, he always -hesitated, and answered, at hap-hazard, “July” or “October.” Yet, Cubina -is far superior in intellect to most of the negroes who have fallen -under my observation. The girl too, whose business it is to open -the house each morning, has in vain been desired to unclose all the -jalousies: she never fails to leave three or four closed, and when she -is scolded for doing so, she takes care to open those three the next -morning, and leaves three shut on the opposite side. Indeed, the attempt -to make them correct a fault is quite fruitless: they never can do the -same thing a second time in the same manner; and if the cook having -succeeded in dressing a dish well is desired to dress just such another, -she is certain of doing something which makes it quite different. -One day I desired, that there might be always a piece of salt meat at -dinner, in order that I might be certain of always having enough to send -to the sick in the hospital. In consequence, there was nothing at dinner -but salt meat. I complained that there was not a single fresh dish, and -the next day, there was nothing but fresh. Sometimes there is scarcely -anything served up, and the cook seems to have forgotten the dinner -altogether: she is told of it; and the next day she slaughters without -mercy pigs, sheep, fowls, ducks, turkeys, and everything that she can -lay her murderous hands upon, till the table absolutely groans under -the load of her labours. For above a month Cubina and I had perpetual -quarrels about the cats being shut into the gallery at nights, where -they threw down plates, glasses, and crockery of all kinds, and -made such a clatter that to get a wink of sleep was quite out of the -question. Cubina, before he went to rest, hunted under all the beds and -sofas, and laid about him with a long whip for half an hour together; -but in half an hour after his departure the cats were at work again. He -was then told, that although he had turned them out, he must certainly -have left some window open: he promised to pay particular attention -to this point, but that night the uproar was worse than ever; yet he -protested that he had carefully turned out all the cats, locked all -the doors, and shut all the windows. He was told, that if he had really -turned out all the cats, the cats must have got in again, and therefore -that he must have left some one window open at least. “No,” he said, “he -had not left one; but a pane in one of the windows had been broken -two months before, and it was there that the cats got in whenever they -pleased.” Yet he had continued to turn the cats out of the door with -the greatest care, although he was perfectly conscious that they could -always walk in again at the window in five minutes after. But the most -curious of Cubina’s modes of proceeding is, when it is necessary for -him to attack the pigeon-house. He steals up the ladder as slily and as -softly as foot can fall; he opens the door, and steals in his head -with the utmost caution; on which, to his never-failing surprise and -disappointment, all the pigeons make their escape through the open -holes; he has now no resource but entering the dove-cot, and remaining -there with unwearied patience for the accidental return of the birds, -which nine times out of ten does not take place till too late for -dinner, and Cubina returns empty-handed. Having observed this -proceeding constantly repeated during a fortnight, I took pity upon his -embarrassment, and ordered two wooden sliders to be fitted to the holes. -Cubina was delighted with this exquisite invention, and failed not -the next morning to close all the holes on the right with one of the -sliders; he then stepped boldly into the dove-cot, when to his utter -confusion the pigeons flew away through the holes on the left. Here then -he discovered where the fault lay, so he lost no time in closing the -remaining aperture with the second slider, and the pigeons were thus -prevented from returning at all. Cubina waited long with exemplary -patience, but without success, so he abandoned the new invention in -despair, made no farther use of the sliders, and continues to steal -up the ladder as he did before. A few days ago, Nicholas, a mulatto -carpenter, was ordered to make a box for the conveyance of four jars of -sweetmeats, of which he took previous measure; yet first he made a box -so small that it would scarcely hold a single jar, and then another so -large that it would have held twenty; and when at length he produced one -of a proper size, he brought it nailed up for travelling (although it -was completely empty), and nailed up so effectually too, that on being -directed to open it that the jars might be packed, he split the cover -to pieces in the attempt to take it off. Yet, among all my negroes, -Nicholas and Cubina are not equalled for adroitness and intelligence by -more than twenty. Judge then what must be the remaining three hundred! - - -APRIL 23. - -In my medical capacity, like a true quack I sometimes perform cures so -unexpected, that I stand like Katterfelto, “with my hair standing on end -at my own wonders.” Last night, Alexander, the second governor, who has -been seriously ill for some days, sent me word, that he was suffering -cruelly from a pain in his head, and could get no sleep. I knew not how -to relieve him; but having frequently observed a violent passion for -perfumes in the house negroes, for want of something else I gave the -doctoress some oil of lavender, and told her to rub two or three drops -upon his nostrils. This morning, he told me that “to be sure what I had -sent him was a grand medicine indeed,” for it had no sooner touched his -nose than he felt some-thing cold run up to his forehead, over his head, -and all the way down his neck to the back-bone; instantly, the headach -left him, he fell fast asleep, nor had the pain returned in the morning. -But I am afraid, that even this wonderful oil would fail of curing a -complaint which was made to me a few days ago. A poor old creature, -named Quasheba, made her appearance at my breakfast table, and told me, -“that she was almost eighty, had been rather weakly for some time past, -and somehow she did not feel as she was by any means right.” - -“Had she seen the doctor? Did she want physic?” - -“No, she had taken too much physic already, and the doctor would do her -no good; she did not want to see the doctor.” - -“But what then was her complaint?” - -“Oh! she had no particular complaint; only she was old and weakly, and -did not find herself by any means so well as she used to be, and so -she came just to tell massa, and see what he could do to make her quite -right again, that was all.” In short, she _only_ wanted me to make her -young again! - - -APRIL 24. - -Mr. Forbes is dead. When I was last in Jamaica, he had just been -poisoned with corrosive sublimate by a female slave, who was executed -in consequence. He never was well afterwards; but as he lived -intemperately, the whole blame of his death must not be laid upon the -poison. - - -APRIL 30. - -A free mulatto of the name of Rolph had frequently been mentioned to -me by different magistrates, as remarkable for the numerous complaints -brought against him for cruel treatment of his negroes. He was described -to me as the son of a white ploughman, who at his death left his son -six or seven slaves, with whom he resides in the heart of the mountains, -where the remoteness of the situation secures him from observation or -control. His slaves, indeed, every now and then contrive to escape, -and come down to Savannah la Mar to lodge their complaints; but the -magistrates, hitherto, had never been able to get a legal hold upon him. -However, a few days ago, he entered the house of a Mrs. Edgins, when she -was from home, and behaving in an outrageous manner to her slaves, he -was desired by the head-man to go away. Highly incensed, he answered, -“that if the fellow dared to speak another word, it should be the last -that he should ever utter.” The negro dared to make a rejoinder; upon -which Rolph aimed a blow at him with a stick, which missed his intended -victim, but struck another slave who was interposing to prevent a -scuffle, and killed him upon the spot. The murder was committed in -the presence of several negroes; but negroes are not allowed to give -evidence, and as no free person was present, there are not only doubts -whether the murderer will be punished, but whether he can even be put -upon his trial. - - -MAY 1. (Friday.) - -This morning I signed the manumission of Nicholas Cameron, the best of -my mulatto carpenters. He had been so often on the very point of getting -his liberty, and still the cup was dashed from his lips, that I had -promised to set him free, whenever he could procure an able negro as -his substitute; although being a good workman, a single negro was by -no means an adequate price in exchange. On my arrival this year I found -that he had agreed to pay £150 for a female negro, and the woman was -approved of by my trustee. But on enquiry it appeared that she had a -child, from which she was unwilling to separate, and that her owner -refused to sell the child, except at a most unreasonable price. Here -then was an insurmountable objection to my accepting her, and Nicholas -was told to his great mortification, that he must look out for another -substitute. The woman, on her part, was determined to belong to Cornwall -estate and no other: so she told her owner, that if he attempted to sell -her elsewhere she would make away with herself, and on his ordering -her to prepare for a removal to a neighbouring proprietor’s, she -disappeared, and concealed herself so well, that for some time she was -believed to have put her threats of suicide into execution. The idea of -losing his £150 frightened her master so completely, that he declared -himself ready to let me have the child at a fair price, as well as the -mother, if she ever should be found; and her friends having conveyed -this assurance to her, she thought proper to emerge from her -hiding-place, and the bargain was arranged finally. The titles, however, -were not yet made out, and as the time of my departure for Hordley was -arrived, these were ordered to be got ready against my return, when -the negroes were to be delivered over to me, and Nicholas was to be -set free. In the meanwhile, the child was sent by her mistress (a free -mulatto) to hide some stolen ducks upon a distant property, and on her -return blabbed out the errand: in consequence the mistress was committed -to prison for theft; and no sooner was she released, than she revenged -herself upon the poor girl by giving her thirty lashes with the -cattle-whip, inflicted with all the severity of vindictive malice. This -treatment of a child of such tender years reduced her to such a state, -as made the magistrates think it right to send her for protection to the -workhouse, until the conduct of the mistress should have been enquired -into. In the meanwhile, as the result of the enquiry might be the -setting the girl at liberty, the joint title for her and her mother -could not be made out, and thus poor Nicholas’s manumission was at a -stand-still again. The magistrates at length decided, that although the -chastisement had been severe, yet (according to the medical report) it -was not such as to authorise the sending the mistress to be tried at the -assizes. She was accordingly dismissed from farther investigation, and -the girl was once more considered as belonging to me, as soon as the -title could be made out. But the fatality which had so often prevented -Nicholas from obtaining his freedom, was not weary yet. On the very -morning, when he was to sign the title, a person whose signature was -indispensable, was thrown out of his chaise, the wheel of which passed -over his head, and he was rendered incapable of transacting business -for several weeks. Yesterday, the titles were at length brought to me -complete, and this morning put Nicholas in possession of the object, in -the pursuit of which he has experienced such repeated disappointments. -The conduct of the poor child’s mulatto mistress in this case was -most unpardonable, and is only one of numerous instances of a similar -description, which have been mentioned to me. Indeed, I have every -reason to believe, that nothing can be uniformly more wretched, than the -life of the slaves of free people of colour in Jamaica; nor would any -thing contribute more to the relief of the black population, than the -prohibiting by law any mulatto to become the owner of a slave for the -future. Why should not rich people of colour be served by poor people of -colour, hiring them as domestics? It seldom happens that mulattoes are -in possession of plantations; but when a white man dies, who happens -to possess twenty negroes, he will divide them among his brown family, -leaving (we may say) five to each of his four children. These are too -few to be employed in plantation work; they are, therefore, ordered -to maintain their owner by some means or other, and which means are -frequently not the most honest, the most frequent being the travelling -about as higglers, and exchanging the trumpery contents of their packs -and boxes with plantation negroes for stolen rum and sugar. I confess I -cannot see why, on such bequest being made, the law should not order -the negroes to be sold, and the produce of the sale paid to the -mulatto heirs, but absolutely prohibiting the mulattoes from becoming -proprietors of the negroes themselves. Every man of humanity must wish -that slavery, even in its best and most mitigated form, had never found -a legal sanction, and must regret that its system is now so incorporated -with the welfare of Great Britain as well as of Jamaica, as to make -its extirpation an absolute impossibility, without the certainty -of producing worse mischiefs than the one which we annihilate. But -certainly there can be no sort of occasion for continuing in the -colonies the existence of _do-mestic slavery_, which neither contributes -to the security of the colonies themselves, nor to the opulence of the -mother-country, the revenue of which derived from colonial duties would -suffer no defalcation whatever, even if neither whites nor blacks in the -West Indies were suffered to employ slaves, except in plantation labour. - - -MAY 2. - -I gave my negroes a farewell holiday, on which occasion each grown -person received a present of half-a-dollar, and every child a maccaroni. -In return, they endeavoured to express their sorrow for my departure, -by eating and drinking, dancing and singing, with more vehemence and -perseverance than on any former occasion. As in all probability many -years will elapse without my making them another visit, if indeed I -should ever return at all, I have at least exerted myself while here to -do everything which appeared likely to contribute to their welfare and -security during my absence. In particular, my attorney has made out a -list of all such offences as are most usually committed on plantations, -to which proportionate punishments have been affixed by myself. From -this code of internal regulations the overseer is not to be allowed to -deviate, and the attorney has pledged himself in the most solemn manner -to adhere strictly to the system laid down for him. By this scheme, the -negroes will no longer be punished according to the momentary caprice of -their superintendent, but by known and fixed laws, the one no more than -the other, and without respect to partiality or prejudice. Hitherto, in -everything which had not been previously deter mined by the public law, -with a penalty attached to the breach of it, the negro has been left -entirely at the mercy of the overseer, who if he was a humane man -punished him slightly, and if a tyrant, heavily; nay, very often the -quantity of punishment depended upon the time of day when the offence -was made known. If accused in the morning, when the overseer was in cold -blood and in good humour, a night’s confinement in the stocks might be -deemed sufficient; whereas if the charge was brought when the superior -had taken his full proportion of grog or sangaree, the very same offence -would be visited with thirty-nine lashes. I have, moreover, taken care -to settle all disputes respecting property, having caused all negroes -having claims upon others to bring them before my tribunal previous to -my departure, and determined that from that time forth no such claims -should be enquired into, but considered as definitively settled by my -authority. It would have done the Lord Chancellor’s heart good to see -how many suits I determined in the course of a week, and with what -expedition I made a clear court of chancery. But perhaps the most -astonishing part of the whole business was, that after judgment was -pronounced, the losers as well as the gainers declared themselves -perfectly satisfied with the justice of the sentence. I must -acknowledge, however, that the negro principle that “massa can do no -wrong,” was of some little assistance to me on this occasion. “Oh! quite -just, me good, massa! what massa say, quite just! me no say nothing -more; me good, massa!” Then they thanked me “for massa’s goodness in -giving them so long talk!” and went away to tell all the others “how -just massa had been in taking away what they wanted to keep, or not -giving them what they asked for.” It must be owned that this is not the -usual mode of proceeding after the loss of a chancery suit in England. -But to do the negroes mere justice, I must say, that I could not have -wished to find a more tractable set of people on almost every occasion. -Some lazy and obstinate persons, of course, there must inevitably be in -so great a number; but in general I found them excellently disposed, and -being once thoroughly convinced of my real good-will towards them, they -were willing to take it for granted, that my regulations must be -right and beneficial, even in cases where they were in opposition to -individual interests and popular prejudices. My attorney had mentioned -to me several points, which he thought it advisable to have altered, but -which he had vainly endeavoured to accomplish. Thus the negroes were -in the practice of bequeathing their houses and grounds, by which means -some of them were become owners of several houses and numerous -gardens in the village, while others with large families were either -inadequately provided for, or not provided for at all. I made it public, -that from henceforth no negro should possess more than one house, with a -sufficient portion of ground for his family, and on the following Sunday -the overseer by my order looked over the village, took from those who -had too much to give to those who had too little, and made an entire new -distribution according to the most strict Agrarian law. Those who lost -by this measure, came the next day to complain to me; when I avowed -its having been done by my order, and explained the propriety of the -proceeding; after which they declared themselves contented, and I -never heard another murmur on the subject. Again, mothers being allowed -certain indulgences while suckling, persist in it for two years and -upwards, to the great detriment both of themselves and their children: -complaint of this being made to me, I sent for the mothers, and told -them that every child must be sent to the weaning-house on the first day -of the fifteenth month, but that their indulgences should be continued -to the mothers for two months longer, although the children would be no -longer with them. All who had children of that age immediately gave them -up; the rest promised to do so, when they should be old enough $ and -they all thanked me for the continuance of their indulgences, which they -considered as a boon newly granted them. On my return from Hordley, I -was told that the negroes suffered their pigs to infest the works and -grounds in the immediate vicinity of the house in such numbers, that -they were become a perfect nuisance; nor could any remonstrance prevail -on them to confine the animals within the village. An order was in -consequence issued on a Saturday, that the first four pigs found -rambling at large after two days should be put to death without mercy; -and accordingly on Monday morning, at the negro breakfast hour, the head -governor made his appearance before the house, armed cap-a-pee, with a -lance in his hand, and an enormous cutlass by his side. The news of this -tremendous apparition spread through the estate like wildfire. Instantly -all was in an uproar; the negroes came pouring down from all quarters; -in an instant the whole air was rent with noises of all kinds and -creatures; men, women, and children shouting and bellowing, geese -cackling, dogs barking, turkeys gobbling; and, look where you would, -there was a negro running along as fast as he could, and dragging a -pig along with him by one of the hind legs, while the pigs were all -astonishment at this sudden attack, and called upon heaven and earth for -commiseration and protection,-- - - “With many a doleful grunt and piteous squeak, - - Poor pigs! as if their pretty hearts would break!” - -From thenceforth not a pig except my own was to be seen about the place; -yet instead of complaining of this restraint, several of the negroes -came to assure me, that I might depend on the animals not being suffered -to stray beyond the village for the future, and to thank me for having -given them the warning two days before. What other negroes may be, I -will not pretend to guess; but I am certain that there cannot be more -tractable or better disposed persons (take them for all in all) than my -negroes of Cornwall. I only wish, that in my future dealings with white -persons, whether _in_ Jamaica or out of it, I could but meet with half -so much gratitude, affection, and good-will. - - -THE END. - - - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Journal of a West India Proprietor, by -Matthew Gregory Lewis - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOURNAL OF A WEST INDIA PROPRIETOR *** - -***** This file should be named 54500-0.txt or 54500-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/5/0/54500/ - -Produced by David Widger from page images generously -provided by the Internet Archive - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: Journal of a West India Proprietor - Kept During a Residence in the Island of Jamaica - -Author: Matthew Gregory Lewis - -Release Date: April 7, 2017 [EBook #54500] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOURNAL OF A WEST INDIA PROPRIETOR *** - - - - -Produced by David Widger from page images generously -provided by the Internet Archive - - - - - - -</pre> - - <div style="height: 8em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h1> - JOURNAL OF A WEST INDIA PROPRIETOR, - </h1> - <h3> - Kept During a Residence in The Island of Jamaica - </h3> - <h2> - By Matthew Gregory Lewis - </h2> - <h3> - Author of “The Monk,” “The Castle Spectre,” “Tales Of Wonder,” &c. - </h3> - <h4> - London: John Murray, Albemarle Street. - </h4> - <h3> - MDCCCXXXIV - </h3> - <p> - <br /> <br /> - </p> - <h4> - “I WOULD GIVE MANY A SUGAR CANE, - </h4> - <h4> - MAT. LEWIS WERE ALIVE AGAIN!” - </h4> - <h4> - BYRON. - </h4> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0001.jpg" alt="0001 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0001.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> </a> - </p> - <div class="fig" style="width:50%;"> - <img src="images/0007.jpg" alt="0007 " width="100%" /><br /> - </div> - <h5> - <a href="images/0007.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a> - </h5> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <p> - <b>CONTENTS</b> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> ADVERTISEMENT. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> JOURNAL OF A WEST INDIA PROPRIETOR </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> 1815. NOVEMBER 8. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> 1816.—JANUARY 1. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> 1817. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> 1818.—JANUARY 1. </a> - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - ADVERTISEMENT. - </h2> - <p> - The following Journals of two residences in Jamaica, in 1815-16, and in - 1817, are now printed from the MS. of Mr. Lewis; who died at sea, on the - voyage homewards from the West Indies, in the year 1818. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - JOURNAL OF A WEST INDIA PROPRIETOR - </h2> - <p> - Expect our sailing in a few hours. But although the vessel left the Docks - on Saturday, she did not reach this place till three o’clock on Thursday, - the 9th. The captain now tells me, that we may expect to sail certainly in - the afternoon of to-morrow, the 10th. I expect the ship’s cabin to gain - greatly by my two days’ residence at the “———————,” - which nothing can exceed for noise, dirt, and dulness. Eloisa would never - have established “black melancholy” at the Paraclete as its favourite - residence, if she had happened to pass three days at an inn at Gravesend: - nowhere else did I ever see the sky look so dingy, and the river “<i>Nunc - alio patriam quaero sub sole jacentem</i>.”—Virgil. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - 1815. NOVEMBER 8. - </h2> - <h3> - (WEDNESDAY) - </h3> - <p> - I left London, and reached Gravesend at nine in the morning, having been - taught to exso dirty; to be sure, the place has all the advantages of an - English November to assist it in those particulars. Just now, too, a - carriage passed my windows, conveying on board a cargo of passengers, who - seemed sincerely afflicted at the thoughts of leaving their dear native - land! The pigs squeaked, the ducks quacked, and the fowls screamed; and - all so dolefully, as clearly to prove, that <i>theirs</i> was no - dissembled sorrow? And after them (more affecting than all) came a - wheelbarrow, with a solitary porker tied in a basket, with his head - hanging over on one side, and his legs sticking out on the other, who - neither grunted nor moved, nor gave any signs of life, but seemed to be of - quite the same opinion with Hannah More’s heroine, “Grief is for <i>little</i> - wrongs; despair for mine!” - </p> - <p> - As Miss O’Neil is to play “Elwina” for the first time to-morrow, it is a - thousand pities that she had not the previous advantage of seeing the - speechless despondency of this poor pig; it might have furnished her with - some valuable hints, and enabled her to convey more perfectly to the - audience the “expressive silence” of irremediable distress. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 10. - </h3> - <p> - At four o’clock in the afternoon, I embarked on board the “Sir Godfrey - Webster,” Captain Boyes. On approaching the vessel, we heard the loudest - of all possible shrieks proceeding from a boat lying near her: and who - should prove to be the complainant, but my former acquaintance, the - despairing pig, He had recovered his voice to protest against entering the - ship: I had already declared against climbing up the accommodation ladder; - the pig had precisely the very same objection. So a <i>soi-disant</i> - chair, being a broken bucket, was let down for us, and the pig and myself - entered the vessel by the same conveyance; only pig had the precedence, - and was hoisted up first. The ship proceeded three miles, and then the - darkness obliged us to come to an anchor. There are only two other cabin - passengers, a Mr. J——— and a Mr. S———; - the latter is a planter in the “May-Day Mountains,” Jamaica: he wonders, - considering how much benefit Great Britain derives from the West Indies, - that government is not careful to build more churches in them, and is of - opinion, that “hedicating the negroes is the only way to make them appy; - indeed, in his umble hopinion, hedication his hall in hall!” - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 11. - </h3> - <p> - We sailed at six o’clock, passed through “Nob’s Hole,” the “Girdler’s - Hole,” and “the Pan” (all very dangerous sands, and particularly the last, - where at times we had only one foot water below us), by half past four, - and at five came to an anchor in the Queen’s Channel. Never having seen - any thing of the kind before, I was wonderfully pleased with the - manoeuvring of several large ships, which passed through the sands at the - same time with us: their motions seemed to be effected with as much ease - and dexterity as if they had been crane-necked carriages; and the effect - as they pursued each other’s track and windings was perfectly beautiful. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 12. (SUNDAY.) - </h3> - <p> - The wind was contrary, and we had to beat up the whole way; we did not - reach the Downs till past four o’clock, and, as there were above sixty - vessels arrived before us, we had some difficulty in finding a safe berth. - At length we anchored in the Lower Roads, about four miles off Deal. We - can see very clearly the double lights in the vessel moored off the - Goodwin sands: it is constantly inhabited by two families, who reside - there alternately every fortnight, except when the weather delays the - exchange. The “Sir Godfrey Webster” is a vessel of 600 tons, and was - formerly in the East India service. I have a very clean cabin, a place for - my books, and every thing is much more comfortable than I expected; the - wind, however, is completely west, the worst that we could have, and we - must not even expect a change till the full moon. The captain pointed out - a man to me to-day, who had been with him in a violent storm off the - Bermudas. For six hours together, the flashes of lightning were so - unintermitting, that the eye could not sustain them: at one time, the ship - seemed to be completely in a blaze; and the man in question (who was then - standing at the wheel, near the captain) suddenly cried out, “I don’t know - what has happened to me, but I can neither see nor stand;” and he fell - down upon the deck. He was taken up and carried below; and it appeared - that the lightning had affected his eyes and legs, in a degree to make him - both blind and lame, though the captain, who was standing by his side, had - received no injury: in three or four days, the man was quite well again. - In this storm, no less than thirteen vessels were dismasted, or otherwise - shattered by the lightning. - </p> - <p> - Sea Terms.—<i>Windward, from</i> whence the wind blows; <i>leeward, - to</i> which it blows; <i>starboard</i>, the <i>right</i> of the stern; <i>larboard</i>, - the <i>left</i>; <i>starboard helm</i>, when you go to the left; but when - to the right, instead of larboard helm, <i>helm a-port</i>; <i>luff you - may</i>, go nearer to the wind; <i>theis (thus)</i> you are near enough; - <i>luff no near</i>, you are too near the wind; the <i>tiller</i>, the - handle of the rudder; the <i>capstan</i>, the weigher of the anchor; the - <i>buntlines</i>, the ropes which move the body of the sail, the <i>bunt</i> - being the body; the <i>bowlines</i>, those which spread out the sails, and - make them swell. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 13. - </h3> - <p> - At six this morning, came on a tremendous gale of wind; the captain says, - that he never experienced a heavier. However, we rode it out with great - success, although, at one time, it was bawled out that we were driving; - and, at another, a brig which lay near us broke from her moorings, and - came bearing down close upon us. The danger, indeed, from the difference - of size, was all upon the side of the brig; but, luckily, the vessels - cleared each other. This evening she has thought it as well to remove - further from so dangerous a neighbourhood. There is a little cabin boy on - board, and Mr. J——— has brought with him a black - terrier; and these two at first sight swore to each other an eternal - friendship, in the true German style. It is the boy’s first voyage, and he - is excessively sea-sick; so he has been obliged to creep into his hammock, - and his friend, the little black terrier, has crept into the hammock with - him. A boat came from the shore this evening, and reported that several - vessels have been dismasted, lost their anchors, and injured in various - ways. A brig, which was obliged to make for Ramsgate, missed the pier, and - was dashed to pieces completely; the crew, however, were saved, all except - the pilot; who, although he was brought on shore alive, what between - bruises, drowning, and fright, had suffered so much, that he died two - hours afterwards. The weather has now again become calm; but it is still - full west. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 14. (TUESDAY.) - </h3> - <h3> - THE HOURS. - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - Ne’er were the zephyrs known disclosing - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - More sweets, than when in Tempe’s shades - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They waved the lilies, where, reposing, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Sat four and twenty lovely maids. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Those lovely maids were called “the Hours,” - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - The charge of Virtue’s flock they kept; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And each in turn employ’d her powers - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To guard it, while her sisters slept. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - False Love, how simple souls thou cheatest! - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - In myrtle bower, that traitor near - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Long watch’d an Hour, the softest, sweetest! - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - The evening Hour, to shepherds dear. * - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In tones so bland he praised her beauty, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Such melting airs his pipe could play, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The thoughtless Hour forgot her duty, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And fled in Love’s embrace away. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Meanwhile the fold was left unguarded— - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - The wolf broke in—the lambs were slain: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And now from Virtue’s train discarded, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - With tears her sisters speak their pain. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Time flies, and still they weep; for never - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - The fugitive can time restore: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - An Hour once fled, has fled for ever, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And all the rest shall smile no more! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - * L’heure du berger. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 15. - </h3> - <p> - The wind altered sufficiently to allow us to escape from the Downs; and at - dusk we were off Beachy Head. This morning, the steward left the trap-door - of the store-hole open; of course, I immediately contrived to step into - it, and was on the point of being precipitated to the bottom, among - innumerable boxes of grocery, bags of biscuit, and porter barrels;—where - a broken limb was the <i>least</i> that I could expect. Luckily, I fell - across the corner of the trap, and managed to support myself, till I could - effect my escape with a bruised knee, and the loss of a few inches of skin - from my left arm. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 16. - </h3> - <p> - Off the Isle of Wight. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 17. - </h3> - <p> - Off the St. Alban’s Head. Sick to death! My temples throbbing, my head - burning, my limbs freezing, my mouth all fever, my stomach all nausea, my - mind all disgust. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 18. - </h3> - <p> - Off the Lizard, the last point of England. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 19. (SUNDAY.) - </h3> - <p> - At one this morning, a violent gust of wind came on; and, at the rate of - ten miles an hour, carried us through the Chops of the Channel, formed by - the Scilly Rocks and the Isle of Ushant. But I thought, that the advance - was dearly purchased by the terrible night which the storm made us pass. - The wind roaring, the waves dashing against the stern, till at last they - beat in the quarter gallery; the ship, too, rolling from side to side, as - if every moment she were going to roll over and over! Mr. J——— - was heaved off one of the sofas, and rolled along, till he was stopped by - the table. He then took his seat upon the floor, as the more secure - position; and, half an hour afterwards, another heave chucked him back - again upon the sofa. The captain snuffed out one of the candles, and both - being tied to the table, could not relight it with the other: so the - steward came to do it; when a sudden heel of the ship made him extinguish - the second candle, tumbled him upon the sofa on which I was lying, and - made the candle which he had brought with him fly out of the candlestick, - through a cabin window at his elbow; and thus we were all left in the - dark. Then the intolerable noise! the cracking of bulkheads! the sawing of - ropes! the screeching of the tiller! the trampling of the sailors! the - clattering of the crockery! Every thing above deck and below deck, all in - motion at once! Chairs, writing-desks, books, boxes, bundles, fire-irons - and fenders, flying to one end of the room; and the next moment (as if - they had made a mistake) flying back again to the other with the same - hurry and confusion! “Confusion worse confounded!” Of all the - inconveniences attached to a vessel, the incessant noise appears to me the - most insupportable! As to our live stock, they seem to have made up their - minds on the subject, and say with one of Ariosto’s knights (when he was - cloven from the head to the chine), “<i>or corvien morire</i>” Our fowls - and ducks are screaming and quacking their last by dozens; and by Tuesday - morning, it is supposed that we shall not have an animal alive in the - ship, except the black terrier—and my friend the squeaking pig, - whose vocal powers are still audible, maugre the storm and the sailors, - and who (I verily believe) only continues to survive out of spite, because - he can join in the general chorus, and help to increase the number of - abominable sounds. - </p> - <p> - We are now tossing about in the Bay of Biscay: I shall remember it as long - as I live. The “beef-eater’s front” could never have “beamed more - terrible” upon Don Ferolo Whiskerandos, “in Biscay’s Bay, when he took him - prisoner,” than Biscay’s Bay itself will appear to <i>me</i> the next time - that I approach it. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 20. - </h3> - <p> - Our live stock has received an increase; our fowls and ducks are dead to - be sure, but a lark flew on board this morning, blown (as is supposed) - from the coast of France. In five minutes it appeared to be quite at home, - eat very readily whatever was given it, and hopped about the deck without - fear of the sailors, or the more formidable black terrier, with all the - ease and assurance imaginable. - </p> - <p> - I dare say, it <i>was</i> blown from the coast of France! - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 21. - </h3> - <p> - The weather continues intolerable. Boisterous waves running mountains - high, with no wind, or a foul one. Dead calms by day, which prevent our - making any progress; and violent storms by night, which prevent our - getting any sleep. - </p> - <p> - Every thing is in a state of perpetual motion. “<i>Nulla quies intus</i> - (nor <i>outus</i> indeed for the matter of that), <i>nullâque silentia - parte</i>” We drink our tea exactly as Tantalus did in the infernal - regions; we keep bobbing at the basin for half an hour together without - being able to get a drop; and certainly nobody on ship-board can doubt the - truth of the proverb, “Many things fall out between the cup and the lip.” - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 23. - </h3> - <p> - PANDORA’S BOX. (Iliad A.) - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Prometheus once (in Tooke the tale you’ll see) - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In one vast box enclosed all human evils; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But curious Woman needs the inside would see, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And out came twenty thousand million devils. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The story’s spoil’d, and Tooke should well be chid; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - The fact, sir, happen’d thus, and I’ve no doubt of it: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>’</i>Twas not that Woman raised the coffer’s lid, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - But when the lid <i>was</i> raised, Woman popp’d out of it. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “But Hope remain’d”—true, sir, she did; but still - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - All saw of what Miss Hope gave intimation; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her right hand grasp’d an undertaker’s bill, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Her left conceal’d a deed of separation. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - N. B. I was most horribly sea-sick when I took this view of the subject. - Besides, grapes on shipboard, in general, are remarkably sour. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 24. - </h3> - <p class="indent20"> - “Manibus date lilia plenis; - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - Purpureos spargam flores!” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - The squeaking pig was killed this morning. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 25. - </h3> - <p> - Letters were sent to England by a small vessel bound for Plymouth, and - laden with oranges from St. Michael’s, one of the Azores. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 26. - </h3> - <p> - A complete and most violent storm, from twelve at night till seven the - next morning. The fore-top-sail, though only put up for the first time - yesterday, was rent from top to bottom; and several of the other sails are - torn to pieces. The perpetual tempestuous weather which we have - experienced has so shaken the planks of the vessel, that the sea enters at - all quarters. About one o’clock in the morning I was saluted by a stream - of water, which poured down exactly upon my face, and obliged me to shift - my lodgings. The carpenter had been made aware that there was a leak in my - cabin, and ordered to caulk the seams; but, I suppose, he thought that - during only a two months’ voyage, the rain might very possibly never find - out the hole, and that it would be quite time enough to apply the remedy - when I should have felt the inconvenience. The best is, that the carpenter - happening to be at work in the next cabin when the water came down upon - me, I desired him to call my servant, in order that I might get up, on - account of the leak; on which he told me “that the leak could not be - helped;” grumbled a good deal at calling up the servant; and seemed to - think me not a little unreasonable for not lying quietly, and suffering - myself to be pumped upon by this shower-bath of his own providing. - </p> - <p> - But if the water gets <i>into</i> the ship, on the other hand, last night - the poor old steward was very near getting out of it. In the thick of the - storm he was carrying some grog to the mate, when a gun, which drove - against him, threw him off his balance, and he was just passing through - one of the port-holes, when, luckily, he caught hold of a rope, and saved - himself. A screech-owl flew on board this morning: I am sure we have no - need of birds of ill omen; I could supply the place of a whole aviary of - them myself. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 28. - </h3> - <p> - Reading Don Quixote this morning, I was greatly pleased with an instance - of the hero’s politeness, which had never struck me before. The Princess - Micomicona having fallen into a most egregious blunder, he never so much - as hints a suspicion of her not having acted precisely as she has stated, - but only begs to know her reasons for taking a step so extraordinary. “But - pray, madam,” says he, “why <i>did</i> your ladyship land at Ossuna, - seeing that it is not a seaport town?” - </p> - <p> - I was also much charmed with an instance of conjugal affection, in the - same work. Sancho being just returned home, after a long absence, the - first thing which his wife, Teresa, asks about, is the welfare of the ass. - “I have brought him back,” answers Sancho, “and in much better health and - condition than I am in myself.” “The Lord be praised,” said Teresa, “for - this his great mercy to me!” - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 29. - </h3> - <p> - The wind continues contrary, and the weather is as disagreeable and - perverse as it can well be; indeed, I understand that in these latitudes - nothing can be expected but heavy gales or dead calms, which makes them - particularly pleasant for sailing, especially as the calms are by far the - most disagreeable of the two: the wind steadies the ship; but when she - creeps as slowly as she does at present (scarcely going a mile in four - hours), she feels the whole effect of the sea breaking against her, and - rolls backwards and forwards with every billow as it rises and falls. In - the mean while, every thing seems to be in a state of the most active - motion, except the ship; while we are carrying a spoonful of soup to our - mouths, the remainder takes the “glorious golden opportunity” to empty - itself into our laps, and the glasses and salt-cellars carry on a - perpetual domestic warfare during the whole time of dinner, like the - Guelphs and the Ghibellines. Nothing is so common as to see a roast goose - suddenly jump out of its dish in the middle of dinner, and make a frisk - from one end of the table to the other; and we are quite in the habit of - laying wagers which of the two boiled fowls will arrive at the bottom - first. - </p> - <p> - N.B. To-day the fowl without the liver wing was the favourite, but the - knowing ones were taken in; the uncarved one carried it hollow. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 30 - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - “Do those I love e’er think on me?” - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - How oft that painful doubt will start, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To blight the roseate smile of glee, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And cloud the brow, and sink the heart! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No more can I, estranged from home, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Their pleasures share, nor soothe their moans - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To them I’m dead as were the foam - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Now breaking o’er my whitening bones. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And doubtless now with newer friends, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - The tide of life content they stem; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor on the sailor think, who bends - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Full many an anxious thought on them. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Should that reflection cause me pain? - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - No ease for mine their grief could bring; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Enough if, when we meet again, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Their answering hearts to greet me spring. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Enough, if no dull joyless eye - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Give signs of kindness quite forgot; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor heartless question, cold reply, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Speak—“all is past; I love you not.” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Too much has heav’n ordain’d of woe, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Too much of groans on earth abounds, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For me to wish one tear to flow - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Which brings no balm for sorrow’s wounds. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Love’s moisten’d lid and Friendship’s sigh, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - I could not see, I could not hear! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To think “they weep!” more fills mine eye, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And smarts the more each tender tear. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then, if there be one heart so kind, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - It mourns each hour the loss of me; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Shrinks, when it hears some gust of wind, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And sighs—“Perhaps a storm at sea!” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh! if there be an heart <i>indeed</i>, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Which beats for me, so sad, so true, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Swift to its aid, Oblivion, speed, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And bathe it with thy poppy’s dew; - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - My form in vapours to conceal, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - From Pleasure’s wreath rich odours shake; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor let that heart one moment feel - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Such pangs as force my own to ache. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Demon of Memory, cherish’d grief! - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Oh, could I break thy wand in twain! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, could I close thy magic leaf, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Till those I love are mine again! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 1. (FRIDAY.) - </h3> - <p> - The captain to-day pointed oat to me a sailor-boy, who, about three years - ago, was shaken from the mast-head, and fell through the scuttle into the - hold; the distance was above eighty feet, yet the boy was taken up with - only a few bruises. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 3. (SUNDAY.) - </h3> - <p> - The wind during the last two days has been more favourable; and at nine - this morning we were in the latitude of Madeira. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 5. - </h3> - <p> - Sea Terms.—<i>Ratlines</i>, the rope ladders by which the sailors - climb the shrouds; the <i>companion</i>, the cabin-head; <i>reefs</i>, the - divisions by which the sails are contracted; <i>stunsails</i>, additional - sails, spread for the purpose of catching all the wind possible; the - fore-mast, main-mast, mizen-mast; <i>fore</i>, the head; <i>aft</i>, the - stern; <i>being pooped</i> (the very sound of which tells one, that it - must be something very terrible), having the stern beat in by the sea; <i>to - belay a rope</i>, to fasten it. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 6. - </h3> - <p> - I had no idea of the expense of building and preserving a ship: that in - which I am at present cost £30,000 at its outset. Last year the repairs - amounted to £14,000; and in a voyage to the East Indies they were more - than £20,000. In its return last year from Jamaica it was on the very - brink of shipwreck. A storm had driven it into Bantry Bay, and there was - no other refuge from the winds than Bear Haven, whose entrance was narrow - and difficult; however, a gentleman from Castletown came on board, and - very obligingly offered to pilot the ship. He was one of the first people - in the place, had been the owner of a vessel himself, was most thoroughly - acquainted with every inch of the haven, &c. &c., and so on they - went. There was but one sunken rock, and that about ten feet in diameter; - the captain knew it, and warned his gentleman-pilot to keep a little more - to the eastward. “My dear friend,” answered the Irishman, “now do just - make yourself <i>asy</i>; I know well enough what we are about; we are as - clear of the rock as if we were in the Red Sea, by Jasus;”—upon - which the vessel struck upon the rock, and there she stuck. The captain - fell to swearing and tearing his hair. “God damn you, sir! didn’t I tell - you to keep to eastward? Dam’me, she’s on the rock!” “Oh! well, my dear, - she’s now <i>on</i> the rock, and, in a few minutes, you know, why she’ll - be <i>off</i> the rock: to be sure, I’d have taken my oath that the rock - was two hundred and fifty feet on the other side of her, but——“—“Two - hundred and fifty feet! why, the channel is not two hundred and fifty feet - wide itself! and as to getting her off, bumping against this rock, it can - only be with a great hole in her side.”—“Poh! now, bother, my dear! - why sure——“—“Leave the ship, sir; dam’me, sir, get out - of my ship this moment!” Instead of which, with the most smiling and - obliging air in the world, the Irishman turned to console the female - passengers. “Make yourselves <i>asy</i>, ladies, pray make yourselves - perfectly <i>asy</i>; but, upon my soul, I believe your captain’s mad; no - danger in life! only make yourselves <i>asy</i>, I say; for the ship lies - on the rock as safe and as quiet, by Jasus, as if she were lying on a mud - bank!” Luckily the weather was so perfectly calm, that the ship having - once touched the rock with her keel bumped no more. It was low water; she - wanted but five inches to float her, and when the tide rose she drifted - off, and with but little harm done. The gentleman-pilot then thought - proper to return on shore, took a very polite leave of the - lady-passengers, and departed with all the urbanity possible; only - +thinking the captain the strangest person that he had ever met with; and - wondering that any man of common sense could be put out of temper by such - a trifle. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 7. - </h3> - <p> - Yesterday we had the satisfaction of falling in with the trade wind, and - now we are proceeding both rapidly and steadily. The change of climate is - very perceptible; and the deep and beautiful blue which colours the sea is - a certain intimation of our approach to the tropic. A few flying fish have - made their appearance; and the spears are getting in order for the - reception of their constant attendant, the dolphin. These spears have - ropes affixed to them, and at one end of the pole are five barbs, at the - other a heavy ball of lead: then, when the fish is speared, the striker - lets the staff fall, on which down goes the lead into the sea, and up goes - the dolphin into the air, who is in the utmost astonishment to find itself - all of a sudden turned into a flying fish; so determines to cultivate the - art of flying for the future, and promises itself a great many pleasant - airings. The dolphin and the flying fish are beautifully coloured, and - both are very good food, particularly the latter, which move in shoals - like the herring, and are about the size of that fish. They are supposed - to feed on spawn and sea animalculæ, and will not take the bait; but on - the shores of Barbadoes, which they frequent in great multitudes, they are - caught in wide nets, spread upon the surface of the sea; then, upon - beating the waters around, the fish rise in clouds, and fly till, their - fins getting dry, they fall down into the nets which have been spread to - receive them. The dolphin is seldom above three feet long; the immense - strength which he exerts in his struggles for liberty occasions the - necessity of catching him in the way before described. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 8. - </h3> - <p> - At three o’clock this afternoon we entered the tropic of Cancer; and if - our wind continues tolerably favourable, we may expect to see Antigua on - Sunday. On crossing the line, it was formerly usual for ships to receive a - visit from an old gentleman and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Cancer: the husband - was, by profession, a barber; and, probably, the scullion, who insisted so - peremptorily on shaving Sancho, at the duke’s castle, had served an - apprenticeship to Mr. Cancer, for their mode of proceeding was much alike, - and, indeed, very peculiar: the old gentleman always made a point of using - a rusty iron hoop instead of a razor, tar for soap, and an empty - beef-barrel was, in his opinion, the very best possible substitute for a - basin; in consequence of which, instead of paying him for shaving them, - people of taste were disposed to pay for not being shaved; and as Mrs. - Cancer happened to be particularly partial to gin (when good), the gift of - a few bottles was generally successful in rescuing the donor’s chin from - the hands of her husband; however, to-day this venerable pair - “peradventure were sleeping, or on a journey,” for we neither saw nor - heard any thing about them. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 9. - </h3> - <p> - When, after his victory of the 1st of June, Lord Howe again put to sea - from Portsmouth, the number of women who were turned on shore out of the - ships (wives, sisters, &c.) amounted to above thirty thousand! - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 10. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - What triumph moves on the billows so blue? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In his car of pellucid pearl I view, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With glorious pomp, on the dancing tide, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The tropic Genius proudly ride. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The flying fish, who trail his car, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dazzle the eye, as they shine from afar; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Twinkling their fins in the sun, and show - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - All the hues which adorn the showery bow. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of dark sea-blue is the mantle he wears; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For a sceptre a plantain branch he bears; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pearls his sable arms surround, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And his locks of wool with coral are crown’d. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Perpetual sunbeams round him stream; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His bronzed limbs shine with golden gleam; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The spicy spray from his wheels that showers, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Makes the sense ache with its odorous powers. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Myriads of monsters, who people the caves - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of ocean, attendant plough the waves; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sharks and crocodiles bask in his blaze, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And whales spout the waters which dance in his rays. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And as onward floats that triumph gay, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The light sea-breezes around it play; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While at his royal feet lie bound - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The Ouragans, hush’d in sleep profound. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dark Genius, hear a stranger’s prayer, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor suffer those winds to ravage and tear - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Jamaica’s savannas, and loose to fly, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Mingling the earth, and the sea, and the sky. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From thy locks on my harvest of sweets diffuse, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To swell my canes, refreshing dews; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And kindly breathe, with cooling powers, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through my coffee walks and shaddock bowers. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Let not thy strange diseases prey - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On my life; but scare from my couch away - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The yellow Plague’s imps; and safe let me rest - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From that dread black demon, who racks the breast: - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor force my throbbing temples to know - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thy sunbeam’s sudden and maddening blow; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor bid thy day-flood blaze too bright - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On nerves so fragile, and brain so light: - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And let me, returning in safety, view - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thy triumph again on the ocean blue; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And in Britain I’ll oft with flowers entwine - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The Tropic Sovereign’s ebony shrine! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Was it but fancy? did He not frown, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And in anger shake his coral crown? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gorgeous and slow the pomp moves on! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Low sinks the sun—and all is gone! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - “And pray now do you mean to say that you really saw all this fine show?” - Oh, yes, really, “in my mind’s eye, Horatio,” as Shakspeare says; or, if - you like it better in Greek— - </p> - <p> - [Greek line] Odyssey, A. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 11. - </h3> - <p> - A dead centipes was found on the deck, supposed to have made its way on - board, during the last voyage, among the logwood. This is not the only - species of disagreeable passengers, who are in the habit of introducing - themselves into homeward bound vessels without leave. While sleeping on - deck last year, the Captain felt something run across his face; and, - supposing it to be a cock-roach, he brushed off a scorpion; but not - without its first biting him upon the cheek: the pain for about four hours - was excessive; but although he did no more than wash the wound with - spirits, he was perfectly well again in a couple of days. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 12. - </h3> - <p> - Since we entered the tropic, the rains have been incessant, and most - violent; but the wind was brisk and favourable, and we proceeded rapidly. - Now we have lost the trade-wind, and move so slowly, that it might almost - be called standing still. On the other hand, the weather is now perfectly - delicious; the ship makes but little way, but she moves steadily: the sun - is brilliant; the sky cloudless; the sea calm, and so smooth that it looks - like one extended sheet of blue glass; an awning is stretched over the - deck; although there is not wind enough to fill the canvass, there is - sufficient to keep the air cool, and thus, even during the day, the - weather is very pleasant; but the nights are quite heavenly, and so - bright, that at ten o’clock yesterday evening little Jem Parsons (the - cabin boy), and his friend the black terrier, came on deck, and sat - themselves down on a gun-carriage, to read by the light of the moon. I - looked at the boy’s book, (the terrier, I suppose, read over the other’s - shoulder,) and found that it was “The Sorrows of Werter.” I asked who had - lent him such a book, and whether it amused him? He said that it had been - made a present to him, and so he had read it almost through, for he had - got to Werter’s dying; though, to be sure, he did not understand it all, - nor like very much what he understood; for he thought the man a great fool - for killing himself <i>for love</i>. I told him I thought every man a - great fool who killed himself for love or for any thing else: but had he - no books but “The Sorrows of Werter?”—Oh dear, yes, he said, he had - a great many more; he had got “The Adventures of a Louse,” which was a - very curious book, indeed; and he had got besides “The Recess,” and - “Valentine and Orson,” and “Ros-lin Castle,” and a book of Prayers, just - like the Bible; but he could not but say that he liked “The Adventures of - a Louse” the best of any of them. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 13. - </h3> - <p> - We caught a dolphin, but not with the spear: he gorged a line which was - fastened to the stern, and baited with salt pork; but being a very large - and strong fish, his efforts to escape were so powerful, that it was - feared that he would break the line, and a <i>grainse</i> (as the - dolphin-spear is technically termed) was thrown at him: he was struck, and - three of the prongs were buried in his side; yet, with a violent effort, - he forced them out again, and threw the lance up into the air. I am not - much used to take pleasure in the sight of animal suffering; but if - Pythagoras himself had been present, and “of opinion that the soul of his - grandam might haply inhabit” this dolphin, I think he must still have - admired the force and agility displayed in his endeavours to escape. - Imagination can picture nothing more beautiful than the colours of this - fish: while covered by the waves he was entirely green; and as the water - gave him a case of transparent crystal, he really looked like one solid - piece of living emerald; when he sprang into the air, or swam fatigued - upon the surface, his fins alone preserved their green, and the rest of - his body appeared to be of the brightest yellow, his scales shining like - gold wherever they caught the sun; while the blood which, as long as he - remained in the sea, continued to spout in great quantities, forced its - way upwards through the water, like a wreath of crimson smoke, and then - dispersed itself in separate globules among the spray. From the great loss - of blood, his colours soon became paler; but when he was at length safely - landed on deck, and beating himself to death against the flooring, agony - renewed all the lustre of his tints: his fins were still green and his - body golden, except his back, which was olive, shot with bright deep blue; - his head and belly became silvery, and the spots with which the latter was - mottled changed, with incessant rapidity, from deep olive to the most - beautiful azure. Gradually his brilliant tints disappeared: they were - succeeded by one uniform shade of slate-colour; and when he was quite - dead, he exhibited nothing but dirty brown and dull dead white. As soon as - all was over with him, the first thing done was to convert one of his fins - into the resemblance of a flying fish, for the purpose of decoying other - dolphins; and the second, to order some of the present gentleman to be got - ready for dinner. He measured above four feet and a half. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 14. - </h3> - <p> - At noon to-day, we found ourselves in the latitude of Jamaica. We were - promised the sight of Antigua on Sunday next, but that is now quite out of - the question. We made but eight miles in the whole of yesterday; and as - Jamaica is still at the distance of eighteen hundred miles, at this rate - of proceeding we may expect to reach it about eight months hence. The sky - this evening presented us with quite a new phenomenon, a rose-coloured - moon: she is to be at her full to-morrow; and this afternoon, about - half-past four, she rose like a disk of silver, perfectly white and - colourless; but, as she was exactly opposite to the sun at the time of his - setting, the reflection of his rays spread a kind of pale blush over her - orb, which produced an effect as beautiful as singular. Indeed, the size - and inconceivable brilliance of the sun, the clearness of the atmosphere, - which had assumed a faint greenish hue, and was entirely without a cloud, - the smoothness of the ocean, and the aforesaid rose-coloured moon, - altogether rendered this sunset the most magical in effect that I ever - beheld; and it was with great reluctance that I was called away from - admiring it, to ascertain whether the merits of our new acquaintance, the - dolphin, extended any further than his skin. Part of him, which was boiled - for yesterday’s dinner, was rather coarse and dry, and might have been - mistaken for indifferent haddock. But his having been steeped in brine, - and then broiled with a good deal of pepper and salt, had improved him - wonderfully; and to-day I thought him as good as any other fish. - </p> - <p> - Our wind is like Lady Townley’s separate allowance: “that little has been - made less;” or, rather, it has dwindled away to nothing. We are now so - absolutely becalmed, that I begin seriously to suspect all the crew of - being Phæacians; and that at this identical moment Neptune is amusing - himself by making the ship take root in the ocean; a trick which he played - once before to a vessel (they say) in the days of Ulysses. I have got some - locust plants on board in pots: if we continue to sail as slowly as we - have done for the last week, before we reach Jamaica my plants will be - forest trees, little Jem, the cabin-boy, will have been obliged to shave, - and the black terrier will have died of old age long ago. Great numbers of - porpoises were playing about to-day, and tumbling under the ship’s very - nose. When in their gambols they allow themselves to be seen above the - surface, they are of a dirty blackish brown, and as ugly as heart can - wish; but in the waves they acquire a fine sea-green cast, and their - spouting up water in the sunbeams is extremely ornamental. - </p> - <h3> - THE HELMSMAN. - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - Hark! the bell 1 it sounds midnight!—all hail, thou new - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - heav’n! - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - How soft sleep the stars on their bosom of night! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While o’er the full moon, as they gently are driven, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Slowly floating the clouds bathe their fleeces in light. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The warm feeble breeze scarcely ripples the ocean, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And all seems so hush’d, all so happy to feel! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So smooth glides the bark, I perceive not her motion, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - While low sings the sailor who watches the wheel. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That sailor I’ve noted—his cheek, fresh and blooming - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - With health, scarcely yet twenty springs can have - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - seen; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His looks they are lofty, but never presuming, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - His limbs strong, but light, and undaunted his mien. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Frank and clear is his brow, yet a thoughtful expression, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Half tender, half mournful, oft shadows his eye; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And murmurs escape him, which make the confession, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - If not check’d by a hem, they had swell’d to a sigh. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His song is not pour’d to beguile the lone hour, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - When in-watch on deck <i>’</i>tis his duty to keep; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor of painful reflection to weaken the power, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Nor chase from his eyelids the pinions of sleep. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Tis so sad...‘tis so sweet... and some tones come so - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - swelling, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - So right from the heart, and so pure to the ear;— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That sure at this moment his thoughts must be dwelling - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - On one who is absent, most kind and most dear. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Perhaps on a mother his mind loves to linger, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Whose wants to relieve, the rough seas hath he - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - cross’d; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who kiss’d him at parting, and vow’d he could bring her - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - No jewel so dear as the one she then lost! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No, no! ’tis a sweetheart, his soul’s cherish’d treasure, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Those full melting notes... hark! he breathes them - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - again! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So mournful, and yet they’re prolong’d with such plea - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - sure........ - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Oh, nothing but love could have prompted the strain. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet, whate’er be the cause of thy sadness, young seaman, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That the weight be soon lighten’d, I send up my vow; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From the stings of remorse, I’ll be sworn, thou’rt a - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - freeman, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - No guilt ever ruffled the smooth of that brow! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That sigh which you breath’d sprang from pensive - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - affection; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - That song, though so plaintive, sheds balm on the - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - heart; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And the pain which you feel at each fond recollection, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Is worth all the pleasures that vice could impart. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, still may the scenes of your life, like the present, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Shine bright to the eye, and speak calm to the breast; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - May each wave flow as gentle, each breeze play as - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - pleasant, - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - And warm as the clime prove the friends you love best! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And may she, who now dictates that ballad so tender, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Diffuse o’er your days the heart’s solace and ease, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As yon lovely moon, with a gleam of mild splendour, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Pure, tranquil, and bright, over-silvers the seas! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 16. - </h3> - <p> - What little wind there is blows so perversely, that we have been obliged - to alter our course; and instead of Antigua, we are now told that the - Summer Islands (Shakspeare’s “still vexed Bermoothes”) are the first land - that we must expect to see. - </p> - <p> - I am greatly disappointed at finding such a scarcity of monsters; I had - flattered myself, that as soon as we should enter the Atlantic Ocean, or - at least the tropic, we should have seen whole shoals of sharks, whales, - and dolphins wandering about as plenty as sheep upon the South Downs: - instead of which, a brace of dolphins, and a few flying fish and - porpoises, are the only inhabitants of the ocean who have as yet taken the - trouble of paying us the common civility of a visit. However, I am - promised, that as soon as we approach the islands, I shall have as many - sharks as heart can wish. - </p> - <p> - As I am particularly fond of proofs of conjugal attachment between animals - (in the human species they are so universal that I set no store by them), - an instance of that kind which the captain related to me this morning gave - me great pleasure. While lying in Black River harbour, Jamaica, two sharks - were frequently seen playing about the ship; at length the female was - killed, and the desolation of the male was excessive:— - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - “Che faro senz’ Eurydice?” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - What he did <i>without</i> her remains a secret, but what he did <i>with</i> - her was clear enough; for scarce was the breath out of his Eurydice’s - body, when he stuck his teeth in her, and began to eat her up with all - possible expedition. Even the sailors felt their sensibility excited by so - peculiar a mark of posthumous attachment; and to enable him to perform - this melancholy duty the more easily, they offered to be his carvers, - lowered their boat, and proceeded to chop his better half in pieces with - their hatchets; while the widower opened his jaws as wide as possible, and - gulped down pounds upon pounds of the dear departed as fast as they were - thrown to him, with the greatest delight and all the avidity imaginable. I - make no doubt that all the while he was eating, he was thoroughly - persuaded that every morsel which went into his stomach would make its way - to his heart directly! “She was perfectly consistent,” he said to himself; - “she was excellent through life, and really she’s extremely good now she’s - dead!” and then, “unable to conceal his pain,” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “He sigh’d and swallow’d, and sigh’d and swallow’d, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And sigh’d and swallow’d again.” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - I doubt, whether the annals of Hymen can produce a similar instance of - post-obitual affection. Certainly Calderon’s “<i>Amor despues de la Muerte</i>” - has nothing that is worthy to be compared to it; nor do I recollect in - history any fact at all resembling it, except perhaps a circumstance which - is recorded respecting Cambletes, King of Lydia, a monarch equally - remarkable for his voracity and uxoriousness; and who, being one night - completely overpowered by sleep, and at the same time violently tormented - by hunger, eat up his queen without being conscious of it, and was - mightily astonished, the next morning, to wake with her hand in his mouth, - the only bit that was left of her. But then, Cambletes was quite - unconscious what he was doing; whereas, the shark’s mark of attachment was - evidently intentional. It may, however, be doubted, from the voracity with - which he eat, whether his conduct on this occasion was not as much - influenced by the sentiment of hunger as of love; and if he were - absolutely on the point of starving, Tasso might have applied to this - couple, with equal truth, although with somewhat a different meaning, what - he says of his “Amanti e Sposi;”— - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - ——“Pende - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - D’ un fato sol e l’ una e l’ altra vita - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - for if Madam Shark had not died first, Monsieur must have died himself for - want of a dinner. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 17. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - On this day, from a sense of propriety no doubt, as well as from having - nothing else to do, all the crew in the morning betook themselves to their - studies. The carpenter was very seriously spelling a comedy; Edward was - engaged with “The Six Princesses of Babylon;” a third was amusing himself - with a tract “On the Management of Bees;” another had borrowed the - cabin-boy’s “Sorrows of Werter,” and was reading it aloud to a large - circle—some whistling—and others yawning; and Werter’s abrupt - transitions, and exclamations, and raptures, and refinements, read in the - same loud monotonous tone, and without the slightest respect paid to - stops, had the oddest effect possible. “She did not look at me; I thought - my heart would burst; the coach drove off; she looked out of the window; - was that look meant for me? yes it was; perhaps it might be; do not tell - me that it was not meant for me. Oh, my friend, my friend, am I not a - fool, a madman?” (This part is rather stupid, or so, you see, but no - matter for that; where was I? oh!) “I am now sure, Charlotte loves me: I - prest my hand on my heart; I said ‘Klopstock;’ yes, Charlotte loves me; - what! does Charlotte love me? oh, rapturous thought! my brain turns round:—Immortal - powers!—how!—what!—oh, my friend, my friend,” &c. - &c. &c. I was surprised to find that (except Edward’s Fairy Tale) - none of them were reading works that were at all likely to amuse them - (Smollett or Fielding, for instance), or any which might interest them as - relating to their profession, such as voyages and travels; much less any - which had the slightest reference to the particular day. However, as most - of them were reading what they could not possibly understand, they might - mistake them for books of devotion, for any thing they knew to the - contrary; or, perhaps, they might have so much reverence for all books in - print, as to think that, provided they did but read something, it was - doing a good work, and it did not much matter what. So one of Congreve’s - fine ladies swears Mrs. Mincing, the waiting maid, to secrecy, “upon an - odd volume of Messalina’s Poems.” Sir Dudley North, too, informs us, (or - is it his brother Roger? but I mean the Turkey merchant: ):—that at - Constantinople the respect for printed books is so great, that when people - are sick, they fancy that they can be <i>read</i> into health again; and - if the Koran should not be in the way, they will make a shift with a few - verses of the Bible, or a chapter or two of the Talmud, or of any other - book that comes first to hand, rather than not read something. I think Sir - Dudley says, that he himself cured an old Turk of the toothache, by - administering a few pages of “Ovid’s Metamorphoses;” and in an old - receipt-book, we are directed for the cure of a double tertian fever, “to - drink plentifully of cock-broth, and sleep with the Second Book of the - Iliad under the pillow.” If, instead of sleeping with it under the pillow, - the doctor had desired us to read the Second Book of the Iliad in order - that we <i>might</i> sleep, I should have had some faith in his - prescription myself. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 19. - </h3> - <p> - During these last two days nothing very extraordinary, or of sufficient - importance to deserve its being handed down to the latest posterity, has - occurred; except that this morning a swinging rope knocked my hat into the - sea, and away it sailed upon a voyage of discovery, like poor La Perouse, - to return no more, I suppose; unless, indeed,—like Polycrates, the - fortunate tyrant of Samos, who threw his favourite ring into the ocean, - and found it again in the stomach of the first fish that was served up at - his table,—I should have the good luck (but I by no means reckon - upon it) to catch a dolphin with my hat upon his head: as to a porpoise, - he never could squeeze his great numskull into it; but our dolphin of last - week was much about my own size, and I dare say such another would find my - hat fit him to a miracle, and look very well in it. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 20. - </h3> - <p> - The weather is so excessively close and sultry, that it would be allowed - to be too hot to be pleasant, even by that perfect model for all future - lords of the bedchamber, who was never known to speak a word, except in - praise, of any thing living or dead, through the whole course of his life: - but, at last, one day he met with an accident—he happened to die; - and the next day he met with another accident—he happened to be - damned: and immediately upon his arrival in the infernal regions, the - Devil (who was determined to be as well bred as the other could be for his - ears,) came to pay his compliments to the new-comer, and very obligingly - expressed his concern that his lordship was not likely to feel satisfied - with his new abode; for that he must certainly find hell very hot and - disagreeable. “Oh, dear, no!” exclaimed the Lord of the Bedchamber, “not - at all disagreeable, by any manner of means, Mr. Devil, upon my word and - honour! Rather <i>warm</i>, to be sure.” In point of heat there is no - difference between the days and the nights; or if there is any, it is that - the nights are rather the hottest of the two. The lightning is incessant, - and it does not show itself forked or in flashes, but in wide sheets of - mild blue light, which spread themselves at once over the sky and sea; - and, for the moment which they last, make all the objects around as - distinct as in daylight. The moon now does not rise till near ten o’clock, - and during her absence the size and brilliancy of the stars are admirable. - In England they always seemed to me (to borrow a phrase of Shakspeare’s, - which, in truth, is not worth borrowing,) to “peep through the blanket of - the dark;” but here the heavens appear to be studded with them on the - outside, as if they were chased with so many jewels: it is really Milton’s - “firmament of living sapphires;” and what with the lightning, the stars, - and the quantity of floating lights which just gleamed round the ship - every moment, and then were gone again, to-night the sky had an effect so - beautiful, that when at length the moon thought proper to show her great - red drunken face, I thought that we did much better without her. - </p> - <p> - The above-mentioned floating lights are a kind of sea-meteors, which, as I - am told, are produced by the concussion of the waves, while eddying in - whirlpools round the rudder; but still I saw them rise sometimes at so - great a distance from the ship, and there appeared to be something so like - <i>Will</i> in the direction of their course,—sometimes hurrying on, - sometimes gliding along quite slowly; now stopping and remaining - motionless for a minute or two, and then hurrying on again,—that I - could not be convinced of their not being Medusæ, or some species or other - of phosphoric animal: but whatever be the cause of this appearance, the - effect is singularly beautiful. As to air, we have not enough to bless - ourselves with. I had been led to believe, that when once we should have - fallen in with the trade winds, from that moment we should sail into our - destined port as rapidly and as directly as Truffaldino travels in Gozzi’s - farce; when, having occasion to go from Asia to Europe, and being very - much pressed for time, he persuades a conjuror of his acquaintance to lend - him a devil, with a great pair of bellows, the nozzle of which being - directed right against his stern, away goes the traveller before the - stream of wind, with the devil after him, and the infernal bellows never - cease from working till they have blown him out of one quarter of the - globe into another: but our trade winds must “hide their diminished heads” - before Truffaldino’s bellows. It seems that like the Moors, “in Africa the - torrid,” they are “of temper somewhat mulish;” for, although, to be sure, - when they <i>do</i> blow, they will only blow in one certain direction, - yet very often they will not blow at all; which has been our case for the - last week: indeed, they seem to be but a queerish kind of a concern at - best. About three years ago a fleet of merchantmen was becalmed near St. - Vincent’s: in a few days after their arrival, there happened a violent - eruption of a volcano in that island, nor was it long before a favourable - breeze sprang up. Unluckily, one of the ships had anchored rather nearer - to the shore than the others, and was at the distance of about one hundred - and fifty yards from the stream of the trade wind; nor could any possible - efforts of the crew, by tacking, by towing, or otherwise, ever enable the - vessel to conquer that one hundred and fifty yards: there she remained, as - completely becalmed as if there were not such a thing as a breath of wind - in the universe; and on the one hand she had the mortification to see the - rest of the merchantmen, with their convoy (for it was in the very heat of - the war), sail away with all their canvass spread and swelling; while, on - the other hand, the sailors had the comfortable possibility of being - suffocated every moment by the clouds of ashes which continued to fall on - their deck every moment, from the burning volcano, although they were not - nearer to St. Vincent’s than eight or nine miles; indeed that distance - went for nothing, as ashes fell upon vessels that were out at sea at least - five hundred miles; and Barbadoes being to windward of the volcano, such - immense quantities of its contents were carried to that island as almost - covered the fields; and destroying vegetation completely wherever they - fell, did inconceivable damage, while that which St. Vincent’s itself - experienced was but trifling in proportion. - </p> - <p> - Our captain is quite out of patience with the tortoise pace of our - progress; for my part I care very little about it. Whether we have sailed - slowly or rapidly, when a day is once over, I am just as much nearer - advanced towards April, the time fixed for my return to England; and, what - is of much more consequence, whether we have sailed slowly or rapidly, - when a day is once over, I am just as much nearer advanced towards “that - bourne,” to reach which, peaceably and harmlessly, is the only business of - life, and towards which the whole of our existence forms but one continued - journey. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 21. - </h3> - <p> - We succeeded in catching another dolphin today; but he had not a hat on; - however, I just asked him whether he happened to have seen mine, but to - little purpose; for I found that he could tell me nothing at all about it; - so, instead of bothering the poor animal with any more questions, we eat - him. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 22. - </h3> - <p> - About three years ago the Captain had the ill luck to be captured by a - French frigate. As she had already made prizes of two other merchantmen, - it was determined to sink his ship; which, after removing the crew and - every thing in her that was valuable, was effected by firing her own guns - down the hatchways. It was near three hours before she filled, then down - she went with a single plunge, head foremost, with all her sails set and - colours flying. This display of the ship’s magnificence in her last - moments reminded me of Mary Queen of Scots, arraying herself in her - richest robes that she might go to the scaffold. If Yorick had fallen in - with this anecdote in the course of his journey, the situation of the - Captain, standing on the enemy’s deck, and seeing his “brave vessel” in - full and gallant trim, possessing all the abilities for a long existence, - yet abandoned by every one, and sinking from the effect of her own shot, - might have furnished him with a companion for his old commercial Marquis, - lamenting over the rust of his newly recovered sword. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 23. - </h3> - <h3> - THE DOLPHIN. - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - Does then the insatiate sea relent? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And hath he back those treasures sent, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - His stormy rage devoured? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - All starred with gems the billows bound, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And emeralds, jacinths, sapphires round - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - The bark in spray are showered. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No, no! ’t is there the Dolphin plays; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His scales, enriched with sunny rays, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Celestial tints unfold; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And as he darts, the waters blue - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Are streaked with gleams of many a hue, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Green, orange, purple, gold! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And brighter still will shine your skin, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Poor fish, more dazzling play each fin, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - On deck when dying cast; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Like good men, who, expiring, bless - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The Power that calls them, all confess - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Your brightest hour your last. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And now the Spearman watchful stands! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The five-pronged grainse, which arms his hands, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Your scales is doomed to gore; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The lead will sink, and soon on high, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Borne from the deep, perforce you’ll fly, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Nor e’er regain it more. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Weep, Beauty, weep! those vivid dyes, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Those splendours, but the harpooner’s eyes - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - To strike his victim call! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ambition, mark the Dolphin’s close— - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - To dangerous heights he only rose - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - To find the heavier fall! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Mark, too, ye witty, rich, and gay, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How quick those sportive fins could play, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - How gay, how rich was he! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He moves no more—he’s cold to touch— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He’s dull—dark—dead! The Dolphin’s such, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And such we all must be! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - There is a technical fault in the above lines: the grainse, or - dolphin-spear, has five barbs; but the <i>harpooner</i> never uses a lance - with more than a single point. However, the word was so agreeable to my - ear, that I could not find in my heart to leave it out. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 24. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - At length we have crawled into the Caribbean Sea. I was told that we were - not to expect to see land to-day; but on shipboard our not seeing a thing - <i>to-day</i> by no means implies that we shall not see it before <i>to-morrow</i>; - for the nautical day is supposed to conclude at noon, when the solar - observation is taken; and, therefore, the making land <i>to-day</i>, or - not, very often depends upon our making it before twelve o’clock, or after - it. This was the case in the present instance; for noon was scarcely - passed when we saw Descada (a small island totally unprovided with water, - and whose only produce consists in a little cotton), Guadaloupe, and Marie - Galante, though the latter was at so great a distance as to be scarcely - visible. At sunset Antigua was in sight. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 25. - </h3> - <p> - The sun rose upon Montserrat and Nevis, with the <i>Rodondo</i> rock - between them, “apricis natio gratissima mergis,—” for it is - perpetually covered with innumerable flocks of gulls, boobies, pelicans, - and other sea birds. Then came St. Christopher’s and St. Eustatia; and in - the course of the afternoon we passed over the <i>Aves</i> bank, a - collection of sand, rock, and mud, extending about two hundred miles, and - terminated at each end by a small island: one of them inhabited by a few - fishermen, the other only by sea birds. Of all the Atlantic isles the soil - of St. Christopher’s is by some supposed to be the richest, the land - frequently producing three hogsheads an acre. I rather think that this was - the first island discovered by Columbus, and that it took its name from - his patron-saint. Montserrat is so rocky, and the roads so steep and - difficult, that the sugar is obliged to be brought down in bags upon the - backs of mules, and not put into casks, till its arrival on the sea shore. - </p> - <p> - The weather is now quite delicious; there is just wind enough to send us - forward and keep the air cool: the sun is brilliant without being - overpowering; the swell of the waves is scarcely perceptible; and the ship - moves along so steadily, that the deck affords almost as firm footing as - if we were walking on land. One would think that Belinda had been smiling - on the Caribbean Sea, as she once before did on the Thames, and had “made - all the world look gay.” During the night we passed Santa Cruz, an island - which, from the perfection to which its cultivation has been carried, is - called “the Garden of the West Indies.” - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 28. - </h3> - <p> - Having left Porto Rico behind us, at noon today we passed the insulated - rock of Alcavella, lying about six miles from St. Domingo, which is now in - sight. As this part of the Caribbean Sea is much infested by pirates from - the Caraccas, all our muskets have been put in repair, and to-day the guns - were loaded, of which we mount eight; but as one of them, during the last - voyage, went overboard in a gale of wind, its place has been supplied by a - <i>Quaker</i>, i. e. a sham gun of wood, so called, I suppose, because it - would not fight if it were called upon. These pirate-vessels are small - schooners, armed with a single twenty-four pounder, which moves upon a - swivel, and their crew is composed of negroes and outlaws of all nations, - their numbers generally running from one hundred to one hundred and fifty - men. To-day, for the first time, I saw some flying fish: we have also been - visited by several men-of-war birds and tropic birds; the latter is a - species of gull, perfectly white, and distinguished by a single very long - feather in its tail: its nautical name is “the boatswain.” - </p> - <p> - As we sail along, the air is absolutely loaded with “Sabean odours from - the spicy shores” of St. Domingo, which we were still coasting at sunset. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 30. - </h3> - <p> - At day-break Jamaica was in sight, or rather it would have been in sight, - only that we could not see it. The weather was so gloomy, and the wind and - rain were so violent, that we might have said to the Captain, as one of - the two Punches who went into the ark is reported to have said to the - patriarch, during the deluge, “Hazy weather, Master Noah.”—I - remember my good friend, Walter Scott, asserts, that at the death of a - poet the groans and tears of his heroes and heroines swell the blast and - increase the river; perhaps something of the same kind takes place at the - arrival of a West India proprietor from Europe, and all this rain and wind - proceed from the eyes and lungs of my agents and overseers, who, for the - last twenty years, have been reigning in my dominions with despotic - authority; but now - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Whose groans in roaring winds complain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whose tears of rage impel the rain;” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - because, on the approach of the sovereign himself, they must evacuate the - palace, and resign the deputed sceptre. “Hinc illæ lachrymæ!” this is the - cause of our being soaked to the skin this morning. However, about noon - the weather cleared up, and allowed us to verify, with our own eyes, that - we had reached “the Land of Springs,” without having been invited by any - Piccaroon vessel to “walk the plank” instead of the deck; which is a - compliment very generally paid by those gentry, after they have taken the - trouble of laying a plank over the side of a captured ship, in order that - the passengers and the crew may walk overboard without any inconvenience. - </p> - <p> - We arrived at the east end of the island, passed Pedro Point and Starvegut - Bay, and arrived before Black River Bay (our destined harbour) soon after - two o’clock; but here we were obliged to come to a stand still: the - channel is very dangerous, extremely narrow, and full of sunken rocks; so - that it can only be entered by a vessel drawing so much water as ours with - a particular wind, and when there is not any apprehension of a sudden - squall. We were, therefore, obliged to drop anchor, and are now riding - within a couple of miles of the shore, but with as utter an incapability - of reaching it as if we were still at Gravesend. The north side of the - island is said to be extremely beautiful and romantic; but the south, - which we coasted to-day, is low, barren, and without any recommendation - whatever. As yet I can only look at Jamaica as one does on a man who comes - to pay money, and whom we are extremely well pleased to see, however - little the fellow’s appearance may be in his favour. - </p> - <p> - We passed the whole of the day in vain endeavours to work ourselves into - the bay. At one time, indeed, we got very near the shore, but the - consequence was, that we were within an ace of striking upon a rock, and - very much obliged to a sudden gust of wind, which, blowing right off - shore, blew us out of the channel, and left us at night in a much more - perilous situation than we had occupied the evening before, though even - that had been by no means secure. At three o’clock, the other passengers - went on shore in the jolly-boat, and proceeded to their destination; but - as I was still more than thirty miles distant from my estate, I preferred - waiting on board till the Captain should have moored his vessel in safety, - and be at liberty to take me in his pinnace to Savannah la Mar, when I - should find myself within a few miles of my own house. - </p> - <p> - In the course of the afternoon, one of the sailors took up a fish of a - very singular shape and most brilliant colours, as it floated along upon - the water. It seemed to be gasping, and lay with its belly upwards; it was - supposed to have eaten something poisonous, as whenever it was touched it - appeared to be full of life, and squirted the water in our faces with - great spirit and dexterity. But no sooner was he suffered to remain quiet - in the tub, than he turned upon his back and again was gasping. He had a - large round transparent globule, intersected with red veins, under the - belly, which some imagined to proceed from a rupture, and to be the - occasion of his disease. But I could not discover any vestige of a wound; - and the globule was quite solid to the touch; neither did the fish appear - to be sensible when it was pressed upon. No one on board had ever seen - this kind of fish till then; its name is the “Doctor Fish.” - </p> - <p> - A black pilot came on board yesterday, in a canoe hollowed out of the - cotton-tree; and when it returned for him this morning, it brought us a - water-melon. I never met with a worse article in my life; the pulp is of a - faint greenish yellow, stained here and there with spots of moist red, so - that it looks exactly as if the servant in slicing it had cut his finger, - and suffered it to bleed over the fruit. Then the seeds, being of a dark - purple, present the happiest imitation of drops of clotted gore; and - altogether (prejudiced as I was by its appearance), when I had put a - single bit into my mouth, it had such a kind of Shylocky taste of raw - flesh about it (not that I recollect having ever eaten a bit of raw flesh - itself), that I sent away my plate, and was perfectly satisfied as to the - merits of the fruit. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - 1816.—JANUARY 1. - </h2> - <p> - At length the ship has squeezed herself into this champagne bottle of a - bay! Perhaps, the satisfaction attendant upon our having overcome the - difficulty, added something to the illusion of its effect; but the beauty - of the atmosphere, the dark purple mountains, the shores covered with - mangroves of the liveliest green down to the very edge of the water, and - the light-coloured houses with their lattices and piazzas completely - embowered in trees, altogether made the scenery of the Bay wear a very - picturesque appearance. And, to complete the charm, the sudden sounds of - the drum and banjee, called our attention to a procession of the - John-Canoe, which was proceeding to celebrate the opening of the new year - at the town of Black River. The John-Canoe is a Merry-Andrew dressed in a - striped doublet, and bearing upon his head a kind of pasteboard - house-boat, filled with puppets, representing, some sailors, others - soldiers, others again slaves at work on a plantation, &c. The negroes - are allowed three days for holidays at Christmas, and also New-year’s day, - which being the last is always reckoned by them as the festival of the - greatest importance. It is for this day that they reserve their finest - dresses, and lay their schemes for displaying their show and expense to - the greatest advantage; and it is then that the John-Canoe is considered - not merely as a person of material consequence, but one whose presence is - absolutely indispensable. Nothing could look more gay than the procession - which we now saw with its train of attendants, all dressed in white, and - marching two by two (except when the file was broken here and there by a - single horseman), and its band of negro music, and its scarlet flags - fluttering about in the breeze, now disappearing behind a projecting clump - of mangrove trees, and then again emerging into an open part of the road, - as it wound along the shore towards the town of Black River. - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - ——“Magno telluris amore - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Egressi optatâ Troes potiuntur arena.” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - I had determined not to go on shore, till I should land for good and all - at Savannah la Mar. But although I could resist the “telluris amor,” there - was no resisting John-Canoe; so, in defiance of a broiling afternoon’s - sun, about four o’clock we left the vessel for the town. - </p> - <p> - It was, as I understand, formerly one of some magnitude; but it now - consists only of a few houses, owing to a spark from a tobacco-pipe or a - candle having lodged upon a mosquito-net during dry weather; and although - the conflagration took place at mid-day, the whole town was reduced to - ashes. The few streets—(I believe there were not above two, but - those were wide and regular, and the houses looked very neat)—were - now crowded with people, and it seemed to be allowed, upon all hands, that - New-year’s day had never been celebrated there with more expense and - festivity. - </p> - <p> - It seems that, many years ago, an Admiral of the Red was superseded on the - Jamaica station by an Admiral of the Blue; and both of them gave balls at - Kingston to the “<i>Brown Girls;”</i> for the fair sex elsewhere are - called the “Brown Girls” in Jamaica. In consequence of these balls, all - Kingston was divided into parties: from thence the division spread into - other districts: and ever since, the whole island, at Christmas, is - separated into the rival factions of the Blues and the Reds (the Red - representing also the English, the Blue the Scotch), who contend for - setting forth their processions with the greatest taste and magnificence. - This year, several gentlemen in the neighbourhood of Black River had - subscribed very largely towards the expenses of the show; and certainly it - produced the gayest and most amusing scene that I ever witnessed, to which - the mutual jealousy and pique of the two parties against each other - contributed in no slight degree. The champions of the rival Roses,—the - Guelphs and the Ghibellines,—none of them could exceed the scornful - animosity and spirit of depreciation with which the Blues and the Reds of - Black River examined the efforts at display of each other. The Blues had - the advantage beyond a doubt; this a Red girl told us that she could not - deny; but still, “though the Reds were beaten, she would not be a Blue - girl for the whole universe!” On the other hand, Miss Edwards (the - mistress of the hotel from whose window we saw the show), was rank Blue to - the very tips of her fingers, and had, indeed, contributed one of her - female slaves to sustain a very important character in the show; for when - the Blue procession was ready to set forward, there was evidently a hitch, - something was wanting; and there seemed to be no possibility of getting on - without it—when suddenly we saw a tall woman dressed in mourning - (being Miss Edwards herself) rush out of our hotel, dragging along by the - hand a strange uncouth kind of a glittering tawdry figure, all feathers, - and pitchfork, and painted pasteboard, who moved most reluctantly, and - turned out to be no less a personage than Britannia herself, with a - pasteboard shield covered with the arms of Great Britain, a trident in her - hand, and a helmet made of pale blue silk and silver. The poor girl, it - seems, was bashful at appearing in this conspicuous manner before so many - spectators, and hung back when it came to the point. But her mistress had - seized hold of her, and placed her by main force in her destined position. - The music struck up; Miss Edwards gave the Goddess a great push forwards; - the drumsticks and the elbows of the fiddlers attacked her in the rear; - and on went Britannia willy-nilly! - </p> - <p> - The Blue girls called themselves “the Blue girls of Waterloo.” Their motto - was the more patriotic; that of the Red was the more gallant:—“Britannia - rules the day!” streamed upon the Blue flag; “Red girls for ever!” floated - upon the Red. But, in point of taste and invention, the former carried it - hollow. First marched Britannia; then came a band of music; then the flag; - then the Blue King and Queen—the Queen splendidly dressed in white - and silver (in scorn of the opposite party, her train was borne by a - little girl in red); his Majesty wore a full British Admiral’s uniform, - with a white satin sash, and a huge cocked hat with a gilt paper crown - upon the top of it. These were immediately followed by “Nelson’s car,” - being a kind of canoe decorated with blue and silver drapery, and with - “Trafalgar” written on the front of it; and the procession was closed by a - long train of Blue grandees (the women dressed in uniforms of white, with - robes of blue muslin), all Princes and Princesses, Dukes and Duchesses, - every mother’s child of them. - </p> - <p> - The Red girls were also dressed very gaily and prettily, but they had - nothing in point of invention that could vie with Nelson’s Car and - Britannia; and when the Red throne made its appearance, language cannot - express the contempt with which our landlady eyed it. “It was neither one - thing nor t’other,” Miss Edwards was of opinion. “Merely a few yards of - calico stretched over some planks—and look, look, only look at it - behind! you may see the bare boards! By way of a throne, indeed! Well, to - be sure, Miss Edwards never saw a poorer thing in her life, that she must - say!” And then she told me, that somebody had just snatched at a medal - which Britannia wore round her neck, and had endeavoured to force it away. - I asked her who had done so? “Oh, one of the Red party, <i>of course!</i>” - The Red party was evidently Miss Edwards’s Mrs. Grundy. John-Canoe made no - part of the procession; but he and his rival, John-Crayfish (a personage - of whom I heard, but could not obtain a sight), seemed to act upon quite - an independent interest, and go about from house to house, tumbling and - playing antics to pick up money for themselves. - </p> - <p> - A play was now proposed to us, and, of course, accepted. Three men and a - girl accordingly made their appearance; the men dressed like the tumblers - at Astley’s, the lady very tastefully in white and silver, and all with - their faces concealed by masks of thin blue silk; and they proceeded to - perform the quarrel between Douglas and Glenalvon, and the fourth act of - “The Fair Penitent.” They were all quite perfect, and had no need of a - prompter. As to Lothario, he was by far the most comical dog that I ever - saw in my life, and his dying scene exceeded all description; Mr. Coates - himself might have taken hints from him! As soon as Lothario was fairly - dead, and Calista had made her exit in distraction, they all began dancing - reels like so many mad people, till they were obliged to make way for the - Waterloo procession, who came to collect money for the next year’s - festival; one of them singing, another dancing to the tune, while she - presented her money-box to the spectators, and the rest of the Blue girls - filling up the chorus. I cannot say much in praise of the black Catalani; - but nothing could be more light, and playful, and graceful, than the - extempore movements of the dancing girl. Indeed, through the whole day, I - had been struck with the precision of their march, the ease and grace of - their action, the elasticity of their step, and the lofty air with which - they carried their heads—all, indeed, except poor Britannia, who - hung down hers in the most ungoddess-like manner imaginable. The first - song was the old Scotch air of “Logie of Buchan,” of which the girl sang - one single stanza forty times over. But the second was in praise of the - Hero of Heroes; so I gave the songstress a dollar to teach it to me, and - drink the Duke’s health. It was not easy to make out what she said, but as - well as I could understand them, the words ran as follows:— - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - “Come, rise up, our gentry, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And hear about Waterloo; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Ladies, take your spy-glass, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And attend to what we do; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - For one and one makes two, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - But one alone must be. - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Then singee, singee Waterloo, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - None so brave as he!” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - —and then there came something about green and white flowers, and a - Duchess, and a lily-white Pig, and going on board of a dashing man of war; - but what they all had to do with the Duke, or with each other, I could not - make even a guess. I was going to ask for an explanation, but suddenly - half of them gave a shout loud enough “to fright the realms of Chaos and - old Night,” and away they flew, singers, dancers, and all. The cause of - this was the sudden illumination of the town with quantities of large - chandeliers and bushes, the branches of which were stuck all over with - great blazing torches: the effect was really beautiful, and the excessive - rapture of the black multitude at the spectacle was as well worth the - witnessing as the sight itself. - </p> - <p> - I never saw so many people who appeared to be so unaffectedly happy. In - England, at fairs and races, half the visiters at least seem to have been - only brought there for the sake of traffic, and to be too busy to be - amused; but here nothing was thought of but real pleasure; and that - pleasure seemed to consist in singing, dancing, and laughing, in seeing - and being seen, in showing their own fine clothes, or in admiring those of - others. There were no people selling or buying; no servants and landladies - bustling and passing about; and at eight o’clock, as we passed through the - market-place, where was the greatest illumination, and which, of course, - was most thronged, I did not see a single person drunk, nor had I observed - a single quarrel through the course of the day; except, indeed, when some - thoughtless fellow crossed the line of the procession, and received by the - way a good box of the ear from the Queen or one of her attendant - Duchesses. Every body made the same remark to me; “Well, sir, what do you - think Mr. Wilberforce would think of the state of the negroes, if he could - see this scene?” and certainly, to judge by this one specimen, of all - beings that I have yet seen, these were the happiest. As we were passing - to our boat, through the market-place, suddenly we saw Miss Edwards dart - out of the crowd, and seize the Captain’s arm—“Captain! Captain!” - cried she, “for the love of Heaven, only look at the <i>Red</i> lights! - Old iron hoops, nothing but old iron hoops, I declare! Well! for my part!” - and then, with a contemptuous toss of her head, away frisked Miss Edwards - triumphantly. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 2. - </h3> - <p> - The St. Elizabeth, which sailed from England at the same time with our - vessel, was attacked by a pirate from Carthagena, near the rocks of - Alcavella, who attempted three times to board her, though he was at length - beaten off so that our Piccaroon preparations were by no means taken - without foundation. - </p> - <p> - At four o’clock this morning I embarked in the cutter for Savannah la Mar, - lighted by the most beautiful of all possible morning stars: certainly, if - this star be really Lucifer, that “Son of the Morning,” the Devil must be - “an extremely pretty fellow.” But in spite of the fineness of the morning, - our passage was a most disagreeable concern: there was a violent swell in - the sea; and a strong north wind, though it carried us forward with great - rapidity, overwhelmed us with whole sheets of foam so incessantly, that I - expected, as soon as the sun should have evaporated the moisture, to see - the boat’s crew covered with salt, and looking like so many Lot’s wives - after her metamorphosis. - </p> - <p> - The distance was about thirty miles, and soon after nine o’clock we - reached Savannah la Mar, where I found my trustee, and a whole cavalcade, - waiting to conduct me to my own estate; for he had brought with him a - curricle and pair for myself a gig for my servant, two black boys upon - mules, and a cart with eight oxen to convey my baggage. The road was - excellent, and we had not above five miles to travel; and as soon as the - carriage entered my gates, the uproar and confusion which ensued sets all - description at defiance. The works were instantly all abandoned; every - thing that had life came flocking to the house from all quarters; and not - only the men, and the women, and the children, but, “by a bland - assimilation,” the hogs, and the dogs, and the geese, and the fowls, and - the turkeys, all came hurrying along by instinct, to see what could - possibly be the matter, and seemed to be afraid of arriving too late. - Whether the pleasure of the negroes was sincere may be doubted; but - certainly it was the loudest that I ever witnessed: they all talked - together, sang, danced, shouted, and, in the violence of their - gesticulations, tumbled over each other, and rolled about upon the ground. - Twenty voices at once enquired after uncles, and aunts, and grandfathers, - and great-grandmothers of mine, who had been buried long before I was in - existence, and whom, I verily believe, most of them only knew by - tradition. One woman held up her little naked black child to me, grinning - from ear to ear;—“Look, Massa, look here! him nice lilly neger for - Massa!” Another complained,—“So long since none come see we, Massa; - good Massa, come at last.” As for the old people, they were all in one and - the same story: now they had lived once to see Massa, they were ready for - dying to-morrow, “them no care.” - </p> - <p> - The shouts, the gaiety, the wild laughter, their strange and sudden bursts - of singing and dancing, and several old women, wrapped up in large cloaks, - their heads bound round with different-coloured handkerchiefs, leaning on - a staff, and standing motionless in the middle of the hubbub, with their - eyes fixed upon the portico which I occupied, formed an exact counterpart - of the festivity of the witches in Macbeth. Nothing could be more odd or - more novel than the whole scene; and yet there was something in it by - which I could not help being affected; perhaps it was the consciousness - that all these human beings were my <i>slaves</i>;—to be sure, I - never saw people look more happy in my life; and I believe their condition - to be much more comfortable than that of the labourers of Great Britain; - and, after all, slavery, in <i>their</i> case, is but another name for - servitude, now that no more negroes can be forcibly carried away from - Africa, and subjected to the horrors of the voyage, and of the seasoning - after their arrival: but still I had already experienced, in the morning, - that Juliet was wrong in saying “What’s in a name?” For soon after my - reaching the lodging-house at Savannah la Mar, a remarkably cleanlooking - negro lad presented himself with some water and a towel: I concluded him - to belong to the inn; and, on my returning the towel, as he found that I - took no notice of him, he at length ventured to introduce himself, by - saying,—“Massa not know me; <i>me your slave!</i>”—and really - the sound made me feel a pang at the heart. The lad appeared all gaiety - and good humour, and his whole countenance expressed anxiety to recommend - himself to my notice; but the word “slave” seemed to imply, that, although - he did feel pleasure then in serving me, if he had detested me he must - have served me still. I really felt quite humiliated at the moment, and - was tempted to tell him,—“Do not say that again; say that you are my - negro, but do not call yourself my slave.” - </p> - <p> - Altogether, they shouted and sang me into a violent headach. It is now one - in the morning, and I hear them still shouting and singing. I gave them a - holiday for Saturday next, and told them that I had brought them all - presents from England; and so, I believe, we parted very good friends. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 3. - </h3> - <p> - I have reached Jamaica in the best season for seeing my property in a - favourable point of view; it is crop time, when all the laborious work is - over, and the negroes are the most healthy and merry. This morning I went - to visit the hospital, and found there only eight patients out of three - hundred negroes, and not one of them a serious case. Yesterday I had - observed a remarkably handsome Creole girl, called Psyche, and she really - deserved the name. This morning a little brown girl made her appearance at - breakfast, with an orange bough, to flap away the flies, and, on enquiry, - she proved to be an emanation of the aforesaid Psyche. It is evident, - therefore, that Psyche has already visited the palace of Cupid; I heartily - hope that she is not now upon her road to the infernal regions: but, as - the ancients had two Cupids, one divine and the other sensual, so am I in - possession of two Psyches; and on visiting the hospital, <i>there</i> was - poor Psyche the second. Probably this was the Psyche of the sensual Cupid. - </p> - <p> - I passed the morning in driving about the estate: my house is frightful to - look at, but very clean and comfortable on the inside; some of the scenery - is very picturesque, from the lively green of the trees and shrubs, and - the hermitage-like appearance of the negro buildings, all situated in - little gardens, and embosomed in sweet-smelling shrubberies. Indeed, every - thing appears much better than I expected; the negroes seem healthy and - contented, and so perfectly at their ease, that our English squires would - be mightily astonished at being accosted so familiarly by their farmers. - This delightful north wind keeps the air temperate and agreeable. I live - upon shaddocks and pine-apples. The dreaded mosquitoes are not worse than - gnats, nor as bad as the Sussex harvest-bugs; and, as yet, I never felt - myself in more perfect health. There was a man once, who fell from the top - of a steeple; and, perceiving no inconvenience in his passage through the - air,—“Come,” said he to himself, while in the act of falling, - “really this is well enough yet if it would but last.” Cubina, my young - Savannah la Mar acquaintance, is appointed my black attendant; and as I - had desired him to bring me any native flowers of Jamaica, this evening he - brought me a very pretty one; the negroes, he said, called it - “John-to-Heal,” but in white language it was <i>hoccoco-pickang</i>; it - proved to be the wild Ipecacuanha. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 4. - </h3> - <p> - There were three things against which I was particularly cautioned, and - which three things I was determined <i>not</i> to do: to take exercise - after ten in the day; to be exposed to the dews after sun-down; and to - sleep at a Jamaica lodging-house. So, yesterday, I set off for Montego Bay - at eight o’clock in the morning, and travelled till three; walked home - from a ball after midnight; and that home was a lodging-house at Montego - Bay; but the lodging-house was such a cool clean lodging-house, and the - landlady was such an obliging smiling landlady, with the whitest of all - possible teeth, and the blackest of all possible eyes, that no harm could - happen to me from occupying an apartment which had been prepared by <i>her</i>. - She was called out of her bed to make my room ready for me; yet she did - every thing with so much good-will and cordiality; no quick answers, no - mutterings: inns would be bowers of Paradise, if they were all rented by - mulatto landladies, like Judy James. - </p> - <p> - I was much pleased with the scenery of Montego Bay, and with the neatness - and cleanliness of the town; indeed, what with the sea washing it, and the - picturesque aspect of the piazzas and verandas, it is impossible for a - West Indian town so situated, and in such a climate, not to present an - agreeable appearance. But the first part of the road exceeds in beauty all - that I have ever seen: it wound through mountain lands of my own, their - summits of the boldest, and at the same time of the most beautiful shapes; - their sides ornamented with bright green woods of bamboo, logwood, - prickly-yellow, broad-leaf, and trumpet trees; and so completely covered - with the most lively verdure, that once, when we found a piece of barren - rock, Cubina pointed it out to me as a curiosity;—“Look, massa, rock - quite naked!” The cotton-tree presented itself on all sides; but as this - is the season for its shedding its leaves, its wide-spreading bare white - arms contributed nothing to the beauty of the scene, except where the wild - fig and various creeping plants had completely mantled the stems and - branches; and then its gigantic height, and the fantastic wreathings of - its limbs, from which numberless green withes and strings of wild flowers - were streaming, rendered it exactly the very tree for which a - landscape-painter would have wished. The air, too, was delicious; the - fragrance of the Sweet-wood, and of several other scented trees, but above - all, of the delicious Logwood (of which most of the fences in Westmoreland - are made) composed an atmosphere, such, that if Satan, after promising - them “a buxom air, embalmed with odours,” had transported Sin and Death - thither, the charming couple must have acknowledged their papa’s promises - fulfilled. - </p> - <p> - We travelled these first ten miles (Montego Bay being about thirty from my - estate of Cornwall) without seeing a human creature, nor, indeed, any - thing that had life in it, except a black snake basking in the sunshine, - and a few John Crows——a species of vulture, whose utility is - so great that its destruction is prohibited by law under a heavy penalty. - In a country where putrefaction is so rapid, it is of infinite consequence - to preserve an animal which, if a bullock or horse falls dead in the - field, immediately flies to the carcass before it has time to corrupt, and - gobbles it up before you can say “John Crow,” much less Jack Robinson. The - bite of the black snake is slightly venomous, but that is all; as to the - great yellow one, it is perfectly innoxious, and so timid that it always - runs away from you. The only dangerous species of serpent is the - Whip-snake, so called from its exactly resembling the lash of a whip, in - length, thinness, pliability, and whiteness; but even the bite of this is - not mortal, except from very great neglect. The most beautiful tree, or, - rather, group of trees, all to nothing, is the Bamboo, both from its - verdure and from its elegance of form: as to the Cotton tree, it answers - no purpose, either of ornament or utility; or, rather, it is not suffered - to answer any, since it is forbidden by law to export its down, lest it - should hurt the fur trade in the manufacture of hats: its only present use - is to furnish the negroes with canoes, which are hollowed out of its - immense trunks. I am as yet so much enchanted with the country, that it - would require no very strong additional inducements to make me establish - myself here altogether; and in that case my first care would be to build - for myself a cottage among these mountains, in which I might pass the - sultry months, - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “E bruna-si; ma il bruno il bel non toglie.” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 5. - </h3> - <p> - As I was returning; this morning; from Montego Bay, about a mile from my - own estate, a figure presented itself before me, I really think the most - picturesque that I ever beheld: it was a mulatto girl, born upon Cornwall, - but whom the overseer of a neighbouring estate had obtained my permission - to exchange for another slave, as well as two little children, whom she - had borne to him; but, as yet, he has been unable to procure a substitute, - owing to the difficulty of purchasing single negroes, and Mary Wiggins is - still my slave. However, as she is considered as being manumitted, she had - not dared to present herself at Cornwall on my arrival, lest she should - have been considered as an intruder; but she now threw herself in my way - to tell me how glad she was to see me, for that she had always thought - till now (which is the general complaint) that “<i>she had no massa</i>” - and also to obtain a regular invitation to my negro festival tomorrow. By - this universal complaint, it appears that, while Mr. Wilberforce is - lamenting their hard fate in being subject to a master, <i>their</i> - greatest fear is the not having a master whom they know; and that to be - told by the negroes of another estate that “they belong to no massa,” is - one of the most contemptuous reproaches that can be cast upon them. Poor - creatures, when they happened to hear on Wednesday evening that my - carriage was ordered for Montego Bay the next morning, they fancied that I - was going away for good and all, and came up to the house in such a - hubbub, that my agent was obliged to speak to them, and pacify them with - the assurance that I should come back on Friday without fail. - </p> - <p> - But to return to Mary Wiggins: she was much too pretty not to obtain her - invitation to Cornwall; on the contrary, I <i>insisted</i> upon her - coming, and bade her tell her <i>husband</i> that I admired his taste very - much for having chosen her. I really think that her form and features were - the most <i>statue-like</i> that I ever met with: her complexion had no - yellow in it, and yet was not brown enough to be dark—it was more of - an ash-dove colour than any thing else; her teeth were admirable, both for - colour and shape; her eyes equally mild and bright; and her face merely - broad enough to give it all possible softness and grandness of contour: - her air and countenance would have suited Yarico; but she reminded me most - of Grassini in “La Vergine del Sole,” only that Mary Wiggins was a - thousand times more beautiful, and that, instead of a white robe, she wore - a mixed dress of brown, white, and dead yellow, which harmonised - excellently well with her complexion while one of her beautiful arms was - thrown across her brow to shade her eyes, and a profusion of rings on her - fingers glittered in the sunbeams. Mary Wiggins and an old Cotton-tree are - the most picturesque objects that I have seen for these twenty years. - </p> - <p> - On my arrival at home, my agent made me a very elegant little present of a - scorpion and a couple of centipedes: the first was given to him, but the - large centipede he had shaken out of a book last night, and having - immediately covered her up in a phial of rum, he found this morning that - she had produced a young one, which was lying drowned by her side. - </p> - <p> - I find that my negroes were called away from their attention to the works - yesterday evening (for the crop is now making with the greatest activity), - and kept up all night by a fire at a neighbouring estate. On these - occasions a fire-shell is blown, and all the negroes of the adjoining - plantations hasten to give their assistance. On this occasion the fire was - extinguished with the loss of only five negro houses; but this is a heavy - concern to the poor negro proprietors, who have lost in it their whole - stock of clothes, and furniture, and finery, which they had been - accumulating for years, and to which their attachment is excessive. - </p> - <h3> - LANDING. - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - When first I gain’d the Atlantic shore, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And bade farewell to ocean’s roar, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What gracious power my bosom eased, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - My senses soothed, my fancy pleased, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And bade me feel, in whispers bland, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No Stranger in a Stranger-land? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>’</i>T was not at length my goal to reach, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And tread Jamaica’s burning beach: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>’</i>T was not from Neptune’s chains discharged, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To move, think, feel with powers enlarged: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor that no more my bed the wave, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ere morning dawn’d, might prove my grave:— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A livelier chord was struck: a spell, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While heav’d my heart with gentle swell, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Crept o’er my soul with magic sweet, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And made each pulse responsive beat. - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - No Sheep-bell e’er to Pilgrim’s ear, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wandering in woods unknown and drear; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No midnight lay to Spanish maid, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Conscious by whom the lute was played; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Not on the breeze the sounding wings - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of him who nurture homeward brings - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To mother-bird, whose callow brood - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pain her fond heart with chirps for food,— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - E’er seem’d more charming than to me, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - (When two long months had past at sea, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - During whose course my thirsty ear - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No softer voice, no strain could hear - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nearer allied to love and pity, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Than the strong bass of seaman’s ditty,) - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Seem’d by the sea-gale round me flung, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Approaching sounds of female tongue! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - No, Venus, no! Small right hast thou - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To claim for this my grateful vow; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor on thine altar now bestows - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - My hand the gift of one poor rose! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No eager glance, no heighten’d dye - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Blush’d on my cheek, nor fired mine eye; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I heard, nor felt, at each soft note, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Flutter my heart, and swell my throat. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Those sounds but spoke of bosom-balm, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of pity prompt and kindness calm; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of tender care, of anxious zeal; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For here were breasts whose hearts could feel! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>’</i>T was as to guest in stranger halls - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - If voice of friend a welcome calls: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Such pleasure soothes the starting maid, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who finds some jewel long mislaid; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pleasure, which blessed dew supplies, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To ease the heart, and float the eyes; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As when in pain attentions prove - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A mother’s care, a sister’s love. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To Woman, Life its value owes! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Robb’d of her love, its dawn and close - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Would find nor aid, nor soothing care; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Its middle course no joys would share. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Childhood in vain would thirst and cry, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And Age, unheeded, moan and die; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And Manhood frown to see the hours - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Weave scentless wreaths unblest with flowers. - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - It beam’d on cheek of sable dye; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No matter, since <i>’</i>t was <i>woman’s</i> eye! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Each phrase the tortured language broke; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Enough for me—<i>’</i>t was <i>woman</i> spoke! - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Once raven locks my temples wore; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Time has pluck’d many, sorrow more: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through forty springs (thank God they’re run) - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - These weary eyes have seen the sun; - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And in that space full room is found - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - For flowers to fade, and thorns to wound. - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - But now, (all fancy’s freaks supprest, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Each thread-bare sneer and wanton jest,) - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - With hand on heart in serious tone, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - With thanks, with truth, I needs must own, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Wide as I’ye roam’d the world around, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Roam where I would, I ever found, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - The worst of Women still possest - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - More virtues than of Men the best. - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And, oh! if shipwreck proves my lot, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Guide me, kind Heav’n, to some lone cot - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Where <i>woman</i> dwells! Her hand she’ll stretch - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - In pity to the stranger-wretch; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - If virtuous want mine eye surveys, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Nor mine the power his head to raise, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - I’ll pour the tale in <i>woman’s</i> ear, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - She’ll aid, and, aiding, drop a tear. - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And when my life-blood sickness drains, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And racks my nerves, and fires my brains, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - What kinder juice, what livelier power, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Than mineral yields, or opiate flower, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Can make me e’en in pain rejoice?— - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - A few sweet words in that sweet voice! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 6. - </h3> - <p> - This was the day given to my negroes as a festival on my arrival. A couple - of heifers were slaughtered for them: they were allowed as much rum, and - sugar, and noise, and dancing as they chose; and as to the two latter, - certainly they profited by the permission. About two o’clock they began to - assemble round the house, all drest in their holiday clothes, which, both - for men and women, were chiefly white; only that the women were decked out - with a profusion of beads and corals, and gold ornaments of all - descriptions; and that while the blacks wore jackets, the mulattoes - generally wore cloth coats; and inasmuch as they were all plainly clean - instead of being shabbily fashionable, and affected to be nothing except - that which they really were, they looked twenty times more like gentlemen - than nine tenths of the bankers’ clerks who swagger up and down Bond - Street. It is a custom as to the mulatto children, that the males born on - an estate should never be employed as field negroes, but as tradesmen; the - females are brought up as domestics about the house. I had particularly - invited “Mr. John-Canoe” (which I found to be the polite manner in which - the negroes spoke of him), and there arrived a couple of very gay and - gaudy ones. I enquired whether one of them was “John-Crayfish;” but I was - told that John-Crayfish was John-Ca-noe’s rival and enemy, and might - belong to the factions of “the Blues and the Reds;” but on Cornwall they - were all friends, and therefore there were only the father and the son—-Mr. - John-Canoe, senior, and Mr. John-Canoe, junior. - </p> - <p> - The person who gave me this information was a young mulatto carpenter, - called Nicholas, whom I had noticed in the crowd, on my first arrival, for - his clean appearance and intelligent countenance; and he now begged me to - notice the smaller of the two John-Canoe machines. “To be sure,” he said, - “it was not so large nor so showy as the other, but then it was much - better <i>proportioned</i> (his own word), and altogether much prettier;” - and he said so much in praise of it, that I asked him whether he knew the - maker? and then out came the motive: “Oh, yes! it was made by John Fuller, - who lived in the next house to him, and worked in the same shop, and - indeed they were just like brothers.” So I desired to see his <i>fidas - Achates</i>, and he brought me as smart and intelligent a little fellow as - eye ever beheld, who came grinning from ear to ear to tell me that he had - made every bit of the canoe with his own hands, and had set to work upon - it the moment that he knew of massa’s coming to Jamaica. And indeed it was - as fine as paint, pasteboard, gilt paper, and looking-glass could make it! - Unluckily, the breeze being very strong blew off a fine glittering - umbrella, surmounted with a plume of John Crow feathers, which crowned the - top; and a little wag of a negro boy whipped it up, clapped it upon his - head, and performed the part of an impromptu Mr. John-Canoe with so much - fun and grotesqueness, that he fairly beat the original performers out of - the pit, and carried off all the applause of the spectators, and a couple - of my dollars. The John-Canoes are fitted out at the expense of the rich - negroes, who afterwards share the money collected from the spectators - during their performance, allotting one share to the representator - himself; and it is usual for the master of the estate to give them a - couple of guineas apiece. - </p> - <p> - This Nicholas, whom I mentioned, is a very interesting person, both from - his good looks and gentle manners, and from his story. He is the son of a - white man, who on his death-bed charged his nephew and heir to purchase - the freedom of this natural child. The nephew had promised to do so; I had - consented; nothing was necessary but to find the substitute (which now is - no easy matter); when about six months ago the nephew broke his neck, and - the property went to a distant relation. Application in behalf of poor - Nicholas has been made to the heir, and I heartily hope that he will - enable me to release him. I felt strongly tempted to set him at liberty at - once; but if I were to begin in that way, there would be no stopping; and - it would be doing a kindness to an individual at the expense of all my - other negroes—others would expect the same; and then I must either - contrive to cultivate my estate with fewer hands—or must cease to - cultivate it altogether—and, from inability to maintain them, send - my negroes to seek bread for themselves—which, as two thirds of them - have been born upon the estate, and many of them are lame, dropsical, and - of a great age, would, of all misfortunes that could happen to them, be - the most cruel. Even when Nicholas was speaking to me about his liberty, - he said, “It is not that I wish to go away, sir; it is only for the name - and honour of being free: but I would always stay here and be your - servant; and I had rather be an under-workman on Cornwall, than a head - carpenter any where else.” Possibly, this was all palaver (in which the - negroes are great dealers), but at least he <i>seemed</i> to be sincere; - and I was heartily grieved that I could not allow myself to say more to - him than that I sincerely wished him to get his liberty, and would receive - the very lowest exchange for him that common prudence would authorize. And - even for those few kind words, the poor fellow seemed to think it - impossible to find means strong enough to express his gratitude. - </p> - <p> - Nor is this the only instance in which Nicholas has been unlucky. It seems - that he was the first lover of the beautiful Psyche, whom I had noticed on - my arrival. This evening, after the performance of the John-Canoes, I - desired to see some of the girls dance; and by general acclamation Psyche - was brought forward to exhibit, she being avowedly the best dancer on the - estate; and certainly nothing could be more light, graceful, easy, and - spirited, than her performance. She perfectly answered the description of - Sallust’s Sempronia, who was said—“Sal tare elegantius, quam necesse - est probæ, et cui cariora semper omnia, quam decus et pudicitia fuit.” - When her dance was over, I called her to me, and gave her a handful of - silver. “Ah, Psyche,” said Nicholas, who was standing at my elbow, “Massa - no give you all that if massa know you so bad girl! she run away from me, - massa!” Psyche gave him a kind of pouting look, half kind, and half - reproachful, and turned away. And then he told me that Psyche had been his - wife (<i>one</i> of his wives he should have said); that he had had a - child by her, and then she had left him for one of my “white people” (as - they call the book-keepers), because he had a good salary, and could - afford to give her more presents than a slave could. “Was there not - another reason for your quarrelling?” said my agent. “Was there not a - shade of colour too much?”—“Oh, massa!” answered Nicholas, “the - child is not my own, that is certain; it is a black man’s child. But still - I will always take care of the child because it have no friends, and me - wish make it good neger for massa—and <i>she</i> take good care of - it too,” he added, throwing his arm round the waist of a sickly-looking - woman rather in years; “she my wife, too, massa, long ago; old now and - sick, but always good to me, so I still live with her, and will never - leave her, never, massa; she Polly’s mother, sir.” Polly is a pretty, - delicate-looking girl, nursing a young child; she belongs to the - mansion-house, and seems to think it as necessary a part of her duty to - nurse <i>me</i> as the child. To be sure she has not as yet insisted upon - suckling me; but if I open a <i>jalousie</i> in the evening, Polly walks - in and shuts it without saying a word. “Oh, don’t shut the window, Polly.”—“Night-air - not good for massa;” and she shuts the casement without mercy. I am - drinking orangeade, or some such liquid; Polly walks up to the table, and - seizes it; “Leave that jug, Polly, I am dying with thirst.”—“More - hurt, massa;” and away go Polly and the orangeade. So that I begin to - fancy myself Sancho in Barataria, and that Polly is the Señor Doctor Pedro - in petticoats. - </p> - <p> - The difference of colour, which had offended Nicholas so much in Psyche’s - child, is a fault which no mulatto will pardon; nor can the separation of - castes in India be more rigidly observed, than that of complexional shades - among the Creoles. My black page, Cubina, is married: I told him that I - hoped he had married a pretty woman; why had he not married Mary Wiggins? - He seemed quite shocked at the very idea. “Oh, massa, me black, Mary - Wiggins sambo; that not allowed.” - </p> - <p> - The dances performed to-night seldom admitted more than three persons at a - time: to me they appeared to be movements entirely dictated by the caprice - of the moment; but I am told that there is a regular figure, and that the - least mistake, or a single false step, is immediately noticed by the rest. - I could indeed sometimes fancy, that one story represented an old duenna - guarding a girl from a lover; and another, the pursuit of a young woman by - two suitors, the one young and the other old; but this might be only - fancy. However, I am told, that they have dances which not only represent - courtship and marriage, but being brought to bed. Their music consisted of - nothing but Gambys (Eboe drums), Shaky-shekies, and Kitty-katties: the - latter is nothing but any flat piece of board beat upon with two sticks, - and the former is a bladder with a parcel of pebbles in it. But the - principal part of the music to which they dance is vocal; one girl - generally singing two lines by herself, and being answered by a chorus. To - make out either the rhyme of the air, or meaning of the words, was out of - the question. But one very long song was about the Duke of Wellington, - every stanza being chorussed with, - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - “Ay! hey-day! Waterloo! - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - Waterloo! ho! ho! ho!” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - <i>I</i> too had a great deal to do in the business, for every third word - was “massa;” though how I came there, I have no more idea than the Duke. - </p> - <p> - The singing began about six o’clock, and lasted without a moment’s pause - till two in the morning; and such a noise never did I hear till then. The - whole of the floor which was not taken up by the dancers was, through - every part of the house except the bed-rooms, occupied by men, women, and - children, fast asleep. But although they were allowed rum and sugar by - whole pailfuls, and were most of them <i>merry</i> in consequence, there - was not one of them drunk; except indeed, one person, and that was an old - woman, who sang, and shouted, and tossed herself about in an elbow chair, - till she tumbled it over, and rolled about the room in a manner which - shocked the delicacy of even the least prudish part of the company. At - twelve, my agent wanted to dismiss them; but I would not suffer them to be - interrupted on the first holiday that I had given them; so they continued - to dance and shout till two; when human nature could bear no more, and - they left me to my bed, and a violent headache. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 7. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - In spite of their exertions of last night, the negroes were again with me - by two o’clock in the day, with their drums and their chorusses. However, - they found themselves unable to keep it up as they had done on the former - night, and were content to withdraw to their own houses by ten in the - evening. But first they requested to have tomorrow to themselves, in order - that they might go to the mountains for provisions. For although their - cottages are always surrounded with trees and shrubs, their provision - grounds are kept quite distinct, and are at a distance among the - mountains. Of course, I made no difficulty of acceding to their request, - but upon condition, that they should ask for no more holidays till the - crop should be completed. For the purpose of cultivating their - provision-grounds, they are allowed every Saturday; but on the occasion of - my arrival, they obtained permission to have the Saturday to themselves, - and to fetch their week’s provisions from the mountains on the following - Monday. All the slaves maintain themselves in this manner by their own - labour; even the domestic attendants are not exempted, but are expected to - feed themselves, except stated allowances of salt fish, salt pork, &c. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 8. - </h3> - <p> - I really believe that the negresses can produce children at pleasure; and - where they are barren, it is just as hens will frequently not lay eggs on - shipboard, because they do not like their situation. Cubina’s wife is in a - family way, and I told him that if the child should live, I would christen - it for him, if he wished it. “Tank you, kind massa, me like it very much: - much oblige if massa do that for <i>me</i>, too.” So I promised to baptize - the father and the baby on the same day, and said that I would be - godfather to any children that might be born on the estate during my - residence in Jamaica. This was soon spread about, and although I have not - yet been here a week, two women are in the straw already, Jug Betty and - Minerva: the first is wife to my head driver, the Duke of Sully; but my - sense of propriety was much gratified at finding that Minerva’s husband - was called Captain. - </p> - <p> - I think nobody will be able to accuse me of neglecting the religious - education of my negroes: for I have not only promised to baptize all the - infants, but, meeting a little black boy this morning, who said that his - name was Moses, I gave him a piece of silver, and told him that it was for - the sake of Aaron; which, I flatter myself, was planting in his young mind - the rudiments of Christianity. - </p> - <p> - In my evening’s drive I met the negroes, returning from the mountains, - with baskets of provisions sufficient to last them for the week. By law - they are only allowed every other Saturday for the purpose of cultivating - their own grounds, which, indeed, is sufficient; but by giving them every - alternate Saturday into the bargain, it enables them to perform their task - with so much ease as almost converts it into an amusement; and the - frequent visiting their grounds makes them grow habitually as much - attached to them as they are to their houses and gardens. It is also - adviseable for them to bring home only a week’s provisions at a time, - rather than a fortnight’s; for they are so thoughtless and improvident, - that, when they find themselves in possession of a larger supply than is - requisite for their immediate occasions, they will sell half to the - wandering higglers, or at Savanna la Mar, in exchange for spirits; and - then, at the end of the week, they find themselves entirely unprovided - with food, and come to beg a supply from the master’s storehouse. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 9. - </h3> - <p> - The sensitive plant is a great nuisance in Jamaica: it over-runs the - pastures, and, being armed with very strong sharp prickles, it wounds the - mouths of the cattle, and, in some places, makes it quite impossible for - them to feed. Various endeavours have been made to eradicate this - inconvenient weed, but none as yet have proved effectual. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 10. - </h3> - <p> - The houses here are generally built and arranged according to one and the - same model. My own is of wood, partly raised upon pillars; it consists of - a single floor: a long gallery, called a piazza, terminated at each end by - a square room, runs the whole length of the house. On each side of the - piazza is a range of bed-rooms, and the porticoes of the two fronts form - two more rooms, with balustrades, and flights of steps descending to the - lawn. The whole house is virandoed with shifting Venetian blinds to admit - air; except that one of the end rooms has sash-windows on account of the - rains, which, when they arrive, are so heavy, and shift with the wind so - suddenly from the one side to the other, that all the blinds are obliged - to be kept closed; consequently the whole house is in total darkness - during their continuance, except the single sash-windowed room. There is - nothing underneath except a few store-rooms and a kind of waiting-hall; - but none of the domestic negroes sleep in the house, all going home at - night to their respective cottages and families. - </p> - <p> - Cornwall House itself stands on a dead flat, and the works are built in - its immediate neighbourhood, for the convenience of their being the more - under the agent’s personal inspection (a point of material consequence - with them all, but more particularly for the hospital). This dead flat is - only ornamented with a few scattered bread-fruit and cotton trees, a grove - of mangoes, and the branch of a small river, which turns the mill. Several - of these buildings are ugly enough; but the shops of the cooper, - carpenter, and blacksmith, some of the trees in their vicinity, and the - negro-huts, embowered in shrubberies, and groves of oranges, plantains, - cocoas, and pepper-trees, would be reckoned picturesque in the most - ornamented grounds. A large spreading tamarind fronts me at this moment, - and overshadows the stables, which are formed of open wickerwork; and an - orange-tree, loaded with fruit, grows against the window at which I am - writing. - </p> - <p> - On three sides of the landscape the prospect is bounded by lofty purple - mountains; and the variety of occupations going on all around me, and at - the same time, give an inconceivable air of life and animation to the - whole scene, especially as all those occupations look clean,—even - those which in England look dirty. All the tradespeople are dressed either - in white jackets and trousers, or with stripes of red and sky-blue. One - band of negroes are carrying the ripe canes on their heads to the mill; - another set are conveying away the <i>trash</i>, after the juice has been - extracted; flocks of turkeys are sheltering from the heat under the trees; - the river is filled with ducks and geese; the coopers and carpenters are - employed about the puncheons; carts drawn some by six, others by eight, - oxen, are bringing loads of Indian corn from the fields; the black - children are employed in gathering it into the granary, and in quarrelling - with pigs as black as themselves, who are equally busy in stealing the - corn whenever the children are looking another way: in short, a plantation - possesses all the movement and interest of a farm, without its dung, and - its stench, and its dirty accompaniments. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 11. - </h3> - <p> - I saw the whole process of sugar-making this morning. The ripe canes are - brought in bundles to the mill, where the cleanest of the women are - appointed, one to put them into the machine for grinding them, and another - to draw them out after the juice has been extracted, when she throws them - into an opening in the floor close to her; another band of negroes - collects them below, when, under the name of <i>trash</i>, they are - carried away to serve for fuel. The juice, which is itself at first of a - pale ash-colour, gushes out in great streams, quite white with foam, and - passes through a wooden gutter into the boiling-house, where it is - received into the siphon or “cock copper.” where fire is applied to it, - and it is slaked with lime, in order to make it granulate. The feculent - parts of it rise to the top, while the purer and more fluid flow through - another gutter into the second copper. When little but the impure scum on - the surface remains to be drawn off, the first gutter communicating with - the copper is stopped, and the grosser parts are obliged to find a new - course through another gutter, which conveys them to the distillery, - where, being mixed with the molasses, or treacle, they are manufactured - into rum. From the second copper they are transmitted into the first, and - thence into two others, and in these four latter basins the scum is - removed with skimmers pierced with holes, till it becomes sufficiently - free from impurities to be <i>skipped off</i>, that is, to be again ladled - out of the coppers and spread into the coolers, where it is left to - granulate. The sugar is then formed, and is removed into the <i>curing-house</i>, - where it is put into hogsheads, and left to settle for a certain time, - during which those parts which are too poor and too liquid to granulate, - drip from the casks into vessels placed beneath them: these drippings are - the molasses, which, being carried into the distillery, and mixed with the - coarser scum formerly mentioned, form that mixture from which the - spirituous liquor of sugar is afterwards produced by fermentation: when - but once distilled, it is called “low wine;” and it is not till after it - has gone through a second distillation, that it acquires the name of rum. - The “trash” used for fuel consists of the empty canes, that which is - employed for fodder and for thatching is furnished by the superabundant - cane-tops; after so many have been set apart as are required for planting. - After these original plants have been cut, their roots throw up suckers, - which, in time, become canes, and are called <i>ratoons</i>: they are far - inferior in juice to the planted canes; but then, on the other hand, they - require much less weeding, and spare the negroes the only laborious part - of the business of sugar-making, the digging holes for the plants; - therefore, although an acre of ratoons will produce but one hogshead of - sugar, while an acre of plants will produce two, the superiority of the - ratooned piece is very great, inasmuch as the saving of time and labour - will enable the proprietor to cultivate five acres of ratoons in the same - time with one of plants. Unluckily, after three crops, or five at the - utmost, in general the ratoons are totally exhausted, and you are obliged - to have recourse to fresh plants. - </p> - <p> - Last night a poor man, named Charles, who had been coachman to my uncle - ages ago, was brought into the hospital, having missed a step in the - boiling-house, and plunged his foot into the siphon: fortunately, the fire - had not long been kindled, and though the liquor was hot enough to scald - him, it was not sufficiently so to do him any material injury. The old man - had presented himself to me on Saturday’s holiday (or <i>play-day</i>, in - the negro dialect), and had shown me, with great exultation, the coat and - waistcoat which had been the last present of his old massa. Charles is now - my chief mason, and, as one of the principal persons on the estate, was - entitled, by old custom, to the compliment of a <i>distinguishing</i> - dollar on my arrival; but at the same time that I gave him the dollar, to - which his situation entitled him, I gave him another for himself, as a - keepsake: he put it into the pocket of “his old massa’s” waistcoat, and - assured me that they should never again be separated. On hearing of his - accident, I went over to the hospital to see that he was well taken care - of; and immediately the poor fellow began talking to me about my - grandfather, and his young massa, and the young missies, his sisters, and - while I suffered him to chatter away for an hour, he totally forgot the - pain of his burnt leg. - </p> - <p> - It was particularly agreeable to me to observe, on Saturday, as a proof of - the good treatment which they had experienced, so many old servants of the - family, many of whom had been born on the estate, and who, though turned - of sixty and seventy, were still strong, healthy, and cheerful. Many - manumitted negroes, also, came from other parts of the country to this - festival, on hearing of my arrival, because, as they said,—“if they - did not come to see massa, they were afraid that it would look ungrateful, - and as if they cared no longer about him and Cornwall, now that they were - free.” So they stayed two or three days on the estate, coming up to the - house for their dinners, and going to sleep at night among their friends - in their own former habitations, the negro huts; and when they went away, - they assured me, that nothing should prevent their coming back to bid me - farewell, before I left the island. All this may be palaver; but certainly - they at least play their parts with such an air of truth, and warmth, and - enthusiasm, that, after the cold hearts and repulsive manners of England, - the contrast is infinitely agreeable. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Je ne vois que des yeux toujours prêts à sourire.” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - I find it quite impossible to resist the fascination of the conscious - pleasure of pleasing; and my own heart, which I have so long been obliged - to keep closed, seems to expand itself again in the sunshine of the kind - looks and words which meet me at every turn, and seem to wait for mine as - anxiously as if they were so many diamonds. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 12. - </h3> - <p> - In the year ‘80, this parish of Westmoreland was kept in a perpetual state - of alarm by a runaway negro called <i>Plato</i>, who had established - himself among the Moreland Mountains, and collected a troop of banditti, - of which he was himself the chief. He robbed very often, and murdered - occasionally; but gallantry was his every day occupation. Indeed, being a - remarkably tall athletic young fellow, among the beauties of his own - complexion he found but few Lucretias; and his retreat in the mountains - was as well furnished as the haram of Constantinople. Every handsome - negress who had the slightest cause of complaint against her master, took - the first opportunity of eloping to join <i>Plato</i>, where she found - freedom, protection, and unbounded generosity; for he spared no pains to - secure their affections by gratifying their vanity. Indeed, no Creole lady - could venture out on a visit, without running the risk of having her - bandbox run away with by Plato for the decoration of his sultanas; and if - the maid who carried the bandbox happened to be well-looking, he ran away - with the maid as well as the bandbox. Every endeavour to seize this - desperado was long in vain: a large reward was put upon his head, but no - negro dared to approach him; for, besides his acknowledged courage, he was - a professor of Obi, and had threatened that whoever dared to lay a finger - upon him should suffer spiritual torments, as well as be physically shot - through the head. - </p> - <p> - Unluckily for Plato, rum was an article with him of the first necessity; - the look-out, which was kept for him, was too vigilant to admit of his - purchasing spirituous liquors for himself; and once, when for that purpose - he had ventured into the neighbourhood of Montego Bay, he was recognised - by a slave, who immediately gave the alarm. Unfortunately for this poor - fellow, whose name was Taffy, at that moment all his companions happened - to be out of hearing; and, after the first moment’s alarm, finding that no - one approached, the exasperated robber rushed upon him, and lifted the - bill-hook, with which he was armed, for the purpose of cleaving his skull. - Taffy fled for it; but Plato was the younger, the stronger, and the - swifter of the two, and gained upon him every moment. Taffy, however, on - the other hand, possessed that one quality by which, according to the - fable, the cat was enabled to save herself from the hounds, when the fox, - with his thousand tricks, was caught by them. He was an admirable climber, - an art in which Plato possessed no skill; and a bread-nut tree, which is - remarkably difficult of ascent, presenting itself before him, in a few - moments Taffy was bawling for help from the very top of it. To reach him - was impossible for his enemy; but still his destruction was hard at hand; - for Plato began to hack the tree with his bill, and it was evident that a - very short space of time would be sufficient to level it with the ground. - In this dilemma, Taffy had nothing for it but to break off the branches - near him; and he contrived to pelt these so dexterously at the head of his - assailant, that he fairly kept him at bay till his cries at length reached - the ears of his companions, and their approach compelled the - banditti-captain once more to seek safety among the mountains. - </p> - <p> - After this Plato no longer dared to approach Montego town; but still - spirits must be had:—how was he to obtain them? There was an old - watchman on the outskirts of the estate of Canaan, with whom he had - contracted an acquaintance, and frequently had passed the night in his - hut; the old man having been equally induced by his presents and by dread - of his corporeal strength and supposed supernatural power, to profess the - warmest attachment to the interests of his terrible friend. To this man - Plato at length resolved to entrust himself: he gave him money to purchase - spirits, and appointed a particular day when he would come to receive - them. The reward placed upon the robber’s head was more than either - gratitude or terror could counterbalance; and on the same day when the - watchman set out to purchase the rum, he apprised two of his friends at - Canaan, for whose use it was intended, and advised <i>them</i> to take the - opportunity of obtaining the reward. - </p> - <p> - The two negroes posted themselves in proper time near the watchman’s hut. - Most unwisely, instead of sending down some of his gang, they saw Plato, - in his full confidence in the friendship of his confidant, arrive himself - and enter the cabin; but so great was their alarm at seeing this dreadful - personage, that they remained in their concealment, nor dared to make an - attempt at seizing him. The spirits were delivered to the robber: he might - have retired with them unmolested; but, in his rashness and his eagerness - to taste the liquor, of which he had so long been deprived, he opened the - flagon, and swallowed draught after draught, till he sunk upon the ground - in a state of complete insensibility. The watchman then summoned the two - negroes from their concealment, who bound his arms, and conveyed him to - Montego Bay, where he was immediately sentenced to execution. He died most - heroically; kept up the terrors of his imposture to his last moment; told - the magistrates, who condemned him, that his death should be revenged by a - storm, which would lay waste the whole island, that year; and, when his - negro gaoler was binding him to the stake at which he was destined to - suffer, he assured him that he should not live long to triumph in his - death, for that he had taken good care to Obeah him before his quitting - the prison. It certainly did happen, strangely enough, that, before the - year was over, the most violent storm took place ever known in Jamaica; - and as to the gaoler, his imagination was so forcibly struck by the - threats of the dying man, that, although every care was taken of him, the - power of medicine exhausted, and even a voyage to America undertaken, in - hopes that a change of scene might change the course of his ideas, still, - from the moment of Plato’s death, he gradually pined and withered away, - and finally expired before the completion of the twelvemonth. - </p> - <p> - The belief in Obeah is now greatly weakened, but still exists in some - degree. Not above ten months ago, my agent was informed that a negro of - very suspicious manners and appearance was harboured by some of my people - on the mountain lands. He found means to have him surprised, and on - examination there was found upon him a bag containing a great variety of - strange materials for incantations; such as thunder-stones, cat’s ears, - the feet of various animals, human hair, fish bones, the teeth of - alligators, &c.: he was conveyed to Montego Bay; and no sooner was it - understood that this old African was in prison, than depositions were - poured in from all quarters from negroes who deposed to having seen him - exercise his magical arts, and, in particular, to his having sold such and - such slaves medicines and charms to deliver them from their enemies; - being, in plain English, nothing else than rank poisons. He was convicted - of Obeah upon the most indubitable evidence. The good old practice of - burning has fallen into disrepute; so he was sentenced to be transported, - and was shipped off the island, to the great satisfaction of persons of - all colours—white, black, and yellow. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 13. - </h3> - <p> - Throughout the island many estates, formerly very flourishing and - productive, have been thrown up for want of hands to cultivate them, and - are now suffered to lie waste: four are in this situation in my own - immediate neighbourhood. Finding their complement of negroes decrease, and - having no means of recruiting them, proprietors of two estates have in - numerous instances found themselves obliged to give up one of them, and - draw off the negroes for the purpose of properly cultivating the other. - </p> - <p> - I have just had an instance strikingly convincing of the extreme nicety - required in rearing negro children. Two have been born since my arrival. - My housekeeper was hardly ever out of the lying-in apartment; I always - visited it myself once a day, and sometimes twice, in order that I might - be certain of the women being well taken care of; not a day passed without - the inspection of a physician; nothing of indulgence, that was proper for - them, was denied; and, besides their ordinary food, the mothers received - every day the most nourishing and palatable dish that was brought to my - own table. Add to this, that the women themselves were kind-hearted - creatures, and particularly anxious to rear these children, because I had - promised to be their godfather myself. Yet, in spite of all this attention - and indulgence, one of the mothers, during the nurse’s absence for ten - minutes, grew alarmed at her infant’s apparent sleepiness. To rouse it, - she began dancing and shaking it till it was in a strong perspiration, and - then she stood with it for some minutes at an open window, while a strong - north wind was blowing. In consequence, it caught cold, and the next - morning symptoms of a locked jaw showed itself. The poor woman was the - image of grief itself: she sat on her bed, looking at the child which lay - by her side with its little hands clasped, its teeth clenched, and its - eyes fixed, writhing in the agony of the spasm, while she was herself - quite motionless and speechless, although the tears trickled down her - cheeks incessantly. All assistance was fruitless: her thoughtlessness for - five minutes had killed the infant, and, at noon to-day it expired. - </p> - <p> - This woman was a tender mother, had borne ten children, and yet has now - but one alive: another, at present in the hospital, has borne seven, and - but one has lived to puberty; and the instances of those who have had - four, five, six children, without succeeding in bringing up one, in spite - of the utmost attention and indulgence, are very numerous; so heedless and - inattentive are the best-intentioned mothers, and so subject in this - climate are infants to dangerous complaints. The locked jaw is the common - and most fatal one; so fatal, indeed, that the midwife (the <i>graundee</i> - is her negro appellation) told me, the other day, “Oh, massa, till nine - days over, we <i>no hope</i> of them.” Certainly care and kindness are not - adequate to save the children, for the son of a sovereign could not have - been more anxiously well treated than was the poor little negro who died - this morning. - </p> - <p> - The negroes are always buried in their own gardens, and many strange and - fantastical ceremonies are observed on the occasion. If the corpse be that - of a grown person, they consult it as to which way it pleases to be - carried; and they make attempts upon various roads without success, before - they can hit upon the right one. Till that is accomplished, they stagger - under the weight of the coffin, struggle against its force, which draws - them in a different direction from that in which they had settled to go; - and sometimes in the contest the corpse and the coffin jump off the - shoulders of the bearers. But if, as is frequently the case, any person is - suspected of having hastened the catastrophe, the corpse will then refuse - to go any road but the one which passes by the habitation of the suspected - person, and as soon as it approaches his house, no human power is equal to - persuading it to pass. As the negroes are extremely superstitious, and - very much afraid of ghosts (whom they call the <i>duppy</i>), I rather - wonder at their choosing to have their dead buried in their gardens; but I - understand their argument to be, that they need only fear the duppies of - their enemies, but have nothing to apprehend from those after death, who - loved them in their lifetime; but the duppies of their adversaries are - very alarming beings, equally powerful by day as by night, and who not - only are spiritually terrific, but who can give very hard substantial - knocks on the pate, whenever they see fit occasion, and can find a good - opportunity. - </p> - <p> - Last Saturday a negro was brought into the hospital, having fallen into - epileptic fits, with which till then he had never been troubled. As the - faintings had seized him at the slaughter-house, and the fellow was an - African, it was at first supposed by his companions, that the sight and - smell of the meat had affected him; for many of the Africans cannot endure - animal food of any kind, and most of the Ebres in particular are made ill - by eating turtle, even although they can use any other food without - injury. However, upon enquiry among his shipmates, it appeared that he had - frequently eaten beef without the slightest inconvenience. For my own - part, the symptoms of his complaint were such as to make me suspect him of - having tasted something poisonous, specially as, just before his first - fit, he had been observed in the small grove of mangoes near the house; - but I was assured by the negroes, one and all, that nothing could possibly - have induced him to eat an herb or fruit from that grove, as it had been - used as a burying-ground for “the white people.” But although my idea of - the poison was scouted, still the mention of the burying-ground suggested - another cause for his illness to the negroes, and they had no sort of - doubt, that in passing through the burying-ground he had been struck down - by the duppy of a white person not long deceased, whom he had formerly - offended, and that these repeated fainting fits were the consequence of - that ghostly blow. The negroes have in various publications been accused - of a total want of religion, but this appears to me quite incompatible - with the ideas of spirits existing after dissolution of the body, which - necessarily implies a belief in a future state; and although (as far as I - can make out) they have no outward forms of religion, the most devout - Christian cannot have “God bless you” oftener on his lips than the negro; - nor, on the other hand, appear to feel the wish for their enemy’s - damnation more sincerely when he utters it. - </p> - <p> - The Africans (as is well known) generally believe, that there is a life - beyond this world, and that they shall enjoy it by returning to their own - country; and this idea used frequently to induce them, soon after their - landing in the colonies, to commit suicide; but this was never known to - take place except among fresh negroes, and since the execrable slave-trade - has been abolished, such an illusion is unheard of. As to those who had - once got over the dreadful period of “seasoning,” they were generally soon - sensible enough of the amelioration of their condition, to make the idea - of returning to Africa the most painful that could be presented to them. - But, to be sure, poor creatures! what with the terrors and sufferings of - the voyage, and the unavoidable hardships of the seasoning, those - advantages were purchased more dearly than any in this life can possibly - be worth. God be thanked, all that is now at an end; and certainly, as far - as I can as yet judge, if I were now standing on the banks of Virgil’s - Lethe, with a goblet of the waters of oblivion in my hand, and asked - whether I chose to enter life anew as an English labourer or a Jamaica - negro, I should have no hesitation in preferring the latter. For myself, - it appears to me almost worth surrendering the luxuries and pleasures of - Great Britain, for the single pleasure of being surrounded with beings who - are always laughing and singing, and who seem to perform their work with - so much <i>nonchalance</i>, taking up their baskets as if it were - perfectly optional whether they took them up or left them there; - sauntering along with their hands dangling; stopping to chat with every - one they meet; or if they meet no one, standing still to look round, and - examine whether there is nothing to be seen that can amuse them, so that I - can hardly persuade myself that it is really <i>work</i> that they are - about. The negro might well say, on his arrival in England—“Massa, - in England every thing work!” for here nobody appears to work at all. - </p> - <p> - I am told that there is one part of their business very laborious, the - digging holes for receiving the cane-plants, and which I have not as yet - seen; but this does not occupy above a month (I believe) at the utmost, at - two periods of the year; and on my estate this service is chiefly - performed by extra negroes, hired for the purpose; which, although equally - hard on the hired negroes (called a jobbing gang), at least relieves my - own, and after all, puts even the former on much the same footing with - English day-labourers. - </p> - <p> - But if I could be contented to <i>live</i> in Jamaica, I am still more - certain, that it is the only agreeable place for me to die in; for I have - got a family mausoleum, which looks for all the world like the theatrical - representation of the “tomb of all the Capulets.” Its outside is most - plentifully decorated “with sculptured stones,”— - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - “Arms, angels, epitaphs, and bones.” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - Within is a tomb of the purest white marble, raised on a platform of - ebony; the building, which is surmounted by a statue of Time, with his - scythe and hour-glass, stands in the very heart of an orange grove, now in - full bearing; and the whole scene this morning looked so cool, so - tranquil, and so gay, and is so perfectly divested of all vestiges of - dissolution, that the sight of it quite gave me an appetite for being - buried. It is a matter of perfect indifference to me what becomes of this - little ugly husk of mine, when once I shall have “shuffled off this mortal - coil;” or else I should certainly follow my grandfather’s example, and, - die where I might, order my body to be sent over for burial to Cornwall; - for I never yet saw a place where one could lie down more comfortably to - listen for the last trumpet. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 14. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - I gave a dinner to my “white people,” as the book-keepers, &c. are - called here, and who have a separate house and establishment for - themselves; and certainly a man must be destitute of every spark of - hospitality, and have had “Caucasus horrens” for his great-grandmother, if - he can resist giving dinners in a country where Nature seems to have set - up a superior kind of “London Tavern” of her own. They who are possessed - by the “Ci-borum ambitiosa fames, et lautæ gloria mensæ,” ought to ship - themselves off for Jamaica out of hand; and even the lord mayor himself - need not blush to give his aldermen such a dinner as is placed on my - table, even when I dine alone. Land and sea turtle, quails, snipes, - plovers, and pigeons and doves of all descriptions—of which the - ring-tail has been allowed to rank with the most exquisite of the winged - species, by epicures of such distinction, that their opinion, in matters - of this nature, almost carries with it the weight of a law,—excellent - pork, barbicued pigs, pepperpots, with numberless other excellent dishes, - form the ordinary fare; while the poultry is so large and fine, that if - the Dragon of Wantley found “houses and churches to be geese and turkies” - in England, he would mistake the geese and turkies for houses and churches - here. Then our tarts are made of pineapples, and pine-apples make the best - tarts that I ever tasted; there is no end of the variety of fruits, of - which the shaddock is “in itself an host;” but the most singular and - exquisite flavour, perhaps, is to be found in the granadillo, a fruit - which grows upon a species of vine, and, in fact, appears to be a kind of - cucumber. It must be suffered to hang till it is dead ripe, when it is - scarcely any thing except juice and seeds, which can only be eaten with a - spoon. It requires sugar, but the acid is truly delicious, and like no - other separate flavour that I ever met with; what it most resembles is a - <i>macedoine</i>, as it unites the different tastes of almost all other - fruits, and has, at the same time, a very strong flavour of wine. - </p> - <p> - As to fish, Savannah la Mar is reckoned the best place in the island, both - for variety and <i>safety</i>; for, in many parts, the fish feed upon - copperas banks, and cannot be used without much precaution: here, none is - necessary, and it is only to be wished that their names equalled their - flesh in taste; for it must be owned, that nothing can be less tempting - than the sounds of Jew-fish, hog-fish, mud-fish, snappers, god-dammies, - groupas, and grunts! Of the Sea Fish which I have hitherto met with, the - Deep-water Silk appears to me the best; and of rivers, the - Mountain-Mullet: but, indeed, the fish is generally so excellent, and in - such profusion, that I never sit down to table without wishing for the - company of Queen Atygatis of Scythia, who was so particularly fond of - fish, that she prohibited all her subjects from eating it on pain of - death, through fear that there might not be enough left for her majesty. - </p> - <p> - This fondness for fish seems to be a sort of royal passion: more than one - of our English sovereigns died of eating too many lampreys; though, to own - the truth, it was suspected that the monks, in an instance or two, - improved the same by the addition of a little ratsbane; and Mirabeau - assures us, that Frederick the Second of Prussia might have prolonged his - existence, if he could but have resisted the fascination of an eel-pye; - but the charm was too strong for him, and, like his great-grandmother of - all, he ate and died—“All for eel-pye, or this world well lost!” And - now, which had to resist the most difficult temptation, Frederic or Eve? - <i>She</i> longed to experience pleasures yet untasted, and which she - fancied to be exquisite: <i>he</i>, like Sigismunda, pined after known - pleasures, and which he knew to be good; <i>she</i> was the dupe of - imagination; <i>he</i> fell a victim to established habit. Which was the - most deserving pardon? There is a question for the bishops: those - clergymen who reside constantly on their livings (as all clergymen ought - to do, or they ought not to be clergymen), I shall, in charity, believe to - have something better to do with their time than to solve it. - </p> - <p> - The provision-grounds of the negroes furnish them with plantains, bananas, - cocoa-nuts, and yams: of the latter there is a regular harvest once a - year, and they remain in great perfection for many months, provided they - are dug up carefully, but the slightest wound with the spade is sufficient - to rot them. Catalue (a species of spinach) is a principal article in - their pepper-pots; but in this parish their most valuable and regular - supply of food arises from the cocoa-finger, or coccos, a species of the - yam, but which lasts all the year round. These vegetables form the basis - of negro sustenance; but the slaves also receive from their owners a - regular weekly allowance of red herrings and salt meat, which serves to - relish their vegetable diet; and, indeed, they are so passionately fond of - salted provisions, that, instead of giving them fresh beef (as at their - festival of Saturday last), I have been advised to provide some hogsheads - of salt fish, as likely to afford them more gratification, at such future - additional holidays as I may find it possible to allow them in this busy - season of crop. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 15. - </h3> - <p> - The offspring of a white man and black woman is a <i>mulatto</i>; the - mulatto and black produce a <i>sambo</i>; from the mulatto and white comes - the <i>quadroon</i>; from the quadroon and white the <i>mustee</i>; the - child of a mustee by a white man is called a <i>musteefino</i>; while the - children of a musteefino are free by law, and rank as white persons to all - intents and purposes. I think it is Long who asserts, that two mulattoes - will never have children; but, as far as the most positive assurances can - go, since my arrival in Jamaica, I have reason to believe the contrary, - and that mulattoes breed together just as well as blacks and whites; but - they are almost universally weak and effeminate persons, and thus their - children are very difficult to rear. On a sugar estate one black is - considered as more than equal to two mulattoes. Beautiful as are their - forms in general, and easy and graceful as are their movements (which, - indeed, appear to me so striking, that they cannot fail to excite the - admiration of any one who has ever looked with delight on statues), still - the women of colour are deficient in one of the most requisite points of - female beauty. When Oromases was employed in the formation of woman, and - said,—“Let her enchanting bosom resemble the celestial spheres,” he - must certainly have suffered the negress to slip out of his mind. Young or - old, I have not yet seen such a thing as a <i>bosom</i>. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 16. - </h3> - <p> - I never witnessed on the stage a scene so picturesque as a negro village. - I walked through my own to-day, and visited the houses of the drivers, and - other principal persons; and if I were to decide according to my own - taste, I should infinitely have preferred their habitations to my own. - Each house is surrounded by a separate garden, and the whole village is - intersected by lanes, bordered with all kinds of sweet-smelling and - flowering plants; but not such gardens as those belonging to our English - cottages, where a few cabbages and carrots just peep up and grovel upon - the earth between hedges, in square narrow beds, and where the tallest - tree is a gooseberry bush: the vegetables of the negroes are all - cultivated in their provision-grounds; these form their <i>kitchen-gardens</i>, - and these are all for ornament or luxury, and are filled with a profusion - of oranges, shaddocks, cocoa-nuts, and peppers of all descriptions: in - particular I was shown the abba, or palm-tree, resembling the cocoa-tree, - but much more beautiful, as its leaves are larger and more numerous, and, - feathering to the ground as they grow old, they form a kind of natural - arbour. It bears a large fruit, or rather vegetable, towards the top of - the tree, in shape like the cone of the pine, but formed of seeds, some - scarlet and bright as coral, others of a brownish-red or purple. The abba - requires a length of years to arrive at maturity: a very fine one, which - was shown me this morning, was supposed to be upwards of an hundred years - old; and one of a very moderate size had been planted at the least twenty - years, and had only borne fruit once. - </p> - <p> - It appears to me a strong proof of the good treatment which the negroes on - Cornwall have been accustomed to receive, that there are many very old - people upon it; I saw to-day a woman near a hundred years of age; and I am - told that there are several of sixty, seventy, and eighty. I was glad, - also, to find, that several negroes who have obtained their freedom, and - possess little properties of their own in the mountains, and at Savannah - la Mar, look upon my estate so little as the scene of their former - sufferings while slaves, that they frequently come down to pass a few days - in their ancient habitations with their former companions, by way of - relaxation. One woman in particular expressed her hopes, that I should not - be offended at her still coming to Cornwall now and then, although she - belonged to it no longer; and begged me to give directions before my - return to England, that her visits should not be hindered on the grounds - of her having no business there. - </p> - <p> - My visit to Jamaica has at least produced one advantage to myself. Several - runaways, who had disappeared for some time (some even for several - months), have again made their appearance in the field, and I have desired - that no questions should be asked. On the other hand, after enjoying - herself during the Saturday and Sunday, which were allowed for holidays on - my arrival, one of my ladies chose to <i>pull foot</i>, and did not return - from her hiding-place in the mountains till this morning. Her name is - Marcia; but so unlike is she to Addison’s Marcia, that she is not only as - black as Juba, (instead of being “fair, oh! how divinely fair!”) but,—whereas - Sempronius complains, that “Marcia, the lovely Marcia, is left behind,” - the complaint against my heroine is, that “Marcia, the lovely Marcia,” is - always running away. In excuse for her disappearance she alleged, that so - far was her husband from thinking that “she towered above her sex,” that - he had called her “a very bad woman,” which had provoked her so much, that - she could not bear to stay with him; and she assured me, that he was - himself “a very bad man;” which, if true, was certainly enough to justify - any lady, black or white, in making a little incognito excursion for a - week or so; therefore, as it appeared to be nothing more than a conjugal - quarrel, and as Marcia engaged never to run away any more (at the same - time allowing that she had suffered her resentment to carry her too far, - when it had carried her all the way to the mountains), I desired that an - act of oblivion might be passed in favour of Cato’s daughter, and away she - went, quite happy, to pick hog’s meat. - </p> - <p> - The negro houses are composed of wattles on the outside, with rafters of - sweet-wood, and are well plastered within and whitewashed; they consist of - two chambers, one for cooking and the other for sleeping, and are, in - general, well furnished with chairs, tables, &c., and I saw none - without a four-post bedstead and plenty of bed-clothes; for, in spite of - the warmth of the climate, when the sun is not above the horizon the negro - always feels very chilly. I am assured that many of my slaves are very - rich (and their property is inviolable), and that they are I’ll never - without salt provisions, porter, and even wine, to entertain their friends - and their visiters from the bay or the mountains. As I passed through - their grounds, many little requests were preferred to me: one wanted an - additional supply of lime for the whitewashing his house; another was - building a new house for a superannuated wife (for they have all so much - decency as to call their sexual attachments by a conjugal name), and - wanted a little assistance towards the finishing it; a third requested a - new axe to work with; and several entreated me to negotiate the purchase - of some relation or friend belonging to another estate, and with whom they - were anxious to be reunited: but all their requests were for additional - indulgences; not one complained of ill-treatment, hunger, or over-work. - </p> - <p> - Poor Nicholas gave me a fresh instance of his being one of those whom - Fortune pitches upon to show her spite: he has had four children, none of - whom are alive; and the eldest of them, a fine little girl of four years - old, fell into the mill-stream, and was drowned before any one was aware - of her danger. His wife told me that she had had fifteen children, had - taken the utmost care of them, and yet had now but two alive: she said, - indeed, fifteen at the first, but she afterwards corrected herself, and - explained that she had had twelve whole children and three half ones by - which she meant miscarriages. - </p> - <p> - Besides the profits arising from their superabundance of provisions, which - the better sort of negroes are enabled to sell regularly once a week at - Savannah la Mar to a considerable amount, they keep a large stock of - poultry, and pigs without number; which latter cost their owners but - little, though they cost me a great deal; for they generally make their - way into the cane-pieces, and sometimes eat me up an hogshead of sugar in - the course of the morning: but the most expensive of the planter’s enemies - are the rats, whose numbers are incredible, and are so destructive that a - reward is given for killing them. During the last six months my agent has - paid for three thousand rats killed upon Cornwall. Nor is the sugar which - they consume the worst damage which they commit; the worst mischief is, - that if through the carelessness of those whose business it is to supply - the mill, one cane which has been gnawed by the rats is allowed - admittance, that single damaged piece is sufficient to produce acidity - enough to spoil the whole sugar. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 17. - </h3> - <p> - In this country there is scarcely any twilight, and all nature seems to - wake at the same moment. About six o’clock the darkness disperses, the sun - rises, and instantly every thing is in motion: the negroes are going to - the field, the cattle are driving to pasture, the pigs and the poultry are - pouring out from their hutches, the old women are preparing food on the - lawn for the <i>pickaninnies</i> (the very small children), whom they keep - feeding at all hours of the day; and all seem to be going to their - employments, none to their work, the men and the women just as quietly and - leisurely as the pigs and the poultry. The sight is really quite gay and - amusing, and I am generally out of bed in time to enjoy it, especially as - the continuance of the cool north breezes renders the weather still - delicious, though the pleasure is rather an expensive one. Not a drop of - rain has fallen since the 16th of November; the young canes are burning; - and the drying quality of these norths is still more detrimental than the - want of rain, so that these winds may be said to blow my pockets inside - out; and as every draught of air, which I inhale with so much pleasure, is - estimated to cost me a guinea, I feel, while breathing it, like Miss - Burney’s Citizen at Vauxhall, who kept muttering to himself with every bit - of ham that he put into his mouth, “There goes sixpence, and there goes a - shilling!” - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 18. - </h3> - <p> - A Galli-wasp, which was killed in the neighbouring morass, has just been - brought to me. This is the Alligator in miniature, and is even more - dreaded by the negroes than its great relation: it is only to be found in - swamps and morasses: that which was brought to me was about eighteen - inches in length, and I understand that it is seldom longer, although, as - it grows in years, its thickness and the size of its jaws and head become - greatly increased. It runs away on being encountered, and conceals itself; - and it is only dangerous if trampled upon by accident, or if attacked; but - then its bite is a dreadful one, not only from its tongue being armed with - a sting (the venom of which is very powerful, although not mortal), but - from its teeth being so brittle that they generally break in the wound, - and as it is hardly possible to extract the pieces entirely, the wound - corrupts, and becomes an incurable sore of the most offensive nature. - Luckily, these reptiles are very scarce, but nothing can exceed the terror - and aversion in which they are held by the negroes. This dead one had been - lying in the room for several hours, yet, on my servant’s accidentally - stirring the board on which the galli-wasp was stretched for my - inspection, my little negro servant George darted out of the room in - terror, and was at the bottom of the staircase in a moment. The skin of - this animal appeared to be like shagreen in looks and strength, and was - almost entirely composed of layers of very small scales; the colours were - brownish-yellow and olive-green, the teeth numerous and piercing, and the - claws of the feet very long and sharp: altogether it is a hideous and - disgusting creature. As to the alligator of Jamaica, it is a timid animal, - which never was known to attack the human species, though it frequently - takes the liberty of running away with a dog or two, which appears to be - their venison and turtle. There is no river on my estate large enough for - their inhabiting; but, in Paradise River, which is not above four miles - off, I understand that they are common. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 19. - </h3> - <p> - A young mulatto carpenter, belonging to Horace Beckford’s estate of - Shrewsbury, came to beg my intercession with his overseer. He had been - absent two days without leave, and on these occasions it is customary for - the slaves to apply to some neighbouring gentleman for a note in their - behalf’ which, as I am told, never fails to obtain the pardon required, as - the managers of estates are in general but too happy to find an excuse for - passing over without punishment any offences which are not very heinous; - indeed, what with the excellent laws already enacted for the protection of - the slaves, and which every year are still further ameliorated, and what - with the difficulty of procuring more negroes—(which can now only be - done by purchasing them from other estates),—which makes it - absolutely necessary for the managers to preserve the slaves, if they mean - to preserve their own situations,—I am fully persuaded that - instances of tyranny to negroes are now very rare, at least in this - island. But I must still acknowledge, from my own sad experience, since my - arrival, that unless a West-Indian proprietor occasionally visit his - estates himself, it is utterly impossible for him to be <i>certain</i> - that his deputed authority is not abused, however good may be his - intentions, and however vigilant his anxiety. - </p> - <p> - My father was one of the most humane and generous persons that ever - existed; there was no indulgence which he ever denied his negroes, and his - letters were filled with the most absolute injunctions for their good - treatment. When his estates became mine, the one upon which I am now - residing was managed by an attorney, considerably advanced in years, who - had been long in our employment, and who bore the highest character for - probity and humanity. He was both attorney and overseer; and it was a - particular recommendation to me that he lived in my own house, and - therefore had my slaves so immediately under his eye, that it was - impossible for any subaltern to misuse them without his knowledge. His - letters to me expressed the greatest anxiety and attention respecting the - welfare and comfort of the slaves;—so much so, indeed, that when I - detailed his mode of management to Lord Holland, he observed, “that if he - did all that was mentioned in his letters, he did as much as could - possibly be expected or wished from an attorney;” and on parting with his - own, Lord Holland was induced to take mine to manage his estates, which - are in the immediate neighbourhood of Cornwall. This man died about two - years ago, and since my arrival, I happened to hear, that during his - management a remarkably fine young penn-keeper, named Richard (the brother - of my intelligent carpenter, John Fuller), had run away several times to - the mountains. I had taken occasion to let the brothers know, between jest - and earnest, that I was aware of Richard’s misconduct; and at length, one - morning, John, while he blamed his brother’s running away, let fall, that - he had some excuse in the extreme ill-usage which he had received from one - of the bookkeepers, who “had had a spite against him.” The hint alarmed - me; I followed it, and nothing could equal my anger and surprise at - learning the whole truth. - </p> - <p> - It seems, that while I fancied my attorney to be resident on Cornwall, he - was, in fact, generally attending to a property of his own, or looking - after estates of which also he had the management in distant parts of the - island. During his absence, an overseer of his own appointing, without my - knowledge, was left in absolute possession of his power, which he abused - to such a degree, that almost every slave of respectability on the estate - was compelled to become a runaway. The property was nearly ruined, and - absolutely in a state of rebellion; and at length he committed an act of - such severity, that the negroes, one and all, fled to Savannah la Mar, and - threw themselves upon the protection of the magistrates, who immediately - came over to Cornwall, investigated the complaint, and <i>now</i>, at - length, the attorney, who had known frequent instances of the overseer’s - tyranny, had frequently rebuked him for them, and had redressed the - sufferers, but who still had dared to abuse my confidence so grossly as to - continue him in his situation, upon this public exposure thought proper to - dismiss him. Yet, while all this was going on—while my negroes were - groaning under the iron rod of this petty tyrant—and while the - public magistrature was obliged to interfere to protect them from his - cruelty—my attorney had the insolence and falsehood to write me - letters, filled with assurances of his perpetual vigilance for their - welfare—of their perfect good treatment and satisfaction; nor, if I - had not come myself to Jamaica, in all probability should I ever have had - the most distant idea how abominably the poor creatures had been misused. - </p> - <p> - I have made it my business to mix as much as possible among the negroes, - and have given them every encouragement to repose confidence in me; and I - have uniformly found all those, upon whom any reliance can be placed, - unite in praising the humanity of their present superintendant. Instantly - on his arrival, he took the whole power of punishment into his own hands: - he forbade the slightest interference in this respect of any person - whatever on the estate, white or black; nor have I been able to find as - yet any one negro who has any charge of harsh treatment to bring against - him. - </p> - <p> - However, having been already so grossly deceived, I will never again place - implicit confidence in any person whatever in a matter of such importance. - Before my departure, I shall take every possible measure that may prevent - any misconduct taking place without my being apprised of it as soon as - possible; and I have already exhorted my negroes to apply to the - magistrates on the very first instance of ill-usage, should any occur - during my absence. - </p> - <p> - I am indeed assured by every one about me, that to manage a West-Indian - estate without the occasional use of the cart-whip, however rarely, is - impossible; and they insist upon it, that it is absurd in me to call my - slaves ill-treated, because, when they act grossly wrong, they are treated - like English soldiers and sailors. All this may be very true; but there is - something to me so shocking in the idea of this execrable cart-whip, that - I have positively forbidden the use of it on Cornwall; and if the estate - must go to rack and ruin without its use, to rack and ruin the estate must - go. Probably, I should care less about this punishment, if I had not been - living among those on whom it may be inflicted; but now, when I am - accustomed to see every face that looks upon me, grinning from ear to ear - with pleasure at my notice, and hear every voice cry “God bless you, - massa,” as I pass, one must be an absolute brute not to feel unwilling to - leave them subject to the lash; besides, they are excellent cajolers, and - lay it on with a trowel. Nicholas and John Fuller came to me this morning - to beg a favour, “and beg massa hard, quite hard!” It was, that when massa - went away, “he would leave his picture for the negroes;” that they might - talk to it, “all just as they did to massa.” Shakspeare says— - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - “A little flattery does well sometimes!” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - But, although the mode of expressing it may be artifice, the sentiment of - good-will may be shown. A dog grows attached to the person who feeds and - makes much of him; and as they have never experienced as yet any but kind - treatment from me personally, it would be against common sense and nature - to suppose that my negroes do not feel kindly towards me. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 20. - </h3> - <h3> - THE RUNAWAY. - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - Peter, Peter was a black boy; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Peter, him pull foot one day: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Buckra girl, him * Peter’s joy; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Lilly white girl entice him away. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fye, Missy Sally, fye on you! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Poor Blacky Peter why undo? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh! Peter, Peter was a bad boy; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Peter was a runaway. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - * <i>The negroes never distinguish between “him” and “her” in their - conversation</i>. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Peter, him Massa thief—Oh! fye! - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Missy Sally, him say him do so. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Him money spent, Sally bid him bye. - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And from Peter away him go; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fye, Missy Sally, fye on you! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Poor Blacky Peter what him do? - </p> - <p class="indent10"> - Oh! Peter, Peter was a sad boy; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Peter was a runaway! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Peter, him go to him Massa back; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - There him humbly own him crime: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Massa, forgib one poor young Black! - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Oh! Massa, good Massa, forgib dis time!”— - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Then in come him Missy so fine, so gay, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And to him Peter thus him say: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Oh! Missy, good Missy, you for me pray! - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Beg Massa forgib poor runaway!” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Missy, you cheeks so red, so white; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Missy, you eyes like diamond shine I - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Missy, you Massa’s sole delight, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And Lilly Sally, him was mine! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Him say—6 Come, Peter, mid me go!’— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Could me refuse him? Could me say 6 no?’—» - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Poor Peter—‘no’ him could no say! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So Peter, Peter ran away!”— - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Him Missy him pray; him Massa so kind - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Was moved by him prayer, and to Peter him says - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Well, boy, for this once I forgive you!—but mind! - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - With the buckra girls you no more go away! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Though fair without, they’re foul within; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Their heart is black, though white their skin. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then Peter, Peter with me stay; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Peter no more run away!”— - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 21. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - The hospital has been crowded, since my arrival, with patients who have - nothing the matter with them. On Wednesday there were about thirty - invalids, of whom only four were cases at all serious; the rest had “a - lilly pain here, Massa,” or “a bad pain me know nowhere, Massa,” and - evidently only came to the hospital in order to sit idle, and chat away - the time with their friends. Four of them the doctor ordered into the - field peremptorily; the next day there came into the sick-house six - others; upon this I resolved to try my own hand at curing them; and I - directed the head-driver to announce, that the presents which I had - brought from England should be distributed to-day, that the new-born - children should be christened, and that the negroes might take possession - of my house, and amuse themselves till twelve at night. The effect of my - prescription was magical; two thirds of the sick were hale and hearty, at - work in the field on Saturday morning, and to-day not a soul remained in - the hospital except the four serious cases. - </p> - <p> - The christening took place about four o’clock. Sully’s infant, which had - been destined to perform a part on this occasion, had died in the - hospital; but this morning the father came to complain of his - disappointment, and to beg leave to substitute a child <i>by another</i> - wife, which had been born about two months before my arrival; and as the - father is a very serviceable fellow, and the mother, besides having - brought up three children of her own, had the additional merit of having - reared an infant whose own mother had died in child-bed, I broke through - the rule of only christening those myself who should be born since my - coming to Jamaica, and granted his request. By good luck, the first child - to be named was the offspring of Minerva and Captain; so I told the - parents that as it would be highly proper to call the boy after the - greatest Captain that the world could produce, he should be named - Wellington; and that I hoped that he would grow up to serve <i>me</i> in - Jamaica as well as the Duke of Wellington had served his massa, the King - of England, in Europe. The Duke of Sully’s child I wanted to call Navarre; - but the father had brought over a free negro from Savannah la Mar to stand - godfather, who was his <i>fidus Achates</i>, by the name of John Davies, - and I found that he had set his heart upon calling the boy John Lewis, - after his friend and myself; so John Lewis he was. - </p> - <p> - There ought to have been a third child, born at seven months, whom the <i>graundee</i> - had reared with great difficulty, and dismissed, quite strong, from the - hospital; the mother had taken great care of it till the tenth day, when - she was entitled to an allowance of clothes, provisions, &c.; but no - sooner had she received her reward, than on that very night she suffered - the child to remain so long without food, while she went herself to dance - on a neighbouring estate, that it was brought, in an exhausted state, back - to the hospital; and, in spite of every care, it expired within four and - twenty hours after its return. - </p> - <p> - The ceremony was performed with perfect gravity and propriety by all - parties; I thought it as well to cut the reading part of it very short; - but I read a couple of prayers, marked the foreheads of the children with - the sign of the cross, and, instead of the concluding prayer, I - substituted a wish, “that God would bless the children, and make them live - to be as good servants to me, as I prayed him to make me a kind massa to - them;” upon which all present very gravely made me their lowest bows and - courtesies, and then gave me a loud huzza; so unusual a mode of - approbation at a christening that it had nearly overturned my seriousness; - and I made haste to serve out Madeira to the parents and assistants, that - they might drink the healths of the new Christians and of each other. The - mothers and the <i>graindee</i> were then called up to the table, and the - ladies in a family way were arranged behind them. - </p> - <p> - <i>Their</i> title in Jamaica is rather coarse, but very expressive. I - asked Cubina one day “who was that woman with a basket on her head?” - </p> - <p> - “Massa,” he answered, “that one belly-woman going to sell provisions at - the Bay.” As she was going to sell <i>provisions</i>, I supposed that <i>belly</i>-woman - was the name of her trade; but it afterwards appeared that she was one of - those females who had given in their names as being then labouring under - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “The pleasing punishment which women bear;” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - and who, in consequence, were discharged from all severe labour. I then - gave the <i>graundee</i> and the mothers a dollar each, and told them, - that for the future they might claim the same sum, in addition to their - usual allowance of clothes and provisions, for every infant which should - be brought to the overseer alive and well on the fourteenth day; and I - also gave each mother a present of a scarlet girdle with a silver medal in - the centre, telling her always to wear it on feasts and holidays, when it - should entitle her to marks of peculiar respect and attention, such as - being one of the first served, and receiving a larger portion than the - rest; that the <i>first</i> fault which she might commit, should be - forgiven on the production of this girdle; and that when she should have - any favour to ask, she should always put it round her waist, and be - assured, that on seeing it, the overseer would allow the wearer to be - entitled to particular indulgence. On every additional child an additional - medal is to be affixed to the belt, and precedence is to follow the - greater number of medals. I expected that this notion of an order of - honour would have been treated as completely fanciful and romantic; but to - my great surprise, my manager told me, that “he never knew a dollar better - bestowed than the one which formed the medal of the girdle, and that he - thought the institution likely to have a very good effect.” - </p> - <p> - Immediately after the christening the Eboe drums were produced, and in - defiance of Sunday the negroes had the irreverence to be gay and happy, - while the presents were getting in order for distribution. All the men got - jackets, the women seven yards of stuff each for petticoats, &c., and - the children as much printed cotton as would make a couple of frocks. The - Creoles were delighted beyond measure when some of the African male - negroes exclaimed, “Tank, massa,” and made a low courtesy in the confusion - of their gratitude. As they were all called to receive their presents - alphabetically in pairs, some of the combinations were very amusing. We - had Punch and Plato, Priam and Pam, Hemp and Hercules, and Minerva and - Moll come together. By twelve they dispersed, and I went to bed, as usual - on these occasions, with a violent headach. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 22. - </h3> - <p> - While I was at dinner, a violent uproar was heard below stairs. On - enquiry, it proved to be Cubina, quarrelling with his niece Phillis (a - goodlooking black girl employed about the house), about a broken pitcher; - and as her explanation did not appear satisfactory to him, he had thought - proper to give her a few boxes on the ear. Upon hearing this, I read him - such a lecture upon the baseness of a man’s striking a woman, and told him - with so much severity that his heart must be a bad one to commit such an - offence, that poor Cubina, having never heard a harsh word from me before, - scarcely knew whether he stood upon his head or his heels. When he - afterwards brought my coffee, he expressed his sorrow for having offended - me, and begged my pardon in the most humble manner. I told him, that to - obtain mine, he must first obtain that of Phillis, and he immediately - declared himself ready to make her any apology that I might dictate. So - the girl was called in; and her uncle going up to her, “I am very sorry, - Phillis,” said he, “that I gave way to high passion, and called you hard - names, and struck you: which I ought not to have done while massa was in - the house;” (here I was going to interrupt him, but he was too clever not - to perceive his blunder, and made haste to add) “nor if he had <i>not</i> - been here, nor at all; so I hope you will have the kindness to forgive me - this once, and I never will strike you again, and so I beg your pardon.” - And he then put out his hand to her in the most frank and hearty manner - imaginable; and on her accepting it, made her three or four of his very - lowest and most graceful bows. I furnished him with a piece of money to - give her as a peace-offering; they left the room thoroughly reconciled, - and in five minutes after they and the rest of the servants were all - chattering, laughing, and singing together, in the most perfect harmony - and good-humour. I suppose, if I had desired an upper servant in England - to make the same submission, he would have preferred quitting my service - to doing what he would have called “humbling himself to an inferior;” or, - if he had found himself compelled to give way, he would have been sulky - with the girl, and found fault with every thing that she did in the house - for a twelvemonth after. - </p> - <p> - On the other hand, there are some choice ungrateful scoundrels among the - negroes: on the night of their first dance, a couple of sheep disappeared - from the pen, although they could not have been taken from want of food, - as on that very morning there had been an ample distribution of fresh - beef; and last night another sheep and a quantity of poultry followed - them. Yesterday, too, a young rascal of a boy called “massa Jackey,” who - is in the frequent habit of running away for months at a time, and whom I - had distinguished from the cleverness of his countenance and buffoonery of - his manners, came to beg my permission to go and purchase food with some - money which I had just given him, “because he was almost starving; his - parents were dead, he had no provision-grounds, no allowance, and nobody - ever gave him anything.” Upon this I sent Cubina with the boy to the - storekeeper, when it appeared that he had always received a regular - allowance of provisions twice a week, which he generally sold, as well as - his clothes, at the Bay, for spirits; had received an additional portion - only last Friday; and, into the bargain, during the whole of that week had - been fed from the house. What he could propose to himself by telling a lie - which must be so soon detected, I cannot conceive; but I am assured, that - unless a negro has an interest in telling the truth, he always lies—in - order to keep his tongue in practice. - </p> - <p> - One species of flattery (or of <i>Congo-saw</i>, as we call it here) - amused me much this morning: an old woman who is in the hospital wanted to - express her gratitude for some stewed fish which I had sent her for - supper, and, instead of calling me “massa,” she always said—“Tank - him, <i>my husband</i>.” - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 24. - </h3> - <p> - This was a day of perpetual occupation. I rose at six o’clock, and went - down to the Bay to settle some business; on my return I visited the - hospital while breakfast was getting ready; and as soon as it was over, I - went down to the negro-houses to hear the whole body of Eboes lodge a - complaint against one of the book-keepers, and appoint a day for their - being heard in his presence. On my return to the house, I found two women - belonging to a neighbouring estate, who came to complain of cruel - treatment from their overseer, and to request me to inform their trustee - how ill they had been used, and see their injuries redressed. They said, - that having been ill in the hospital, and ordered to the field while they - were still too weak to work, they had been flogged with much severity - (though not beyond the limits of the law); and my head driver, who was - less scrupulously delicate than myself as to ocular inspection of Juliet’s - person (which Juliet, to do her justice, was perfectly ready to submit to - in proof of her assertions), told me, that the woman had certainly - suffered greatly; the other, whose name was Delia, was but just recovering - from a miscarriage, and declared openly that the overseer’s conduct had - been such, that nothing should have prevented her running away long ago if - she could but have had the heart to abandon a child which she had on the - estate. Both were poor feeble-looking creatures, and seemed very unfit - subjects for any severe correction. I promised to write to their trustee; - and, as they were afraid of being punished on their return home for having - thrown themselves on my protection, I wrote a note to the overseer, - requesting that the women might remain quite unmolested till the trustee’s - arrival, which was daily expected; and, with this note and a present of - cocoa-fingers and salt fish, Delia and Juliet departed, apparently much - comforted. - </p> - <p> - They were succeeded by no less a personage than <i>Venus</i> herself—a - poor, little, sickly, timid soul, who had purchased her freedom from my - father by substituting in her place a fine stout black wench, who, being - Venus’s <i>locum tenens</i>, was, by courtesy, called Venus, too, though - her right name was “Big Joan;” but, by some neglect of the then attorney, - Venus had never received any title, and she now came to beg “massa so good - as give paper;” otherwise she was still, to all intents and purposes, my - slave, and I might still have compelled her to work, although, at the same - time, her substitute was on the estate. Of course, I promised the paper - required, and engaged to act the part of a second Vulcan by releasing - Venus from my chains: but the paper was not the only thing that Venus - wanted; she also wanted a petticoat! She told me, that when the presents - were distributed on Sunday, the petticoat, which she would otherwise have - had, was, of course, “given to the <i>other</i> Venus;” and though, to be - sure, she was free now, yet, “when she belonged to massa, she had always - worked for him well,” and “she was quite as glad to see massa as the other - Venus,” and, therefore, “ought to have quite as much petticoat.” I tried - to convince her, that for Venus to wear a petticoat of blue durant, or, - indeed, any petticoat at all, would be quite unclassical: the goddess of - beauty stuck to her point, and finally carried off the petticoat. - </p> - <p> - Venus had scarcely evacuated the premises, when her place was occupied by - the minister of Savannah la Mar, with proposals for instructing the - negroes in religion; and the minister, in his turn, was replaced by one of - the Sunday-night thieves, who had been caught while in the actual - possession of one of my sheep and a great turkey-cock; and, to make the - matter worse, the depredator’s name was Hercules! Hercules, whom Virgil - states to have exercised so much severity on Cacus, when his own oxen were - stolen, was taken up himself for stealing my sheep in Jamaica! The - demi-god had nothing to say in his excuse: he had just received a large - allowance of beef:—therefore, hunger had no share in his - transgression; and the committing the offence during the very time that I - was giving the negroes a festival, rendered his ingratitude the more - flagrant. - </p> - <p> - I perfectly well understood that the man was sent to me by my agent, in - order to show the absolute necessity of sometimes employing the cart-whip, - and to see whether I would suffer the fellow to escape unpunished. But, as - this was the first offender who had been brought before me, I took that - for a pretext to absolve him: so I lectured him for half an hour with - great severity, swore that on the very next offence I would order him to - be sold; and that if he would not do his fair proportion of work without - being lashed, he should be sent to work somewhere else; for I would suffer - no such worthless fellows on my estate, and would not be at the expense of - a cart-whip to correct him. He promised most earnestly to behave better in - future, and Hercules was suffered to depart: but I am told that no good - can be expected of him; that he is perpetually running away; and that he - had been absent for five weeks together before my arrival, and only - returned home upon hearing that there was a distribution of beef, rum, and - jackets going forward; in return for all which, he stole my sheep and my - poor great turkey-cock. - </p> - <p> - But now came the most puzzling business of the day. About four years ago, - two Eboes, called Pickle and Edward, were rivals, after being intimate - friends: Pickle (who is an excellent faithful negro, but not very wise) - was the successful candidate; and, of course, the friendship was - interrupted, till Edward married the sister of the disputed fair one. From - this time the brothers-in-law lived in perfect harmony together; but, - during the first festival given on my arrival, Pickle’s house was broken - open, and robbed of all his clothes, &c. The thief was sought for, but - in vain. On Monday last I found Pickle in the hospital, complaining of a - pain in his side; and the blood, which had been taken from him, gave - reason to apprehend a pleurisy arising from cold; but, as the disorder had - been taken in its earliest stage, nothing dangerous was expected. The - fever abated; the medicines performed their offices properly; still the - man’s spirits and strength appeared to decline, and he persisted in saying - that he was not better, and should never do well. At length, to-day, he - got out of his sick bed, came to the house, attended by the whole body of - drivers, and accused his brother-in-law of having been the stealer of his - goods. I asked, “Had Edward been seen near his house? Had any of his - effects been seen in Edward’s possession? Did Edward refuse to suffer his - hut to be searched?” No. Edward, who was present, pressed for the most - strict scrutiny, and asserted his perfect ignorance; nor could the accuser - advance any grounds for the charge, except his belief of Edward’s guilt. - “Why did he think so?” After much beating about the bush, at length out - came the real <i>causa doloris</i>—“Edward had <i>Obeahed</i> him!” - He had accused Edward of breaking open his house, and had begged him to - help him to his goods again; and “Edward had gone at midnight into the - bush” (i. e. the wood), and “had gathered the plant whangra, which he had - boiled in an iron pot, by a fire of leaves, over which he went pufij - puffie!” and said the sautee-sautee; and then had cut the whangra root - into four pieces, three to bury at the plantation gates, and one to burn; - and to each of these three pieces he gave the name of a Christian, one of - which was Daniel, and Edward had said, that this would help him to find - his goods; but instead of that, he had immediately felt this pain in his - side, and therefore he was sure that, instead of using Obeah to find his - goods, Edward had used it to kill himself. “And were these all his - reasons?” I enquired. “No; when he married, Edward was very angry at the - loss of his mistress, and had said that they never would live well and - happily together; and they never <i>had</i> lived happily and well - together.” - </p> - <p> - This last argument quite got the better of my gravity. By parity of - reasoning, I thought that almost every married couple in Great Britain - must be under the influence of Obeah! I endeavoured to convince the fellow - of his folly and injustice, especially as the person accused was the - identical man who had detected the Obeah priest harboured in one of my - negro huts last year, had seized him with his own hands, and delivered him - up to my agent, who had prosecuted and transported him. It was, therefore, - improbable in the highest degree, that he should be an Obeah man himself; - and all the bystanders, black and white, joined me in ridiculing Pickle - for complaints so improbable and childish. But anger, argument, and irony - were all ineffectual. I offered to christen him, and expel black Obeah by - white, but in vain; the fellow persisted in saying, that “he had a pain in - his side, and, <i>therefore</i>, Edward must have given it to him;” and he - went back to his hospital, shaking his head all the way, sullen and - unconvinced. He is a young strong negro, perfectly well disposed, and - doing his due portion of work willingly; and it will be truly provoking to - lose him by the influence of this foolish prejudice. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 25. - </h3> - <p> - I sent for Edward, had him alone with me for above two hours, and pressed - him most earnestly to confide in me. I gave him a dollar to convince him - of my good-will towards him; assured him that whatever he might tell me - should remain a secret between us; said, that I was certain of his not - having used any poison, or done any thing really mischievous; but as I - suspected him of having played some monkey-tricks or other, which, however - harmless in themselves, had evidently operated dangerously upon Pickle’s - imagination, I begged him to tell me precisely what had passed, in order - that I might counteract its baleful effects. In reply, Edward swore to me - most solemnly, “by the great God Almighty, who lives above the clouds,” - that he never had used any such practices: that he had never gone into the - wood to gather whangra; and that he had considered Pickle, from the moment - of his own marriage, as his brother, and had always, till then, loved him - as such. His eyes filled with tears while he protested that he should be - as sorry for Pickle’s death as if it were himself; and he complained - bitterly of having the ill name of an Obeah man given to him, which made - him feared and shunned by his companions, and entirely without cause. But - he said that he was certain that Pickle would never have suspected him of - such a crime, if a third person had not put it into his head. There is a - negro on my estate called Adam, who has been long and strongly suspected - of having connections with Obeah men. When Edward was quite young, he was - under this fellow’s superintendence, and he now assured me, that Adam had - not only endeavoured to draw him into similar practices, but had even - pressed him very earnestly to lay a magical egg under the door of a - book-keeper whose conduct had been obnoxious. Edward had positively - refused: from that moment his superintendent, from being his protector, - had become his enemy, had shown him spite upon every occasion; and he it - was, he had no doubt, who, for the purpose of injuring him, had put this - foolish notion into Pickle’s head. - </p> - <p> - Upon enquiry it appeared, that on the very morning succeeding Pickle’s - entering the hospital, this suspected man had gone there also, on pretence - of sickness, and had remained there to watch the invalid; although it was - so evident that nothing was the matter with him, that the doctor had - frequently ordered him to the field, but the man had always found means - for evading the order. The first thing that we now did was to turn him out - of the sick-house, neck and heels; I then took Edward with me to Pickle’s - bedside, where the former told his brother-in-law, that if he had ever - done any thing to offend him, he heartily begged his pardon; that he swore - by the Almighty God that he had never been in the bush to hurt him, nor - any where else; on the contrary, that he had always loved him, and wished - him well; and that he now begged him to be friends with him again, to - forget and forgive all former quarrels, and to accept the hand which he - offered him in all sincerity. The sick man also confessed, that he had - always loved Edward as his brother, had “eaten and drunk with him for many - years with perfect good-will,” and that it was his ingratitude for such - affection which vexed him more than any thing. On this I told him, that I - insisted upon their being good friends for the future, and that I should - never hear the word Obeah, or any such nonsense, mentioned on my estate, - on pain of my extreme displeasure. I promised that, as soon as Pickle - should be quite recovered, I would buy for him exactly a set of such - things as had been stolen from him; that Edward should bring them to his - house, to show that he had rather give him things than take them away; and - I then desired to see them shake hands. They did so, with much apparent - cordiality; Edward then went back to his work; and this evening, when I - sent him a dish from my table, Pickle desired the servant to tell me, that - he had hardly any fever, and felt “<i>quite so so</i>,” which, in the - negro dialect, means “a great deal better.” I begin, therefore, to hope - that we shall save the foolish fellow’s life at last, which, at one time, - appeared to be in great jeopardy. - </p> - <p> - There was a great dinner and ball for the whole county given to-day at - Montego Bay, to which I was invited; but I begged leave to decline this - and all other invitations, being determined to give up my whole time to my - negroes during my stay in Jamaica. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 26. - </h3> - <p> - Every morning my agent regales me with some fresh instance of - insubordination: he says nothing plainly, but shakes his head, and - evidently gives me to understand, that the estate cannot be governed - properly without the cart-whip. It seems that this morning, the women, one - and all, refused to carry away the <i>trash</i> (which is one of the - easiest tasks that can be set), and that without the slightest pretence: - in consequence, the mill was obliged to be stopped; and when the driver on - that station insisted on their doing their duty, a little fierce young - devil of a Miss Whaunica flew at his throat, and endeavoured to strangle - him: the agent was obliged to be called in, and, at length, this petticoat - rebellion was subdued, and every thing went on as usual. I have, in - consequence, assured the women, that since they will not be managed by - fair treatment, I must have recourse to other measures; and that, if any - similar instance of misconduct should take place, I was determined, on my - return from Kingston, to sell the most refractory, ship myself immediately - for England, and never return to them and Jamaica more. This threat, at - the time, seemed to produce a great effect; all hands were clasped, and - all voices were raised, imploring me not to leave them, and assuring me, - that in future they would do their work quietly and willingly. But whether - the impression will last beyond the immediate moment is a point greatly to - be doubted. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 27. - </h3> - <p> - Another morning, with the mill stopped, no liquor in the boiling-house, - and no work done. The driver brought the most obstinate and insolent of - the women to be lectured by me; and I bounced and stormed for half an hour - with all my might and main, especially at Whaunica, whose ingratitude was - peculiar; as she is the wife of Edward, the Eboe, whom I had been - protecting against the charge of theft and Obeahism, and had shown him - more than usual kindness. They, at last, appeared to be very penitent and - ashamed of themselves, and engaged never to behave ill again, if I would - but forgive them this present fault; Whaunica, in particular, assuring me - very earnestly, that I never should have cause to accuse her of “bad - manners” again; for, in negro dialect, ingratitude is always called “bad - manners.” My agent declares, that they never conducted themselves so ill - before; that they worked cheerfully and properly till my arrival; but now - they think that I shall protect them against all punishment, and have made - regularly ten hogsheads of sugar a week less than they did before my - coming upon the estate. This is the more provoking, as, by delaying the - conclusion of the crop, the latter part of it may be driven into the rainy - season, and then the labour is infinitely more severe both for the slaves - and the cattle, and more detrimental to their health. - </p> - <p> - The minister of Savannah la Mar has shown me a plan for the religious - instruction of the negroes, which was sent to him by the ecclesiastical - commissaries at Kingston. It consisted but of two points: against the - first (which recommended the slaves being <i>ordered</i> to go to church - on a Sunday) I positively declared myself. Sunday is now the absolute - property of the negroes for their relaxation, as Saturday is for the - cultivation of their grounds; and I will not suffer a single hour of it to - be taken from them for any purpose whatever. If my slaves choose to go to - church on Sundays, so much the better; but not one of them shall be <i>ordered</i> - to do one earthly thing on Sundays, but that which he chooses himself. The - second article recommended occasional pastoral visits of the minister to - the different estates; and in this respect I promised to give him every - facility—although I greatly doubt any good effect being produced by - a few short visits, at considerable intervals, on the minds of ignorant - creatures, to whom no palpable and immediate benefit is offered. It - appears, indeed, to me, that the only means of giving the negroes morality - and religion must be through the medium of education, and their being - induced to read such books in the minister’s absence as may recall to - their thoughts what they have heard from him; otherwise, he may talk for - an hour, and they will have understood but little—and remember - nothing. There is not a single negro among my whole three hundred who can - read a line; and what I suppose to be wanted on West-Indian estates is not - an importation of missionaries, but of schoolmasters on Dr. Bell’s plan, - if it could by any means be introduced here with effect. However, in the - mean while I told the minister, that I was perfectly well inclined to have - every measure tried that might enlighten the minds of the negroes, - provided it did not interfere with their own hours of leisure, and were - not compulsory. I mentioned to him a plan for commencing his instructions - under the most favourable auspices, of which he seemed to approve; and he - has promised to make occasional visits on my estate during my absence, - which may do good and can do no harm; and, even should it fail to make the - negroes religious, will, at least, add another humane inspector to my - list. Soon after the minister’s departure, John Fuller came to repair one - of the windows. Now John is in great disgrace with me in one respect. - Instead of having a wife on the estate, he keeps one at the Bay, so that - his children will not belong to me. Phillis, too, who formerly lived with - John, says, that she parted with him, because he threw away all his money - upon the Bay girls; though John asserts that the cause of separation was - his catching the false Phillis coming out of one of the book-keepers’ - bedrooms. - </p> - <p> - However, it is certain, that now his connections are all at the Bay; and I - have assured him, that if he does not provide himself with a wife at - Cornwall, before my return from Kingston, I will put him up to auction, - and call the girls together to bid for him, one offering half a dozen - yams, and another a bit of salt fish; and the highest bidder shall carry - him off as her property. But to-day, as he came into the room just as the - minister left it, I told him that Dr. Pope was coming to give the negroes - some instruction; and that he had left part of a catechism for him, which - he was to get by heart against his next visit. John promised to study it - diligently, and went off to get it read to him by one of the book-keepers. - Several of his companions came to hear it from curiosity, and the - book-keeper read aloud:— - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - “John Fuller is gone to the Bay, boys, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - On the girls to spend his cash; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And when John Fuller comes home, boys, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - John Fuller deserves the lash.” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - So John went away shaking his head, and saying, “Massa had told him, that - the minister had left that paper to make him a better Christian. But he - was certain that the minister had nothing to do with that, and that massa - had made it all himself about the Bay girls.” - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 28. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - I shall have enough to do in Jamaica if I accept all the offices that are - pressed upon me. A large body of negroes, from a neighbouring estate, came - over to Cornwall this morning, to complain of hard treatment, in various - ways, from their overseer and drivers, and requesting me to represent - their injuries to their trustee here, and their proprietor in England. The - charges were so strong, that I am certain that they must be fictitious; - however, I listened to their story with patience; promised that the - trustee (whom I was to see in a few days) should know their complaint;—and - they went away apparently satisfied. Then came a runaway negro, who wanted - to return home, and requested me to write a few lines to his master, to - save him from the lash. He was succeeded by a poor creature named Bessie, - who, although still a young woman, is dispensed with from labour, on - account of her being afflicted with the <i>cocoa-bay</i>, one of the most - horrible of negro diseases. It shows itself in large blotches and - swellings, and which generally, by degrees, moulder away the joints of the - toes and fingers, till they rot and drop off; sometimes as much as half a - foot will go at once. As the disease is communicable by contact, the - person so afflicted is necessarily shunned by society; and this poor - woman, who is married to John Fuller, one of the best young men on the - estate, and by whom she has had four children (although they are all - dead), has for some time been obliged to live separated from him, lest he - should be destroyed by contracting the same complaint. She now came to - tell me, that she wanted a blanket, “for that the cold killed her of - nights;” cold being that which negroes dislike most, and from which most - of their illnesses arise. Of course she got her blanket; then she said, - that she wanted medicine for her complaint. “Had not the doctor seen her?” - </p> - <p> - “Oh, yes! Dr. Goodwin; but the white doctor could do her no good. She - wanted to go to a black doctor, named Ormond, who belonged to a - neighbouring gentleman.” I told her, that if this black doctor understood - her particular disease better than others, certainly she should go to him; - but that if he pretended to cure her by charms or spells, or any thing but - medicine, I should desire his master to cure the black doctor by giving - him the punishment proper for such an impostor. Upon this Bessie burst - into tears, and said “that Ormond was not an Obeah man, and that she had - suffered too much by Obeah men to wish to have any more to do with them. - She had made Adam her enemy by betraying him, when he had attempted to - poison the former attorney; he had then cursed her, and wished that she - might never be hearty again: and from that very time her complaint had - declared itself; and her poor pickaninies had all died away, one after - another; and she was sure that it was Adam who had done all this mischief - by Obeah.” Upon this, I put myself in a great rage, and asked her “how she - could believe that God would suffer a low wicked fellow like Adam to make - good people die, merely because he wished them dead?” - </p> - <p> - “She did not know; she knew nothing about God; had never heard of any such - Being, nor of any other world.” I told her, that God was a great - personage, “who lived up yonder above the blue, in a place full of - pleasures and free from pains, where Adam and wicked people could not - come; that her pickaninies were not dead for ever, but were only gone up - to live with God, who was good, and would take care of them for her; and - that if she were good, when she died, she too would go up to God above the - blue, and see all her four pickaninies again.” The idea seemed so new and - so agreeable, to the poor creature, that she clapped her hands together, - and began laughing for joy; so I said to her every thing that I could - imagine likely to remove her prejudice; told her that I should make it a - crime even so much as to mention the word Obeah on the estate; and that, - if any negro from that time forward should be proved to have accused - another of Obeahing him, or of telling another that he had been Obeahed, - he should forfeit his share of the next present of salt-fish, which I - meant soon to distribute among the slaves, and should never receive any - favour from me in future; so I gave Bessie a piece of money, and she - seemed to go away in better spirits than she came. - </p> - <p> - This Adam, of whom she complained, is a most dangerous fellow, and the - terror of all his companions, with whom he lives in a constant state of - warfare. He is a creole, born on my own property, and has several sisters, - who have obtained their freedom, and are in every respect creditable and - praiseworthy; and to one of whom I consider myself as particularly - indebted, as she was the means of saving poor Richard’s life, when the - tyranny of the overseer had brought him almost to the brink of the grave. - But this brother is in every thing the very reverse of his sisters: there - is no doubt of his having (as Bessie stated) infused poison into the - water-jars through spite against the late superintendent. It was this same - fellow whom Edward suspected of having put into his brother-in-law’s head - the idea of his having been bewitched; and it was also in his hut that the - old Obeah man was found concealed, whom my attorney seized and transported - last year. He is, unfortunately, clever and plausible; and I am told that - the mischief which he has already done, by working upon the folly and - superstition of his fellows, is incalculable; yet I cannot get rid of him: - the law will not suffer any negro to be shipped off the island, until he - shall have been convicted of felony at the sessions; I cannot sell him, - for nobody would buy him, nor even accept him, if I would offer them so - dangerous a present; if he were to go away, the law would seize him, and - bring him back to me, and I should be obliged to pay heavily for his - re-taking and his maintenance in the workhouse. In short, I know not what - I can do with him, except indeed make a Christian of him! This might - induce the negroes to believe, that he had lost his infernal power by the - superior virtue of the holy water; but, perhaps he may refuse to be - christened. However, I will at least ask him the question; and if he - consents, I will send him—and a couple of dollars—to the - clergyman—for he shall not have so great a distinction as baptism - from massa’s own hand—and see what effect “white Obeah” will have in - removing the terrors of this professor of the black. - </p> - <p> - As to my sick Obeah patient, Pickle, from the moment of his reconciliation - with his brother-inlaw he began to mend, and has recovered with wonderful - rapidity: the fellow seems <i>really</i> grateful for the pains which I - have taken about him; and our difficulty now is to prevent his fancying - himself too soon able to quit the hospital, so eager is he to return “to - work for massa.” - </p> - <p> - There are certainly many excellent qualities in the negro character; their - worst faults appear to be, this prejudice respecting Obeah, and the - facility with which they are frequently induced to poison to the right - hand and to the left. A neighbouring gentleman, as I hear, has now three - negroes in prison, all domestics, and one of them grown grey in his - service, for poisoning him with corrosive sublimate; his brother was - actually killed by similar means; yet I am assured that both of them were - reckoned men of great humanity. Another agent, who appears to be in high - favour with the negroes whom he now governs, was obliged to quit an - estate, from the frequent attempts to poison him; and a person against - whom there is no sort of charge alleged for tyranny, after being brought - to the doors of death by a cup of coffee, only escaped a second time by - his civility, in giving the beverage, prepared for himself to two young - book-keepers, to both of whom it proved fatal. It, indeed, came out, - afterwards, that this crime was also effected by the abominable belief in - Obeah: the woman, who mixed the draught, had no idea of its being poison; - but she had received the deleterious ingredients from an Obeah man, as “a - charm to make her massa good to her;” by which the negroes mean, the - compelling a person to give another every thing for which that other may - ask him. - </p> - <p> - Next to this vile trick of poisoning people (arising, doubtless, in a - great measure, from their total want of religion, and their ignorance of a - future state, which makes them dread no punishment hereafter for - themselves, and look with but little respect on human life in others), the - greatest drawback upon one’s comfort in a Jamaica existence seems to me to - be the being obliged to live perpetually in public. Certainly, if a man - was desirous of leading a life of vice <i>here</i>, he must have set - himself totally above shame, for he may depend upon every thing done by - him being seen and known. The houses are absolutely transparent; the walls - are nothing but windows—and all the doors stand wide open. No - servants are in waiting to announce arrivals: visiters, negroes, dogs, - cats, poultry, all walk in and out, and up and down your living-rooms, - without the slightest ceremony. - </p> - <p> - Even the Temple of Cloacina (which, by the bye, is here very elegantly - spoken of generally as “<i>The</i> Temple,”) is as much latticed and as - pervious to the eye as any other part of my premises; and many a time has - my delicacy been put to the blush by the ill-timed civility of some old - woman or other, who, wandering that way, and happening to cast her eye to - the left, has stopped her course to curtsy very gravely, and pay me the - passing compliment of an “Ah, massa! bless you, massa! how day?” - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 29. - </h3> - <p> - I find that Bessie’s black doctor is really nothing more than a professor - of medicine as to this particular disease; and I have ordered her to be - sent to him in the mountains immediately. Several gentlemen of the county - dined with me to-day, and when they left me, one of the carriages - contrived to get overturned, and the right shoulder of one of the - gentlemen was dislocated. Luckily, it happened close to the house; and as - the physician who attends my estate had dined with me also, a boy, on a - mule, was despatched after him with all haste. He was soon with us, the - bone was replaced with perfect ease, and this morning the patient left me - with every prospect of finding no bad effects whatever from his accident. - </p> - <p> - We had at dinner a land tortoise and a barbecued pig, two of the best and - richest dishes that I ever tasted;—the latter, in particular—which - was dressed in the true maroon fashion, being placed on a barbecue (a - frame of wicker-work, through whose interstices the steam can ascend), - filled with peppers and spices of the highest flavour, wrapt in plantain - leaves, and then buried in a hole filled with hot stones, by whose vapour - it is baked, no particle of the juice being thus suffered to evaporate. I - have eaten several other good Jamaica dishes, but none so excellent as - this, a large portion of which was transferred to the most infirm patients - in the hospital. Perhaps an English physician would have felt every hair - of his wig bristle upon his head with astonishment, at hearing me ask, - this morning, a woman in a fever, how her bark and her barbe cued pig had - agreed with her. But, with negroes, I find that feeding the sick upon - stewed fish and pork, highly seasoned, produces the very best effects - possible. - </p> - <p> - Some of the fruits here are excellent, such as shaddocks, oranges, - granadelloes, forbidden fruit; and one between an orange and a lemon, - called “the grape or cluster fruit,” appears to me quite delicious. For - the vegetables, I cannot say so much, yams, plantains, cocoa poyers, - yam-poys, bananas, &c. look and taste all so much alike, that I - scarcely know one from the other: they are all something between bread and - potatoes, not so good as either, and I am quite tired of them all. The - Lima Bean is said to be more like a pea than a bean, but whatever it be - like, it appeared to me very indifferent. As to peas themselves, nothing - can be worse. The achie fruit is a kind of vegetable, which generally is - fried in butter; many people, I am told, are fond of it, but I could find - no merit in it. The palm-tree (or abba, as it is called here) produces a - long scarlet or reddish brown cone, which separates into beads, each of - which contains a roasting nut surrounded by a kind of stringy husk—which, - being boiled in salt and water, upon being chewn has a taste of artichoke, - but the consistence is very disagreeable. The only native vegetable, which - I like much, is the ochra, which tastes like asparagus, though not with - quite so delicate a flavour. - </p> - <p> - As to fish, the variety is endless; but I think it rather consists in - variety of names than of flavour. From this, however, I must except the - Silk-Fish and Mud-Fish, and above all, the Mountain-Mullet, which is - almost the best fish that I ever tasted. All the shell-fish, that I have - met with as yet, have been excellent; the oysters have not come, in my - way, but I am told that they are not only poor and insipid, but frequently - are so poisonous that I had better not venture upon them; and so ends this - chapter of the “Almanach des Gourmands” for Jamaica. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 30. - </h3> - <p> - There were above twenty ladies literally at my feet this morning. I went - down to the negro-village to speak to Bessie about going to her black - doctor; and all the refractory females of last week heard of my being - there, and came in a body to promise better conduct for the future, and - implore me not to go away. The sight of my carriage getting ready to take - me to Kingston, and the arrival of post-horses, had alarmed them with the - idea that I was really going to put my threats into execution of leaving - them for ever. They had artfully enough prevailed on the wife of Clifford - (the driver whom Whannica had collared) to be their spokes-woman; and they - begged, and lifted up their folded hands, and cried, and fell on the - ground, and kissed my feet—and, in short, acted their part so well, - that they almost made me act mine to perfection, and fall to blubbering. I - told them, that I certainly should go to Kingston on Thursday; but if I - had good accounts of them during my absence, I should return in a few - days;—if, on the contrary, the idle negroes continued to refuse to - work without compulsion, then, in justice to the good ones (who last week - were obliged to do more than their share), those punishments, which I had - stopped, must be resumed;—but that, as Cornwall would be - unsupportable to me, if I could not live there without hearing the crack - of the abominable cart-whip all day long, I would not return to it, but - ship myself off for England, and never visit them or Jamaica any more. And - then I talked very sternly and positively about “punishments” and “making - bad negroes do their work properly,” and every third word was the - cart-whip, till I almost fancied myself the princess in the “Fairy Tale,” - who never opened her mouth, but out came two toads and three couple of - serpents. However, to sweeten my oration a little at the end, I told them, - that, “having enquired closely into the characters of the present - book-keepers, I had found no charge against any of them except one, who - was accused of having occasionally struck a negro, of using bad language - to them, and of being a hasty passionate man, though in other respects - very serviceable to the estate. But although these faults were but - trifling, and some of them not proved, so determined was I to show that I - would suffer no white person on the estate who maltreated the negroes, - either by word or deed, that I had determined to make an example of him - for the warning of the rest; and accordingly had dismissed him this - morning.” - </p> - <p> - The man in question (by his own account) had made himself obnoxious to - them; and on hearing of his discharge, they, one and all, sprawled upon - the ground in such a rapture of joy and gratitude, that now I may safely - say with Sir Andrew Aguecheek, “I was adored once!” - </p> - <p> - The book-keeper had denied positively the charge of striking the negroes, - and ascribed it to the revenge of the Eboe Edward, whom he had detected in - cutting out part of a boiling-house window, in order that he might pass - out stolen sugar unperceived; for, to do the negroes justice, it is a - doubt whether they are the greatest thieves or liars, and the quantity of - sugar which they purloin during the crop, and dispose of at the Bay for a - mere trifle, is enormous. However, whether the charge of striking were - true or not, it was sufficiently proved that this book-keeper was a - passionate man, and he said himself, “that the negroes had conceived a - spite against him,” which alone were reasons enough for removing him. - Indeed, I had the less scruple from the slight nature of his offence - making it easy for him to find another situation; and I have besides - desired him to stay out his quarter on the estate, and then receive a - double salary on going away, which will free him from any charge of having - been dismissed disgracefully. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 31. - </h3> - <p> - I went to enquire after my petitioners Juliet and Delia, and had the - satisfaction to find that the trustee had enquired into their complaint; - and, as it appeared not to be entirely unfounded, he had done every thing - that was right and necessary. Aberdeen, too, the runaway cooper, who had - applied to me to obtain his pardon, had been suffered to return to his - work unpunished; and as it had been found that his flight had in a great - measure been occasioned by his being in a bad state of health, which - rendered him apprehensive of being put to labour beyond his strength, he - had been permitted to select his own occupation, which, of course, was the - easiest one in his trade. But I found it a more difficult matter to - ascertain the truth or falsehood of the charges brought to me on Sunday - last: the books positively contradicted them, but the register might have - been falsely kept; and as the negroes persisted most positively in their - complaint against the overseer (particularly as to his having curtailed - them of the legal allowance of time for their meals, and the cultivation - of their own grounds) with the concurrence of the trustee, I wrote to the - magistrates of the county, desiring that they would summon the negroes in - question before a council of protection, and examine into the injuries of - which they had complained to me. - </p> - <p> - FEBRUARY 1. (Thursday.) - </p> - <p> - I left Cornwall for Spanish Town at six in the morning, accompanied by a - young naval officer, the son of my next neighbour, Mr. Hill of Amity, who - not only was good enough to lend me a kittereen, with a canopy, to perform - my journey, but his son to be my <i>cicerone</i> on my tour. The road - wound through mountain passes, or else on a shelf of rock so narrow—though - without the slightest danger—that one of the wheels was frequently - in the sea, while my other side was fenced by a line of bold broken - cliffs, clothed with trees completely from their brows down to the very - edge of the water. Between eight and nine we reached a solitary tavern, - called Blue-fields, where the horses rested for a couple of hours. It had - a very pretty garden on the sea-shore, which contained a picturesque - cottage, exactly resembling an ornamental Hermitage; and leaning against - one of the pillars of its porch we found a young girl, who exactly - answered George Colman’s description of Yarico, “quite brown, but - extremely genteel, like a Wedgewood teapot.” She told us that she was a - Spanish creole, who had fled with her mother from the disputes between the - royalists and independents in the island of Old Providence; and the owner - of the tavern being a relation of her mother, he had permitted the - fugitives to establish themselves in his garden-cottage, till the troubles - of their own country should be over. She talked perfectly good English, - for she said that there were many of that nation established in - Providence. Her name was Antonietta. Her figure was light and elegant; her - black eyes mild and bright; her countenance intelligent and good-humoured; - and her teeth beautiful to perfection: altogether, Antonietta was by far - the handsomest creole that I have ever seen. - </p> - <p> - From Blue-fields we proceeded at once to Lakovia (a small village), a - stage of thirty miles. Here we found a relay of horses, which conveyed us - by seven o’clock to “the Gutturs;” a house belonging to the proprietor of - the post-horses, and which is situated at the very foot of the tremendous - May-day Mountains. The house is an excellent one, and we found good beds, - eatables, and, in short, every thing that travellers could wish. The - distance from Lakovia to “the Gutturs” is sixteen miles. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 2. - </h3> - <p> - Yesterday the only very striking point of view (although the whole of the - road was picturesque) was “the Cove,” situated between Blue-fields and - Lakovia, and which resembled the most beautiful of the views of coves to - be found in “Cook’s Voyages,” but our journey to-day was a succession of - beautiful scenes, from beginning to end. Instantly on leaving “the - Gutturs,” we began to ascend the May-day Mountains, and it was not till - after travelling for five and twenty miles, that we found ourselves at the - foot of them on the other side, at a place called Williamsfield, about - twelve miles from the toll-house, where we rested for the night. To be - sure, the road was so rough, that it was enough to make one envy the - Mahometan women, who, having no souls at all, could not possibly have them - jolted out of their bodies; but the beauty of the scenery amply rewarded - us for our bruised sides and battered backs. The road was, for the most - part, bounded by lofty rocks on one side, and a deep precipice on the - other, and bordered with a profusion of noble trees and flowering shrubs - in great variety. In particular, I was struck with the picturesque - appearance of some wild fig-trees of singular size and beauty. Although - there were only two of us, besides servants, we found it necessary to - employ seven horses and a couple of mules; and, as our cavalcade wound - along through the mountains, the Spanish look of our sumpter-mules, and of - our kittereens (which are precisely the vehicle in which Gil Bias is - always represented when travelling with Scipio towards Lirias) gave us - quite the appearance of a caravan; nor should I have been greatly - surprised to see a trap-door open in the middle of the road, and Captain - Rolando’s whiskers make their appearance. Every one spoke to me with - contempt of this south road, in respect of beauty, when compared with the - north; however, it certainly seemed to me more beautiful than any road - which I have ever travelled as yet. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 3. - </h3> - <p> - A stage of twenty miles brought us to Old Harbour, and, passing through - the Dry River, twelve more landed us at Spanish Town, otherwise called St. - Jago de la Vega, and the seat of government in Jamaica, although Kingston - is much larger and more populous, and must be considered as the principal - town. We found very clean and comfortable lodgings at Miss Cole’s. Spanish - Town has no recommendations whatever; the houses are mostly built of wood: - the streets are very irregular and narrow; every alternate building is in - a ruinous state, and the whole place wears an air of gloom and melancholy. - The government house is a large clumsy-looking brick building, with a - portico the stucco of which has suffered by the weather, and it can - advance no pretensions to architectural beauty. On one side of the square - in which it stands there is a small temple protecting a statue of Lord - Rodney, executed by Bacon: some of the bas-reliefs on the pedestal - appeared to me very good; but the old admiral is most absurdly dressed in - the habit of a Roman General, and furnished out with buskins and a - truncheon. The temple itself is quite in opposition to good taste, with - very low arches, surmounted by heavy bas reliefs out of all proportion. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 4. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - We breakfasted with the Chief Justice, who is my relation, and of my own - name, and then went to the church, which is a very handsome one; the walls - lined with fine mahogany, and ornamented with many monuments of white - marble, in memory of the former governors and other principal inhabitants. - It seems that my ancestors, on both sides, have always had a taste for - being well lodged after their decease; for, on admiring one of these - tombs, it proved to be that of my maternal grandfather; but still this was - not to be compared for a moment with my mausoleum at Cornwall. After - church I went home with the Rector, who is one of the ecclesiastical - commissaries, and had a long conversation with him respecting a plan which - is in agitation for giving the negroes something of a religious education. - We afterwards dined with the member for Westmoreland; and as every body in - Jamaica is on foot by six in the morning, at ten in the evening we were - quite ready to go to bed. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 5. - </h3> - <p> - The Chief Justice went with me to Kingston, where I had appointed the - agent for my other estate in St. Thomas-in-the-East to meet me. The short - time allotted for my stay in the island makes it impossible to attend - properly both to this estate and to Cornwall at this first visit, and - therefore I determined to confine my attention to the negroes on the - latter estate till my return to Jamaica. I now contented myself by - impressing on the mind of my agent (whom I am certain of being a most - humane and intelligent man) my extreme anxiety for the abolition of the - cart-whip; and I had the satisfaction of hearing from him, that for a long - time it had never been used more than perhaps twice in the year, and then - only very slightly, and for some offence so flagrant that it was - impossible to pass it over; and he assured me, that whenever I visit - Hordley, I may depend upon its not being employed at all. On the other - hand, I am told that a gentleman of the parish of Vere, who came over to - Jamaica for the sole purpose of ameliorating the condition of his negroes, - after abolishing the cart-whip, has at length been constrained to resume - the occasional use of it, because he found it utterly impossible to keep - them in any sort of subordination without it. - </p> - <p> - There is not that air of melancholy about Kingston which pervades Spanish - Town; but it has no pretensions to beauty; and if any person will imagine - a large town entirely composed of booths at a race-course, and the streets - merely roads, without any sort of paving, he will have, a perfect idea of - Kingston. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 6. - </h3> - <p> - The Jamaica canoes are hollowed cotton-trees. We embarked in one of them - at six in the morning, and visited the ruins of Port Royal, which, last - year, was destroyed by fire: some of the houses were rebuilding; but it - was a melancholy sight, not only from the look of the half-burnt - buildings, but the dejected countenances of the ruined inhabitants. I - returned to breakfast at the rectory, with two other ecclesiastical - commissaries; had more conversation about their proposed plan; and became - still more convinced of the difficulty of doing any thing effectual - without danger to the island and to the negroes themselves, and of the - extreme delicacy requisite in whatever may be attempted. We afterwards - visited the school of the children of the poor, who are educating upon Dr. - Bell’s system; and then saw the church, a very large and handsome one on - the inside, but mean enough as to its exterior. I was shown the tombstone - of Admiral Benbow, who was killed in a naval engagement, and whose ship - afterwards - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Bore down to Port Royal, where the people flocked very - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - much - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To see brave Admiral Benbow laid in Kingston Town - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - Church,” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - as the admiral’s Homer informs us. - </p> - <p> - The church is a large one, but it is going to be still further extended; - the negroes in Kingston and its neighbourhood being (as the rector assured - me) so anxious to obtain religious instruction, that on Sundays not only - the church but the churchyard is so completely thronged with them, as to - make it difficult to traverse the crowd; and those who are fortunate - enough to obtain seats for the morning service, through fear of being - excluded from that of the evening, never stir out of the church during the - whole day. They also flock to be baptized in great numbers, and many have - lately come to be married; and their burials and christenings are - performed with great pomp and solemnity. - </p> - <p> - One of the most intelligent of the negroes with whom I have yet conversed, - was the coxswain of my Port Royal canoe. I asked him whether he had been - christened? He answered, no; he did not yet think himself good enough, but - he hoped to be so in time. Nor was he married; for he was still young, and - afraid that he could not break off his bad habits, and be contented to - live with no other woman than his wife; and so he thought it better not to - become a Christian till he could feel certain of performing the duties of - it. However, he said, he had at least cured himself of one bad custom, and - never worked upon Sundays, except on some very urgent necessity. I asked - what he did on Sundays instead: did he go to church?—No. Or employ - himself in learning to read?—Oh, no; though he thought being able to - read <i>was a great virtue</i>; (which was his constant expression for any - thing right, pleasant, or profitable;) but he had no leisure to learn, no - week days, and as he had heard the parson say that Sunday ought to be a - day of rest, he made a point of doing nothing at all on that day. He - praised his former master, of whose son he was now the property, and said - that neither of them had ever occasion to lay a finger on him. He worked - as a waterman, and paid his master ten shillings a week, the rest of his - earnings being his own profit; and when he owed wages for three months, if - he brought two his master would always give him time for the remainder, - and that in so kind a manner, that he always fretted himself to think that - so kind a master should wait for his rights, and worked twice as hard till - the debt was discharged. He said that kindness was the only way to make - good negroes, and that, if <i>that</i> failed, flogging would never - succeed; and he advised me, when I found my negro worthless, “to sell him - at once, and not stay to flog him, and so, by spoiling his appearance, - make him sell for less; for blacks must not be treated now, massa, as they - used to be; they can think, and hear, and see, as well as white people: - blacks are wiser, massa, than they were, and will soon be still wiser.” I - thought the fellow himself was a good proof of his assertion. - </p> - <p> - I left Kingston at two o’clock, in defiance of a broiling sun; reached - Spanish Town in time to dine with the Attorney-General; and went - afterwards to the play, where I found my acquaintance Mr. Hill of Covent - Garden theatre performing Lord William in “The Haunted Tower,” and Don - Juan in the pantomime which followed. The theatre is neat enough, but, I - am told, very inferior in splendour to that in Kingston. As to the - performance, it was about equal to any provincial theatricals that I ever - saw in England; although the pieces represented were by no means well - selected, being entirely musical, and the orchestra consisting of nothing - more than a couple of fiddles. My stay in Spanish Town has been too short - to admit of my inspecting the antiquities of it, which must be reserved - for a future visit, although I never intend to make a longer than the - present. The difference of climate was very sensible, both at Spanish Town - and Kingston; and the suffocating closeness made me long to breathe again - in the country. - </p> - <p> - The governor happened to be absent on a tour in the north; but I had an - opportunity of seeing many of the principal persons of the island during - my residence here; and the civilities which I received from all of them - were not only more than I expected, but such as I should be unreasonable - if I had desired more, and very ungrateful if I could ever forget them. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 7. - </h3> - <p> - We were to return by the North Road, and set out at six in the morning. - The first stage was to the West Tavern, nineteen miles; and nothing can be - imagined at once more sublime and more beautiful than the scenery. Our - road lay along the banks of the Rio Cobre, which runs up to Spanish Town, - where its floods frequently commit dreadful ravages. Large masses of rock - intercept its current at small intervals, which, as well as its - shallowness, render it unnavigable. The cliffs and trees are of the most - gigantic size, and the road goes so near the brink of a tremendous - precipice, that we were obliged always to send a servant forwards to warn - any other carriage of our approach, in order that it might stay in some - broader part while we passed it. A bridge had been attempted to be built - over the river, but a storm had demolished it before its completion, and - nothing was now left standing but a single enormous arch. In like manner, - “the Dry River” sets all bridges at defiance: when we crossed it between - Old Harbour and Spanish Town, it was nothing but a waste of sand; but its - floods frequently pour down with irresistible strength and rapidity, and - sometimes render it impassable for weeks together. I was extremely - delighted with the first ten miles of this stage: unluckily, a mist then - arose, so thick, that it was utterly impossible even to guess at the - surrounding scenery; and the morning was so cold, that I was very glad to - wrap myself up in my cloak as closely as if I had been travelling in an - English December. - </p> - <p> - By the time of our leaving the West Tavern the mist had dispersed, and I - was able to ad mire the extraordinary beauty of Mount Diavolo, which we - were then crossing. Though we had left the river, the road was still a - narrow shelf of rock running along the edge of ravines of great depth, and - filled with broken masses of stone and trees of wonderful magnitude; only - that at intervals we emerged for a time into places resembling ornamental - parks in England, the lawns being of the liveliest verdure, the ground - rising and falling with an endless variety of surface, and enriched with a - profusion of trees majestic in stature and picturesque in their shapes, - many of them entirely covered with the beautiful flowers of “hogsmeat,” - and other creeping plants. The logwood, too, is now perfectly golden with - its full bloom, and perfumes all the air; and nothing can be more gay than - the quantity of wild flowers which catch the eye on all sides, - particularly the wild pine, and the wild ipecacuanha. We travelled for - sixteen miles, which brought us to our harbour for the night,—-a - solitary tavern called Blackheath, situated in the heart of the mountains - of St. Anne. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 8. - </h3> - <p> - The road soon brought us down to the very brink of the sea, which we - continued to skirt during the whole of the stage. It then brought us to - St. Anne’s Bay, where we found an excellent breakfast, at an inn quite in - the English fashion,—for the landlady had been long resident in - Great Britain. Every thing was clean and comfortable, and the windows - looked full upon the sea. This stage was sixteen miles: the next was said - to be twenty-five; but from the time which we took to travel it, I can - scarcely believe it to be so much. Our road still lay by the sea-side, - till we began to ascend the mountain of Rio Bueno; from which we at length - perceived the river itself running into the sea. It was at Porto Bueno - that Columbus is said to have made his first landing on the island. Rio - Bueno is a small town with a fort, situated close to the sea. Here also we - found a very good inn, kept by a Scotchman. - </p> - <p> - The present landlady (her father being from home) was a very pretty brown - girl, by name Eliza Thompson. She told me that she was only residing with - her parents during her <i>husband’s</i> absence; for she was (it seems) - the <i>soi-disant</i> wife of an English merchant in Kingston, and had a - house on Tachy’s Bridge. This kind of establishment is the highest object - of the <i>brown</i> females of Jamaica; they seldom marry men of their own - colour, but lay themselves out to captivate some white person, who takes - them for mistresses, under the appellation of housekeepers. - </p> - <p> - Soon after my arrival at Cornwall, I asked my attorney whether a - clever-looking brown woman, who seemed to have great authority in the - house, belonged to me?—No; she was a free woman.—Was she in my - service, then?—No; she was not in my service. I began to grow - impatient.—“But what <i>does</i> she do at Cornwall? Of what use is - she in the house?”—“Why sir, as to use.... of no great use, sir;” - and then, after a pause, he added in a lower voice, “It is the custom, - sir, in this country, for unmarried men to have housekeepers, and Nancy is - mine.” But he was unjust in saying that Nancy is of no use on the estate; - for she is perpetually in the hospital, nurses the children, can bleed, - and mix up medicines, and (as I am assured) she is of more service to the - sick than all the doctors. These brown housekeepers generally attach - themselves so sincerely to the interests of their protectors, and make - themselves so useful, that they in common retain their situation; and - their children (if slaves) are always honoured by their fellows with the - title of Miss. My mulatto housemaid is always called “Miss Polly,” by her - fellow-servant Phillis. This kind of connection is considered by a brown - girl in the same light as marriage. They will tell you, with an air of - vanity, “I am Mr. Such-a-one’s <i>Love!</i>” and always speak of him as - being her <i>husband</i>; and I am told, that, except on these terms, it - is extremely difficult to obtain the favours of a woman of colour. To gain - the situation of housekeeper to a white man, the mulatto girl - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - “directs her aim; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - This makes her happiness, and this her fame.” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 9. - </h3> - <p> - The sea-view from a bridge near Falmouth was remarkably pleasing; a stage - of eighteen miles brought us to the town itself, which I understand to be - in size the second in the island. - </p> - <p> - However various are the characters which actors sustain, I find their own - to be the same every where. Although the Jamaica company did not consist - of more than twenty persons, their green-room squabbles had divided it, - and we found one half performing at Falmouth. We did not wait for the - play, but proceeded for twenty-two miles to Montego Bay, where I once more - found myself under the protecting roof of Miss Judy James. - </p> - <p> - On our return from dinner at Mr. Dewer’s, we discovered a ball of brown - ladies and gentlemen opposite to the inn. No whites nor blacks were - permitted to attend this assembly; but as our landlady had two nieces - there, under her auspices we were allowed to be spectators. The females - chiefly consisted of the natural daughters of attorneys and overseers, and - the young men were mostly clerks and book-keepers. I saw nothing at all to - be compared, either for form or feature, to many of the humbler people of - colour, much less to the beautiful Spaniard at Blue-fields. Long, or Bryan - Edwards, asserts that mulattos never breed except with a separate black or - white; but at this ball two girls were pointed out to me, the daughters of - mulatto parents; and I have been assured that the assertion was a mistake, - arising from such a connection being very rarely formed; the females - generally preferring to live with white men, and the brown men having thus - no other resource than black women. As to the above girls, the fact is - certain; and the different shades of colour are distinguished by too plain - a line to allow any suspicion of infidelity on the part of their parents. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 10. - </h3> - <p> - We passed the day at Mr. Plummer’s estate, Anchovy Bottom. - </p> - <p> - When Lord Bolingbroke was resident in America, large flocks of turkeys - used to ravage his corn-fields; but, from their extreme wildness, he never - could make any of them prisoners. He had a barn lighted by a large sash - window, and into this he laid a train of corn, hiding some servants with - guns behind the large doors, which were folded back. The turkeys picked up - the corn, and gradually were enticed to enter the barn. But as soon as a - dozen had passed in, the servants clapped the doors to with all possible - expedition. Now they reckoned themselves secure of their game; but to - their utter consternation, the turkeys in a body darted towards the light, - dashed against the glass, forced out the wood-work, and away went turkeys, - glass, wood-work, and all. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 11. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - I reached Cornwall about three o’clock, after an excursion the most - amusing and agreeable that I ever made in my life. Almost every step of - the road presented some new and striking scene; and although we travelled - at all hours, and with as little circumspection as if we had been in - England, I never felt a headach except for one half hour. On my arrival, I - found the satisfactory intelligence usually communicated to West Indian - proprietors. My estate in the west is burnt up for want of moisture; and - my estate in the east has been so completely flooded, that I have lost a - whole third of my crop. At Cornwall, not a drop of rain has fallen since - the 16th of November. Not a vestige of verdure is to be seen; and we begin - to apprehend a famine among the negroes in consequence of the drought - destroying their provision grounds. This alone is wanting to complete the - dangerous state of the island; where the higher classes are all in the - utmost alarm at rumours of Wilberforce’s intentions to set the negroes - entirely at freedom; the next step to which would be, in all probability, - a general massacre of the whites, and a second part of the horrors of St. - Domingo: while, on the other hand, the negroes are impatient at the delay; - and such disturbances arose in St. Thomas’s in the East, last Christmas, - as required the interposition of the magistrates. They say that the - negroes of that parish had taken it into their heads that <i>The Regent - and Wilherforce</i> had actually determined upon setting them all at - liberty at once on the first day of the present year, but that the - interference of the island had defeated the plan. Their discontent was - most carefully and artfully fomented by some brown Methodists, who held - secret and nightly meetings on the different estates, and did their best - to mislead and bewilder these poor creatures with their fantastic and - absurd preaching. These fellows harp upon sin, and the devil, and - hell-fire incessantly, and describe the Almighty and the Saviour as beings - so terrible, that many of their proselytes cannot hear the name of Christ - without shuddering. One poor negro, on one of my own estates, told the - overseer that he knew himself to be so great a sinner that nothing could - save him from the devil’s clutches, even for a few hours, except singing - hymns; and he kept singing so incessantly day and night, that at length - terror and want of sleep turned his brain, and the wretch died raving mad. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 12. - </h3> - <p> - A Sir Charles Price, who had an estate in this island infested by rats, - imported, with much trouble, a very large and strong species for the - purpose of extirpating the others. The new-comers answered his purpose to - a miracle; they attacked the native rats with such spirit, that in a short - time they had the whole property to themselves; but no sooner had they - done their duty upon the rats, than they extended their exertions to the - cats, of whom their strength and size at length enabled them completely to - get the better; and since that last victory, Sir Charles Price’s rats, as - they are called, have increased so prodigiously, that (like the man in - Scripture, who got rid of one devil, and was taken possession of by seven - others) this single species is now a greater nuisance to the island than - all the others before them were together. The best, mode of destroying - rats here is with terriers; but those imported from England soon grow - useless, being blinded by the sun, while their puppies, born in Jamaica, - are provided by nature with a protecting film over their eyes, which - effectually secures them against incurring that calamity. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 12. - </h3> - <p> - Poor Philippa, the woman who used always to call me her “husband,” and - whom I left sick in the hospital, during my absence has gone out of her - senses; and there cannot well happen any thing more distressing, as there - is no separate place for her confinement, and her ravings disturb the - other invalids. There is, indeed, no kind of bedlam in the whole island of - Jamaica: whether this proceeds from people being so very sedate and - sensible, that they never go mad, or from their all being so mad, that no - one person has a right to shut up another for being out of his senses, is - a point which I will not pretend to decide. One of my domestic negroes, a - boy of sixteen, named Prince, was abandoned by his worthless mother in - infancy, and reared by this Philippa; and since her illness he passes - every moment of his leisure in her sick-room. On the other hand, there is - a woman named Christian, attending two fevered children in the hospital; - one her own, and the other an adopted infant, whom she reared upon the - death of its mother in child-birth; and there she sits, throwing her eyes - from one to the other with such unceasing solicitude, that no one could - discover which was her own child and which the orphan. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 13. - </h3> - <p> - Two Jamaica nightingales have established themselves on the orange tree - which grows against my window, and their song is most beautiful. This bird - is also called “the mocking-bird,” from its facility of imitating, not - only the notes of every other animal, but—I am told—of - catching every tune that may be played or sung two or three times in the - house near which it resides, after which it will go through the air with - the greatest taste and precision, throwing in cadences and ornaments that - Catalani herself might envy. - </p> - <p> - But by far the most curious animal that I have yet seen in Jamaica is “the - soldier,” a species of crab, which inhabits a shell like a snail’s, so - small in proportion to its limbs, that nothing can be more curious or - admirable than the machinery by which it is enabled to fold them up - instantly on the slightest alarm. They inhabit the mountains, but - regularly once a year travel in large troops down to the seaside to spawn - and change their shells. If I recollect right, Goldsmith gives a very full - and entertaining account of this animal, by the name of “the soldier - crab.” They are seldom used in Jamaica except for soups, which are - reckoned delicious: that which was brought to me was a very small one, the - shell being no bigger than a large snail’s, although the animal itself, - when marching with his house on his back, appears to be above thrice the - size; but I am told that they are frequently as large as a man’s fist. - Mine was found alone in the public road: how it came to be in so solitary - a state, I know not, for in general they move in armies, and march towards - the sea in a straight line; I am afraid, by his being found alone, that my - soldier must have been a deserter. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 14. - </h3> - <p> - To-day there was a shower of rain for the first time since my arrival; - indeed, not a drop has fallen since the 16th of November; and in - consequence my present crop has suffered terribly, and our expectations - for next season are still worse. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 18. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - The rain has brought forth the fire-flies, and in the evening the hedges - are all brilliant with their numbers. In the day they seem to be torpid - beetles of a dull reddish colour, but at night they become of a shining - purple. The fire proceeds from two small spots in the back part of the - head. It is yellow in the light, and requires motion to throw out its - radiance in perfection; but as soon as it is touched, the fly struggles - violently, and bends itself together with a clicking noise like the snap - of a spring; and I understand that this effort is necessary to set it in - motion. It is sufficiently strong to turn itself upwards with a single - movement, if lying on its back: some people say that it is always obliged - to throw itself upon its back in order to take wing; but this I have, - again, heard others contradict. When confined in a glass, the light seems - almost extinguished; nothing can be discerned but two pale yellow spots; - but on being pressed by the hand it becomes more brilliant than any - emerald, and when on the wing it seems entirely composed of the most - beautifully coloured fire. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 20. - </h3> - <p> - I attended the Slave Court, where a negro was tried for sheep-stealing, - and a black servant girl for attempting to poison her master. The former - was sentenced to be transported. The latter was a girl of fifteen, called - Minetta: she acknowledged the having infused corrosive sublimate in some - brandy and water; but asserted that she had taken it from the medicine - chest without knowing it to be poison, and had given it to her master at - her grandmother’s desire. This account was evidently a fabrication: there - was no doubt of the grandmother’s innocence, although some suspicion - attached to the mother’s influence; but as to the girl herself, nothing - could be more hardened than her conduct through the whole transaction. She - stood by the bed to see her master drink the poison; witnessed his agonies - without one expression of surprise or pity; and when she was ordered to - leave the room, she pretended to be fast asleep, and not to hear what was - said to her. Even since her imprisonment, she could never be prevailed - upon to say that she was sorry for her master’s having been poisoned; and - she told the people in the gaol, that “they could do nothing to her, for - she had turned king’s evidence against her grandmother.” She was condemned - to die on Thursday next, the day after to-morrow: she heard the sentence - pronounced without the least emotion; and I am told, that when she went - down the steps of the courthouse, she was seen to laugh. - </p> - <p> - The trial appeared to be conducted with all possible justice and - propriety; the jury consisted of nine respectable persons; the bench of - three magistrates, and a senior one to preside. There were no lawyers - employed on either side; consequently no appeals to the passions, no false - lights thrown out, no traps, no flaws, no quibbles, no artful - cross-examinings, and no brow-beating of witnesses; and I cannot say that - the trial appeared to me to go on at all the worse. Nobody appeared to be - either for or against the prisoner; the only object of all present was - evidently to come at the truth, and I sincerely believe that they obtained - their object. The only part of the trial of which I disapproved was the - ordering the culprit to such immediate execution, that sufficient time was - not allowed for the exercise of the royal prerogative, should the governor - have been disposed to commute the punishment for that of transportation. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 21. - </h3> - <p> - During my excursion to Spanish Town, the complaining negroes of - Friendship, who had applied to me for relief, were summoned to Savannah la - Mar, before the Council of Protection, and the business thoroughly - investigated. Their examination has been sent to me, and they appear to - have had a very fair hearing. The journals of the estate were produced;—the - book-keepers examined upon oath; and in order to make out a case at all, - the chief complainant contradicted himself so grossly, as left no doubt - that the whole was a fabrication. They were, therefore, dismissed without - relief, but also without punishment, in spite of their gross falsehoods - and calumnies; and although they did not gain their object, I make no - doubt that they will go on more contentedly for having had attention paid - to their complaints. It was indeed evident, that Nelly (the chief - complainant) was actuated more by wounded pride than any real feeling of - hardship; for what she laid the most stress upon was, the overseer’s - turning his back upon her, when she stated herself to be injured, and - walking away without giving her any answer. - </p> - <p> - There are so many pleasing and amusing parts of the character of negroes, - that it seems to me scarcely possible not to like them. But when they are - once disposed to evil, they seem to set no bounds to the indulgence of - their bad passions. A poor girl came into the hospital to-day, who had had - some trifling dispute with two of her companions; on which the two friends - seized her together, and each fixing her teeth on one of the girl’s hands, - bit her so severely, that we greatly fear her losing the use of both of - them. I happened also to ask, this morning, to whom a skull had belonged, - which I had observed fixed on a pole by the roadside, when returning last - from Montego Bay. I was told, that about five years ago a Mr. Dunbar had - given some discontent to his negroes in the article of clothing them, - although, in other respects, he was by no means a severe master. However, - this was sufficient to induce his head driver, who had been brought up in - his own house from infancy, to form a plot among his slaves to assassinate - him; and he was assisted in this laudable design by two young men from a - neighbouring property, who barely knew Mr. Dunbar by sight, had no enmity - against him whatever, and only joined in the conspiracy in compliment to - their worthy friend the driver. During several months a variety of - attempts were made for effecting their purpose; but accident defeated - them; till at length they were made certain of his intention to dine out - at some distance, and of his being absolutely obliged to return in the - evening. An ambuscade was therefore laid to intercept him; and on his - passing a clump of trees, the assassins sprang upon him, the driver - knocked him from his horse, and in a few moments their clubs despatched - him. No one suspected the driver; but in the course of enquiry, his house - as well as the other was searched, and not only Mr. Dunbar’s watch was - found concealed there, but with it one of his ears, which the villain had - carried away, from a negro belief that, as long as the murderer possesses - one of the ears of his victim, he will never be haunted by his spectre. - The stranger-youths, two of Dunbar’s negroes, and the driver, were tried, - confessed the crime, and were all executed; the head of the latter being - fixed upon a pole <i>in terrorem</i>. But while the offenders were still - in prison, the overseer upon a neighbouring property had occasion to find - fault in the field with a woman belonging to a gang hired to perform some - particular work; upon which she flew upon him with the greatest fury, - grasped him by the throat, cried to her fellows—“Come here! come - here! Let us Dunbar him!” and through her strength and the suddenness of - her attack had nearly accomplished her purpose, before his own slaves - could come to his assistance. This woman was also executed. - </p> - <p> - This happened about five years ago, when the mountains were in a very - rebellious state. Every thing there is at present quiet. But only last - year a book-keeper belonging to the next estate to me was found with his - skull fractured in one of my own cane-pieces; nor have any enquiries been - able to discover the murderer. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 22. - </h3> - <p> - During many years the Moravians have been established upon the - neighbouring estate of Mesopotamia. As the ecclesiastical commissaries had - said so much to me respecting the great appetite of the negroes for - religious instruction, I was desirous of learning what progress had been - made in this quarter, and this morning I went over to see one of the - teachers. He told me, that he and his wife had jointly used their best - efforts to produce a sense of religion in the minds of the slaves; that - they were all permitted to attend his morning and evening lectures, if - they chose it; but that he could not say that they showed any great - avidity on the subject. It seems that there are at least three hundred - negroes on the estate; the number of believers has rather increased than - diminished, to be sure, but still in a very small proportion. When this - gentleman arrived, there were not more than forty baptised persons: he has - been here upwards of five years, and still the number of persons - “belonging to his church” (as he expressed it) does not exceed fifty. Of - these, seldom more than ten or a dozen attend his lectures at a time. As - to the remaining two hundred and fifty, they take no more notice of his - lectures or his exhortations, than if there were no such person on the - property, are only very civil to him when they see him, and go on in their - own old way, without suffering him to interfere in any shape. By the - overseer of Greenwich’s express desire, the Moravian has, however, agreed - to give up an hour every day for the religious instruction of the negro - children on that property: and I should certainly request him to extend - his labours to Cornwall, if I did not think it right to give the Church of - England clergymen full room for a trial of their intended periodical - visitations; which would not be the case, if the negroes were to be - interfered with by the professors of any other communion: otherwise I am - myself ready to give free ingress and egress upon my several estates to - the teachers of any Christian sect whatever, the Methodists always - excepted, and “Miss Peg, who faints at the sound of an organ.” - </p> - <p> - For my own part, I have no hope of any material benefit arising from these - religious visitations made at quarterly intervals. It seems to me as - nugatory as if a man were to sow a field with horse-hair, and expect a - crop of colts. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 23. - </h3> - <p> - This morning my picture was drawn by a self-taught genius, a negro - Apelles, belonging to Dr. Pope, the minister; and the picture was exactly - such as a self-taught genius might be expected to produce. It was a - straight hard outline, without shade or perspective; the hair was a large - black patch, and the face covered with an uniform layer of flesh-colour, - with a red spot in the centre of each cheek. As to likeness, there was not - even an attempt to take any. But still, such as they were, there were - eyes, nose, and mouth, to be sure. A long red nose supplied the place of - my own snub; an enormous pair of whiskers stretched themselves to the very - corner of my mouth; and in place of three hairs and a half, the painter, - in the superabundance of his generosity, bestowed upon me a pair of - eye-brows more bushy than Dr. Johnson’s, and which, being formed in an - exact semicircle, made the eyes beneath them stare with an expression of - the utmost astonishment. The negroes, however, are in the highest - admiration of the painter’s skill, and consider the portrait as a striking - resemblance; for there is a very blue coat with very yellow buttons, and - white gaiters and trow-sers, and an eye-glass so big and so blue, that it - looks as if I had hung a pewter plate about my neck; and a bunch of - watch-seals larger than those with which Pope has decorated Belinda’s - great great grandsire. John Fuller (to whom, jointly with Nicholas, the - charge of this inestimable treasure is to be entrusted) could not find - words to express his satisfaction at the performance. “Dere massa coat! - and dere him chair him sit in! and dere massa seals, all just de very same - ting! just all as one! And oh! ki! dere massa pye-glass!” In the midst of - his raptures he dropped the picture, and fractured the frame-glass. His - despair now equalled his former joy;—“Oh, now what for him do? Such - a pity! Just to break it after it was all done so well! All so pretty!” - However, we stuck the broken glass together with wafers, and he carried it - off, assuring me, “that when massa gone, he should talk to it every - morning, all one as if massa still here.” Indeed, this “talking to massa” - is a favourite amusement among the negroes, and extremely inconvenient: - they come to me perpetually with complaints so frivolous, and requests so - unreasonable, that I am persuaded they invent them only to have an excuse - for “talk to massa;” and when I have given them a plump refusal, they go - away perfectly satisfied, and “tank massa for dis here great indulgence of - talk.” - </p> - <p> - There is an Eboe carpenter named Strap, who was lately sick and in great - danger, and whom I nursed with particular care. The poor fellow thinks - that he never can express his gratitude sufficiently; and whenever he - meets me in the public road, or in the streets of Savannah la Mar, he - rushes towards the carriage, roars out to the postilion to stop, and if - the boy does not obey instantly, he abuses him with all his power; “for - why him no stop when him want talk to massa?”—“But look, Strap, your - beast is getting away!”—“Oh! damn beast, massa.”—“But you - should go to your mountain, or you will get no vittle.”—“Oh, damn - vittle, and damn mountain! me no want vittle, me want talk wid massa;” and - then, all that he has got to say is, “Oh massa, massa! God bless you, - massa! me quite, <i>quite</i> glad to see you come back, my own massa!” - And then he bursts into a roar of laughter so wild and so loud, that the - passers-by cannot help stopping to stare and laugh too. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 24. - </h3> - <p> - On the Sunday after my first arrival, the whole body of Eboe negroes came - to me to complain of the attorney, and more particularly of one of the - book-keepers. I listened to them, if not with unwearied patience, at least - with unsubdued fortitude, for above an hour and a half; and finding some - grounds for their complaint against the latter, in a few days I went down - to their quarter of the village, told them that to please them I had - discharged the book-keeper, named a day for examining their other - grievances, and listened to them for an hour more. When the day of trial - came, they sent me word that they were perfectly satisfied, and had no - complaint to make. I was, therefore, much surprised to receive a visit - from Edward, the Eboe, yesterday evening, who informed me, that during my - absence his fellows had formed a plan of making a complaint <i>en masse</i> - to a neighbouring magistrate; and that, not only against the attorney, but - against myself “for not listening to them when they were injured;” and - Edward claimed great merit with me for having prevented their taking this - step, and convinced them, that while I was on the estate myself, there - could be no occasion for applying to a third person. Now, having made me - aware of my great obligations to him, here Edward meant the matter to - rest; but being a good deal incensed at their ingratitude, I instantly - sent for the Eboes, and enquired into the matter; when it appeared, that - Edward (who is a clever fellow, and has great influence over the rest) had - first goaded them into a resolution of complaining to a magistrate, had - then stopped them from putting their plan into execution, and that the - whole was a plot of Edward’s, in order to make a merit with me for himself - at the expense of his countrymen. However, as they confessed their having - had the intention of applying to Mr. Hill as a magistrate, I insisted upon - their executing their intention. I told them, that as Mr. Hill was the - person whom they had selected for their protector, to Mr. Hill they should - go; that they should either make their complaint to him against me, or - confess that they had been telling lies, and had no complaint to make; and - that, as the next day was to be a play-day given them by me, instead of - passing it at home in singing and dancing, they should pass it at the Bay - in stating their grievances. - </p> - <p> - This threw them into terrible confusion; they cried out that they wanted - to make no complaint whatever, and that it was all Edward’s fault, who had - misled them. Three of them, one after the other, gave him the lie to his - face; and each and all (Edward as well as the rest) declared that go to - the Bay they absolutely would <i>not</i>. The next morning they were all - at the door waiting for my coming out: they positively refused to go to - Mr. Hill, and begged and prayed, and humbled themselves; now scraping and - bowing to me, and then blackguarding Edward with all their might and main; - and when I ordered the driver to take charge of them, and carry them to - Mr. Hill, some of them fairly took to their heels, and ran away. However, - the rest soon brought them back again, for they swore that if one went, - all should go; and away they were marched, in a string of about twenty, - with the driver at their head. When they got to the Bay, they told Mr. - Hill that, as to their massa, they had no complaint to make against him, - except that he had compelled them to make one; and what they said against - the attorney was so trifling, that the magistrate bade the driver take - them all back again. Upon which they slunk away to their houses, while the - Creoles cried out “Shame! shame!” as they passed along. - </p> - <p> - Indeed, the Creoles could not have received a greater pleasure than the - mortification of the Eboes; for the two bodies hate each other as - cordially as the Guelphs and Ghibellines; and after their departure for - the Bay, I heard the head cook haranguing a large audience, and declaring - it to be her fixed opinion, “that massa ought to sell all the Eboes, and - buy Creoles instead.” Probably, Mrs. Cook was not the less loud in her - exclamations against the ingratitude of the Eboes, from her own loyalty - having lately been questioned. She had found fault one day in the hospital - with some women who feigned sickness in order to remain idle. “You no work - willing for massa,” said Mrs. Cook, “and him so vex, him say him go to - Kingston to-morrow, and him wish him neber come back again!”—“What!” - cried Philippa, the mad woman, “you wish massa neber come back from - Kingston?” So she gave Mrs. Cook a box on the ear with all her might; upon - which Mrs. Cook snatched up a stick and broke the mad woman’s pate with - it. But though she could beat a hole in her head, she never could beat out - of it her having said that she wished massa might never come back. And - although Philippa has recovered her senses, in her belief of Mrs. Cook’s - disloyalty she continues firm; and they never meet without renewing the - dispute. - </p> - <p> - To-day being a play-day, the gaiety of the negroes was promoted by a - distribution of an additional quantity of salt-fish (which forms a most - acceptable ingredient in their pepper-pots), and as much rum and sugar as - they chose to drink. But there was also a dinner prepared at the house - where the “white people” reside, expressly for none but the <i>piccaninny-mothers</i>; - that is, for the women who had children living. I had taken care, when - this play-day was announced by the head driver, to make him inform the - negroes that they were indebted for it entirely to these mothers; and to - show them the more respect, I went to them after dinner myself, and drank - their healths. The most respectable blacks on the estate were also - assembled in the room; and I then told them that clothes would wear out, - and money would be spent, and that I wished to give them something more - lasting than clothes or money. The law only allows them, as a matter of - right, every alternate Saturday for themselves, and holidays for three - days at Christmas, which, with all Sundays, forms their whole legal time - of relaxation. I therefore granted them as a matter of right, and of which - no person should deprive them on any account whatever, <i>every</i> - Saturday to cultivate their grounds; and in addition to their holidays at - Christmas, I gave them for play-days Good-Friday, the second Friday in - October, and the second Friday in July. By which means, they will in - future have the same number of holidays four times a year, which hitherto - they have been allowed only once, i.e. at Christmas. The first is to be - called “the royal play-day,” in honour of that excellent Princess, the - Duchess of York; and the negroes are directed to give three cheers upon - the head driver’s announcing “The health of our good lady, H. R. H. the - Duchess of York.” And I told them, that before my leaving the island, I - should hear them drink this health, and should not fail to let Her Royal - Highness know, that the negroes of Cornwall drank her health every year. - This evidently touched the right chord of their vanity, and they all bowed - and courtesied down to the very ground, and said, that would do them much - high honour. The ninth being my own birthday, the July play-day is to be - called “the massa’s” and that in October is to be in honour of the - piccaninny-mothers, from whom it is to take its name. - </p> - <p> - The poor creatures overflowed with gratitude; and the prospective - indulgences which had just been announced, gave them such an increase of - spirits, that on returning to my own residence, they fell to singing and - dancing again with as much violence as if they had been a pack of French - furies at the Opera. The favourite song of the night was, - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - “Since massa come, we very well off;” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - which words they repeated in chorus, without intermission (dancing all the - time), for hours together; till, at half-past three, neither my eyes nor - my brain could endure it any longer, and I was obliged to send them word - that I wanted to go to bed, and could not sleep till the noise should - cease. The idea of my going to bed seemed never to have occurred to them - till that moment. Fortunately, like Johnson’s definition of wit, “the - idea, although novel, was immediately acknowledged to be just.” So - instantly the drums and gumbies left off beating; the children left off - singing; the women and men left off dancing; and they all with one accord - fell to kicking, and pulling, and thumping about two dozen of their - companions, who were lying fast asleep upon the floor. Some were roused, - some resisted, some began fighting, some got up and lay down again; but at - length, by dint of their leading some, carrying others, and rolling the - remainder down the steps, I got my house clear of my black guests about - four in the morning. - </p> - <p> - Another of their popular songs this evening was— - </p> - <p> - “All the stories them telling you are lies, oh!” - </p> - <p> - which was meant as a satire upon the Eboes. My friend Strap being an Eboe, - and one who had hitherto generally taken a leading part in all the - discontents and squabbles of his countrymen, I was not without - apprehensions of his having been concerned in the late complaint. I was, - therefore, much pleased to find that he had positively refused to take any - share in the business, and had been to the full as violent as any of the - Creoles in reprobating the ingratitude of the Eboes. Today he came up to - the house dressed in his best clothes, to show me his seven children; and - he marched at their head in all the dignity of paternal pride. He begged - me particularly to notice two fine little girls, who were twins. I told - him that I had seen them already. “Iss! iss!” he said; “massa see um; but - massa no <i>admire</i> um enough yet.” Upon which I fell to admiring them, - tooth and nail, and the father went away quite proud and satisfied. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 25. - </h3> - <p> - Yesterday it was observed at George’s Plain, an estate about four miles - off, that the water-mill did not work properly, and it was concluded that - the grating was clogged up with rubbish. To clear it away, a negro - immediately jumped down into the trench upon a log of wood; when he felt - the log move under him, and of course jumped out again with all possible - expedition. It was then discovered that the impediment in question - proceeded from a large alligator which had wandered from the morass, and, - in the hope of finding his way to the river, had swam up the mill-trench - till he found himself stopped by the grating; and the banks being too high - for him to gain them by leaping upwards, and the place of his confinement - too narrow to admit of his turning round to go back again, his escape was - impossible, and a ball, lodged near his eye, soon put an end to him. I - went over to see him this morning; but I was not contented with merely - seeing him, so I begged to have a steak cut off for me, brought it home, - and ordered it to be broiled for dinner. One of the negroes happened to - see it in the kitchen; the news spread through the estate like wildfire; - and I had immediately half a dozen different deputations, all hoping that - massa would not think of eating the alligator, for it was poisonous. - However, I was obstinate, and found the taste of the flesh, when broiled - with pepper and salt, and assisted by an onion sauce, by no means to be - despised; but the consistence of the meat was disagreeable, being as tough - as a piece of eel-skin. Perhaps any body who wishes to eat alligator - steaks in perfection, ought to keep them for two or three days before - dressing them; or the animal’s age might be in fault, for the fellow was - so old that he had scarcely a tooth in his head; I therefore contented - myself with two or three morsels; but a person who was dining with me ate - a whole steak, and pronounced the dish to be a very good one. The eggs are - said to be very palatable; nor have the negroes who live near morasses, - the same objection with those of Cornwall to eating the flesh; it is, - however, true that the gall of the alligator, if not extracted carefully, - will render the whole animal unfit for food; and when this gall is reduced - to powder, it forms a poison of the most dangerous nature, as the negroes - know but too well. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 26. - </h3> - <p> - I had given the most positive orders that no person whatever should - presume to strike a negro, or give him abusive language, or, however great - the offence might be, should inflict any punishment, except by the sole - direction of the trustee himself. Yet, although I had already discharged - one bookkeeper on this account, this evening another of them had a dispute - in the boiling-house with an African named Frank, because a pool of water - was not removed fast enough; upon which he called him a rascal, sluiced - him with the dirty water, and finally knocked him down with the broom. The - African came to me instantly; four eye-witnesses, who were examined - separately, proved the truth of his ill-usage; and I immediately - discharged the book-keeper, who had contented himself with simply denying - the blow having been given by him: but I told him that I could not - possibly allow his single unsupported denial to outweigh five concordant - witnesses to the assertion; and that, if he grounded his claim to being - believed merely upon his having a white skin, he would find that, on - Cornwall estate at least, that claim would not be admitted. The fact was - established as evident as the sun; and nothing should induce me to retain - him on my property, except his finding some means of appeasing the injured - negro, and prevailing on him to intercede in his behalf. This was an - humiliation to which he could not bring himself to stoop; and, - accordingly, the man has left the estate. Probably, indeed, the attempt at - reconciliation would have been unsuccessful; for when one of his - companions asked Frank whether, if Mr. Barker would make him a present, he - had not better take it, and beg massa to let him stay, he exclaimed, in - the true spirit of a Zanga,—“No, no, no! me no want present! me no - want noting! Me no beg for Mr. Barker! him go away!”—I was kept - awake the greatest part of the night by the songs and rejoicings of the - negroes, at their triumph over the offending book-keeper. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 27. - </h3> - <p> - The only horned cattle said to be fit for Jamaica work, are those which - have a great deal of black in them. The white are terribly tormented by - the insects, and they are weak and sluggish in proportion to their - quantity of white. On the contrary I am told that such a thing as a black - horse is not to be found in the island; those which may be imported black - soon change their colour into a bay; and colts are said to have been - dropped perfectly black, which afterwards grew lighter and lighter till - they arrived at being perfectly white. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 28. - </h3> - <p> - Hearing that a manati (the sea-cow) had been taken at the mouth of the - Cabrita River, and was kept alive at the Hope Wharf I got a sailing-boat, - and went about eight miles to see the animal. It was suffered to live in - the sea, a rope being fastened round it, by which it could be landed at - pleasure. It was a male, and a very young one, not exceeding nine feet in - length, whereas they have frequently been found on the outside of - eighteen. The females yield a quart of milk at a time: a gentleman told me - that he had tasted it, and could not have distinguished it from the - sweetest cow’s milk. Unlike the seal, it never comes on shore, although it - ventures up rivers in the night, to feed on the grass of their banks; but - during the day it constantly inhabits the ocean, where its chief enemy is - the shark, whose attacks it beats off with its tail, the strength of which - is prodigious. It was killed this morning, and the gentleman to whom it - belonged was obliging enough to send me part of it; we roasted it for - dinner, and, except that its consistence was rather firmer, I should not - have known it from veal. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 29. - </h3> - <p> - The wife of an old negro on the neighbouring estate of Anchovy had lately - forsaken him for a younger lover. One night, when she happened to be - alone, the incensed husband entered her hut unexpectedly, abused her with - all the rage of jealousy, and demanded the clothes to be restored, which - he had formerly given her. On her refusal he drew a knife, and threatened - to cut them off her back; nor could she persuade him to depart, till she - had received a severe beating. He had but just left the hut, when he - encountered his successful rival, who was returning home: a quarrel - instantly ensued; and the husband, having the knife still unsheathed in - his hand, plunged it into the neck of his antagonist. It pierced the - jugular vein; of course the man fell dead on the spot; and the murderer - has been sent to Montego Bay, to take his trial. - </p> - <p> - MARCH 1. (Friday.) - </p> - <p> - One of my house-boys, named Prince, is son to the Duke of Sully; and - to-day his Grace came to beg that, when I should leave Jamaica, I would - direct the boy to be made a tradesman, instead of being sent back to be a - common field-negro: but my own shops are not only full at present, but - loaded with future engagements. Sully then requested that I would send his - son to learn some other trade (a tailor’s, for instance) at Savannah la - Mar, as had been frequently done in former times; but this, also, I was - obliged to refuse. I told him, that formerly a master could pay for the - apprenticeship of a clever negro boy, and, instead of employing him - afterwards on the estate, could content himself with being repaid by a - share of the profits; but that, since The Abolition had made it impossible - for the proprietor of an estate to supply the place of one negro by the - purchase of another, it would be unjust to his companions to suffer any - one in particular to be withdrawn from service; as in that case two - hundred and ninety-nine would have to do the work, which was now performed - by three hundred; and, therefore, I could allow my negroes to apply - themselves to no trades but such as related to the business of the - property, such as carpenters, coopers, smiths, &c. “All true, massa,” - said Sully; “all fair and just; and, to be sure, a tailor or a saddler - would be of no great use towards your planting and getting in your crop; - nor——” - </p> - <p> - He hesitated for a moment, and then added, with a look of doubt, and in a - lower voice,—“Nor—nor a fiddler either, I suppose, massa?” I - began to laugh. “No, indeed, Sully; nor a fiddler either!” It seems the - lad, who is about sixteen, very thoughtless, and <i>un tantino</i> stupid, - has a passion for playing the fiddle, and, among other trades, had - suggested this to his father, as one which would be extremely to his - taste. We finally settled, that when the plough should be introduced on my - estate (which I am very anxious to accomplish, and substitute the labour - of oxen for that of negroes, wherever it can possibly be done), Prince - should be instructed in farming business, and in the mean while should - officiate as a pen-keeper to look after the cattle. - </p> - <p> - Just now Prince came to me with a request of his own. “Massa, please, me - want one little coat.”—“A little coat! For what?”—“Massa, - please, for wear when me go down to the Bay.”—“And why should you - wear a little coat when you go to the Bay?”—“Massa, please, make me - look eerie (buckish) when me go abroad.” So I assured him that he looked - quite eerie enough already; and that, as I was going away too soon to - admit of my seeing him in his little coat, there could not be the - slightest occasion for his being a bit <i>eerier</i> than he was. A master - in England would probably have been not a little astonished at receiving - such a request from one of his groom-boys; but here one gets quite - accustomed to them; and when they are refused, the petitioners frequently - laugh themselves at their own unreasonableness. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 2. - </h3> - <p> - Most of those negroes who are tolerably industrious, breed cattle on my - estate, which are their own peculiar property, and by the sale of which - they obtain considerable sums. The pasturage of a steer would amount, in - this country, to £12 a year; but the negro cattle get their grass from me - without its costing them a farthing; and as they were very desirous that I - should be their general purchaser, I ordered them to agree among - themselves as to what the price should be. It was, therefore, settled that - I should take their whole stock, good and bad indifferently, at the rate - of £15 a head for every three-year-old beast; and they expressed - themselves not only satisfied, but very grateful for my acceptance of - their proposal. John Fuller and the beautiful Psyche had each a steer to - sell (how Psyche came to be so rich, I had too much discretion to - enquire), and they were paid down their £15 a piece instantly, which they - carried off with much glee. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 3. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - In this country it may be truly said that “it never rains but it pours.” - After a drought of three months, it began to rain on Thursday morning, and - has never stopped raining since, with thunder all the day, and lightning - all the night; one consequence of which incessant showers is, that it has - brought out all sorts of insects and reptiles in crowds: the ground is - covered with lizards; the air is filled with mosquitoes, and their bite is - infinitely more envenomed than on my first arrival. A centipede was found - squeezed to death under the door of my bed-room this morning. As to the - cock-roaches, they are absolutely in legions; every evening my negro boys - are set to hunt them, and they kill them by dozens on the chairs and - sofas, in the covers of my books, and among the leaves in my - fruit-baskets. Yesterday I wanted to send away a note in a great hurry, - snatched up a wafer, and was on the point of putting it into my mouth, - when I felt it move, and found it to be a cockroach, which had worked its - way into the wafer-box. - </p> - <p> - MARCH 4. (Monday.) - </p> - <p> - Since my arrival in Jamaica, I am not conscious of having omitted any - means of satisfying my negroes, and rendering them happy and secure from - oppression. I have suffered no person to be punished, except the two - female demons who almost bit a girl’s hands off (for which they received a - slight switching), and the most worthless rascal on the estate, whom for - manifold offences I was compelled, for the sake of discipline, to allow to - pass two days in the bilboes. I have never refused a favour that I could - possibly grant. I have listened patiently to all complaints. I have - increased the number of negro holidays, and have given away money and - presents of all kinds incessantly. Now for my reward. On Saturday morning - there were no fewer than forty-five persons (not including children) in - the hospital; which makes nearly a fifth of my whole gang. Of these, the - medical people assured me that not above seven had any thing whatever the - matter with them; the rest were only feigning sickness out of mere - idleness, and in order to sit doing nothing, while their companions were - forced to perform their part of the estate-duty. And sure enough, on - Sunday morning they all walked away from the hospital to amuse themselves, - except about seven or eight: they will, perhaps, go to the field for a - couple of days; and on Wednesday we may expect to have them all back - again, complaining of pains, which (not existing) it is not possible to - remove. Jenny (the girl whose hands were bitten) was told by the - doctoress, that having been in the hospital all the week, she ought not, - for very shame, to go out on Sunday. She answered, “She wanted to go to - the mountains, and go she would.” “Then,” said the doctoress, “you must - not come back again on Monday at least.” - </p> - <p> - “Yes,” Jenny said, “she <i>should</i> come back;” and back this morning - Jenny came. But as her wounds were almost completely well, she had tied - packthread round them so as to cut deep into the flesh, had rubbed dirt - into them, and, in short, had played such tricks as nearly to produce a - mortification in one of her fingers. - </p> - <p> - The most worthless fellow on the whole property is one Nato,—a - thief, a liar, a runaway, and one who has never been two days together out - of the hospital since my arrival, although he has nothing the matter with - him; indeed, when the other negroes abused him for his laziness, and - leaving them to do his work for him, he told them plainly that he did not - mean to work, and that nobody should make him. The only real illness which - brought him to the hospital, within my knowledge, was the consequence of a - beating received from his own father, who had caught him in the act of - robbing his house by the help of a false key. In the hospital he found his - wife, Philippa, the mad woman, with whom he instantly quarrelled, and she - cut his head open with a plate; and as she might have served one of the - children in the same way, we were obliged to confine her. Her husband was - thought to be the fittest person to guard her; and accordingly they were - locked up together in a separate room from the other invalids, till a - straight waistcoat could be made. The husband was then restored to - freedom, and desired to go to work, which he declared to be impossible - from illness; yet he disappeared the whole of the next day; and on his - return on the following morning, he had the impudence to assert that he - had never been out of the hospital for an hour. For this runaway offence, - and for endeavouring to exasperate his wife’s phrensy, he was put into the - bilboes for two days: on the third he was released; when he came to me - with tears in his eyes, implored me most earnestly to forgive what had - past, and promised to behave better for the future, “to so good a massa.” - It appeared afterwards, that he had employed his absence in complaining to - Mr. Williams, a neighbouring magistrate, that, “having a spite against - them, although neither he nor his wife had committed any fault, I had - punished them both by locking them up for several days in a solitary - prison, under pretence of his wife’s insanity, when, in fact, she was - perfectly in her senses.” Unluckily, one of my physicians had told Mr. - Williams, that very morning, how much he had been alarmed at Cornwall, - when, upon going into a mad woman’s room, her husband had fastened the - door, and he had found himself shut up between them; the woman really mad, - and the man pretending to be so too. The moment that Nato mentioned the - mad woman as his wife, “What then,” said Mr. Williams, “you are the fellow - who alarmed the doctor so much two days ago?” Upon which Nato had the - impudence to burst into a fit of laughter,—“Oh, ki, massa, doctor no - need be fright; we no want to hurt him; only make lilly bit fun wid him, - massa, that all.” On which he was ordered to get out of Mr. Williams’s - house, slunk back into the Cornwall hospital, and in a few days came to me - with such a long story of penitence, and “so good massa,” that he induced - me to forgive him. - </p> - <p> - To sum up the whole, about three this morning an alarm was given that the - pen-keeper had suffered the cattle to get among the canes, where they - might do infinite mischief; the trustee was roused out of his bed; the - drivers blew their shells to summon the negroes to their assistance; when - it appeared, that there was not a single watchman at his post; the - watch-fires had all been suffered to expire; not a single domestic was to - be found, nor a horse to be procured; even the little servant boys, whom - the trustee had locked up in his own house, and had left fast asleep when - he went to bed, had got up again, and made their escape to pass the night - in play and rioting; and although they were perfectly aware of the - detriment which the cattle were doing to my interests, not a negro could - be prevailed upon to rouse himself and help to drive them out, till at - length Cubina (who had run down from his own house to mine on the first - alarm) with difficulty collected about half a dozen to assist him: but - long before this, one of my best cane-pieces was trampled to pieces, and - the produce of this year’s crop considerably diminished.—And so much - for negro gratitude! However, they still continue their eternal song of - “Now massa come, we very well off;” but their satisfaction evidently - begins and ends with themselves. They rejoice sincerely at being very well - off, but think it unnecessary to make the slightest return to massa for - making them so. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 5. - </h3> - <p> - The worst of negro diseases is “the cocoa-bag” it is both hereditary and - contagious, and will lurk in the blood of persons apparently the most - healthy and of regular habits, till a certain age; when it declares itself - in the form of offensive sores, attended with extreme debility. No cure - for it has yet been discovered: there are negro doctors, who understand - how to prepare diet drinks from simples of the island, which moderate its - virulence for a time; but the disease itself is never entirely subdued. On - the contrary, “the yaws,” although it defies the power of medicine, - ultimately cures itself. This, also, is communicated by contact, and that - of so slight a nature, that a fly, which had touched an ulcer produced by - the yaws, has been known to convey the infection by merely alighting on - the wound of a cut finger. It generally shows itself by a slight pimple, - which is soon converted into a sore; and this spreads itself gradually - over the invalid’s whole body, till having made its progress through the - system completely, its virulence gradually abates, and at length the - disease disappears all together. As “the yaws” can only be taken once, - inoculation has been tried upon the most hopeful subjects; but the disease - showed itself with as much violence as when contracted in the natural way. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 6. - </h3> - <p> - Nato has kept his promise as yet, and has actually past a whole week in - the field; a thing which he was never known to do before within the memory - of man. So I sent him a piece of money to encourage him; and told him, - that I sent him a <i>maccarony</i> for behaving well, and wished to know - whether any one had ever given him a maccarony for behaving ill. I hear - that he was highly delighted at my thinking him worthy to receive a - present from me, and sent me in return the most positive assurances of - perseverance in good conduct. On the other hand, Mackaroo has not only run - away himself, but has carried his wife away with him. This is improving - upon the profligacy of British manners with a vengeance. In England, a man - only runs away with another person’s wife: but to run away with his own—what - depravity!—As to my ungrateful demigod of a sheep-stealer, Hercules, - the poor wretch has brought down upon himself a full punishment for all - his misdeeds. By running away, and sleeping in the woods, exposed to all - the fury of the late heavy rains, he has been struck by the palsy. - Yesterday some of my negroes found him in the mountains, unable to raise - himself from the ground, and brought him in a cart to the hospital; where - he now lies, having quite lost the use of one side, and without any hopes - of recovery. He is still a young man, and in every other respect strong - and healthy; so that he may look forward to a long and miserable - existence. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 8. - </h3> - <h3> - THE HUMMING BIRD. - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - Deck’d with all that youth and beauty - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - E’er bestow’d on sable maid, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gathering bloom her fragrant duty, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Down the lime-walk Zoè stray’d. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Many a logwood brake was ringing - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - With the chicka-chinky’s cry; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Many a mock-bird loudly singing - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Bless’d the groves with melody. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fly-birds, on whose plumage showers - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Nature’s hand her wealth profuse, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Humming round, from banks of flowers - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Suck’d the rich ambrosial juice. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There an orange-plant, perfuming - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - All the air with blossoms white, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Near a bush of roses blooming, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Charm’d at once the scent and sight. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of that plant the loveliest daughter, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - One sweet bloom-bough all preferr’d; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When his glittering eye had caught her, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Oh, how joy’d the Humming Bird! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Here the fairest blossoms thinking, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Swift he flies, nor loads the stem; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Poised in air, and odour drinking, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Fluttering hangs the feather’d Gem. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sure, he deems, these cups untasted, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Many a honied drop allow! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Soon he finds his labour wasted; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Bees have robb’d that orange bough. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wandering bees, at blush of morning, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Drain’d of all their sweets the bells; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then the rifled beauty scorning, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - How his angry throat he swells! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - See his bill the blossoms rending; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Round their leaves in wrath he throws; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then, once more his wings extending, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Flies to woo the opening rose. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - (e Mark, my Zoe,” said her mother, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - (t Mark that bough, so lovely late! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thou in bloom art such another— - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Such, perhaps, may be thy fate. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - (e Some wild youth may charm and cheat thee, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Sip thy sweets, and break his vow; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then the world will scorn and treat thee - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - As the Fly-Bird did just now.” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - British mothers thus impress on - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Virgin minds some maxim true; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Zoè heard and used the lesson - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Just as British daughters do. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 9. - </h3> - <p> - The shaddock contains generally thirty-two seeds, two of which only will - reproduce shaddocks; and these two it is impossible to distinguish: the - rest will yield, some sweet oranges, others bitter ones, others again - forbidden fruit, and, in short, all the varieties of the orange; but until - the trees actually are in bearing, no one can guess what the fruit is - likely to prove; and even then, the seeds which produce shaddocks, - although taken from a tree remarkable for the excellence of its fruit, - will frequently yield only such as are scarcely eatable. So also the - varieties of the mango are infinite: the fruit of no two trees resembling - each other; and the seeds of the very finest mango (although sown and - cultivated with the utmost care) seldom affording any thing at all like - the parent stock. The two first mangoes which I tasted were nothing but - turpentine and sugar; the third was very delicious; and yet I was told - that it was by no means of a superior quality. The <i>sweet</i> cassava - requires no preparation; the <i>bitter</i> cassava, unless the juice is - carefully pressed out of it, is a deadly poison; there is a third kind, - called the <i>sweet-and-bitter</i> cassava, which is perfectly wholesome - till a certain age, when it acquires its deleterious qualities. Many - persons have been poisoned by mistaking these various kinds of cassava for - each other. As soon as the plantain has done bearing, it is cut down; when - four or five suckers spring from each root, which become plants themselves - in their turn. Ratoons are suckers of the sugar-cane: they are far - preferable to the original plants, where the soil is rich enough to - support them; but they are much better adapted to some estates than to - others. Thus, on my estate in St. Thomas’s in the East, they can allow of - ten ratoons from the same plant, and only dig cane-holes every eleventh - year; while, at Cornwall, the strength of the cane is exhausted in the - fourth ratoon, or the fifth at furthest. The fresh plants are cane-tops; - but those canes which bear <i>flags</i> or feathers at their extremities - will not answer the purpose, as dry weather easily burns up the slight - arrows to which the flags adhere, and destroys them before they can - acquire sufficient vigour to resist the climate. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 10. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - I find that I have not done justice to the cotton tree, and, on the other - hand, have given too much praise to the Jamaica kitchen. The first cotton - trees which I saw, were either withered by age, or struck by lightning, or - happened to be ill-shaped of their kind; but I have since met with others, - than which nothing could be more noble or picturesque, from their gigantic - height, the immense spread of their arms, the colour of their stems and - leaves, and the wild fantastic wreathings of their roots and branches. As - to the kitchen, nothing can be larger and finer in appearance than the - poultry of all kinds, but nothing can be uniformly more tough and - tasteless; and the same is the case with all butcher’s meat, pork - excepted, which is much better here than in Europe. The fault is in the - climate, which prevents any animal food from being kept sufficiently long - to become tender; so that when a man sits down to a Jamaica dinner, he - might almost fancy himself a guest at Macbeth’s Covent-Garden banquet, - where the fowls, hams, and legs of mutton are all made of deal boards. I - ordered a duck to be kept for two days; but it was so completely spoiled, - that there was no bearing it upon the table. Then I tried the expedient of - boiling a fowl till it absolutely fell to pieces; but even this violent - process had not the power of rendering it tender. The only effect produced - by it was, that instead of being helped to a wing of solid wood, I got a - plateful of splinters. Perhaps, my having totally lost my appetite - (probably from my not being able to take, in this climate, sufficient of - my usual exercise) makes the meat appear to me less palatable than it may - to others; but I have observed, that most people here prefer living upon - soups, stews, and salted provisions. For my own part, I have for the last - few weeks eaten nothing except black crabs, than which I never met with a - more delicious article for the table. I have also tried the <i>soldier</i> - soup, which is in great estimation in this island; but although it greatly - resembled the very richest cray-fish soup, it seemed to be composed of - cray-fish which had been kept too long. The <i>soldiers</i> themselves - were perfectly fresh, for they were brought to the kitchen quite alive and - merry; but I was told that this taste of staleness is their peculiar - flavour, as well as their peculiar scent even when alive, and is precisely - the quality which forms their recommendation. It was quite enough to fix - my opinion of the soup: I ate two spoonfuls, and never mean to venture on - a third. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 12. - </h3> - <p> - The most general of negro infirmities appears to be that of lameness. It - is chiefly occasioned by the <i>chiga</i>, a diminutive fly which works - itself into the feet to lay its eggs, and, if it be not carefully - extracted in time, the flesh around it corrupts, and a sore ensues not - easily to be cured. No vigilance can prevent the attacks of the chiga; and - not only soldiers, but the very cleanest persons of the highest rank in - society, are obliged to have their feet examined regularly. The negroes - are all provided with small knives for the purpose of extracting them: but - as no pain is felt till the sore is produced, their extreme laziness - frequently makes them neglect that precaution, till all kinds of dirt - getting into the wound, increases the difficulty of a cure; and sometimes - the consequence is lameness for life. - </p> - <p> - There is another disease which commits great ravages among them; for - although in this climate its quality is far from virulent, and it is easy - to be cured in its beginning, the negro will most carefully conceal his - having such a complaint, till it has made so great a progress that its - effects are perceived by others. Even then, they will never acknowledge - the way in which they have contracted it; but men and women, whose noses - almost shake while speaking to you, will still insist upon it that their - illness arises from catching cold, or from a strain in lifting a weight, - or, in short, from any cause except the true one. Yet why they act thus it - is difficult to imagine; for certainly it does not arise from shame. - </p> - <p> - Indeed, it is one of their singular obstinacies, that, however ill they - may be, they scarcely ever will confess to the physician what is really - the matter with them on their first coming into the hospital, but will - rather assign some other cause for their being unwell than the true one; - and it is only by cross-questioning, that their superintendents are able - to understand the true nature of their case. Perhaps this duplicity is - occasioned by fear; for in any bodily pain it is not possible to be more - cowardly than the negro; and I have heard strong young men, while the - tears were running down their cheeks, scream and roar as if a limb was - amputating, although the doctoress was only applying a poultice to a - whitlow on the finger. I suppose, therefore, that dread of the pain of - some unknown mode of treatment makes them conceal their real disease, and - name some other, of which they know the cure to be unattended with bodily - suffering or long restraint. In the disease I allude to, such a motive - would operate with peculiar force, as one of their chief aversions is the - necessarily being long confined to one certainly not fragrant room. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 13. - </h3> - <p> - The Reporter of the African Institution asserts, in a late pamphlet, that - in the West Indies the breeding system is to this day discouraged, and - that the planters are still indifferent to the preservation of their - present stock of negroes, from their confidence of getting fresh supplies - from Africa. Certainly the negroes in Jamaica are by no means of this - Reporter’s opinion, but are thoroughly sensible of their intrinsic value - in the eyes of the proprietor. On my arrival, every woman who had a child - held it up to show to me, exclaiming,—“See massa, see! here nice new - neger me bring for work for massa;” and those who had more than one did - not fail to boast of the number, and make it a claim to the greater merit - with me. Last week, an old watchman was brought home from the mountains - almost dead with fever; he would neither move, nor speak, nor notice any - one, for several days. For two nights I sent him soup from my own table; - but he could not even taste it, and always gave it to his daughter. On the - third evening, there happened to be no soup at dinner, and I sent other - food instead; but old Cudjoe had been accustomed to see the soup arrive, - and the disappointment made him fancy himself hungry, and that he could - have eaten the soup if it had been brought as usual: accordingly, when I - visited him the next morning, he bade the doctoress tell me that massa had - send him no soup the night before. This was the first notice that he had - ever taken of me. I promised that some soup should be ordered for him on - purpose that evening. Could he fancy any thing to eat <i>then?</i>—“Milk! - milk!” So milk was sent to him, and he drank two full calabashes of it. I - then tried him with an egg, which he also got down; and at night, by - spoonfuls at a time, he finished the whole bason of soup; but when I next - came to see him, and he wished to thank me, the words in which he thought - he could comprise most gratitude were bidding the doctoress tell me he - would do his best not to die yet; he promised to <i>fight hard</i> for it. - He is now quite out of danger, and seems really to be grateful. When he - was sometimes too weak to speak, on my leaving the room he would drag his - hand to his mouth with difficulty, and kiss it three or four times to bid - me farewell; and once, when the doctoress mentioned his having charged her - to tell me that he owed his recovery to the good food that I had sent him, - he added, “And him kind words too, massa; kind words do neger much good, - much as good food.” In my visits to the old man, I observed a young woman - nursing him with an infant in her arms, which (as they told me) was her - own, by Cudjoe. I therefore supposed her to be his wife: but I found that - she belonged to a <i>brown</i> man in the mountains; and that Cudjoe hired - her from her master, at the rate of thirty pounds a year! - </p> - <p> - I hope this fact will convince the African <i>Reporter</i>, that it is - possible for some of this “oppressed race of human beings”—“of these - our most unfortunate fellow-creatures,”—to enjoy at least <i>some</i> - of the luxuries of civilised society; and I doubt, whether even Mr. - Wilberforce himself, with all his benevolence, would not allow a negro to - be quite rich enough, who can afford to pay thirty pounds a year for the - hire of a kept mistress. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 14. - </h3> - <p> - Poor Nato’s stock of goodness is quite exhausted; and the day before - yesterday he returned to the hospital with most piteous complaints of - pains and aches, whose existence he could persuade no person to credit. - His pulse was regular, his skin cool, his tongue red and moist, and the - doctor declared nothing whatever to be the matter with him. However, on my - arrival, he began to moan, and groan, and grunt, and all so lamentably, - that every soul in the hospital, sick or well, burst into a fit of - laughter. For my part, I told him that I really believed him to be very - bad; and that, as he met with no sympathy in the hospital, I should remove - him from such unfeeling companions. Accordingly I had a comfortable bed - made for him in a separate house. Here he was plentifully supplied with - provisions: but, in order that he might enjoy perfect repose daring his - illness, the doors were kept locked, and no person allowed to disturb him - with their conversation; while, by the doctor’s orders, he was obliged to - take frequent doses of Bitter-Wood and Assafotida. Shame would not suffer - him to get well all at once; so yesterday he still complained of a pain in - his chest, and begged to be blooded. His request was granted; and the - blood proved to be so pure and well-coloured, that every one exclaimed, - that for a man who had such good blood to part with it so wantonly was a - shame and a folly. The fellow was at length convinced that his tricks - would serve no object; and this morning he begged me to suffer him to - return to his duty, and promised that I should have no more cause to - complain of him. So I consented to consider his cure as completed, and he - set off for the field perfectly satisfied with his release. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 15. - </h3> - <p> - On opening the Assize-court for the county of Cornwall on March 4., Mr. - Stewart, the Custos of Trelawny, and Presiding Judge, said, in his charge - to the jury, he wished to direct their attention in a peculiar manner to - the infringement of slave-laws in the island, in consequence of charges - having been brought forward in England of slave laws not being enforced in - this country, and being in fact perfect dead letters. The charge was - unfounded; but it became proper, in consequence, for the bench to call in - a strong manner on the grand jury to be particularly vigilant and - attentive to the discharge of this part of their duty. The bench at the - same time adverted to another subject connected with the above. Many out - of the country, and <i>some in it</i>, had thought proper to interfere - with our system, and by their insidious practices and dangerous doctrines - to call the peace of the island into question, and to promote disorder and - confusion. The jury were therefore enjoined, in every such case, to - investigate it thoroughly, and to bring the parties concerned before the - country, and not to suffer the systems of the island, as established by - the laws of the land, to be overset or endangered. It was their bounden - duty to watch over and support the established laws, and to act against - those who dared to infringe them; and that, otherwise, it was imperiously - called for on the principle of self-preservation. Every country had its - peculiar laws, on the due maintenance of which depended the public safety - and welfare. I read all this with the most perfect unconsciousness; when, - lo and behold! I have been assured, from a variety of quarters, that all - this was levelled at myself! It is I (it seems) who am “calling the peace - of the island in question;” who am “promoting disorder and confusion;” and - who am “infringing the established laws!” I should never have guessed it! - By “insidious practices” is meant (as I am told) my overindulgence to my - negroes; and my endeavouring to obtain either redress or pardon for those - belonging to other estates, who occasionally appeal to me for protection: - while “dangerous doctrines” alludes to my being of opinion, that the - evidence of negroes ought at least to be <i>heard</i> against white - persons; the jury always making proportionable abatements of belief, from - bearing in mind the bad habits of most negroes, their general want of - probity and good faith in every respect, and their total ignorance of the - nature of religious obligations. At the same time, these defects may be - counterbalanced by the respectable character of the particular negro; by - the strength of corroborating circumstances; and, finally, by the - irresistible conviction which his evidence may leave upon the minds of the - jury. They are not obliged to <i>believe</i> a negro witness, but I - maintain that he ought to be <i>heard</i>, and then let the jury give - their verdict according to their conscience. But this, in the opinion of - the bench at Montego Bay, it seems, is “dangerous doctrine!” At least, the - venom of my doctrines is circumscribed within very narrow limits; for as I - have made a point of never stirring off my own estate, nobody could - possibly be corrupted by them, except those who were at the trouble of - walking into my house for the express purpose of being corrupted. - </p> - <p> - At all events, if I <i>really</i> am the person to whom Mr. Stewart - alluded, I must consider his speech as the most flattering compliment that - I ever received. If my presence in the island has made the bench of a - whole country think it necessary to exact from the jury a more severe - vigilance than usual in all causes relating to the protection of negroes, - I cannot but own myself most richly rewarded for all my pains and expense - in coming hither, for every risk of the voyage, and for every possible - sacrifice of my pleasures. There is nothing earthly that is too much to - give for the power of producing an effect so beneficial; and I would set - off for Constantinople to-morrow, could I only be convinced that my - arrival would make the Mufti redress the complaints of the lower orders of - Turks with more scrupulous justice, and the Bashaws relax the fetters of - their slaves as much as their safety would permit. But I cannot flatter - myself with having done either the one or the other in Jamaica; and if Mr. - Stewart <i>really</i> alluded to me in his charge, I am certainly greatly - obliged to him; but he has paid me much too high a compliment;—God - grant that I may live to deserve it! - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 16. - </h3> - <p> - Hercules, the poor paralytic runaway, has neither moved nor spoken since - his being brought into the hospital. For the two last days he refused all - sustenance; blisters, rubbing with mustard, &c. were tried without - producing the least sensation; and in the course of last night he expired - without a groan. - </p> - <p> - Another offender, by name Charles Fox, is also under the doctor’s hands, - suffering under the effects of his own transgressions. Having been - Pickle’s shipmate, he professed the strongest attachment to him, and was - perpetually at his house; till Pickle’s wife made her husband aware that - love for herself was the real object of his shipmate’s visits. Finding her - story disbelieved, she hid Pickle behind the bed, when he had an - opportunity of hearing the solicitations of his perfidious Pylades; and, - rushing from his concealment, he gave Fox so complete a thrashing, that he - was obliged to come to the hospital. Here is another proof that negroes, - “our unfortunate fellow-creatures,” are not without some of the luxuries - of civilised life; old men of sixty keeping mistresses, and young ones - seducing their friends’ wives; why, what would the Reporter of the African - Institution have? - </p> - <p> - It is only to be wished, that the negroes would content themselves with - these fashionable peccadilloes; but, unluckily, there are some palates - among them which require higher seasoned vices; and besides their - occasional amusements of poisoning, stabbing, thieving, &c., a plan - has just been discovered in the adjoining parish of St. Elizabeth’s, for - giving themselves a grand fête by murdering all the whites in the island. - The focus of this meditated insurrection was on Martin’s Penn, the - property of Lord Balcarras, where the overseer is an old man of the - mildest character, and the negroes had always been treated with peculiar - indulgence. Above a thousand persons were engaged in the plot, three - hundred of whom had been regularly sworn to assist in it with all the - usual accompanying ceremonies of drinking human blood, eating earth from - graves, &c. Luckily, the plot was discovered time enough to prevent - any mischief; and yesterday the ringleaders were to be tried at Black - River. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 17. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - The Cornwall Chronicle informs us, that, at the Montego Bay assizes, a man - was tried on the Monday, for assaulting, while drunk, an officer who had - served with great distinction, and calling him a coward; for which offence - he was sentenced to a month’s imprisonment and fine of £100; and on the - Tuesday the same man brought an action against another person for calling - him a “drunken liar,” for which he was awarded £1000 for damages! A plain - man would have supposed two such verdicts to be rather incompatible; but - one lives to learn. - </p> - <p> - I remember to have read the case of a French nobleman, who was accused of - impotence by his wife before the Parliament of Paris, and by a farmer’s - daughter for seduction and getting her with child before the Parliament of - Rouen; he thought himself perfectly sure of gaining either the one cause - or the other: but, however, he was condemned in both. Certainly the poor - Frenchman had no luck in matters of justice. - </p> - <p> - To make the matter better, in the present instance, the man was a - clergyman; and his cause of quarrel against the officer was the latter’s - refusal to give him a puncheon of rum to christen all his negroes in a - lump. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 22. - </h3> - <p> - Mr. Plummer came over from St. James’s to-day, and told me, that the - “insidious practices and dangerous doctrines” in Mr. Stewart’s speech were - intended for the Methodists, and that only the charge to the grand jury - respecting “additional vigilance” was in allusion to myself; but he added - that it was the report at Montego Bay, that, in consequence of my - over-indulgence to my negroes, a song had been made at Cornwall, declaring - that I was come over to set them all free, and that this was now - circulating through the neighbouring parishes. If there be any such song - (which I do not believe), I certainly never heard it. However, my agent - here says, that he has reason to believe that my negroes really have - spread the report that I intend to set <i>them</i> free in a few years; - and this merely out of vanity, in order to give themselves and their - master the greater credit upon other estates. As to the truth of an - assertion, that is a point which never enters into negro consideration. - </p> - <p> - The two ringleaders of the proposed rebellion have been condemned at Black - River, the one to be hanged, the other to transportation. The plot was - discovered by the overseer of Lyndhurst Penn (a Frenchman from St. - Domingo) observing an uncommon concourse of stranger negroes to a child’s - funeral, on which occasion a hog was roasted by the father. He stole - softly down to the feasting hut, and listened behind a hedge to the - conversation of the supposed mourners; when he heard the whole conspiracy - detailed. It appears that above two hundred and fifty had been sworn in - regularly, all of them Africans; not a Creole was among them. But there - was a <i>black</i> ascertained to have stolen over into the island from - St. Domingo, and a <i>brown</i> Anabaptist missionary, both of whom had - been very active in promoting the plot. They had elected a King of the - Eboes, who had two Captains under him; and their intention was to effect a - complete massacre of all the whites on the island; for which laudable - design His Majesty thought Christmas the very fittest season in the year, - but his Captains were more impatient, and were for striking the blow - immediately. The next morning information was given against them: one of - the Captains escaped to the woods; but the other, and the King of the - Eboes, were seized and brought to justice. On their trial they were - perfectly cool and unconcerned, and did not even profess to deny the facts - with which they were charged. - </p> - <p> - Indeed, proofs were too strong to admit of denial; among others, a copy of - the following song was found upon the King, which the overseer had heard - him sing at the funeral feast, while the other negroes joined in the - chorus:— - </p> - <h3> - SONG OF THE KING OF THE EBOES. - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh me good friend, Mr. Wilberforce, make we free! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - God Almighty thank ye! God Almighty thank ye! - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - God Almighty, make we free! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Buckra in this country no make we free: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What Negro for to do? What Negro for to do? - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Take force by force! Take force by force! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - CHORUS. - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - To be sure! to be sure! to be sure! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - The Eboe King said, that he certainly had made use of this song, and what - harm was there in his doing so? He had sung no songs but such as his brown - priest had assured him were approved of by John the Baptist. “And who, - then, was John the Baptist?” He did not very well know; only he had been - told by his brown priest, that John the Baptist was a friend to the - negroes, and had got his head in a pan! - </p> - <p> - As to the Captain, he only said in his defence, that if the court would - forgive him this once, he would not do so again, as he found the whites - did not like their plans which, it seems, till that moment they had never - suspected! They had all along imagined, no doubt, that the whites would - find as much amusement in having their throats cut, as the blacks would - find in cutting them. I remember hearing a sportsman, who was defending - the humanity of hunting, maintain, that it being as much the nature of a - hare to run away as of a dog to run after her, consequently the hare must - receive as much pleasure from being coursed, as the dog from coursing. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 23. - </h3> - <p> - Two negroes upon Amity estate quarrelled the other day about some trifle, - when the one bit the other’s nose off completely. Soon after his accident, - the overseer meeting the sufferer—“Why, Sambo,” he exclaimed, - “where’s your nose?” - </p> - <p> - “I can’t tell, massa,” answered Sambo; “I looked every where about, but I - could not find it.” - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 24. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - Every Sunday since my return from Kingston I have read prayers to such of - the negroes as chose to attend, preparatory to the intended visitations of - the minister, Dr. Pope. About twenty or thirty of the most respectable - among them generally attended, and behaved with great attention and - propriety. I read the Litany, and made them repeat the responses. I - explained the Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer to them, teaching them to - say each sentence of the latter after me, as I read it slowly, in hopes of - impressing it upon their memory. Then came “the good Samaritan,” or some - such apologue; and, lastly, I related to them a portion of the life of - Christ, and explained to them the object of his death and sufferings. The - latter part of my service always seemed to interest them greatly; but, - indeed, they behaved throughout with much attention. Unluckily, the head - driver, who was one of the most zealous of my disciples, never could - repeat the responses of the Litany without an appeal to myself, and always - made a point of saying—“Good Lord, deliver us; yes, sir!” and made - me a low bow: and one day when I was describing the wonderful precocity of - Christ’s understanding, as evidenced by his interview with the doctors in - the temple, while but a child, the head driver thought fit to interrupt me - with—“Beg massa pardon, but want know one ting as puzzle me. Massa - say ‘the child,’ and me want know, massa, one ting much; was Jesus Christ - a boy or a girl?” Like my friend the Moravian, at Mesopotamia, I cannot - boast of any increased audience; and if the negroes will not come to hear - massa, I have little hope of their giving up their time to hear Dr. Pope, - who inspires them with no interest, and can exert no authority. Indeed, I - am afraid that I am indebted for the chief part of my present auditory to - my quality of massa rather than that of priest; and when I ask any of them - why they did not come to prayers on the preceding Sunday, their excuse is - always coupled with an assurance, that they wished very much to come, - “because they wish to do <i>any thing</i> to oblige massa.” - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 25. - </h3> - <p> - The negroes certainly are perverse beings. They had been praying for a - sight of their master year after year; they were in raptures at my - arrival; I have suffered no one to be punished, and shown them every - possible indulgence during my residence amongst them; and one and all they - declare themselves perfectly happy and well treated. Yet, previous to my - arrival, they made thirty-three hogsheads a week; in a fortnight after my - landing, their product dwindled to twenty-three; daring this last week - they have managed to make but thirteen. Still they are not ungrateful; - they are only selfish: they love me very well, but they love themselves a - great deal better; and, to do them justice, I verily believe that every - negro on the estate is extremely anxious that all should do their full - duty, except himself. My censure, although accompanied with the certainty - of their not being punished, is by no means a matter of indifference. If I - express myself to be displeased, the whole property is in an uproar; every - body is finding fault with every body; nobody that does not represent the - shame of neglecting my work, and the ingratitude of vexing me by their - ill-conduct; and then each individual—having said so much, and said - it so strongly, that he is convinced of its having its full effect in - making the others do their duty—thinks himself quite safe and snug - in skulking away from his own. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 26. - </h3> - <p> - Young Hill was told at the Bay this morning, that I make a part of the - Eboe King’s song! According to this report, “good King George and good Mr. - Wilberforce” are stated to have “given me a paper” to set the negroes free - (i. e. an order), but that the white people of Jamaica will not suffer me - to show the paper, and I am now going home to say so, and “to resume my - chair, which I have left during my absence to be filled by the Regent.” - </p> - <p> - Since I heard the report of a rebellious song issuing from Cornwall, I - have listened more attentively to the negro chaunts; but they seem, as far - as I can make out, to relate entirely to their own private situation, and - to have nothing to do with the negro state in general. Their favourite, - “We varry well off,” is still screamed about the estate by the children; - but among the grown people its nose has been put out of joint by the - following stanzas, which were explained to me this morning. For several - days past they had been dinned into my ears so incessantly, that at length - I became quite curious to know their import, which I learned from Phillis, - who is the family minstrel. It will be evident from this specimen, that - the Cornwall bards are greatly inferior to those of Black River, who have - actually advanced so far as to make an attempt at rhyme and metre. - </p> - <h3> - NEGRO SONG AT CORNWALL. - </h3> - <p class="indent10"> - Hey-ho-day! me no care a dammee! (i. e. a damn,) - </p> - <p class="indent10"> - Me acquire a house, (i. e. I have a solid foundation to - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - build on,) - </p> - <p class="indent10"> - Since massa come see we—oh! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent10"> - Hey-ho-day! neger now quite eerie, (i. e. hearty,) - </p> - <p class="indent10"> - For once me see massa—hey-ho-day! - </p> - <p class="indent10"> - When massa go, me no care a dammee, - </p> - <p class="indent10"> - For how them usy we—hey-ho-day! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - An Alligator, crossing the morass at Bellisle, an estate but a few miles - distant from Cornwall, fell into a water-trench, from which he struggled - in vain to extricate himself, and was taken alive; so that, according to - the vulgar expression, he may literally be said to “have put his foot in - it.” Fontenelle says, that when Copernicus published his system, he - foresaw the contradictions which he should have to undergo—“Et il se - tira d’affaire très-habilement. Le jour qu’on lui présentoit le premier - exemplaire, scavez-vous ce qu’il fit? Il mourut;” which was precisely the - resource resorted to by the alligator. He died on the second morning of - his captivity, and his proprietor, Mr. Storer, was obliging enough to - order the skin to be stuffed, and to make me a present of him. Neptune was - despatched to bring him (or rather her, for nineteen eggs were found - within her) over to Cornwall; and at dinner to-day we were alarmed with a - general hubbub. It proved to be occasioned by Neptune’s arrival (if Thames - or Achelous had been despatched on this errand, it would have been more - appropriate) with the alligator on his head. In a few minutes every thing - on the estate that was alive, without feathers, and with only two legs, - flocked into the room, and requested to take a bird’s-eye view of the - monster; for as to coming near her, <i>that</i> they were much too - cowardly to venture. It was in vain that I represented to them, that being - dead it was utterly impossible that the animal could hurt them: they - allowed the impossibility, but still kept at a respectful distance; and - when at length I succeeded in persuading them to approach it, upon some - one accidentally moving the alligator’s tail, they all, with one accord, - set up a loud scream, and men, women, and children tumbled out of the room - over one another, to the irreparable ruin of some of my glasses and - decanters, and the extreme trepidation of the whole side-board. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <p> - The negro-husband, who stabbed his rival in a fit of jealousy, has been - tried at Montego Bay, and acquitted. On the other hand, the King of the - Eboes has been hung at Black Hiver, and died, declaring that he left - enough of his countrymen to prosecute the design in hand, and revenge his - death upon the whites. Such threats of a rescue were held out, that it was - judged advisable to put the militia under arms, till the execution should - have taken place; and also to remove the King’s Captain to the gaol at - Savannah la Mar, till means can be found for transporting him from the - island. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 27. - </h3> - <p> - The Eboe Captain has effected his escape by burning down the prison door. - It is supposed that he has fled towards the fastnesses in the interior of - the mountains, where I am assured that many settlements of run-away slaves - have been formed, and with which the inhabited part of the island has no - communication. However, the chief of the Accompong Maroons, Captain Roe, - is gone in pursuit of him, and has promised to bring him in, alive or - dead. The latter is the only reasonable expectation, as the fugitive is - represented as a complete desperado. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <p> - The negroes have at least given me one proof of their not being entirely - selfish. When they heard that the boat was come to convey my baggage to - the ship at Black River, they collected all their poultry, and brought it - to my agent, desiring him to add it to my sea-stores. Of course I refused - to let them be received, and they were evidently much disappointed, till I - consented to accept the fowls and ducks, and then gave them back to them - again, telling them to consider them as a present from my own hen-house, - and to distinguish them by the name of “massa’s poultry.” - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 28. - </h3> - <p> - I have been positively assured, that an attempt was made to persuade the - grand jury at Montego Bay, to present me for over-indulgence to my own - negroes! It is a great pity that so reasonable an attempt should not have - succeeded.—The rebel captain who broke out of prison, has been found - concealed in the hut of a notorious Obeah-man, and has been lodged a - second time in the gaol of Savannah la Mar. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 29. - </h3> - <p> - About two months ago, a runaway cooper, belonging to Shrewsbury estate, by - name Edward, applied to me to intercede for his not being punished on his - return home. As soon as he got the paper requested, he gave up all idea of - returning to the estate, and instead of it went about the country stealing - every thing upon which he could lay his hands; and whenever his - proceedings were enquired into by the magistrates, he stated himself to be - on the road to his trustee, and produced my letter as a proof of it. At - length some one had the curiosity to open the letter, and found that it - had been written two months before. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 30. - </h3> - <p> - This was the day appointed for the first “Royal play-day,” when I bade - farewell to my negroes. I expected to be besieged with petitions and - complaints, as they must either make them on this occasion or not at all. - I was, therefore, most agreeably surprised to find, that although they had - opportunities of addressing me from nine in the morning till twelve at - night, the only favours asked me were by a poor old man, who wanted an - iron cooking pot, and by Adam, who begged me to order a little daughter of - his to be instructed in needle-work: and as to complaints, not a murmur of - such a thing was heard; they all expressed themselves to be quite - satisfied, and seemed to think that they could never say enough to mark - their gratitude for my kindness, and their anxiety for my getting safe to - England. We began our festival by the head driver’s drinking the health of - H. R. H. the Duchess of York, whom the negroes cheered with such a shout - as might have “rent hell’s concave.” - </p> - <p> - Then we had a christening of such persons as had been absent on the former - occasion, one of whom was Adam, the reputed Obeah-man. In the number was a - new-born child, whom we called Shakspeare, and whom Afra, the Eboe mother, - had very earnestly begged me to make a Christian, as well as a daughter of - hers, about four or five years old; at the same time that she declined - being christened herself! In the same manner Cubina’s wife, although her - father and husband were both baptised on the former occasion, objected to - going through the ceremony herself; and the reason which she gave was, - that “she did not like being christened while she was with child, as she - did not know what change it might not produce upon herself and the - infant.” - </p> - <p> - After the christening there was a general distribution of salt-fish by the - trustee; and I also gave every man and woman half a dollar each, and every - child a maccarony (fifteen pence) as a parting present, to show them that - I parted with them in good-humour. While the money was distributing, young - Hill arrived, and finding the house completely crowded, he enquired what - was the matter. “Oh, massa,” said an old woman, “it is only <i>my son</i>, - who is giving the negroes all something.” - </p> - <p> - I also read to them a new code of laws, which I had ordered to be put in - force at Cornwall, for the better security of the negroes. The principal - were, that “a new hospital for the lying-in women, and for those who might - be seriously ill, should be built, and made as comfortable as possible; - while the present one should be reserved for those whom the physicians - might declare to be very slightly indisposed, or not ill at all; the doors - being kept constantly locked, and the sexes placed in separate chambers, - to prevent its being made a place of amusement by the lazy and lying, as - is the case at present.”—“A book register of punishments to be kept, - in which the name, offence, and nature and quantity of punishment - inflicted must be carefully put down; and also a note of the same given to - the negro, in order that if he should think himself unjustly, or too - severely punished, he may show his note to my other attorney on his next - visit, or to myself on my return to Jamaica, and thus get redress if he - has been wronged.”—“No negro is to be struck, or punished in any - way, without the trustee’s express orders: the black driver so offending - to be immediately degraded, and sent to work in the field; and the white - person, for such a breach of my orders, to be discharged upon the spot.”—“No - negro is to be punished till twenty-four hours shall have elapsed between - his committing the fault and suffering for it, in order that nothing - should be done in the heat of passion, but that the trustee should have - time to consider the matter coolly. But to prevent a guilty person from - avoiding punishment by running away, he is to pass those twenty-four hours - in such confinement as the trustee may think most fitting.”—“Any - white person, who can be proved to have had an improper connection with a - woman known publicly to be living as the wife of one of my negroes, is to - be discharged immediately upon complaint being made.” I also gave the head - driver a complete list of the allowances of clothing, food, &c. to - which the negroes were entitled, in order that they might apply to it if - they should have any doubts as to their having received their full - proportion; and my new rules seemed to add greatly to the satisfaction of - the negroes, who were profuse in their expressions of gratitude. - </p> - <p> - The festival concluded with a grander ball than usual, as I sent for music - from Savanna la Mar to play country dances to them; and at twelve o’clock - at night they left me apparently much pleased, only I heard some of them - saying to each other, “When shall we have such a day of pleasure again, - since massa goes to-morrow?” - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 31. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - With their usual levity, the negroes were laughing and talking as gaily as - ever till the very moment of my departure; but when they saw my curricle - actually at the door to convey me away, then their faces grew very long - indeed. In particular, the women called me by every endearing name they - could think of. “My son! my love! my husband! my father!” - </p> - <p> - “You no my massa, you my tata!” said one old woman (upon which another - wishing to go a step beyond her, added, “Iss, massa, iss! It was you”);—————and - when I came down the steps to depart, they crowded about me, kissing my - feet, and clasping my knees, so that it was with difficulty that I could - get into the carriage. And this was done with such marks of truth and - feeling, that I cannot believe the whole to be mere acting and mummery. - </p> - <p> - I dined with Mr. Allwood at Shaftstone, his pen near Blue-fields, and at - half past seven found myself once more on board the Sir Godfrey Webster. - </p> - <p> - To fill up my list of Jamaica delicacies, I must not forget to mention, - that I did my best to procure a Cane-piece Cat roasted in the true African - fashion. The Creole negroes, however, greatly disapproved of my venturing - upon this dish, which they positively denied having tasted themselves; and - when, at length, the Cat was procured, last Saturday, instead of plainly - boiling it with negro-pepper and salt, they made into a high seasoned - stew, which rendered it impossible to judge of its real flavour. However, - I tasted it, as did also several other people, and we were unanimous in - opinion, that it might have been mistaken for a very good game-soup, and - that, when properly dressed, a Cane-piece Cat must be excellent food. - </p> - <p> - One of the best vegetable productions of the island is esteemed to be the - Avogada pear, sometimes called “the vegetable marrow.” It was not the - proper season for them, and with great difficulty I procured a couple, - which were said to be by no means in a state of perfection. Such as they - were, I could find no great merit in them; they were to be eaten cold with - pepper and salt, and seemed to be an insipid kind of melon, with no other - resemblance to marrow than their softness. - </p> - <p> - APRIL 1. (Monday.) - </p> - <p> - At eight this morning we weighed anchor on our return to England. - </p> - <h3> - YARRA. - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - Poor Yarra comes to bid farewell, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - But Yarra’s lips can never say it! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her swimming eyes—her bosom’s swell— - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - The debt she owes you, these must pay it. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She ne’er can speak, though tears can start, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Her grief, that fate so soon removes you; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But One there is, who reads the heart, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And well He knows how Yarra loves you! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - See, massa, see this sable boy! - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - When chill disease had nipp’d his flower, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - You came and spoke the word of joy, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - And poured the juice of healing power. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To visit far Jamaica’s shore - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Had no kind angel deign’d to move you, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - These laughing eyes had laugh’d no more, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Nor Yarra lived to thank and love you, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then grieve not, massa, that to view - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Our isle you left your British pleasures: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - One tear, which falls in grateful dew, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Is worth the best of Britain’s treasures. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And sure, the thought will bring relief, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - What e’er your fate, wherever rove you, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Your wealth’s not given by pain and grief, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - But hands that know, and hearts that love you. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - May He, who bade you cross the wave, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through care for Afric’s sons and daughters; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When round your bark the billows rave, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In safety guide you through the waters! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - By all you love with smiles be met; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through life each good man’s tongue approve you: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And though far distant, don’t forget, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While Yarra lives, she’ll live to love you! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 3. - </h3> - <p> - The trade-winds which facilitate the passage to Jamaica, effectually - prevent the return of vessels by the same road. The common passage is - through the Gulf of Florida, but there is another between Cuba and St. - Domingo, which is at least 1000 miles nearer. The first, however, affords - almost a certainty of reaching Europe in a given time; while you may keep - tacking in the attempt to make the windward passage (as it is called) for - months together. Last night the wind was so favourable for this attempt, - that the captain determined upon risking it. Accordingly he altered his - course; and had not done so for more than a few hours, when the wind - changed, and became as direct for the Gulf, as till then it had been - contrary. The consequence was, that the Gulf passage was fixed once for - all, and we are now steering towards it with all our might and main. - Besides the distance saved, there was another reason for preferring the - windward passage, if it could have been effected. The Gulf of Florida has - for some time past been infested by a pirate called Captain Mitchell, who, - by all accounts, seems to be of the very worst description. It is not long - ago, since, in company with another vessel of his own stamp, he landed on - the small settlement of St. Andrews, plundered it completely, and on his - departure carried off the governor, whom he kept on board for more than - fourteen days, and then hung him at the yard-arm out of mere wanton - devilry; and indeed he is said to show no more mercy to any of his - prisoners than he did to the poor governor. His companion has been - captured and brought into Kingston, and the conquering vessel is gone in - search of Captain Mitchell. If it does not fall in with him, and <i>we</i> - do, I fear that we shall stand but a bad chance; for he has one hundred - men on board according to report, while we have not above thirty. However, - the captain has harangued them, represented the necessity of their - fighting if attacked, as Captain Mitchell is known to spare no one, high - or low, and has engaged to give every man five guineas apiece, if a gun - should be fired. The sailors promise bravery; whether their promises will - prove to be pie-crust, we must leave to be decided by time and Captain - Mitchell. In the mean while, every sail that appears on the horizon is - concluded to be this terrible pirate, and every thing is immediately put - in readiness for action. - </p> - <p> - This day we passed the Caymana islands; but owing to our having always - either a contrary wind, or no wind at all, it was not till the 12th that - Cuba was visible, nor till the 14th that we reached Cape Florida. - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 15. - </h3> - <p> - At noon this day we found ourselves once more sailing on the Atlantic, and - bade farewell to the Gulf of Florida without having heard any news of the - dreaded Commodore Mitchell. The narrow and dangerous part of this Gulf is - about two hundred miles in length, and fifty in breadth, bordered on one - side by the coast of Florida, and on the other, first by Cuba, and then by - the Bahama Islands, of which the Manilla reef forms the extremity, and - which reef also terminates the Gulf. But on both sides of these two - hundred miles, at the distance of about four or five miles from the main - land, there extends a reef which renders the navigation extremely - dangerous. The reef is broken at intervals by large inlets; and the sudden - and violent squalls of wind to which the Gulf is subject, so frequently - drive vessels into these perilous openings, that it is worth the while of - many of the poorer inhabitants of Florida to establish their habitations - within the reef, and devote themselves and their small vessels entirely to - the occupation of assisting vessels in distress. They are known by the - general name of “wreckers,” and are allowed a certain salvage upon such - ships as they may rescue. As a proof of the violence of the gales which - are occasionally experienced in this Gulf, our captain, about nine years - ago, saw the wind suddenly take a vessel (which had unwisely suffered her - canvass to stand, while the rest of the ships under convoy had taken - theirs down,) and turn her completely over, the sails in the water and the - keel uppermost. It happened about four o’clock in the afternoon: the - captain and the passengers were at dinner in the cabin; but as she went - over very leisurely, they and the crew had time allowed them to escape out - of the windows and port-holes, and sustain themselves upon the rigging, - till boats from the ships near them could arrive to take them off. As she - filled, she gradually sunk, and in a quarter of an hour she had - disappeared totally. - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 17. - </h3> - <h3> - THE FLYING FISH. - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - Bright ocean-bird, alike who sharing - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Both elements, could sport the air in, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Or swim the sea, your winged fins wearing - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - The rainbow’s hues, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Your fate this day full long shall bear in - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - Her mind the muse, - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In vain for you had nature blended - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Two regions, and your powers extended; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Now high you rose, now low descended; - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - But folly marred - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Those gifts, the bounteous dame intended - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - To prove your guard. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A flying fish, could bounds include her? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She winged the deep, if birds pursued her; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She swam the sky, if dolphins viewed her; - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - But now what wish - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Tempts you to watch yon bright deluder, - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - Unthinking fish? - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Alas!—a fly above you viewing, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gay tints his gilded wings imbuing, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - You mount; and ah! too far pursuing - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - At fancy’s call, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Heedless you strike the sails, where ruin - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - Awaits your fall. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Your fins, too dry, no longer play you, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And soon those fins no more upstay you; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - You drop; and now on deck survey you - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - Jack, Tom, and Bill, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who up may take, and down may lay you, - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - As suits their will. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh! list my tale, fair maids of Britain! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - This subject fain I’d try my wit on, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And show the rock you’re apt to split on: - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - Then cry not—“Pish!”— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - You’re all (I’m glad the thought I hit on) - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - Just flying fish! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Beauty, does nature’s hand bestow it? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - It swells your pride, and plain you show it; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Though wealthy cit, and airy poet - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - Your charms pursue, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Church—physic—law—you he fair, you know it, - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - You’ll none, not you!= . - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Age looks too dry, and youth too blooming: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The scholar’s face there’s too much gloom in; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - This man’s too dull, that too presuming; - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - His mouth’s too wide!— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For mending, Lord! you think there’s room in - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - The best, when tried. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In each you find some fault to snarl at, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And wilful seek the sun by starlight; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till some gay glittering rogue in scarlet, - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - Who lures the eye, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dazzles poor miss, and then the varlet - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - Pretends to fly. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His flight has piqued, his glitter caught her; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And soon her mammy’s darling daughter, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whose eyes have made such mighty slaughter, - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - Charm’d by a fop, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Is fairly hit <i>’</i>twixt wind and water, - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - And, miss! you drop! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then certain fate of fallen lasses, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When short-lived bliss more frail than glass is, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To eyes of all degrees and classes - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - Exposed you stand, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And soon your beauty circling passes - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - From hand to hand. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In vain your flattering charms display you; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From home and parents far away, you - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - See former friends with scorn survey you; - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - While fools and brutes - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - May take you up, or down may lay you, - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - As humour suits. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh! mark, dear girls, the moral story - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of one, who breathes but to adore ye! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Let no rash action mar your glory; - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - But when you wish - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To catch some coxcomb, place before ye - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - The flying fish. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 20. - </h3> - <p> - Two or three years ago, our captain, while his vessel was lying in Black - River Bay, for the purpose of loading, was informed by his sailors, that - their beef and other provisions frequently disappeared in a very - unaccountable manner. However, by setting a strict watch during the night, - he soon managed to clear up the mystery: and a negro, who had made his - escape from the workhouse, and concealed himself on board among the bags - of cotton, was found to be the thief. He was sent back to the workhouse, - of which the chain was still about his neck. But another negro had better - luck in a similar attempt on board of a different vessel. He contrived to - secrete himself in the lower part of it, where the sugar hogsheads are - stored, unknown to any one. As soon as the cargo was completed, the planks - above it were caulked down, and raised no more till their ship reached - Liverpool; when, to the universal astonishment, upon opening the hold, out - walked Mungo, in a wretched condition to be sure, but still at least - alive, and a freeman in Great Britain. During his painful voyage, he had - subsisted entirely upon sugar, of which he had consumed nearly an - hogshead; how he managed for water I could not learn, nor can imagine. - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 23. - </h3> - <p> - The old steward, this morning, told one of the sailors, who complained of - being ill, that he would get well as soon as he should reach England, and - could have plenty of vegetables; “for,” he said, “the man had only got a - <i>stomachick</i> complaint; nothing but just scurvy!” - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 24. - </h3> - <p> - Sea Terms.—The <i>sheets</i>, a term for various ropes; the <i>halyards</i>, - ropes which extend the topsails; the <i>painter</i>, the rope which - fastens the boat to the vessel; the eight points of the compass, south, - south and by east, south-south east, south east and by east, south-east, - east south and by east, east south east, east and by south east. The - knowledge of these points is termed “knowing how to box the compass.” - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 27. - </h3> - <p> - Many years ago, a new species of grass was imported into Jamaica, by Mr. - Vassal, (to whom an estate near my own then belonged), as he said “for the - purpose of feeding his pigs and his bookkeepers.” Its seeds being soon - scattered about by the birds, it has taken possession of the cane-pieces, - whence to eradicate it is an utter impossibility, the roots being as - strong as those of ginger, and insinuating themselves under ground to a - great extent; so that the only means of preventing it from entirely - choking up the canes, is plucking it out with the hand, which is obliged - to be done frequently, and has increased the labour of the plantation at - least one third. This nuisance, which is called “Vassal’s grass,” from its - original introducer, has now completely over-run the parish of - Westmoreland, has begun to show itself in the neighbouring parishes, and - probably in time will get a footing throughout the island. St. Thomas’s in - the East has been inoculated with another self-inflicted plague, under the - name of “the rifle-ant,” which was imported for the purpose of eating up - the ants of the country; and so to be sure they did, but into the bargain - they eat up every thing else which came in their way, a practice in which - they persist to this hour; so that it may be doubted whether in Jamaica - most execrations are bestowed in the course of the day upon Vassal’s - grass, the rifle-ants, Sir Charles Price’s rats, or the Reporter of the - African Society; only that the maledictions uttered against the three - first are necessarily local, while the Reporter of the African Society - comes in for curses from all quarters. - </p> - <p> - APRIL 30. (Tuesday.) - </p> - <p> - A whole calendar month has elapsed since our quitting Jamaica, during - which the wind has been favourable for something less than four-and-twenty - hours; either it has blown precisely from the point on which we wanted to - sail, or has been so faint, that we scarcely made one knot an hour. - However, on Tuesday last, finding ourselves in the latitude of the - “still-vexed Bermoothes,” by way of variety, a sudden squall carried away - both our lower stunsails in the morning; and at nine in the evening there - came on a gale of wind truly tremendous. The ship pitched and rolled every - minute, as if she had been on the point of overturning; the hencoops - floated about the deck, and many of the poultry were found drowned in them - the next morning. Just as the last dead-light was putting up, the sea - embraced the opportunity of the window being open, to whip itself through, - and half filled the after-cabin with water; and in half an hour more a - mountain of waves broke over the vessel, and pouring itself through the - sky-light, paid the same compliment to the fore-cabin, with which it had - already honoured the after one. About four in the morning the storm - abated, and then we relapsed into our good old jog-trot pace of a knot an - hour. Our passengers consist of a Mrs. Walker with her two children, and a - sick surgeon of the name of Ashman. - </p> - <h3> - MAY 5. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - We continue to proceed at such a tortoise-pace, that it has been thought - advisable to put the crew upon an allowance of water. - </p> - <h3> - MAY 7. - </h3> - <p> - A negro song.—“Me take my cutacoo, (i. e. a basket made of matting,) - and follow him to Lucea, and all for love of my bonny man-O—My bonny - man come home, come home! Doctor no do you good. When neger fall into - neger hands, buckra doctor no do him good more. Come home, my gold ring, - come home!” This is the song of a wife, whose husband had been Obeahed by - another woman, in consequence of his rejecting her advances. A negro - riddle: “Pretty Miss Nancy was going to market, and she tore her fine - yellow gown, and there was not a taylor in all the town who could mend it - again.” This is a ripe plantain with a broken skin. The negroes are also - very fond of what they call Nancy stories, part of which is related, and - part sung. The heroine of one of them is an old woman named Mamma Luna, - who having left a pot boiling in her hut, found it robbed on her return. - Her suspicions were divided between two children whom she found at play - near her door, and some negroes who had passed that way to market. The - children denied the theft positively. It was necessary for the negroes, in - order to reach their own estate, to wade through a river at that time - almost dry; and on their return, Mammy Luna (who it should seem, was not - without some skill in witchcraft,) warned them to take care in venturing - across the stream, for that the water would infallibly rise and carry away - the person who had stolen the contents of her pot; but if the thief would - but confess the offence, she engaged that no harm should happen, as she - only wanted to exculpate the innocent, and not to punish the guilty. One - and all denied the charge, and several crossed the river without fear or - danger; but upon the approach of a <i>belly-woman</i> to the bank, she was - observed to hesitate. “My neger, my neger,” said Mammy Luna, “why you - stop? me tink, you savee well, who thief me?” This accusation spirited up - the woman, who instantly marched into the river, singing as she went ( and - the woman’s part is always chanted frequently in chorus, which the negroes - call, “taking up the sing”). - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “If da me eat Mammy Luna’s pease-O, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Drowny me water, drowny, drowny!” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - “My neger, my neger,” cried the old woman, “me sure now you the thief! me - see the water wet you feet. Come back, my neger, come back.” Still on went - the woman, and still continued her song of - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “If da me eat Mammy Luna’s pease, &c.” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - “My neger, my neger,” repeated Mammy Luna, “me no want punish you; my pot - smell good, and you belly-woman. Come back, my neger, come back; me see - now water above your knee!” But the woman was obstinate; she continued to - sing and to advance, till she reached the middle of the river’s bed, when - down came a tremendous flood, swept her away, and she never was heard of - more; while Mammy Luna warned the other negroes never to take the property - of another; always to tell the truth; and, at least, if they should be - betrayed into telling a lie, not to persist in it, otherwise they must - expect to perish like their companion. Observe, that a moral is always an - indispensable part of a Nancy story. Another is as follows:—“Two - sisters had always lived together on the best terms; but, on the death of - one of them, the other treated very harshly a little niece, who had been - left to her care, and made her a common drudge to herself and her - daughter. One day the child having broken a water-jug, was turned out of - the house, and ordered not to return till she could bring back as good a - one. As she was going along, weeping, she came to a large cotton-tree, - under which was sitting an old woman without a head. I suppose this - unexpected sight made her gaze rather too earnestly, for the old woman - immediately enquired—‘Well, my piccaniny, what you see?’ ‘Oh, - mammy,’ answered the girl, ‘me no see nothing.’ ‘Good child!’ said again - the old woman; ‘and good will come to you.’ Not far distant was a - cocoa-tree; and here was another old woman, without any more head than the - former one. The same question was asked her, and she failed not to give - the same answer which had already met with so good a reception. Still she - travelled forwards, and began to feel faint through want of food, when, - under a mahogany tree, she not only saw a third old woman, but one who, to - her great satisfaction, had got a head between her shoulders. She stopped, - and made her best courtesy—‘How day, grannie!’ ‘How day, my - piccaniny; what matter, you no look well?’ ‘Grannie, me lilly hungry.’ ‘My - piccaniny, you see that hut, there’s rice in the pot, take it, and yam-yam - me; but if you see one black puss, mind you give him him share.’ The child - hastened to profit by the permission; the ‘one black puss’ failed not to - make its appearance, and was served first to its portion of rice, after - which it departed; and the child had but just finished her meal, when the - mistress of the hut entered, and told her that she might help herself to - three eggs out of the fowl-house, but that she must not take any of the <i>talking</i> - ones: perhaps, too, she might find the black puss there, also; but if she - did, she was to take no notice of her. Unluckily all the eggs seemed to be - as fond of talking as if they had been so many old maids; and the moment - that the child entered the fowl-house, there was a cry of ‘Take <i>me!</i> - Take <i>me!</i>’ from all quarters. However she was punctual in her - obedience; and although the conversable eggs were remarkably fine and - large, she searched about till at length she had collected three little - dirty-looking eggs, that had not a word to say for themselves. The old - woman now dismissed her guest, bidding her to return home without fear; - but not to forget to break one of the eggs under each of the three trees - near which she had seen an old woman that morning. The first egg produced - a water-jug exactly similar to that which she had broken; out of the - second came a whole large sugar estate; and out of the third a splendid - equipage, in which she returned to her aunt, delivered up the jug, related - that an old woman in a red docker (i. e. petticoat) had made her a great - lady, and then departed in triumph to her sugar estate. Stung by envy, the - aunt lost no time in sending her own daughter to search for the same good - fortune which had befallen her cousin. She found the cotton-tree and the - headless old woman, and had the same question addressed to her; but - instead of returning the same answer—‘What me see,’ said she; ‘me - see one old woman without him head!’ Now this reply was doubly offensive; - it was rude, because it reminded the old lady of what might certainly be - considered as a personal defect; and it was dangerous, as, if such a - circumstance were to come to the ears of the buckras, it might bring her - into trouble, women being seldom known to walk and talk without their - heads, indeed, if ever, except by the assistance of Obeah. ‘Bad child!’ - cried the old woman; ‘bad child! and bad will come to you!’ Matters were - no better managed near the cocoa-tree; and even when she reached the - mahogany, although she saw that the old woman had not only got her head - on, but had a red docker besides, she could not prevail on herself to say - more than a short ‘How day?’ without calling her ‘grannie.’ [Among negroes - it is almost tantamount to an affront to address by the name, without - affixing some term of relationship, such as ‘grannie,’ or ‘uncle,’ or - ‘cousin.‘] My Cornwall boy, George, told me one day, that ‘Uncle Sully - wanted to speak to massa.’ ‘Why, is Sully your uncle, George?’ ‘No, massa; - me only call him so for honour.’ However, she received the permission to - eat rice at the cottage, coupled with the injunction of giving a share to - the black puss; an injunction, however, which she totally disregarded, - although she scrupled not to assure her hostess that she had suffered puss - to eat till she could eat no more. The old lady in the red petticoat - seemed to swallow the lie very glibly, and despatched the girl to the - fowl-house for three eggs, as she had before done her cousin; but having - been cautioned against taking the talking eggs, she conceived that these - must needs be the most valuable; and, therefore, made a point of selecting - those three which seemed to be the greatest gossips of the whole poultry - yard. Then, lest their chattering should betray her disobedience, she - thought it best not to return into the hut, and, accordingly, set forward - on her return home; but she had not yet reached the mahogany tree, when - curiosity induced her to break one of the eggs. To her infinite - disappointment it proved to be empty; and she soon found cause to wish - that the second had been empty too; for, on her dashing it against the - ground, out came an enormous yellow snake, which flew at her with dreadful - hissings. Away ran the girl; a fallen bamboo lay in her path; she stumbled - over it, and fell. In her fall the third egg was broken; and the old woman - without the head immediately popping out of it, told her, that if she had - treated her as civilly, and had adhered as closely to the truth as her - cousin had done, she would have obtained the same good fortune; but that - as she had shown her nothing but rudeness, and told her nothing but lies, - she must be contented to carry nothing home but the empty egg-shells. The - old woman then jumped upon the yellow snake, galloped away with incredible - speed, and never showed her red docker in that part of the island any - more.” - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 8. - </h3> - <p> - At breakfast the captain was explaining to me the dangerous consequences - of breaking the wheel-rope: two hours afterwards the wheel-rope broke, and - round swung the vessel. However, as the accident fortunately took place in - the day time, and when the sea was perfectly calm, it was speedily - remedied: but this was “talking of the devil and his imps” with a - vengeance. - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 10. - </h3> - <p> - During the early part of my outward-bound voyage I was extremely afflicted - with sea-sickness; and between eight o’clock on a Monday morning, and - twelve on the following Thursday, I actually brought up almost a thousand - lines, with rhymes at the end of them. Having nothing better to do at - present, I may as well copy them into this book. Composed with such speed, - and under such circumstances, I take it for granted that the verses cannot - be very good; but let them be ever so bad, I defy any one to be more sick - while reading them than the author himself was while writing them. This - strange story was found by me in an old Italian book, called “II Palagio - degli Incanti,” in which it was related as a fact, and stated to be taken - from the “Annals of Portugal,” an historical work. I will not vouch for - the truth of it myself; and, at all events, I earnestly request that no - person who may read these verses will ask me “who the hero really was?” If - he does, I shall only return the same answer which the lady gave her - husband when, being on the point of shipwreck, he requested her to tell - him whether she had really ever wronged his bed? “My dear,” said she, - “sink or swim, that secret shall go to the grave with me.” - </p> - <h3> - THE ISLE OF DEVILS. - </h3> - <h3> - A METRICAL TALE. - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - “Should I report this now, would they believe me? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - If I should say, I saw such islanders, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who, though they were of monstrous shape, yet, note, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Their manners were more gentle-kind, than of - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Our human generation you shall find - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Many; nay, almost any!”— - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - <i>Tempest</i>, Act 3. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h3> - I. - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - Speed, Halcyon, speed, and here construct thy nest: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Brood on these waves, and charm the winds to rest! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No wave should dare to rage, no wind to roar, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till lands yon blooming maid on Lisbon’s shore. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That maid, as Venus fair and chaste is she, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When first to dazzled sky and glorying sea - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The bursting conch Love’s new-born queen exposed, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The fairest pearl that ever shell inclosed. - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - While love’s fantastic hand had joyed to braid - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her locks with weeds and shells like some sea-maid, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - High seated at the stern was Irza seen, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And seemed to rule the tide, as ocean’s queen. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Smooth sailed the bark; the sun shone clear and bright - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The glittering billows danced along in light; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While Irza, free from fear, from sorrow free, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bright as the sun, and buoyant as the sea, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bade o’er the lute her flying fingers move, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And sang a Spanish lay of Moorish love. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h3> - ZAYDE AND ZAYDA. - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - (From Las Guerras Civiles de Granada.’) - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lo! beneath yon haughty towers, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Where the young and gallant Zayde - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fondly chides the lingering hours, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Till they bring his lovely maid. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Evening shades are gathering round him; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Doubting fear his heart alarms; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But nor doubt nor fear can wound him, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - If he views his lady’s charms. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hark! the window softly telling, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Zayda comes to bless his sight; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bright as sun-beams clouds dispelling, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Mild as Cynthia’s trembling light. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Dearest, say, to what I’m fated!” - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Cried the Moor, as near he drew: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Is the tale my page related, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Loveliest lady, is it true? - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “To an ancient lord thy beauty - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Does thy tyrant father doom? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Must my love, the slave of duty, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Waste in age’s arms her bloom? - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “If my lot be still to languish, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Thine, another’s bride to be, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Let thy lips pronounce my anguish; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - ‘Twill be bliss to die by thee!” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rising sighs her grief discover; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Fast her tears, while speaking, pour— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Zayde, my Zayde, our loves are over! - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Zayde, my Zayde, we meet no more! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Allah knows, I cherished dearly, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Fondest hopes of being thine! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Allah knows, I grieve sincerely, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - When I those fond hopes resign! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “May some lady, happier, fairer, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Blest with every charm and grace, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whose kind friends would grieve to tear her - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - From all comfort, fill my place: - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “May all pleasures greet your bridal; - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - May she give you heart for heart! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Never be she from her idol - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Forced, as I am now, to part!” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Rumour did not then deceive me!” - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Wild the Moor in anguish cries: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Then <i>’</i>tis true! for wealth you leave me! - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Wealth has charms for Zayda’s eyes! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Blind to beauty, cold to pleasure, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Ozmyn shall my hopes destroy! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yes; though worthless such a treasure, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - He shall Zayda’s charms enjoy! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Fare thee well! so soon to sever - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Little thought I, when you said, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Thine it is, and thine for ever - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - ‘Shall be Zayda’s heart, my Zayde!’” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h3> - II. - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - Scarce moved the zephyr’s wings, while breathed the song, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And waves in silence bore the bark along. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - <i>’</i>Twas Irza sang! Rosalvo at her side - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gazed on his cherub-love, his destined bride, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Felt at each look his soul in softness melt, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor wished to feel more bliss than then he felt. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gainst the high mast, intent on book and beads, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A reverend abbot leans, and prays, and reads: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet oft with secret glance the pair surveys, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Marks how she looks, and listens what he says. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - An idle task! The terms which speak their love - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Had served for prayer, and passed unblamed above. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He finds each tender phrase so free from harm, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So pure each thought, each look so chaste though warm, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Still to his book and beads he turns again, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pleased to have found his guardian care so vain; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While oft a blush of shame his pale cheek wears, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To find his thoughts so much less pure than theirs. - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Oh! they <i>were</i> pure! pure as the moon, whose ray - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Loves on the shrines of virgin-saints to play; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pure as the falling snow, ere yet its shower - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bends with its weight its own pale fragile flower. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Not fourteen years were Irza’s; nay, ’tis true, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Most maids at twelve know more than Irza knew: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And scarce two more had spread with silken down - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her youthful cousin’s cheek of glowing brown. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His tutor sage (in fact, not show, a saint) - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Had kept his heart and mind secure from taint. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In liberal arts, in healthful manly sports, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In studies fit for councils, camps, and courts, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His moments found their full and best employ, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor left one leisure hour for guilty joy. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Since her blue dove-like eyes six springs had seen, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Immured in cloistered shades had Irza been, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From duties done her sole delight deriven, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And her sole care to please the queen of heaven. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - None e’er approached her, save the pure and good: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her promised spouse; that monk who near them stood; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her viceroy uncle, and some guardian nun - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Were all she e’er had seen by moon or sun. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No amorous forms, by wanton art designed, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Had e’er inflamed her blood, or stained her mind; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No hint in books, no coarse or doubtful phrase - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - E’er bade her curious thought explore the maze - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No glowing dream by memory’s pencil drawn - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Had e’er profaned her sleep, and made her blush at dawn. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With flowers she decked the virgin mother’s shrine, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor guessed a wonder made that name divine. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The very love, which lent her looks such fire, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ne’er raised one blameful thought, nor loose desire; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Like streams of gold, which in alembic roll, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The flames she suffered but refined her soul; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Made it more free from stain, more light from dross, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With brighter lustre, and with softer gloss. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That, which she bore her bridegroom, well might claim - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A brother’s love, and bear a sister’s name: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And e’en where now her lips in playful bliss - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sealed on Rosalvo’s eyes a balmy kiss, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Love’s highest, dearest grace she meant to show, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor thought he more could ask, nor she bestow. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h3> - III - </h3> - <p class="indent20"> - From Goa’s precious sands to Lisbon’s shore. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The viceroy’s countless wealth that vessel bore: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In heaps there jewels lay of various dyes, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ingots of gold, and pearls of wondrous size; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And there (two gems worth all that Cortez won) - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He placed his angel niece and only son. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sebastian sought the Moors! With loyal zeal - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rosalvo cased his youthful limbs in steel; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To die or conquer by his sovereign’s side - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He came; and with him came his destined bride. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - E’en now in Lisbon’s court for Irza’s hair - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Virgins the myrtle’s nuptial crown prepare, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And Hymen waves his torch from Cintra’s towers, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hails the dull bark, and chides the slow-winged hours. - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Seldom in this bad world two hearts we see - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So blest, and meriting so blest to be; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then oh! ye winds, gently your pinions move, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And speed in safety home the bark of love. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Brood, Halcyon, brood: thy sea-spell chaunt again, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And keep the mirror of the enchanted main, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where his white wing the exulting tropic dips, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Calm as their hearts, and smiling as their lips. - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - The charm prevails! Hushed are the waves and still; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The expanded sails light favouring zephyrs fill. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wafting with motion scarce perceived; and now - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In rapture Irza from the vessel’s prow - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gazed on an isle with verdure gay and bright, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which seemed (so green it shone in solar light) - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - An emerald set in silver. Long her eyes - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dwelt on its rocks; and “Oh! dear friend,” she cries, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And clasps Rosalvo’s hand,—“admire with me - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yon isle, which rising crowns the silent sea! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How bold those mossy cliffs, which guard the strand, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Like spires, and domes, and towers in fairy-land! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How green the plains! how balsam-fraught the breeze! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How bend with golden fruit the loaded trees; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While, fluttering midst their boughs in joyful notes, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Myriads of birds attune their warbling throats! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Blooms all the ground with flowers! and mark, oh! mark - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That giant palm, whose foliage broad and dark - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Plays on the sun-clad rock!—Beneath, a cave - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Spreads wide its sparry mouth: while loosely wave - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A thousand creepers, dyed with thousand stains, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whose wreaths enrich the trees, and cloathe the plains. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dear friend, how blest, if passed my life could be - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In that fair isle, with God alone and thee, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Far from the world, from man and fiend secure, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No guilt to harm us, and no vice to lure! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bright round the virgin’s shrine would blush and bloom - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That world of flowers, which pour such rich perfume; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And sweet yon caves repeat with mellowing swell - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Eve’s closing hymn, when chimed the vesper-bell.” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - The pilot heard—“Oh! spring of life,” he cried, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “How bright and beauteous seems the world untried! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I too, like you, in youth’s romantic bowers - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dreamt not of wasps in fruit, nor thorns in flowers; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And when on banks of sand the sunbeams shone, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I deemed each sparkling flint a precious stone. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ah! noble lady, learn, that isle so fair, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The fields all roses, and all balm the air, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That isle is one, where every leaf’s a spell, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where no good thing e’er dwelt, nor e’er shall dwell. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No fisher, forced from home by adverse breeze, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Would slake his thirst from yon infernal trees: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No shipwrecked sailor from the following waves - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Would seek a shelter in those haunted caves. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There flock the damned! there Satan reigns, and revels! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And thence yon isle is called (( The Isle of Devils!” - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor think, on rumour’s faith this tale is given: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Once, hot in youthful blood, when hell nor heaven - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Much claimed my thoughts, (the truth with shame I tell; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Holy St. Francis, guard thy votary well! ) - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In quest of water near that isle I drew: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When lo! such monstrous forms appalled my view, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Such shrieks I heard, sounds all so strange and dread, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That from the strand with shuddering haste I fled, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Plyed as for life my oars, nor backward bent my head. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And though since then hath flown full many a year, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Still sinks my heart, still shake my limbs with fear, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Soon as yon awful island meets mine eye! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Cross we our breasts! say, ‘Ave!’ and pass by!” - </p> - <h3> - IV. - </h3> - <p class="indent20"> - The isle is past. And still in tranquil pride - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bears the rich bark its treasures o’er the tide. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And now the sun, ere yet his lamp he shrouds, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Stains the pure western sky with crimson clouds: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Now from the sea’s last verge he sheds his rays, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And sinks triumphant in a golden blaze. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Still o’er the heavens reflected splendours flow, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which make the world of waters gleam and glow: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wide and more wide each billow shines more bright, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till all the empurpled ocean floats in light. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Soon as fair Irza marked the evening’s close, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Grave from her seat the young enthusiast rose, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Told o’er her beads, and when the string was said, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Ave Maria!” sang the enraptured maid; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her look so humble, so devout her air, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Each worldly wish appeared so lost in prayer, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - All felt, no thought could to her mind be near, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That man her form could see, her voice could hear: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hushed all the ship!—Each sailor checked his glee, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Clasped his hard hands, and bent his trembling knee; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And each (as rose that soft mysterious strain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Best help in trouble, and sweet balm in pain) - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gazed on the maid with mingled awe and fear, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Damp on his cheek perceived the unwonted tear, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then raised to Heaven his eyes in earnest prayer, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And half believed himself already there. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Low too Rosalvo knelt, nor knew, if now - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For Mary’s grace, or Irza’s, rose his vow. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Scarce e’en the monk forbore to kneel; his child - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fondly he viewed, and sweetly, gravely smiled, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And blessed that God, as swelled each melting note, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who gave such heavenly powers to human throat! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Melodious strains, oh! speed your flight above - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On Neptune’s wings, and reach the ear of Love! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh! spread thy starry robe, celestial queen, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - (For much thine aid she needs!) from ills to screen - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Thy virgin-votaress!—Silence holds the deep, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And e’en the helmsman’s eyes are sealed by sleep: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet mark yon gathering clouds!—the moon is fled!— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Mark too that deathlike stillness, deep and dread! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And hark!—from yon black cloud an awful voice - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pours the wild chaunt, and bids the winds rejoice! - </p> - <h3> - SONG OF THE TEMPEST-FIEND. - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - I marked her!—the pennants, how gaily they streamed!— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How well was she armed for resistance! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The waves that sustained her, how brightly they beamed - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In the sun’s setting rays, and the sailors all seemed - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To forget the storm-spirit’s existence. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But I marked her!—and now from the clouds I descend! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - My spells to the billows I mutter! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I clap my black pinions! my wand I extend, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In darkness the sky and the ocean to blend, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And the winds mark the charms which I utter. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Now more and more rapid in eddies I whirl, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In my voice while the thunder-clap rumbles: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And now the white mountainous waves, as they curl, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I joy o’er the deck of the vessel to hurl, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And laugh, as she tosses and tumbles. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The crew is alarmed; but the tempest prevails, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No care from my fury delivers! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ere there’s time for their furling the canvass, the sails - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From the top to the bottom I split with my nails, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And they stream in the blast, rent in shivers! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The sky and the ocean, fierce battle they wage; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The elements all are in action! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No sailor the storm longer hopes to assuage: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What clamours, what hurry, what oaths, and what rage! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, brave! what despair, what distraction! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Their heart-strings, they ache, while my ravage they view; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Each knee <i>’</i>gainst its fellow is knocking! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - My eyes, darting lightnings to dazzle the crew, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Burn and blaze; and those lightnings so forked and so blue - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Make the darkness of midnight more shocking. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The morn to that vessel no succour shall bring! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Now high o’er the main-mast I hover; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Now I plunge from the sky to the deck with a spring, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And I shatter the mast with one flap of my wing; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - It cracks! and it breaks! and goes over! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hew away, gallant seamen! fatigue never dread; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - You shall all rest to-night from your labours! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The ocean’s wide mantle shall o’er you be spread, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The white bones of mariners pillow your head, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And the whale and the shark be your neighbours. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For I swoop from aloft, and I blaze, and I burn, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While my spouts the salt billows are drinking: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And I drive <i>’</i>gainst the vessel, and beat down the stern, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And pour in a flood, which shall never return, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And all cry—66 She’s sinking! she’s sinking!”— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The barge?—well remembered!—<i>’</i>tis strong, and <i>’</i>tis - large, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And will live in the billows’ commotion; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But now all my spouts from the clouds I discharge, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And down goes the vessel, and down goes the barge! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hurrah! I reign lord of the ocean! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How their shrieks rose in chorus! Now all is at rest; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The tempest no longer is brewing! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - My dreams by the harm newly done will be blest, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So I’ll sleep for a while on a thunder-cloud’s breast, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then rouze to hurl round me fresh ruin. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hushed is the storm: the heavens no longer frown; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And o’er that spot, where late the bark went down, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - All bright and smiling flows the treacherous wave, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Like sunshine playing on a new-made grave. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Full rose the watery moon: it showed a plank, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To which, all deadly pale, with tresses dank, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And robes of white, on which the sea had flung - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Loose wreaths of ocean-flowers, unconscious clung - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A fair frail form:—‘twas Irza!—to the shore - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Each following wave the virgin nearer bore; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And now the mountain surge overwhelmed the land, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then flying left her on the wished-for strand. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Soon hope and love of life her powers renew; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Swift towards a cliff she speeds, which towers in view, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor waits the wave’s return’; and now again - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Safe on the shore, and rescued from the main, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Prostrate she falls, and thanks the Sire of life, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whose arm hath snatched her from the billowy strife. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That duty done, she rose, and gazed around: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Mossed are the rocks, and flowers bestrew the ground. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Not distant far, a group of fragrant trees - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bend with their golden fruit. The ocean-breeze - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Shakes a gigantic palm, which o’er a cave - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Its dark green foliage spreads, and wildly wave - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Their blooming wreaths, all starred with midnight dews, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A thousand creeping plants of thousand hues. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then flashed the dreadful truth on Irza’s view! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That cave—those trees—that giant palm she knew! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then from her lips for ever fled the smile: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - —“Mother of God!” she shrieked, “the Demon-Isle!”— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Long on a broken crag she knelt, and prayed, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And wearied every saint for strength and aid; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then speechless, heedless, senseless lay; when, lo! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Strange mutterings near her roused from torpid woe - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her soul to fresh alarms. Her head she reared, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And near her face an hideous face appeared; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But straight <i>’</i>twas gone!—In trembling haste she rose, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And saw a ring of monstrous dwarfs inclose - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her rugged couch. Not Teniers’ hand could paint - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Forms more grotesque to scare the tempted saint, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Than here, as on they pressed in circling throng, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With gnashing teeth seemed for her blood to long, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And grinned, and glared, and gloated! Quicker grew - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her breath! Death hemmed her round! As yet, ’tis true, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Far off they kept; but soon, more daring grown, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - More near they crept, oft sharpening on some stone - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Their long crookt claws; and still, as on they came, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They screeched and chattered; and their eyes of flame, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Twinkling and goggling, told, what pleasure grim - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - ‘Twould give to rack and rend her limb from limb: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - —“Heaven take my soul!” she cried,—when, hark! a - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - moan, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So full, so sad, so strange—not shriek—not groan— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Something scarce earthly—breathed above her head— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - ‘Twas heard, and instant every imp was fled. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What was that sound? What pitying saint from high - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Had stooped to save her? Now to heaven her eye - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Grateful she raised. Almighty powers!—a form, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gigantic as the palm, black as the storm, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - All shagged with hair, wild, strange in shape and show, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Towered on the loftiest cliff, and gazed below. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On her he gazed, and gazed so fixed, so hard, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Like knights of bronze some hero’s tomb who guard. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bright wreaths of scarlet plumes his temples crowned, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And round his ankles, arms, and wrists were wound - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Unnumbered glassy strings of crystals bright, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Corals, and shells, and berries red and white. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On her he gazed, and floods of sable fires - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rolled his huge eyes, and spoke his fierce desires, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As on his club, a torn-up lime, he leaned.— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Help, Heaven!” thought Irza, “‘tis the master-fiend!” - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Not long he paused: he now with one quick bound - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sprang from the cliff, and lighted on the ground. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Back fled the maid in terror; but her fear - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Was needless. Humbly, slowly crept he near, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then kissed the earth, his club before her laid, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And of his neck her footstool would have made: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But from his touch she shrank. He raised his head, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And saw her limbs convulsed, her face all dread, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And felt the cause his presence! Sad and slow - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He rose, resumed his club, and turn’d to go. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Reproachful was his look, but still <i>’</i>twas kind; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He climb’d the rock, but oft he gazed behind; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He reach’d the cave; one look below he threw; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Plaintive again he moan’d, and with slow steps withdrew. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She is alone; she breathes again!—Fly, fly!— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ah! wretched girl, too late! with frenzied eye, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - (Scarce gone the master-fiend) his imps she sees, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pour from the rocks, and drop from all the trees - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With yell, and squeak, and many a horrid sound, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And form a living fence to hedge her round: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - —“Now then,” she cried, 4 c all’s over!—oh! farewell, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Farewell, Rosalvo!” On her knee she fell, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And told her beads with trembling hands. Yet still - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On came the throng; and soon, with wanton skill - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - (Lured by its coral glow and cross of gold), - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - One snatch’d her chaplet, nor forsook his hold, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Though hard she struggled: while more bold, more fierce - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Another seized her arm, and dared to pierce - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With his sharp teeth its snow. The pure blood stream’d - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fast from the wound, and loud the virgin scream’d; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And strait again was heard that sad strange moan, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And instant all the dwarfs again were flown. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Scarce conscious that she lived, scarce knowing why, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Half grieved, half grateful, Irza raised her eye: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Still on the rock (not dared he down to spring) - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dark and majestic stood the demon-king; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then lowly knelt, and raised his arm to wave - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - An orange bough, and court her to his cave. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Lost are her friends; no help, no hope is nigh; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What can she do, and whither can she fly? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To him already twice her life she owes, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And but his presence now restrains her foes. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On wings of flame the sun had left the main; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And peeping from the trees, the imps too plain - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Shot darts of rage from their green orbs of sight: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She heard their gibberings, and she mark’d their spite; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And, while they eyed her form, their care she saw - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To grind their teeth, and whet each cruel claw. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Demons alike, the monarch-demon’s breast - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Appear’d least fierce; of ills she chose the best, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sought, where profaned her coral rosary lay, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then slowly mounted where he show’d the way. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Cautious he led her tow’rds his lone abode, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And clear’d each stone that might impede her road. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With pain she trod: she reach’d the cave; but there - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No more their weight her wearied limbs could bear. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Exhausted, fainting, anguish, terror, thirst, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fatigue o’erpower’d her frame: her heart must burst, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her eyes grow dim! Sunk on the rock she lies, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And sinking, prays she never more may rise. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Long in this deathlike swoon she lay: at length - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Exhausted nature show’d forth all its strength, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And call’d her back to life. Her opening eyes - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Beheld a grotto vast in depth and size, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whose high straight sides forbade all hopes of flight: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The fractured roof gave ample space for light, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through which in gorgeous guise the day-star shone - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On many a lucid shell and brilliant stone. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through pendent spars and crystals as it falls, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Each beam with rainbow hues adorns the walls, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gilds all the roof, emblazes all the ground, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And scatters light, and warmth, and splendour round. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gently on pillowing furs reposed her head; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With many a verdant rush her couch was spread; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A gourd with blushing fruits was near her placed, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whose scent and colour woo’d alike her taste; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And round her strewn there bloom’d unnumber’d flowers - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Charming her sense with aromatic powers. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - One only object chill’d her blood with ear: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Far off removed (but still, alas! too near), - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Scarce breathing, lest a breath her sleep might break, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There stood the fiend, and watch’d to see her wake. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In sooth, if credit outward show might crave, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Than Irza, ne’er had nymph an humbler slave. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He watched her every glance; her frown he fear’d; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And if his pains to meet her wish appear’d, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - All pains seem’d far o’er-paid, all cares appeased, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And so she found but pleasure, he was pleased. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - One power he claim’d, but claim’d that power alone: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Still, when he left her side, a mass of stone - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Barr’d up the grotto, nor allow’d her feet - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To pass the limits of her bright retreat. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But when in quest of food not forced to stray, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In Irza’s sight he wore the livelong day, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And show’d her living springs and noontide shades, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Spice-breathing groves, and flower-enamell’d glades. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For her he still selects the sweetest roots, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The coolest waters, and the loveliest fruits; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To deck her charms the softest furs he brings, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And plucks their plumage from flamingo wings; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Bids blooming shrubs, to shade her, bend in bowers, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And strews her couch with fragrant herbs and flowers - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While many an ivy-twisted grate restrains - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The splendid tenants of the etherial plains. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then, when she sought her lonesome grot at eve, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And waved her hand, and warn’d him take his leave, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her will was his: he breathed his plaintive moan, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Gazed one last look, then gently roll’d the stone. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Perhaps, such constant care and worship paid, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - More fit for angel than for mortal maid, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - At length had won her, with more grateful mind - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To view his gifts, and pay respect so kind; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But, as her giant-gaoler she esteem’d - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Some prince of subterraneous fire, she deem’d - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His favours snares, his presents only given - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To shake her faith, and steal her soul from heaven. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Still then her loathing heart remain’d the same, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Joy’d when he went, and shudder’d when he came; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And when to share his fruits by hunger press’d, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ever she bless’d them first, and cross’d her breast. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Days creep—months roll—no change! no hope! and oh! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rosalvo lost, what hope can life bestow? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Death, only death, she feels, can end her woes; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor doubts death soon will bring that wish’d-for close; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For now her frame, her mind, confess disease; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Painful and faint she moves; her tottering knees - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Scarce bear her weight; and oft, by humour moved, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her sickening soul now loathes what late it loved. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - It comes! the moment comes! Her frame is rent - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - By sharper pangs; her nerves, too strongly bent, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Seem on the point to break; her forehead burns; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her curdling blood is fire, is ice by turns; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her heart-strings crack!—“This hour is sure her last!’ - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fainting she sinks, and hopes “that hour is pass’d!” - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wake, Irza, wake to grief most strange and deep! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Still must thou live, and only live to weep! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, lift thine aching head, thy languid eyes, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And mark what hideous stranger near thee lies. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Guard me, all blessed saints!”—A monster child - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Press’d her green couch; and, as it grimly smiled, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Its shaggy limbs, and eyes of sable fire, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Betray’d the crime, and claim’d its hellish sire! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Lost! lost! My soul is lost!” the affrighted maid, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - (Ah, now a maid no more!) distracted, said, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And wrung her hands. Those words she scarce could say; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet would have pray’d, but fear’d’t was sin to pray! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That only veil which ne’er admits a stain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The veil of ignorance, was rent in twain: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In spite of virtue, cloisters, horror, youth, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She knows, and feels, and shudders at the truth. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That night accursed!—In death-like swoon she slept— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then near her couch if that dark demon crept— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh! where was then her guardian angel’s aid? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And would not heavenly Mary save her maid? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Deprived of sense—betray’d by place and time— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then was she doom’d to share the unconscious crime? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Debased, deflower’d, and stamp’d a wretch for life, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A monster’s mother, and a demon’s wife? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh! at that thought her soul what passions tear! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How then she beats her breast, how rends her hair, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And bids, with golden ringlets scatter’d round, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Stream all the air, and glitter all the ground! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sighs, sobs, and shrieks the place of words supply; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And still she mourns to live, and prays to die, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till heart denies to groan, and eyes to flow; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then, on her couch of rushes sinking low, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Languid and lost she lies, in silent, senseless woe. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What lifts her burning head? why opes her eye? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What makes her blood run back? A faint shrill cry! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Too well, alas! that cry was understood: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The monster pined for want, and claim’d its food. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then in her heart what rival passions strove! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How shrinks disgust, how yearns maternal love! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Now to its life her feelings she prefers; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Now Nature wakes, and makes her own—“<i>’</i>Tis hers!” - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Loathing its sight, she melts to hear its cries, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And, while she yields the breast, averts her eyes. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Not so the demon-sire: the child he raised, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He kiss’d it—danced it—nursed it—knelt, and gazed, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till joyful tears gush’d forth, and dimm’d his sight: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Scarce Irza’s self was view’d with more delight. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He held it tow’rds her—horror seem’d to thrill - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her frame. He sigh’d, and clasp’d it closer still. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Once, and but once, his features wrath express’d: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He saw her shudder, as it drain’d her breast; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And, while reproach half mingled with his moan, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Snatch’d it from her’s, and press’d it to his own. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Three months had pass’d; still lived the monster-brat: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Its sire had sought the wood; alone she sat: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She sheds no tears—no tears are left to shed; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Unmoisten’d burn her eyes—her heart seems dead— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her form seems marble. Lo! from far the sound - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Of music steals, and fills the caves around. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She starts!—scarce breathing—trembling;—“Oh! for - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - wings!”— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But hark! for nearer now the minstrel sings. . - </p> - <h3> - SONG. - </h3> - <h3> - 1. - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - When summer smiled on Goa’s bowers - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They seem’d so fair; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - All light the skies, all bloom the flowers, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - All balm the air! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The mock-bird swell’d his amorous lay, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Soft, sweet, and clear; . - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And all was beauteous, all was gay, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For she was near. - </p> - <h3> - 2. - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - But now the skies in vain are bright - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With Summer’s glow; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The pea-dove’s call to Love’s delight - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Augments my woé; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And blushing roses vainly bloom; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Their charms are fled, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And all is sadness, all is gloom, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For she is dead! - </p> - <h3> - 3. - </h3> - <p class="indent15"> - Now o’er thy head, my virgin love, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rolls Ocean’s wave; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But fond regret, in myrtle grove, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hath dug thy grave. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sweet flowers, around her vacant urn - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Your wreaths I’ll twine, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And pray such flowers, ere Spring’s return, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - May garland mine! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “He! he!”—That love-lorn dirge—that heavenly - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - tongue— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That air, she taught him; ’t was Rosalvo sung! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rosalvo, whom the waves, which wreck’d their bark, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Had borne, like her, for purpose sad and dark, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To that strange isle; though far remote the beach - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From Irza’s grot, which Fate ordain’d him reach; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But now at length his curious search explores - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - These rude and slippery crags and distant shores; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And while he treads his dangerous path, the strains - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which Irza taught him soothe her lover’s pains. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She hears his steps, and hears them soon more near; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And loud she cries—“Rosalvo! Hear! oh, hear! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - ‘Tis Irza calls!” and now more quick, more nigh, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Down the steep rock she hears those footsteps fly. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Again she calls. He comes! He searches round; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He seeks the gate, and soon the gate is found. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Alas! ’t is found in vain! the marble guard - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Seem’d rooted as the rock, whose mouth it barr’d. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet still, with labouring nerves, to move the stone - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He struggles. Now he stops; and, hark! A groan! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But one; then all was hush’d! A sickening chill - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Seized Irza’s heart, and seem’d her veins to thrill. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fain had she call’d her youthful bridegroom’s name; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her tongue Fear’s numbing fingers seem’d to lame. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Footsteps!—more near they drew:—slow rolled the - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - stone— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The infernal gaoler came, but came alone. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With anxious glance his eye explored the cell; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But when it fix’d on her’s, abash’d it fell. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He knelt, and seem’d to fear her frown. He bore - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His club.‘T was splash’d with brains! ’t was wet with - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - gore! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She fear’d—she guess’d—she rush’d—she ran—she - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - flew,— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor dared the fiend her frantic course pursue. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Rosalvo! speak! Rosalvo!” Shrill, yet sweet, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She wakes the echoes. What obstructs her feet? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - ‘T is he, the young, the good, the kind, the fair! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As some frail lily, which the passing share * - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Or wanton boy hath wounded, droops its head, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Its whiteness wither’d, and its fragrance fled, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Low lay the youth, and from his temple’s wound - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With precious streams bedew’d the ensanguin’d ground. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then reason fled its seat! She shrieks! she raves! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And fills with hideous yells the ocean caves; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Rends her bright locks, and laughs to see them fly, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And bids them seek Rosalvo in the sky. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To dig his grave she fiercely ploughs the ground, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Loud shrieks his name, nor feels the flints that wound - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her bosom’s globes, and stain their snow with gore, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As wild she dashes down, and beats in rage the floor. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Now fail her strength, her spirits; mute she sits, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Silent and sad; then laughs and sings by fits. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A statue now she seems, or one just dead, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her looks all gloom, her eyes two balls of lead: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then simply smiles, and chaunts, with idiot glee, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Ave Maria! Benedicite!” - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till, Nature’s powers revived by rest, again - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The fury passions riot in her brain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And all is rage, revenge, and helpless, hopeless pain. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Days, weeks, months pass. Time came with slow relief; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But still at length it came. No more her grief - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Disturbs her brain: she knows “that groan was his!” - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And fully feels herself the wretch she is. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She rises: towards the grotto’s mouth she goes, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor dares the fiend her wandering steps oppose. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She seeks the spot on which Rosalvo fell, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On which he died! She knows that spot too well! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But, lo! no corse was there! All smooth and green - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A velvet turf o’erstrewn with flowers was seen, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And fenced with roses. “Oh! whose pious care - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hath deck’d this grave? Hear, gracious Heaven, his - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - prayer, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When most he needs!” While thus in doubt she stands, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She marks the fiend’s approach. His ebon hands - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Sustain’d a gourd of flowers of various hue; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He pour’d them, kiss’d the turf, and straight withdrew - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hither each morn his blooming gifts he bore, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Smooth’d the green sod, and strew’d it o’er and o’er. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hither, each morn, came Irza; on those flowers - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She wept, she pray’d, she sang away her hours. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So mourns the nightingale on poplar spray *, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her callow brood by shepherds borne away, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Weeps all the night, and from her green retreat - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fills the wide groves with warblings sad as sweet. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And still fresh woes succeed. She feels again - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Mysterious pangs, nor doubts her cause of pain. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Too sure, while lost in maniac state she lay, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her sense, her wits, her feeling all away, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The fiend once more had seized the unguarded hour - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To force her weakness, and abuse his ower. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Qualis populeâ,” &c.—Virgil. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Again Lucina came. That new-born cry, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Shuddering, again she heard; her fearful eye - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wander’d around awhile, nor dared to stay. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “There, there he lies! my child!” With fresh essay - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Once more she turn’d. But when at length her sight - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Dwelt on its face, her wonder—her delight— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Can ne’er by tongue be told, by fancy guess’d! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Frantic she caught, she kiss’d, and lull’d him on her breast. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh! who can paint how Irza loved that child! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Grieved when he moan’d, and smiled whene’er he smiled! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His dimpled arm soft on the rushes lay; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through his fine skin the blood was seen to play; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That skin than down of swans more smooth and white; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor e’er shone summer sky so blue and bright, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As shone the eyes of that same cherub elf; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In small the model of her beauteous self. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The scant gold locks which gilt his ivory brow, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Were sun-beams gleaming on a globe of snow; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And on his coral lips the red which stood, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Shamed the first rose, whose milk was Paphia’s blood. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - By fairy-thefts since nurses were beguiled, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Never stole fairy yet a lovelier child! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In Nature’s costlier charms no babe array’d, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - At length a mother’s fears and throes repaid: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Not when Lucina first in myrtle grove, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To Beauty’s kiss presented new-born Love; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And while, with wond’ring eyes, the immortal boy - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Imbibed new light, and pour’d ecstatic joy: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He kiss’d and drain’d by turns her fragrant breast, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till amorous ring-doves coo’d the god to rest. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Mothers may love as much, but never more, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor e’er did mother love so well before, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As Irza loved that child! Her sable lord - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Mark’d well that love; and now, to health restored, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He felt her child to home would chain her feet, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor roll’d the stone to close her lone retreat. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Still, when he went, he with him bore away - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That fav’rite babe, nor fear’d she far would stray. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Arm’d with his club, she now might safely rove - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Through verdant vale, or weep in shadowy grove; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - For soon the dwarfs were used to bear her sight, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Knew that dread club, nor dared indulge their spite. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Still from afar off looks of rage they cast, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And shrilly squeal’d and clamour’d as she pass’d; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But by their flight when near she came, ’t was seen, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - They own’d allegiance, and confess’d their queen. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - One morn her savage lord, in quest of food, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Forsook tho cave, and sought th’ adjacent wood; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And as her darling boy he with him bore, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Irza, unwatch’d, might pace the sounding shore. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Listless and slow she moved, and climb’d with pain - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A tow’ring cliff, which beetled o’er the main. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Now three full years had flown, since Irza’s eye - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Had dwelt on human form, and since reply - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From human tongue had blest her ear.‘Tis true, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Throned on a rock, which spread before her view - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The sea’s wide-stretching plains, she once descried - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A gallant vessel plough the neighbouring tide. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - By cries to draw it near she long essay’d, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And oft a palm-bough waved in sign for aid: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But all her cries and all her signs were vain; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On sail’d the bark, nor e’er return’d again! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - On that same rock she sat, and eyed the wave, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And wish’d she there had found her wat’ry grave! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fain had she sought one then, plunged from the steep. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And buried all her sufferings in the deep; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But faith alike and reason bade her shun - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That wish, nor break a thread which God had spun. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hark!—was it fancy?—hark again!—the shores - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Echo the sound of fast approaching oars. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh! how she gazed!—a barge (by friars <i>’</i>twas mann’d) - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Cut the smooth waves, and sought the rocky strand. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Soon (while his wither’d hands a crosier hold, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - All rich with gems, and rough with sculptured gold), - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Landing alone, a reverend monk appear’d:— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His jewell’d cross—his flowing silver beard— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “‘Tis he!—‘tis he!”—swift down the steep she flies, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Falls at the stranger’s feet, and frantic cries, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Down her pale cheek while tears imploring roll, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Help, father abbot! save me! save my soul!” - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - ‘Twas he indeed! that bark which ne’er return’d, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Well on the cliff* her fair wild form discern’d, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But deem’d some island-fiend had spread a snare - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To lure them with a form so wild and fair. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yet oft in Lisbon would those seamen tell, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How angled for their souls the prince of hell; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And warmly paint, their leisure to beguile, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The fallen angel of th’ enchanted isle. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - At length this wonder reach’d the abbot’s ear, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And prompt affection made the wonder clear:— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “<i>’</i>Twas Irza! shipwreck’d Irza! none but she - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So heav’nly fair, so lonely lost could be!” - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Straight he prepares anew that sea to brave, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which once already seem’d to yawn his grave; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor ask, how chanced it that he reach’d the shore: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - It was through a miracle and nothing more. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whether on monkish frock as safe rode he, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - As night-hags skim in sieves o’er Norway’s sea; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Or like Arion plough’d the wat’ry plain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Horsed on some monster of the astonish’d main, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Some shark, some whale, some kraken, some sea-cow— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - St. Francis saved him, and it boots not how. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And now again the saint his priest survey’d, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From waves and winds imploring heavenly aid; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Resolved for Irza’s sake to brave the worst - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which fate could offer on that isle accurst. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Far off his ship was anchor’d; on that strand - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Not India’s wealth could make a layman land! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Therefore with none but monks he mann’d his barge, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which bore of beads and bells a sacred charge; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whole heaps of relics lent by Cintra’s nuns, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And holy water (blest at Rome) by tons! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His toils were all o’erpaid! he saw again - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His fav’rite child, and kindly soothed her pain; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And while her tale he heard, oft dropp’d a tear, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And sign’d his beard-swept breast in awe and fear: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then bade her speed the friendly bark to gain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And fly the infernal monarch’s green domain; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor yield her tyrant time to cast a spell, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And rouse to cross her flight the powers of hell. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then first from Irza’s cheek the glow of red, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - By hope of rescue raised, grew faint, and fled; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Trembling she nam’d her cherub-boy, confess’d - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A mother’s fondness fill’d his mother’s breast; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Described how fair he look’d, how sweet he smiled, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And fear’d her flight might quite destroy her child. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then rose the abbot’s ire—ee Oh, guilty care!” - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Frowning, he cried, and shook his hoary hair: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Fair is the imp? and shall he therefore breathe - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To win new subjects for the realms beneath? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The fiends most dangerous are those spirits bright, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Who toil for hell, and show like sons of light; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And still when Satan spreads his subtlest snares, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The baits are azure eyes, the lines are golden hairs. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Name thou the brat no more! To Cintra’s walls - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Fly, where thy footsteps mild repentance calls. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - I’ll hear no plaint! kneel not! I’m deaf to prayer! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Swift, brethren, to the barge this maniac bear; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Speed! speed!—no tears!—no struggling!—no delay - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Row, brethren, row, and waft us swift away!” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The monks obeyed. Then, then in Irza’s soul - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - What various passions raged, and mock’d control! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Now how she mourn’d, now how she wept for joy, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - How loathed the sire, and how adored the boy! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The barge is gain’d; they row. When, lo! from high - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her ear again receives that well-known cry, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - That sad, strange moan! she starts, and lifts her eye. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There, on a rock which fenced the strand, once more - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - She saw her demon-husband stand: he bore - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her beauteous babe; and, while he view’d the barge, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Keen anguish seem’d each feature to enlarge, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And shake each giant limb. With piteous air - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His arms he spread, his hands he clasp’d in prayer; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Knelt, wept, and while his eye-balls seem’d to burn, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oft show’d the child, and woo’d her to return. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His suit the monks disdain; the barge recedes; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - More humbly now he kneels, more earnest pleads. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But when he found no tears their course delay, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And still the boat pursued its watery way; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then, ’gainst his grief and rage no longer proof, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - He gnash’d his teeth, he stamp’d his iron hoof, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Whirl’d the boy wildly round and round his head, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hash’d it against the rocks, and howling fled. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Loud shrieks the mother! changed to stone she stands, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And silent lifts to heav’n her clay-cold hands: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then, sinking down, stretch’d on the deck she lies, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Hid her pale face, and closed her aching eyes. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But hark! why shout the monks?—C£ Again,” they said, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Again the demon comes!” with desperate dread - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Starts the poor wretch, and lifts her anguish’d head. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Yes! there the infant-murderer stood once more, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But now far different were the looks he wore. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No bending knee, no suppliant glance was seen, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Proud was his port, and stern and fierce his mien. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His blood-stain’d eye-balls glared with vengeful ire; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His spreading nostrils seem’d to snort out fire. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Swiftly from crag to crag he following sprung, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - While round his neck his shaggy offspring clung; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And now, like some dark tow’r, erect he stood, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where the last rock hung frowning o’er the flood:— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Look! look!” he seem’d to say, with action wild, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Look, mother, look! this babe is still your child! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With him as me all social bonds you break, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Scorn’d and detested for his father’s sake: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - My love, my service only wrought disdain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And nature fed his heart from yours in vain! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then go, Ingrate, far o’er the ocean go, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Consign your friend, your child to endless woe! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Renounce us! hate us! pleased, your course pursue, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And break their hearts who lived alone for you!” - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - His eyes, which flash’d red fire—his arms spread wide, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her child raised high to heaven—too plain implied, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Such were his thoughts, though nature speech denied. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And now with eager glance the deep he view’d, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And now the barge with savage howl pursued; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then to his lips his infant wildly press’d, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And fondly, fiercely, clasp’d it to his breast: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Three piteous moans, three hideous yells he gave, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Plunged headlong from the rock, and made the sea his - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - grave. - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where, screen’d by orange groves and myrtle bowers, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Saint-favour’d Cintra rears her gothic towers; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A nun there dwells, most holy, sad, and fair, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her only business penance, fasts, and prayer; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her only joy with flowers the shrines to dress, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Weep with the suff’ring, and relieve distress. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A poor lay-sister she; yet golden rain - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Showers from her hand to glad each barren plain: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In other eyes she lights up joy, but ne’er - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Those eyes of hers were seen a smile to wear: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - From other breasts she plucks the thorn of grief, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But feels, her own admits of no relief. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Where age and sickness count the hours by groans, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Uncalled, she comes to hear and hush their moans. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - There, ever humble, watchful, patient, kind, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No nauseous task, no servile care declined, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - O’er the sick couch, all day, all night she hangs, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Till health or death relieves the sufferer’s pangs. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - No thanks she takes, no praise from man receives, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Her duty done, the rest to God she leaves; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But only when her care redeems a life, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Parting she says—“Pray for a demon’s wife!” - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With blessings still, whene’er that nun they view, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The young, the aged her sainted steps pursue, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And cry, with bended knee and suppliant air, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - ee Sister of mercy, name us in thy prayer!” - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - With beads the night, in gracious acts the day, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So wore her youth, so wears her age away. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Now cease, my lay! thy mournful task is o’er; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Irza, farewell! I wake thy lute no more. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Was such her fate? and did her days thus creep - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - So sad, so slow, till came the long last sleep? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And did for this her hands with roses twine - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The Saviour’s altars and the Virgin’s shrine? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pure, beauteous, rich, did all these blessings tend, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But from the world in prime of life to send - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - This gifted maid, in prayer to waste her hours, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And weep a fancied crime in cloister’d bowers?” - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Oh, blind to fate! perhaps that fancied crime - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Which bade her quit the world in youthful prime, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Snatch’d her from paths, where beauty, wealth, and fame - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Had proved but snares to load her soul with shame, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And spared her pangs from wilful guilt which flow, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The only serious ills that man can know! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Ah! what avails it, since they ne’er can last, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - If gay or sad our span of days be past? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Pray, mortals, pray, in sickness or in pain, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Not long nor blest to live, but pure from stain. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A life of pleasure, and a life of woe, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When both are past, the difference who can show? - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But all can tell, how wide apart in price - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - A life of virtue, and a life of vice. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Then still, sad Irza, tread your thorny way, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Since life must end, and merits ne’er decay. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Wounded past hope, still prize the pleasure pure, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - To heal those hearts which yet can hope a cure; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Nor doubt, the soul which joys in noble deeds - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Shall reap a rich reward when most it needs. - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - When comes that day to conscious guilt so dread, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Angels unseen shall bathe your burning head: - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - The prayers of orphans fan with balmy breath, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And widow’s blessings drown the threats of death; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Each sigh your pity hush’d shall swelling rise - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - In loud hosannas when you mount the skies; - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - And every tear on earth to sorrow given, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Be precious pearls to wreathe your brows in heaven! - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 17. - </h3> - <p class="indent20"> - Piansi i riposi di quest’ umil vita, - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - E sospirai la mia perduta pace!” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - I regret the loss of our dead calm and our crawling pace of a knot and a - half an hour; for during the last four days we have had nothing but gales - and squalls, mountainous waves, the vessel rolling and pitching - incessantly, and the sea perpetually pouring in at the windows and down - through the hatchway. Into the bargain, we are now sufficiently towards - the north to find the weather perishingly cold, and we have neither wood - nor coals enough on board to allow a fire for the cabin. - </p> - <p> - But, among all our inconveniences, that which is the most intolerable - undoubtedly arises from the sick apothecary. It seems that his complaint - is the consequence of dram-drinking, which has affected his liver. Since - his coming on board, he has continued to indulge his taste; and growing - worse (as might be expected), he has now thought proper to put himself in - a state of salivation: the consequence is, that what with the mercury and - what with the man, aided by the concomitant effluvia of our cargo of - sugar, rum, and coffee, for a combination of villanous smells, Falstaff’s - buck-basket was nothing to the cabin of the Sir Godfrey Webster. I could - almost fancy myself Slawken-bergius’s Don Diego just returned from the - Promontory of Noses, and that I had exchanged my snub for a proboscis; so - much do all my other senses appear to be absorbed in that of smelling, and - so completely do I seem to myself to be nose all over. As to the poor - apothecary, his mercury annoys us without any signs as yet of its - benefiting himself. He grows worse daily, and I greatly doubt his ever - reaching England. - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 19. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - I have not been able to ascertain exactly the negro notions concerning the - <i>Duppy</i>; indeed, I believe that his character and qualities vary in - different parts of the country. At first, I thought that the term Duppy - meant neither more nor less than a ghost; but sometimes he is spoken of as - “the Duppy,” as if there were but one, and then he seems to answer to the - devil. Sometimes he is a kind of malicious spirit, who haunts - burying-grounds (like the Arabian gouls), and delights in playing tricks - to those who may pass that way. On other occasions, he seems to be a - supernatural attendant on the practitioners of Obeah, in the shape of some - animal, as familiar imps are supposed to belong to our English witches; - and this latter is the part assigned to him in the following - “Nancy-story:”— - </p> - <p> - “Sarah Winyan was scarcely ten years old, when her mother died, and - bequeathed to her considerable property. Her father was already dead; and - the guardianship of the child devolved upon his sister, who had always - resided in the same house, and who was her only surviving relation. Her - mother, indeed, had left two sons by a former husband, but they lived at - some distance in the wood, and seldom came to see their mother; chiefly - from a rooted aversion to this aunt; who, although from interested motives - she stooped to flatter her sister-in-law, was haughty, ill-natured, and - even suspected of Obeahism, from the occasional visits of an enormous - black dog, whom she called Tiger, and whom she never failed to feed and - caress with marked distinction. In case of Sarah’s death, the aunt, in - right of her brother, was the heiress of his property. She was determined - to remove this obstacle to her wishes; and after treating her for some - time with harshness and even cruelty, she one night took occasion to - quarrel with her for some trifling fault, and fairly turned her out of - doors. The poor girl seated herself on a stone near the house, and - endeavoured to beguile the time by singing— - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - ‘Ho-day, poor me, O! - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Poor me, Sarah Winyan, O! - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - They call me neger, neger! - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - They call me Sarah Winyan, O!’ - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - “But her song was soon interrupted by a loud rushing among the bushes; and - the growling which accompanied it announced the approach of the dreaded - Tiger. She endeavoured to secure herself against his attacks by climbing a - tree: but it seems that Tiger had not been suspected of Obeahism without - reason; for he immediately growled out an assurance to the girl, that come - down she must and should! Her aunt, he said, had made her over to him by - contract, and had turned her out of doors that night for the express - purpose of giving him an opportunity of carrying her away. If she would - descend from the tree, and follow him willingly to his own den to wait - upon him, he engaged to do her no harm; but if she refused to do this, he - threatened to gnaw down the tree without loss of time, and tear her into a - thousand pieces. His long sharp teeth, which he gnashed occasionally - during the above speech, appeared perfectly adequate to the execution of - his menaces, and Sarah judged it most prudent to obey his commands. But as - she followed Tiger into the wood, she took care to resume her song of - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - ‘Ho-day, poor me, O!’ - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - in hopes that some one passing near them might hear her name, and come to - her rescue. Tiger, however, was aware of this, and positively forbad her - singing. However, she contrived every now and then to loiter behind; and - when she thought him out of hearing, her - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - ‘Ho-day! poor me, O!’ - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - began again; although she was compelled to sing in so low a voice, through - fear of her four-footed master, that she had but faint hopes of its - reaching any ear but her own. Such was, indeed, the event, and Tiger - conveyed her to his den without molestation. In the meanwhile, her two - half-brothers had heard of their mother’s death, and soon arrived at the - house to enquire what was become of Sarah. The aunt received them with - every appearance of welcome; told them that grief for the loss of her only - surviving parent had already carried her niece to the grave, which she - showed them in her garden; and acted her part so well, that the youths - departed perfectly satisfied of the decease of their sister. But while - passing through the wood on their return, they heard some one singing, but - in so low a tone that it was impossible to distinguish the words. As this - part of the wood was the most unfrequented, they were surprised to find - any one concealed there. Curiosity induced them to draw nearer, and they - soon could make out the - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - ‘Ho-day! poor me, O! - </p> - <p class="indent30"> - Poor me, Sarah Winyan, O!’ - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - “There needed no more to induce them to hasten onwards; and upon advancing - deeper into the thicket, they found themselves at the mouth of a large - cavern in a rock. A fire was burning within it; and by its light they - perceived their sister seated on a heap of stones, and weeping, while she - chanted her melancholy ditty in a low voice, and supported on her lap the - head of the formidable Tiger. This was a precaution which he always took - when inclined to sleep, lest she should escape; and she had taken - advantage of his slumbers to resume her song in as low a tone as her fears - of waking him would allow. She saw her brothers at the mouth of the cave: - the youngest fortunately had a gun with him, and he made signs that Sarah - should disengage herself from Tiger if possible. It was long before she - could summon up courage enough to make the attempt; but at length, with - fear and trembling, and moving with the utmost caution, she managed to - slip a log of wood between her knees and the frightful head, and at length - drew herself away without waking him. She then crept softly out of the - cavern, while the youngest brother crept as softly into it: the monster’s - head still reposed upon the block of wood; in a moment it was blown into a - thousand pieces; and the brothers, afterwards cutting the body into four - parts, laid one in each quarter of the wood.” - </p> - <p> - From that time only were dogs brought into subjection to men; and the - inhabitants of Jamaica would never have been able to subdue those - ferocious animals, if Tiger had not been killed and quartered by Sarah - Winyan’s brothers. As to the aunt, she received the punishment which she - merited, but I cannot remember what it was exactly. Probably, the brothers - killed and quartered <i>her</i> as well as her four-footed ally; or, - perhaps, she was turned into a wild beast, and supplied the vacancy left - by Tiger, as was the case with the celebrated Zingha, queen of Angola; - who, although she embraced Christianity on her death-bed, and died - according to the most orthodox forms of the Romish religion, still had - conducted herself in such a manner while alive, that shortly after her - decease, the kingdom being ravaged by a hyena, her subjects could not be - persuaded but that the soul of this most Christian queen had transmigrated - into the body of the hyena. Yet this was surely doing the hyena great - injustice; for she, at least, had never been in the habit of composing - ointments by pounding little children in a mortar with her own hands; an - amusement which Zingha had introduced at the court of Angola. It took - surprisingly; shortly, no woman thought her toilette completed, unless she - had used some of this ointment. Pounding children became all the rage; and - ladies who aspired to be the leaders of fashion, pounded their own. - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 20. - </h3> - <p class="indent20"> - EPIGRAM.—(From the French.) - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Whose can that little monster be? - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - Its parents really claim one’s pity!” - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Madam, that child belongs to me.”— - </p> - <p class="indent20"> - “Well, I protest, she’s vastly pretty!” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 21. - </h3> - <p> - The weather gets no better, the apothecary gets no worse, and both are as - foul and as disagreeable as they can well be. As to the man, it is - wonderful that he is still alive, for he has swallowed nothing for the - last three weeks except drams and laudanum. He drinks, and he stinks, and - he does nothing else earthly or celestial. The quantity of spirits which - he pours down his throat incessantly should, of itself, be sufficient to - finish him; but he seems to have accustomed himself to drams, as - Mithridates used himself to poisons, till his stomach is completely proof - against them; or like the Scythian princess, who was fed upon ratsbane pap - from her infancy, for the express purpose of one day or other poisoning - Alexander in her embraces; and who arrived at such perfection, that - although the venom did no harm to her own constitution, she killed a - condemned criminal with a single kiss. The consequence was, that hemp fell - fifty per cent, and Jack Ketch’s nose was put out of joint completely; for - the devil a culprit of any pretensions to taste could be found in all - Scythia, who could be prevailed upon to be executed except by her royal - highness’s own lips. I am afraid this story is not strictly historical, - and that we should look for it in vain in Quintus Curtius. - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 23. - </h3> - <p> - A gale of wind began to show itself on Monday night; it has continued to - blow ever since with increasing violence, and is now become very serious. - The captain says that he never experienced weather so severe at this - season: this is only my usual luck. Certainly nothing can be more - disagreeable than a ship on these occasions. The sea breaks over the - vessel every minute, and it is really something awful to see the waves - raised into the air by the force of the gale, hovering for a while over - the ship, and then coming down upon us swop, to inundate every thing below - deck as well as upon it. The wind is piercingly cold; the floors and walls - are perpetually streaming. But a fire is quite out of the question; and, - indeed, at one time to-day, our eating appeared to be out of the question - too; for at four o’clock the cook sent us word, that the sea put the - kitchen-fire out as fast as he could light it; that he was almost frozen, - having been for the last eight hours up to his waist in water; and that we - must make up our minds to get no dinner to-day. However, the steward - coaxed him, and encouraged him, and poured spirits down his throat, and at - last a dinner of some kind was put upon the table; but it had not been - there ten minutes, before a tremendous sea poured itself down the - companion stairs and through the hatchway, set every thing on the table - afloat, deluged the cabin, ducked most of the company, and drove us all - into the other room. I was lucky enough to escape with only a sprinkling; - but Mrs. Walker was soaked through from head to foot. We can only cross - the cabin by creeping along by the sides as if we were so many cats. - Walking the deck, even for the sailors, is absolutely out of the question; - and the little cabin-boy has so fairly given up the attempt, that he goes - crawling about upon all fours. Even our Spanish mastiff, Flora, finds it - impossible to keep her four legs upon deck. Every five minutes up they all - go, away rolls the dog over and over; and when she gets up again, shakes - her ears, and howls in a tone of the most piteous astonishment. - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 24. - </h3> - <p> - Though the gale was itself sufficiently serious, its effects at first were - ludicrous enough; but yesterday it produced a consequence truly shocking - and alarming. Edward Sadler, the second mate, was at breakfast in the - steerage: the boatswain had been cutting some beef with a large - case-knife, which he had afterwards put down upon the chest on which they - were sitting: a sudden heel of the ship threw them all to the other side - of the cabin: the knife fell with its haft against the ladder; and poor - Edward falling against it, at least three inches of the blade were forced - into his right side. The wound was dressed without the loss of a moment; - but, from its depth, the jaggedness of the weapon with which it was made, - and from a pain which immediately afterwards seized the poor fellow in his - chest, the apothecary thinks that his recovery is very improbable: he says - that the liver is certainly perforated, and so probably are the lungs. If - the latter have escaped, it must have been only by the breadth of a hair. - Every one in the ship is distressed beyond measure at this accident, for - the young man is a universal favourite. He is but just one and twenty, - good-looking, with manners much superior to his station; and so unusually - steady, as well as active, that if Providence grants him life, he cannot - fail to raise himself in his profession. - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 25. - </h3> - <p> - Edward complains no longer of the pain in his chest; he sleeps well, eats - enough, has no fever, and every symptom is so favourable, that Dr. Ashman - encourages us to hope that he has received no material injury. Our - ship-carpenter has always appeared to be the sulkiest and surliest of - sea-bears: yet, on the day of Edward’s accident, he passed every minute - that he could command by the side of his sofa, kneeling, and praying, and - watching him as if he had been his son; and every now and then wiping away - his “own tears” with the dirtiest of all possible pocket-handkerchiefs. So - that what Goldsmith said of Dr. Johnson may be applied to this old man: - “He has nothing of a bear but his skin.” After tearing every sail in the - ship into shivers, and being as disagreeable as ever it could be, the gale - has at length abated. Yesterday it was a storm, and we were going to - Ireland, Lisbon, Brest—in short, every where except to England; - to-day, it is a dead calm, and we are going nowhere at all. - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 26. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - The gale has returned with increased violence, and we are once more at our - old trade of dead lights; however, for this time, the wind, at least, is - in our favour. - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 28. - </h3> - <p> - The wounded mate is so much recovered as to come upon deck for a few hours - to-day, and may now be considered as completely out of danger; although - Dr. Ashman is positive (from his difficulty of breathing at first, and the - subsequent pain in his chest) that his lungs must actually have been - wounded, however slightly. We are now nearly abreast of Scilly; we fell in - with several Scilly boats to-day, from whom we obtained a very acceptable - supply of fish, vegetables, and newspapers. - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 29. - </h3> - <p> - <i>An African Nancy-Story</i>.—The headman (i. e. the king) of a - large district in Africa, in one of his tours, visited a young nobleman, - to whom he lost a considerable sum at play. On his departure he loaded his - host with caresses, and insisted on his coming in person to receive - payment at court; but his pretended kindness had not deceived the nurse of - the young man. She told him, that the headman was certainly incensed - against him for having conquered him at play, and meant to do him some - injury; that having been so positively ordered to come to court, he could - not avoid obeying; but she advised him to take the river-road, where, at a - particular hour, he would find the king’s youngest and favourite daughter - bathing; and she instructed him how to behave. The youth reached the - river, and concealed himself, till he saw the princess enter the stream - alone; but when she thought fit to regain the bank, she found herself - extremely embarrassed.—‘Ho-day! what is become of my clothes? - ho-day! who has stolen my clothes? ho-day! if any one will bring me back - my clothes, I promise that no harm shall happen to him this day—O!’—This - was the cue for which the youth had been instructed to wait. ‘Here are - your clothes, missy!’ said he, stepping from his concealment: ‘a rogue had - stolen them, while you were bathing; but I took them from him, and have - brought them back.’—‘Well, young man, I will keep my promise to you. - You are going to court, I know; and I know also, that the headman will - chop off your head, unless at first sight you can tell him which of his - three daughters is the youngest. Now I am she; and in order that you may - not mistake, I will take care to make a sign; and then do not you fail to - pitch upon me.’ The young man assured her, that, having once seen her, he - never could possibly mistake her for any other, and then set forwards with - a lightened heart. The headman received him very graciously, feasted him - with magnificence, and told him that he would present him to his three - daughters, only that there was a slight rule respecting them to which he - must conform. Whoever could not point out which was the youngest, must - immediately lose his head. The young man kissed the ground in obedience, - the door opened, and in walked three little black dogs. Now, then, the - necessity of the precaution taken by the princess was evident; the youth - looked at the dogs earnestly; something induced the headman to turn away - his eyes for a moment, and in that moment one of the dogs lifted up its - fore paw. - </p> - <p> - ‘This,’ cried the youth—‘this is your youngest daughter;’—and - instantly the dogs vanished, and three young women appeared in their - stead. The headman was equally surprised and incensed; but concealing his - rage, he professed the more pleasure at that discovery; because, in - consequence, the law of that country obliged him to give his youngest - daughter in marriage to the person who should recognise her; and he - charged his future son-in-law to return in a week, when he should receive - his bride. But his feigned caresses could no longer deceive the young man: - as it was evident that the headman practised Obeah, he did not dare to - disobey him; and knew that to escape by flight would be unavailing. It - was, therefore, with melancholy forebodings that he set out for court on - the appointed day; and (according to the advice of his old nurse) he - failed not to take the road which led by the river. The princess came - again to bathe; her clothes again vanished; she had again recourse to her - ‘Ho-day! what is become of my clothes?’ and on hearing the same promise of - protection, the youth again made his appearance. ‘Here are your clothes, - missy,’ said he; ‘the wind had blown them away to a great distance; I - found them hanging upon the bushes, and have brought them back to you.’ - Probably the princess thought it rather singular, that whenever her - petticoats were missing, the same person should always happen to be in the - way to find them: however, as she was remarkably handsome, she kept her - thoughts to herself, swallowed the story like so much butter, and assured - him of her protection. ‘My father,’ said she, ‘will again ask you which is - the youngest daughter; and as he suspects me of having assisted you - before, he threatens to chop off <i>my</i> head instead of yours, should I - disobey him a second time. He will, therefore, watch me too closely to - allow of my making any sign to you; but still I will contrive something to - distinguish me from my sisters; and do you examine us narrowly till you - find it.’ As she had foretold, the headman no sooner saw his destined - son-in-law enter, than he told him that he should immediately receive his - bride; but that if he did not immediately point her out, the laws of the - kingdom sentenced him to lose his head. Upon which the door opened, and in - walked three large black cats, so exactly similar in every respect, that - it was utterly impossible to distinguish one from the other. The youth was - at length on the point of giving up the attempt in despair, when it struck - him, that each of the cats had a slight thread passed round its neck; and - that while the threads of two were scarlet, that of the third was blue. ‘<i>This</i> - is your youngest daughter;’ cried he, snatching up the cat with the blue - thread. The headman was utterly at a loss to conceive by what means he had - made the discovery; but could not deny the fact, for there stood the - princesses in their own shape. He therefore affected to be greatly - pleased, gave him his bride, and made a great feast, which was followed by - a ball; but in the midst of it the princess whispered her lover to follow - her silently into the garden. Here she told him, that an old Obeah woman, - who had been her father’s nurse, had warned him, that if his youngest - daughter should live to see the day after her wedding, he would lose his - power and his life together; that she, therefore, was sure of his - intending to destroy both herself and her bridegroom that night in their - sleep; but that, being aware of all these circumstances, she had watched - him so narrowly as to get possession of some of his magical secrets, which - might possibly enable her to counteract his cruel designs. She then - gathered a rose, picked up a pebble, filled a small phial with water from - a rivulet; and thus provided, she and her lover betook themselves to - flight upon a couple of the swiftest steeds in her father’s stables. It - was midnight before the headman missed them: his rage was excessive; and - immediately mounting his great horse, Dandy, he set forwards in pursuit of - the lovers. Now Dandy galloped at the rate of ten miles a minute. The - princess was soon aware of her pursuer: without loss of time she pulled - the rose to pieces, scattered the leaves behind her, and had the - satisfaction of seeing them instantly grow up into a wood of briars, so - strong and so thickly planted, that Dandy vainly attempted to force his - way through them. But, alas! this fence was but of a very perishable - nature. In the time that it would have taken to wither its parent - rose-leaves, the briars withered away; and Dandy was soon able to trample - them down, while he continued his pursuit. Now, then, the pebble was - thrown in his passage; it burst into forty pieces, and every piece in a - minute became a rock as lofty as the Andes. But the Andes themselves would - have offered no insurmountable obstacles to Dandy, who bounded from - precipice to precipice; and the lovers and the headman could once more - clearly distinguish each other by the first beams of the rising sun. The - headman roared, and threatened, and brandished a monstrous sabre; Dandy - tore up the ground as he ran, neighed louder than thunder, and gained upon - the fugitives every moment. Despair left the princess no choice, and she - violently dashed her phial upon the ground. Instantly the water which it - contained swelled itself into a tremendous torrent, which carried away - every thing before it,—rocks, trees, and houses; and ‘the horse and - his rider’ were carried away among the rest.—‘Hic finis Priami - fatorum!’ There was an end of the headman and Dandy! The princess then - returned to court, where she raised a strong party for herself; seized her - two sisters, who were no better than their father, and had assisted him in - his witchcraft; and having put them and all their partisans to death by a - summary mode of proceeding, she established herself and her husband on the - throne as headman and head-woman. It was from this time that <i>all</i> - the kings of Africa have been uniformly mild and benevolent sovereigns. - Till then they were all tyrants, and tyrants they would all still have - continued, if this virtuous princess had not changed the face of things by - drowning her father, strangling her two sisters, and chopping off the - heads of two or three dozen of her nearest and dearest relations. - </p> - <p> - It seems to be an indispensable requisite for a Nancy-story, that it - should contain a witch, or a duppy, or, in short, some marvellous - personage or other. It is a kind of “pièce à machines” But the creole - slaves are very fond of another species of tale, which they call - “Neger-tricks,” and which bear the same relation to a Nancy-story which a - farce does to a tragedy. The following is a specimen:—<i>A - Neger-trick</i>.—“A man who had two wives divided his - provision-grounds into two parts, and proposed that each of the women - should cultivate one half. They were ready to do their proper share, but - insisted that the husband should at least take his third of the work. - However, when they were to set out, the man was taken so ill, that he - found it impossible to move; he quite roared with pain, and complained - bitterly of a large lump which had formed itself on his cheek during the - night. The wives did what they could to relieve him, but in vain they - boiled a negro-pot for him, but he was too ill to swallow a morsel: and at - length they were obliged to leave him, and go to take care of the - provision-grounds. As soon as they were gone, the husband became perfectly - well, emptied the contents of the pot with great appetite, and enjoyed - himself in ease and indolence till evening, when he saw his wives - returning; and immediately he became worse than ever. One of the women was - quite shocked to see the size to which the lump had increased during her - absence: she begged to examine it; but although she barely touched it with - the tip of her finger as gingerly as possible, it was so tender that the - fellow screamed with agony. Unluckily, the other woman’s manners were by - no means so delicate; and seizing him forcibly by the head to examine it, - she undesignedly happened to hit him a great knock on the jaw, and, lo and - behold! out flew a large lime, which he had crammed into it. Upon which - both his wives fell upon him like two furies; beat him out of the house; - and whenever afterwards he begged them to go to the provision-grounds, - they told him that he had got no lime in his mouth <i>then</i>, and - obliged him from that time forwards to do the whole work himself.” - </p> - <p> - A negro was brought to England; and the first point shown him being the - chalky cliffs of Dover, “O ki!” he said; “me know now what makes the - buckras all so white!” - </p> - <h3> - MAY 29. - </h3> - <p> - We once more saw the “Lizard,” the first point of England; and, indeed, it - was full time that we should. Besides that our provisions were nearly - exhausted by the length of the voyage, our crew was in a great measure - composed of fellows of the most worthless description; and the captain - lately discovered that some of them had contrived to break a secret - passage into the hold, where they had broached the rum-casks, and had - already passed several nights in drinking, with lighted candles: a single - spark would have been sufficient to blow us all up to the moon! - </p> - <h3> - JUNE 1. (Saturday.) - </h3> - <p> - We took our river pilot on board; and on Wednesday, the 5th, we reached - Gravesend. I went on shore at nine in the morning; and here I conclude my - <i>Jamaica Journal</i>. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - 1817. - </h2> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 5. (WEDNESDAY.) - </h3> - <p> - I left London, and embarked for Jamaica on board the same vessel, - commanded by the same captain, which conveyed me thither in 1815. We did - not reach the Downs till Sunday, the 9th, after experiencing in our - passage a severe gale of wind, which broke the bowsprit of a vessel in our - sight, but did no mischief to ourselves. On arriving in the Downs, we - found all the flags lowered half way down the masts, which is a signal of - mourning; and we now learnt, that, in a few hours after giving birth to a - still-born son, the Princess Charlotte of Wales had expired at half-past - two on Thursday morning. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 16. (SUNDAY.) - </h3> - <p> - “Peaceful slumbering on the ocean.” Here we are still in the Downs, and no - symptoms of a probable removal. Indeed, when we weighed our anchor at - Gravesend, it gave us a broad hint that there was no occasion as yet for - giving ourselves the trouble; for, before it could be got on board, the - cable was suffered to slip, and down again went the anchor, carrying along - with it one of the men who happened to be standing upon it at the moment, - and who in consequence went plump to the bottom. Luckily, the fellow could - swim; so in a few minutes he was on board again, and no harm done. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 19. - </h3> - <p> - We resumed our voyage with fine weather, but wind so perverse, that we did - not arrive in sight of Portsmouth till the evening of the 21st. A pilot - came on board, and conveyed us into Spithead. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 22. - </h3> - <p> - This morning we quitted Portsmouth, and this evening we returned to it. - The Needle rocks were already in sight, when the wind failed completely. - There was no getting through the passage, and the dread of a gale would - not admit of our remaining in so dangerous a roadstead. So we had nothing - for it but to follow Mad Bess’s example, and “return to the place whence - we came.” We are now anchored upon the Motherbank, about two miles from - Ryde in the Isle of Wight. - </p> - <h3> - NOVEMBER 30. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - Edward, the young man who was so dangerously wounded on our return from my - former voyage to Jamaica, is now chief mate of the vessel, and feels no - other inconvenience from his accident, except a slight difficulty in - raising his left arm above his head. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 1. (Monday.) - </h3> - <p> - Here we are, still riding at anchor, with no better consolation than that - of Klopstock’s halfdevil Abadonna; the consciousness that others are - deeper damned than ourselves. Another ship belonging to the same - proprietor left the West India Docks three weeks before us, and here she - is still rocking cheek by jowl alongside of us, - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “One writ with us in sour misfortune’s book.” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 3. - </h3> - <p> - A tolerably fair breeze at length enabled us to set sail once more. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 24. (Wednesday.) - </h3> - <p> - I had often heard talk of “a hell upon earth,” and now I have a perfect - idea of “a hell upon water.” It must be precisely our vessel during the - last three weeks. At twelve at noon upon the 4th, we passed Plymouth, and - were actually in sight of the Lizard point, when the wind suddenly became - completely foul, and drove us back into the Channel. It continued to - strengthen gradually but rapidly; and by the time that night arrived, we - had a violent gale, which blew incessantly till the middle of Sunday, the - 7th, when we were glad to find ourselves once more in sight of Plymouth, - and took advantage of a temporary abatement of the wind to seek refuge in - the Sound. Here, however, we soon found that we had but little reason to - rejoice at the change of our situation. The Sound was already crowded with - vessels of all descriptions; and as we arrived so late, the only mooring - still unoccupied, placed us so near the rocks on one side, and another - vessel astern, that the captain confessed that he should feel considerable - anxiety if the gale should return with its former violence. So, of course, - about eleven at night, the gale <i>did</i> return; not, indeed, with its - former violence, but with its violence increased tenfold; and once we were - in very imminent danger from our ship’s swinging round by a sudden squall, - and narrowly escaping coming in contact with the ship astern, which had - not, it seems, allowed itself sufficient cable. Luckily, we just missed - her; and our cables (for both our anchors were down) being new and good, - we rode out the storm without driving, or meeting with any accident - whatever. The next day was squally; and in spite of the Breakwater, the - rocking of the ship from the violent agitation of the waves by the late - stormy weather was almost insupportable. However, on the 9th, the wind - took a more favourable turn, though in so slight a degree, that the pilot - expressed great doubts whether it would last long to do us any service. - But the captain felt his situation in Plymouth Sound so uneasy, that he - resolved at least to make the attempt; and so we crept once more into the - Channel. In a few hours the breeze strengthened; about midnight we passed - the lights upon the Lizard, and the next morning England was at length out - of sight. This cessation of ill luck soon proved to be only “<i>reculer - ‘pour mieux sauter</i>” The gale, it seems, had only stopped to take - breath: about four in the afternoon of Wednesday, the wind began to rise - again; and from that time till the middle of the 23d it blew a complete - storm day and night, with only an occasional intermission of two or three - hours at a time. Every one in the ship declared that they had never before - experienced so obstinate a persecution of severe weather: every rag of - sail was obliged to be taken down; the sea was blown up into mountains, - and poured itself over the deck repeatedly. The noise was dreadful; and as - it lasted incessantly, to sleep was impossible; and I passed ten nights, - one after another, without closing my eyes; so that the pain in the nerves - of them at length became almost intolerable, and I began to be seriously - afraid of going blind. In truth, the captain could not well have pitched - upon a set of passengers worse calculated to undergo the trial of a - passage so rough. As for myself, my brain is so weak, that the - continuation of any violent noise makes me absolutely light-headed; and a - pop-gun going off suddenly is quite sufficient at any time to set every - nerve shaking, from the crown of my head to the sole of my foot. Then we - had a young lady who was ready to die of seasickness, and an old one who - was little better through fright; and I had an Italian servant into the - bargain, who was as sick as the young lady, and as frightened as the old - one. The poor fellow had never been on board a ship before; and with every - crack which the vessel gave, he thought that to be sure, she was splitting - right in half. The sailors, too, appeared to be quite knocked up from the - unremitting fatigue to which they were subjected by the perseverance of - this dreadful weather. Several of them were ill; and one poor fellow - actually died, and was committed to the ocean. To make matters still - worse, during the first week the wind was as foul as it could blow; and we - passed it in running backwards and forwards, without advancing a step - towards our object; till at length every drop of my very small stock of - patience was exhausted, and I could no longer resist suggesting our - returning to port, rather than continue buffeting about in the chops of - the Channel, so much to the damage of the ship, and all contained in her. - A change of wind, however, gave a complete answer to this proposal. On - Thursday it became favourable as to the prosecution of our voyage, but its - fury continued unabated till the evening of the 23d. It then gradually - died away, and left us becalmed before the island of Madeira; where we are - now rolling backwards and forwards, in sight of its capital, Funchal, on - the 24th of December, being seven immortal weeks since my departure from - Gravesend. The evening sun is now very brilliant, and shines full upon the - island, the rocks of which are finely broken; the height of the mountains - cause their tops to be lost in the clouds; the sides are covered with - plantations of vines and forests of cedars; and the white edifices of - Funchal, built upon the very edge of the shore, have a truly picturesque - appearance. We are now riding between the island and an isolated group of - inaccessible rocks called “the Deserters;” * and the effect of the scene - altogether is beautiful in the extreme. - </p> - <p> - * The Dezertas. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 25. (Christmas-day.) - </h3> - <p> - A light breeze sprang up in the night, and this morning Madeira was no - longer visible. - </p> - <h3> - DECEMBER 31. (Wednesday.) - </h3> - <p> - We are now in the latitudes commonly known by the name of “the Horse - Latitudes.” During the union of America and Great Britain, great numbers - of horses used to be exported from the latter; and the winds in these - latitudes are so capricious, squally, and troublesome in every respect,—now - a gale, and then a dead calm—now a fair wind, and the next moment a - foul one,—that more horses used to die in this portion of the - passage than during all the remainder of it. These latitudes from thence - obtained their present appellation, and extend from 29° to 25° or 24 1/2°. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - 1818.—JANUARY 1. - </h2> - <h3> - (Thursday.) - </h3> - <p> - On this day, on my former voyage, I landed at Black River. Now we are - still at some distance from the line, and are told that we cannot expect - to reach Jamaica in less than three weeks, even with favourable breezes; - and our breezes at present are <i>not</i> favourable. Nothing but light - winds, or else dead calms; two knots an hour, and obliged to be thankful - even for that! A-weel! this is weary work! - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 17. (Saturday.) - </h3> - <p> - On Saturday, the 3d, we managed to crawl over the line, and had no sooner - got to the other side of it, than we were completely becalmed; and even - when we resumed our progress, it was at such a pace that a careless - observer might have been pardoned for mistaking our manner of moving for a - downright standing still. Day after day produced nothing better for us - than baffling winds, so light that we scarcely made two miles an hour, and - so variable that the sails could be scarcely set in one direction before - it became necessary to shift them to another; while the monotony of our - voyage was only broken by an occasional thunderstorm, the catching a stray - dolphin now and then, watching a shoal of flying fish, or guessing at the - complexion of the corsairs on board some vessel in the offing: for the - Caribbean Sea is now dabbed all over like a painter’s pallette with - corsairs of all colours,—black from St. Domingo, brown from - Carthagena, white from North America, and pea-green from the Cape de Verd - Islands. On the afternoon of the 4th, one of them was at no very great - distance from us; she hoisted English colours on seeing ours; but there - was little doubt, from her peculiar construction and general appearance, - that she was a privateer from Carthagena. She set her head towards us, and - seemed to be doing her best to come to a nearer acquaintance; but the same - calm which hindered us from bravely running away from her, hindered her - also from reaching us, although at nightfall she seemed to have gained - upon us. In the night we had a violent thunder-storm, and the next morning - she was not to be seen. Still we continued to creep and to crawl, - grumbling and growling, till on Sunday, the 11th, the long-looked-for wind - came at last. The trade wind began to blow with all its might and main - right in the vessel’s poop, and sent us forward at the rate of 200 miles a - day. We passed between Deseada and Antigua in the night of the 15th; and, - on the 16th, the rising sun showed us the island mountain of Montserrat; - the sight of which was scarcely less agreeable to our eyes from its - romantic beauty, than welcome from its giving us the assurance that our - long-winded voyage is at length drawing towards its termination. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 19. - </h3> - <p> - Yesterday morning a miniature shark chose to swallow the bait laid for - dolphins, and in consequence soon made his appearance upon deck. It was a - very young one, not above three feet long. I ordered a slice of him to be - broiled at dinner, but he was by no means so good as a dolphin; but still - there was nothing in the taste so unpalatable as to prevent the flesh from - being very acceptable in the absence of more delicate food. In the - evening, a bird, about the size of a large pigeon, flew on board, and was - knocked down by the mate with his hat. It was sulky, and would not be - persuaded to eat any thing that was offered, so he was suffered to escape - this morning. It was beautifully shaped, with a swallow-tail, wings of an - extraordinary spread in comparison with the smallness of the body, a long - sharp bill, black and polished like a piece of jet, and eyes remarkably - large and brilliant. The head, back, and outside of the wings were of a - brownish slate colour, and the rest of his feathers of the most dazzling - whiteness. It is called a crab-catcher. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 24. (Saturday.) - </h3> - <p> - Our favourable breeze lasted till Tuesday, the 20th; when, having brought - us half way between St. Domingo and Jamaica, it died away, and we dragged - on at the rate of two or three miles an hour till Thursday afternoon, - which placed us at the mouth of Black River. If we had arrived one hour - earlier, we could have immediately entered the harbour; but, with our - usual good fortune, we were just too late for the daylight. We therefore - did not drop anchor till two o’clock on Friday, before the town of Black - River; and on Saturday morning, at four o’clock, I embarked in the ship’s - cutter for Savannah la Mar. Every one assured us that we could not fail to - have a favourable seabreeze the whole way, and that we should be on land - by eight: instead of which, what little wind there was veered round from - one point of the compass to the other with the most indefatigable caprice; - and we were not on shore till eleven. Here I found Mr. T. Hill, who - luckily had his phaëton ready, in which he immediately conveyed me once - more to my own estate. The accounts of the general behaviour of my negroes - is reasonably good, and they all express themselves satisfied with their - situation and their superintendents. Yet, among upwards of three hundred - and thirty negroes, and with a greater number of females than men, in - spite of all indulgences and inducements, not more than twelve or thirteen - children have been added annually to the list of the births. On the other - hand, this last season has been generally unhealthy all over the island, - and more particularly so in my parish; so that I have lost several - negroes, some of them young, strong, and valuable labourers in every - respect; and in consequence, my sum total is rather diminished than - increased since my last visit. I had been so positively assured that the - custom of plunging negro infants, immediately upon their being born, into - a tub of cold water, infallibly preserved them from the danger of tetanus, - that, on leaving Jamaica, I had ordered this practice to be adopted - uniformly. The negro mothers, however, took a prejudice against it into - their heads, and have been so obstinate in their opposition, that it was - thought unadvisable to attempt the enforcing this regulation. From this - and other causes I have lost several infants; but I am told, that on other - estates in the neighbourhood they have been still more unfortunate in - regard to their children; and one was named to me, on which sixteen were - carried off in the course of three days. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 26. (Monday.) - </h3> - <p> - The joy of the negroes on my return was quite sufficiently vociferous, and - they were allowed today for a holiday. They set themselves to singing and - dancing yesterday, in order to lose no time; and to show their gratitude - for the indulgence, not one of the five pen-keepers chose to go to their - watch last night; the consequence was that the cattle made their escape, - and got into one of my very best cane-pieces. The alarm was given; my own - servants and some of the head people had grace enough to run down to the - scene of action; but the greatest part remained quietly in the - negro-houses, beating the gumby-drum, and singing their joy for my arrival - with the whole strength of their lungs, but without thinking it in the - least necessary to move so much as a finger-joint in my service. The - cattle were at length replaced in their pen, but not till the cane-piece - had been ruined irretrievably. Such is negro gratitude, and such my reward - for all that I have suffered on ship-board. To be sure, as yet there could - not be a more ill-starred expedition than my present one. - </p> - <p> - I only learned, yesterday, that before making the island of Madeira an - Algerine corsair was actually in sight, and near enough to discern the - turbans of the crew; but we lost each other through the violence of the - gale. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 29. - </h3> - <p> - There is a popular negro song, the burden of which is,— - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Take him to the Gulley! Take him to the Gulley! - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - But bringee back the frock and board.”— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Oh! massa, massa! me no deadee yet!”— - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Take him to the Gulley! Take him to the Gulley!” - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “Carry him along!” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - This alludes to a transaction which took place some thirty years ago, on - an estate in this neighbourhood, called Spring-Garden; the owner of which - (I think the name was Bedward) is quoted as the cruellest proprietor that - ever disgraced Jamaica. It was his constant practice, whenever a sick - negro was pronounced incurable, to order the poor wretch to be carried to - a solitary vale upon his estate, called the Gulley, where he was thrown - down, and abandoned to his fate; which fate was generally to be half - devoured by the john-crows, before death had put an end to his sufferings. - By this proceeding the avaricious owner avoided the expence of maintaining - the slave during his last illness; and in order that he might be as little - a loser as possible, he always enjoined the negro bearers of the dying man - to strip him naked before leaving the Gulley, and not to forget to bring - back his frock and the board on which he had been carried down. One poor - creature, while in the act of being removed, screamed out most piteously - “that he was not dead yet;” and implored not to be left to perish in the - Gulley in a manner so horrible. His cries had no effect upon his master, - but operated so forcibly on the less marble hearts of his fellow-slaves, - that in the night some of them removed him back to the negro village - privately, and nursed him there with so much care, that he recovered, and - left the estate unquestioned and undiscovered. Unluckily, one day the - master was passing through Kingston, when, on turning the corner of a - street suddenly, he found himself face to face with the negro, whom he had - supposed long ago to have been picked to the bones in the Gulley of - Spring-Garden. He immediately seized him, claimed him as his slave, and - ordered his attendants to convey him to his house; but the fellow’s cries - attracted a crowd round them, before he could be dragged away. He related - his melancholy story, and the singular manner in which he had recovered - his life and liberty; and the public indignation was so forcibly excited - by the shocking tale, that Mr. Bedward was glad to save himself from being - torn to pieces by a precipitate retreat from Kingston, and never ventured - to advance his claim to the negro a second time. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 30. - </h3> - <p> - A man has been tried, at Kingston, for cruel treatment of a Sambo female - slave, called Amey. She had no friends to support her cause, nor any other - evidence to prove her assertions, than the apparent truth of her - statement, and the marks of having been branded in five different places. - The result was, that the master received a most severe reprimand for his - inhuman conduct, and was sentenced to close confinement for six months, - while the slave, in consequence of her sufferings, was restored to the - full enjoyment of her freedom. - </p> - <p> - It appears to me that nothing could afford so much relief to the negroes, - under the existing system of Jamaica, as the substituting the labour of - animals for that of slaves in agriculture, whereever such a measure is - practicable. On leaving the island, I impressed this wish of mine upon the - minds of my agents with all my power; but the only result has been the - creating a very considerable additional expense in the purchase of - ploughs, oxen, and farming implements; the awkwardness, and still more the - obstinacy, of the few negroes, whose services were indispensable, was not - to be overcome: they broke plough after plough, and ruined beast after - beast, till the attempt was abandoned in despair. However, it was made - without the most essential ingredient for success, the superintendence of - an English ploughman; and such of the ploughs as were of cast-iron could - not be repaired when once broken, and therefore ought not to have been - adopted; but I am told, that in several other parts of the island the - plough has been introduced, and completely successful. Another of my - farming speculations answered no better: this was to improve the breed of - cattle in the county, for which purpose Lord Holland and myself sent over - four of the finest bulls that could be procured in England. One of them - got a trifling hurt in its passage from the vessel to land; but the - remaining three were deposited in their respective pens without the least - apparent damage. They were taken all possible care of, houses appropriated - to shelter them from the sun and rain, and, in short, no means of - preserving their health was neglected. Yet, shortly after their arrival in - Jamaica, they evidently began to decline; their blood was converted into - urine; they paid no sort of attention to the cows, who were confined in - the same paddock; and at the end of a fortnight not one was in existence, - two having died upon the same day. The injured one, having been bled the - most copiously in consequence of its hurt, was that which survived the - longest. - </p> - <h3> - JANUARY 31. - </h3> - <p> - Some days ago, a negro woman, who has lost four children, and has always - been a most affectionate mother, brought the fifth, a remarkably fine - infant, into the hospital. She complained of its having caught cold, a - fever, and so on; but nothing administered was of use, and its manner of - breathing made the doctor enquire, whether the child had not had a fall? - The mother denied this most positively, and her fondness for the infant - admitted no doubt of her veracity. Still the child grew worse and worse; - still the question about the fall was repeated, and as constantly denied; - until luckily being made in the presence of a new-comer, the latter - immediately exclaimed, “that to her certain knowledge the infant had - really had a fall, for that the mother having fastened it behind her back, - the knot of the handkerchief had slipped, and the baby had fallen upon the - floor.”—“It is false,” answered the mother: “the child did not fall; - for when the knot slipped, I had time to catch it by the foot, and so I - saved it from falling, just as its head struck against the ground.” Fear - of being blamed as having occasioned the baby’s illness through her own - carelessness had induced her to adopt this equivocation, and its life had - nearly been the sacrifice of her duplicity. A proper mode of treatment was - now adopted without loss of time; their beneficial effect was immediately - visible, and the poor little negro is now recovering rapidly. But - certainly there is no folly and imprudence like unto negro folly and - imprudence. One of my best disposed and most sensible Eboes has had a - violent fever lately, but was so nearly well as to be put upon a course of - bark. On Wednesday morning a son of his died of dirt-eating,—a - practice which neither severity nor indulgence could induce him to - discontinue. The boy was buried that night according to African customs, - accompanied with dancing, singing, drinking, eating, and riot of all - kinds; and the father, although the kindest-hearted negro on my estate, - and remarkably fond of his children, danced and drank to such an excess, - that I found him on the following morning in a raging fever, and worse - than he was when he first entered the hospital. I had warned him against - the consequences of the funeral, reminded him of the dangerous malady from - which he was but just recovering, and he had promised solemnly to be upon - his guard; and such was the manner in which he performed his promise. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 1. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - During my former visit to Jamaica I had interceded in behalf of a negro - belonging to Greenwich estate, named Aberdeen, who had run away - repeatedly, but who attributed his misconduct to the decay of his health, - which rendered him unable to work as well as formerly, and to the fear of - consequent punishment for not having performed the tasks assigned to him. - The fellow while he spoke to me had tears running down his cheeks, looked - feeble and ill, and indeed seemed to be quite heart-broken. On my speaking - to the attorney, he readily promised to enquire into the truth of the - man’s statement, and to take care that he should be only allotted such - labour as his strength might be fully equal to. This morning he came over - to see me, and so altered, that I could scarcely believe him to be the - same man. He was cleanly dressed, walked with his head erect, and his eyes - sparkled, and his mouth grinned from ear to ear, while he told me, that - during my absence every thing had gone well with him, nobody had “put upon - him;” he had been tasked no more than suited his strength; as much as he - was able to do, he had done willingly, and had never run away. Even his - asthma was better in consequence of the depression being removed from his - spirits. So, he said, as soon as he heard of my return, he thought it his - duty to come over and show himself to me, and tell me that he was well, - and contented, and behaving properly; for that “to be sure, if massa no - speak that good word for me to trustee, me no livee now; me good, massa!” - Gratitude made him absolutely eloquent: his whole manner, and the strong - expression of his countenance, put his sincerity out of all doubt, and I - never saw a man seem to feel more truly thankful. All negroes, therefore, - are not absolutely without some remembrance of kindness shown them; and - indeed I ought not in justice to my own people to allow myself to forget, - that when I sent a reward to those who had roused themselves to drive the - cattle out of my canes the other night, there was considerable difficulty - in persuading them to accept the money: they sent me word, “that as they - were all well treated on the estate, it was their business to take care - that no mischief was done to it, and that they did not deserve to be - rewarded for having merely done their duty by me.” Nor was it till after - they had received repeated orders from me, that their delicacy could be - overcome, and themselves persuaded to pocket the affront and the <i>maccaroni</i>. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 2. - </h3> - <p> - One of the deadliest poisons used by the negroes (and a great variety is - perfectly well known to most of them) is prepared from the root of the - cassava. - </p> - <p> - Its juice being expressed and allowed to ferment, a small worm is - generated, the substance of which being received into the stomach is of a - nature the most pernicious. A small portion of this worm is concealed - under one of the thumb-nails, which are suffered to grow long for this - purpose; then when the negro has contrived to persuade his intended victim - to eat or drink with him, he takes an opportunity, while handing to him a - dish or cup, to let the worm fall, which never fails to destroy the person - who swallows it. Another means of destruction is to be found (as I am - assured) in almost every negro garden throughout the island: it is the - arsenic bean, neither useful for food nor ornamental in its appearance; - nor can the negroes, when questioned, give any reason for affording it a - place in their gardens; yet there it is always to be seen. The alligator’s - liver also possesses deleterious properties; and the gall is said to be - still more dangerous. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 3. - </h3> - <p> - On Friday I was made to observe, in the hospital, a remarkably fine young - negro, about twenty-two years of age, stout and strong, and whom every one - praised for his numerous good qualities, and particularly for his - affection for his mother, and the services which he rendered her. He - complained of a little fever, and a slight pain in his side. On Saturday - he left the hospital, and intended to go to his provision grounds, among - the mountains, on Sunday morning; but, as he complained of a pain in his - head, his mother prevented his going, and obliged him to return to the - hospital in the evening. On Monday he was seized with fainting fits, lost - his speech and power of motion, and this morning I was awaked by the - shrieks and lamentations of the poor mother, who, on coming to the - hospital to enquire for her son, found, that in spite of all possible care - and exertions on the part of his medical attendants, he had just expired. - Whether it be the climate not agreeing with their African blood (genuine - or inherited), or whether it be from some defect in their general - formation, certainly negroes seem to hold their lives upon a very - precarious tenure. Nicholas, John Fuller, and others of my best and most - favoured workmen, the very servants, too, in my own house, are perpetually - falling ill with little fevers, or colds, or pains in the head or limbs. - However, the season is universally allowed to have been peculiarly - unhealthy for negroes; and, indeed, even for white people, the deaths on - board the shipping having been unusually numerous this year. As to the - barracks, which are scarcely a couple of miles distant from my estate, - there the yellow fever has established itself, and, as I hear, is - committing terrible ravages, particularly among the wives of the soldiers.—This - morning several negro-mothers, belonging to Friendship and Greenwich, came - to complain to their attorney (who happened to be at my house) that the - overseer obliged them to wean their children too soon. Some of these - children were above twenty-two months old, and none under eighteen; but, - in order to retain the leisure and other indulgences annexed to the - condition of nursing-mothers, the female negroes, by their own good-will, - would never wean their offspring at all. Of course their demands were - rejected, and they went home in high discontent; one of them, indeed, not - scrupling to declare aloud, and with a peculiar emphasis and manner, that - if the child should be put into the weaning-house against her will, the - attorney would see it dead in less than a week. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 4. - </h3> - <p> - The violent gale of wind which persecuted us with so much pertinacity on - our leaving the English Channel is supposed to have been the tail of a - tremendous hurricane, which has utterly laid waste Barbados and several - other islands. No less than sixteen of the ships which sailed at the same - time with us are reported to have perished upon the passage; so that I - ought to consider it at least as a negative piece of good luck to have - reached Jamaica myself, no bones broke, though sore peppered but I am - still trembling in uncertainty for the fate of the vessel which is - bringing out all my Irish supplies, and the non-arrival of which would be - a misfortune to me of serious magnitude. - </p> - <p> - The negroes are so obstinate and so wilful in their general character, - that if they do not receive the precise articles to which they have been - accustomed, and which they expect as their right, no compensation, however - ample, can satisfy them. Thus, at every Christmas it would go near to - create a rebellion if they did not receive a certain proportion of salt - fish; but if, in the intervening months, accident should prevent their - receiving their usual allowance of herrings, the giving them salt fish to - the amount of double the value would be considered by them as an act of - the grossest injustice. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 5. - </h3> - <p> - On Saturday, about eight in the evening, a large centipede dropped from - the ceiling upon my dinner-table, and was immediately cut in two exact - halves by one of the guests. As it is reported in Jamaica that these - reptiles, when thus divided, will re-unite again, or if separated will - reproduce their missing members, and continue to live as stoutly as ever, - I put both parts into a plate, under a glass cover. On Sunday they - continued to move about their prison with considerable agility, although - the tail was evidently much more lively and full of motion than the head: - perhaps the centipede was a female. On Monday the head was dead, but the - tail continued to run about, and evidently endeavoured to to make its - escape, although it appeared not to know very well how to set about it, - nor to be perfectly determined as to which way it wanted to go: it only - seemed to have Cymon’s reason for wishing to take a walk, and “would - rather go any where, than stay with any body.” On Wednesday, at twelve - o’clock, its vivacity was a little abated, but only a little; the wound - was skinned over, and I was waiting anxiously to know whether it would - subsist without its numskull till a good old age, or would put forth an - entirely spick and span new head and shoulders; when, on going to look at - the plate on Thursday morning, lo and behold! the dead head and the living - tail had disappeared together. I suppose some of the negro servants had - thrown them away through ignorance, but they deny, one and all, having so - much as touched the plate, most stoutly; and as a paper case, pierced in - several places, had been substituted for the glass cover, some persons are - of opinion that the tail made its escape through one of these air-holes, - and carried its head away with it in its forceps. Be this as it may, gone - they both are, and I am disappointed beyond measure at being deprived of - this opportunity of reading the last volume of “The Life and Adventures of - a Centipede’s Tail.” I have proclaimed a reward for the bringing me - another, but I am told that these reptiles are only found by accident; and - that, very possibly, one may not be procured previous to my leaving the - island. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 6. - </h3> - <p> - Mr. Lutford, the proprietor of a considerable estate in the parish of - Clarendon, had frequently accused a particular negro of purloining coffee. - About six months ago the slave was sent for, and charged with a fresh - offence of the same nature, when he confessed the having taken a small - quantity; upon which his master ordered him to fix his eyes on a - particular cotton tree, and then, without any further ceremony, shot him - through the head. His mistress was the coroner’s natural daughter, and the - coroner himself was similarly connected with the custos of Clarendon. In - consequence of this family compact, no inquest was held, no enquiry was - made; the whole business was allowed to be slurred over, and the murder - would have remained unpunished if accident had not brought some rumours - respecting it to the governor’s ear. An investigation was ordered to take - place without delay; but Mr. Lutford received sufficient warning to get on - shipboard, and escape to America; and the displacing of the custos of - Clarendon, for neglecting his official duty, was the only means by which - the governor could express his abhorrence of the act. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 8. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - My estate is greatly plagued by a negress named Catalina; she is either - mad, or has long pretended to be so, never works, and always steals. About - a week before my arrival she was found in the trash-house, which she had - pitched upon as the very fittest place possible for her kitchen; and there - she was sitting, very quietly and comfortably, boiling her pot over an - immense fire, and surrounded on all sides by dry canes, inflammable as - tinder. This vagary was of too dangerous a nature to allow of her being - longer left at liberty, and she was put into the hospital. But her husband - was by no means pleased with her detention, as he never failed to - appropriate to himself a share of her plunder, and when discovered, the - blame of the robbery was laid upon his wife, in a fit of insanity. So, - while the general joy at my first arrival drew the hospital attendants - from their post, he took the opportunity to carry off his wife, and - conceal her. The consequence was, that this morning complaints poured upon - me of gardens robbed by Catalina, who had carried off as much as she - could, dug up and destroyed the rest, and had shown as little conscience - in providing herself with poultry as in helping herself to vegetables. I - immediately despatched one of the negro-governors with a party in pursuit - of her, who succeeded in lodging her once more in the hospital; where she - must remain till I can get her sent to the asylum at Kingston, the only - hospital for lunatics in the whole island. - </p> - <p> - FEBRUARY 12. (Thursday.) - </p> - <p> - On my former visit to Jamaica, I found on my estate a poor woman nearly - one hundred years old, and stone blind. She was too infirm to walk; but - two young negroes brought her on their backs to the steps of my house, in - order, as she said, that she might at least touch massa, although she - could not see him. When she had kissed my hand, “that was enough,” she - said; “now me hab once kiss a massa’s hand, me willing to die to-morrow, - me no care.” She had a woman appropriated to her service, and was shown - the greatest care and attention; however, she did not live many months - after my departure. There was also a mulatto, about thirty years of age, - named Bob, who had been almost deprived of the use of his limbs by the - horrible cocoa-bay, and had never done the least work since he was - fifteen. He was so gentle and humble, and so fearful, from the - consciousness of his total inability of soliciting my notice, that I could - not help pitying the poor fellow; and whenever he came in my way I always - sought to encourage him by little presents, and other trifling marks of - favour. His thus unexpectedly meeting with distinguishing kindness, where - he expected to be treated as a worthless incumbrance, made a strong - impression on his mind. Soon after my departure his malady assumed a more - active appearance but during the last stages of its progress the only fear - which he expressed was, that he should not live till last Christmas, when - my return was expected to a certainty. In the mean while he endeavoured to - find out a means of being of some little use to me, although his weak - constitution would not allow of his being of much. Some of his relations - being in opulent circumstances, they furnished him with a horse, for he - was too weak to walk for more than a few minutes at a time; and, mounted - upon this, he passed all his time in traversing the estate, watching the - corn that it might not be stolen, warning the pen-keepers if any of the - cattle had found their way into the cane-pieces, and doing many other such - little pieces of service to the property; so that, as the negroes said, - “if he had been a white man he might have been taken for an overseer.” At - length Christmas arrived; it was known that I was on the sea; Bob, too, - was still alive; but still there was nothing to be heard of me. His - perpetual question to all who came to visit him was, How was the wind? and - he was constantly praying to the wind and the ocean to bring massa’s - vessel soon to Savanna la Mar, that he might but see him once more, and - thank him, before he died. At length I landed; and when, on the day of my - arrival on my estate, I expressed my surprise at the nonappearance of - several of the negroes, who had appeared to be most attached to me, and I - had expected to find most forward in greeting me, I was told that a - messenger had been sent to call them, and that their absence was - occasioned by their attendance at poor Bob’s funeral. Several of his - relations, who nursed him on his death-bed, have assured me, that the last - audible words which he uttered were—“Are there still no news of - massa?” - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 13. - </h3> - <p> - Talk of Lucretia! commend me to a she-turkey! The hawk of Jamaica is an - absolute Don Giovanni; and he never loses an opportunity of being - extremely rude indeed to these feathered fair ones; not even scrupling to - use the last violence, and that without the least ceremony, not so much as - saying, “With your leave,” or “By your leave,” or using any of the forms - which common civility expects upon such occasions. The poor timid things - are too much frightened by the sudden attack of this Tarquin with a beak - and claws, to make any resistance; but they no sooner recover from their - flutter sufficiently to be aware of what has happened, than they feel so - extremely shocked, that they always make a point of dying; nor was a - female turkey ever known to survive the loss of her honour above three - days. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 14. - </h3> - <p> - I think that I really may now venture to hope that my plans for the - management of my estate have succeeded beyond even my most sanguine - expectations. I have now passed three weeks with my negroes, the doors of - my house open all day long, and full liberty allowed to every person to - come and speak to me without witnesses or restraint; yet not one man or - woman has come to me with a single complaint. On the contrary, all my - enquiries have been answered by an assurance, that during the two years of - my absence my regulations were adhered to most implicitly, and that, - “except for the pleasure of seeing massa,” there was no more difference in - treatment than if I had remained upon the estate. Many of them have come - to tell me instances of kindness which they have received from one or - other of their superintendents; others, to describe some severe fit of - illness, in which they must have died but for the care taken of them in - the hospital; some, who were weakly and low-spirited on my former visit, - to show me how much they are improved in health, and tell me “how they - keep up heart now, because since massa come upon the property nobody put - upon them, and all go well;” and some, who had formerly complained of one - trifle or other, to take back their complaints, and say, that they wanted - no change, and were willing to be employed in any way that might be - thought most for the good of the estate; but although I have now at least - <i>seen</i> every one of them, and have conversed with numbers, I have not - yet been able to find one person who had so much as even an imaginary - grievance to lay before me. Yet I find, that it has been found necessary - to punish with the lash, although only in a very few instances; but then - this only took place on the commission of absolute <i>crimes</i>, and in - cases where its necessity and justice were so universally felt, not only - by others, but by the sufferers themselves, that instead of complaining, - they seem only to be afraid of their offence coming to my knowledge; to - prevent which, they affect to be more satisfied and happy than all the - rest, and now when I see a mouth grinning from ear to ear with a more than - ordinary expansion of jaw, I never fail to find, on enquiry, that its - proprietor is one of those who have been punished during my absence. I - then take care to give them an opportunity of making a complaint, if they - should have any to make; but no, not a word comes; “every thing has gone - on perfectly well, and just as it ought to have done.” Upon this, I drop a - slight hint of the offence in question; and instantly away goes the grin, - and down falls the negro to kiss my feet, confess his fault, and “beg - massa forgib, and them never do so bad thing more to fret massa, and them - beg massa pardon, hard, quite hard!” But not one of them has denied the - justice of his punishment, or complained of undue severity on the part of - his superintendents. On the other hand, although the lash has thus been in - a manner utterly abolished, except in cases where a much severer - punishment would have been inflicted by the police, and although they are - aware of this unwillingness to chastise, my trustee acknowledges that - during my absence the negroes have been quiet and tractable, and have not - only laboured as well as they used to do, but have done much more work - than the negroes on an adjoining property, where there are forty more - negroes, and where, moreover, a considerable sum is paid for hired - assistance. Having now waited three weeks to see how they would conduct - themselves, and found no cause of dissatisfaction since the neglect of the - watchman to guard the cattle (and which they one and all attributed to - their joy at seeing me again), I thought it time to distribute the - presents which I had brought with me for them from England. During my - absence I had ordered a new and additional hospital to be built, intended - entirely for the use of lying-in women, nursing mothers, and cases of a - serious nature, for which purpose it is to be provided with every possible - comfort; while the old hospital is to be reserved for those who have - little or nothing the matter with them, but who obstinately insist upon - their being too ill to work, in defiance of the opinion of all their - medical attendants. The new hospital is not quite finished; but wishing to - connect it as much as possible with pleasurable associations, I took - occasion of the distribution of presents to open it for the first time. - Accordingly, the negroes were summoned to the new hospital this morning; - the rooms were sprinkled with Madeira for good luck; and the toast of - “Health to the new hospital, and shame to the old lazy house!” was drunk - by the trustee, the doctoresses, the governors, &c., and received by - the whole congregation of negroes with loud cheering; after which, every - man received a blue jacket lined with flannel, every woman a flaming red - stuff petticoat, and every child a frock of white cotton. They then fell - to dancing and singing, and drinking rum and sugar, which they kept up - till a much later hour than would be at all approved of by the bench of - bishops; for it is now Sunday morning, and they are still dancing and - singing louder than ever. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 15. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - To-day divine service was performed at Savanna la Mar for the first time - these five weeks. The rector has been indisposed lately with the lumbago: - he has no curate; and thus during five whole weeks there was a total - cessation of public worship. I had told several of my female acquaintance - that it was long since they had been to church; that I was afraid of their - forgetting “all about and about it,” and that if there should be no - service for a week longer I should think it my duty to come and hear them - say their Catechism myself. Luckily the rector recovered, and saved me the - trouble of hearing them; but the long privation of public prayer did not - seem to have created any very great demand for the article, as I have - seldom witnessed a more meagre congregation. It was literally “two or - three gathered together,” and it seemed as if five or six would be too - many, and forfeit the promise. I cannot discover that the negroes have any - external forms of worship, nor any priests in Jamaica, unless their Obeah - men should be considered as such; but still I cannot think that they ought - to be considered as totally devoid of all natural religion. There is no - phrase so common on their lips as “God bless you!” and “God preserve you!” - and “God will bless you wherever you go!” Phrases which they pronounce - with every-appearance of sincerity, and as if they came from the very - bottom of their hearts. “God-A’mity! God-A’mity!” is their constant - exclamation in pain and in sorrow; and with this perpetual recurrence to - the Supreme Being, it must be difficult to insist upon their being - atheists. But they have even got a step further than the belief in a God; - they also allow the existence of an evil principle. One of them complained - to me the other day, that when he went to the field his companions had - told him “that he might go to hell, for he was not worthy to work with - them;” and one of his adversaries in return accused him of being so lazy, - “that instead of being a slave upon Cornwall estate, he was only fit to be - the slave of the devil.” Then surely they could not be afraid of duppies - (or ghosts) without some idea of a future state; and indeed nothing is - more firmly impressed upon the mind of the Africans, than that after death - they shall go back to Africa, and pass an eternity in revelling and - feasting with their ancestors. The proprietor of a neighbouring estate - lately used all his influence to persuade his foster-sister to be - christened; but it was all in vain: she had imbibed strong African - prejudices from her mother, and frankly declared that she found nothing in - the Christian system so alluring to her taste as the post-obit balls and - banquets promised by the religion of Africa. I confess, that this - prejudice appears to me to be so strongly rooted, that in spite of the - curates expected from the hands of the bishop of London, I am sadly - afraid, that “the pulpit drum ecclesiastic” will find it a hard matter to - overpower the gumby; and that the joys of the Christian paradise will be - seen to kick the beam, when they are weighed against the pleasures of - eating fat hog, drinking raw rum, and dancing for centuries to the jam-jam - and kitty-katty. In the negro festivals in this life, the chief point lies - in making as much noise as possible, and the Africans and Creoles dispute - it with the greatest pertinacity. I am just informed that at the dance - last night the Eboes obtained a decided triumph, for they roared and - screamed and shouted and thumped their drums with so much effect, that the - Creoles were fairly rendered deaf with the noise of their rivals, and dumb - with their own, and obliged to leave off singing altogether. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 16. - </h3> - <p> - On my arrival I found that idle rogue Nato, as usual, an inmate of the - hospital, where he regularly passes at least nine months out of the - twelve. He was with infinite difficulty persuaded, at the end of a - fortnight, to employ himself about the carriage-horses for a couple of - days; but on the third he returned to the hospital, although the medical - attendants, one and all, declared nothing to be the matter with him, and - the doctors even refused to insert his name in the sick list. Still he - persisted in declaring himself to be too ill to do a single stroke of - work: so on Thursday I put him into one of the sick rooms by himself, and - desired him to get well with the doors locked, which he would find to the - full as easy as with the doors open; at the same time assuring him, that - he should never come out, till he should be sufficiently recovered to cut - canes in the field. He held good all Friday; but Saturday being a - holy-day, he declared himself to be in a perfect state of health, and - desired to be released. However, I was determined to make him suffer a - little for his lying and obstinacy, and would not suffer the doors to be - opened for him till this morning, when he quitted the hospital, saluted on - all sides by loud huzzas in congratulation of his amended health, and - which followed him during his whole progress to the cane-piece. I was - informed that a lad, named Epsom, who used to be perpetually running away, - had been stationary for the last two years. So on Wednesday last, as he - happened to come in my way, I gave him all proper commendation for having - got rid of his bad habits; and to make the praise better worth his having, - I added a maccarony: he was gratified in the extreme, thanked me a - thousand times, promised most solemnly never to behave ill again, and ran - away that very night. However, he returned on Saturday morning, and was - brought to me all rags, tears, and penitence, wondering “how he could have - had such <i>bad manners</i> as to make massa fret.” - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 17. - </h3> - <p> - Some of the free people of colour possess slaves, cattle, and other - property left them by their fathers, and are in good circumstances; but - few of them are industrious enough to increase their possessions by any - honest exertions of their own. As to the free blacks, they are almost - uniformly lazy and improvident, most of them half-starved, and only - anxious to live from hand to mouth. Some lounge about the highways with - pedlar-boxes, stocked with various worthless baubles; others keep - miserable stalls provided with rancid butter, damaged salt-pork, and other - such articles: and these they are always willing to exchange for stolen - rum and sugar, which they secretly tempt the negroes to pilfer from their - proprietors; but few of them ever make the exertion of earning their - livelihood creditably. Even those who profess to be tailors, carpenters, - or coopers, are for the most part careless, drunken, and dissipated, and - never take pains sufficient to attain any dexterity in their trade. As to - a free negro hiring himself out for plantation labour, no instance of such - a thing was ever known in Jamaica, and probably no price, however great, - would be considered by them as a sufficient temptation. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 18. - </h3> - <p> - The Africans and Creoles certainly do hate each other with a cordiality - which would have appeared highly gratifying to Dr. Johnson in his “Love of - Good Haters.” Yesterday, in the field, a girl who had taken some slight - offence at something said to her by a young boy, immediately struck him - with the bill, with which she was cutting canes. Luckily, his loose - wrapper saved him from the blow; and, on his running away, she threw the - bill after him in his flight with all the fury and malice of a fiend. This - same vixen, during my former visit, had been punished for fixing her teeth - in the hand of one of the other girls, and nearly biting her thumb off; - and on hearing of this fresh instance of devilism, I asked her mother, - “how she came to have so bad a daughter, when all her sons were so mild - and good?”—“Oh, massa,” answered she, “the girl’s father was a - Guineaman.” - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 19. - </h3> - <p> - Neptune came this morning to request that the name of his son, Oscar, - might be changed for that of Julius, which (it seems) had been that of his - own father. The child, he said, had always been weakly, and he was - persuaded, that its ill-health proceeded from his deceased grandfather’s - being displeased, because it had not been called after him. The other day, - too, a woman, who had a child sick in the hospital, begged me to change - its name for any other which might please me best: she cared not what; but - she was sure that it would never do well, so long as it should be called - Lucia. Perhaps this prejudice respecting the power of names produces in - some measure their unwillingness to be christened. They find no change - produced in them, except the alteration of their name, and hence they - conclude that this name contains in it some secret power; while, on the - other hand, they conceive that the ghosts of their ancestors cannot fail - to be offended at their abandoning an appellation, either hereditary in - the family, or given by themselves. It is another negro-prejudice that the - eructation of the breath of a sucking child has something in it venomous; - and frequently nursing mothers, on showing the doctor a swelled breast, - will very gravely and positively attribute it to the infant’s having - broken wind while hanging at the nipple. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 20. - </h3> - <p> - I asked one of my negro servants this morning whether old Luke was a - relation of his. “Yes,” he said.—“Is he your uncle, or your cousin?”—“No, - massa.”—“What then?”—“He and my father were shipmates, massa.” - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 23. - </h3> - <p> - The law-charges in Jamaica have lately been regulated by the House of - Assembly; and by all accounts (except that of the lawyers) it was full - time that something should be done on the subject. A case was mentioned to - me this morning of an estate litigated between several parties. At length - a decision was given: the estate was sold for £16,000; but the lawyer’s - claim must always be the first discharged, and as this amounted to more - than £16,000 the lawyer found himself in possession of the estate. This - was the fable of Æsop’s oyster put in action with a vengeance. - </p> - <h3> - FEBRUARY 25. - </h3> - <p> - A negro, named Adam, has long been the terror of my whole estate. He was - accused of being an Obeah-man, and persons notorious for the practice of - Obeah had been found concealed from justice in his house, who were - afterwards convicted and transported. He was strongly suspected of having - poisoned more than twelve negroes, men and women; and having been - displaced by my former trustee from being principal governor, in revenge - he put poison into his water jar. Luckily he was observed by one of the - house servants, who impeached him, and prevented the intended mischief. - For this offence he ought to have been given up to justice; but being - brother of the trustee’s mistress she found means to get him off, after - undergoing a long confinement in the stocks. I found him, on my arrival, - living in a state of utter excommunication; I tried what reasoning with - him could effect, reconciled him to his companions, treated him with - marked kindness, and he promised solemnly to behave well during my - absence. However, instead of attributing my lenity to a wish to reform - him, his pride and confidence in his own talents and powers of deception - made him attribute the indulgence shown him to his having obtained an - influence over my mind. This he determined to employ to his own purposes - upon my return; so he set about forming a conspiracy against Sully, the - present chief governor, and boasted on various estates in the - neighbourhood that on my arrival he would take care to get Sully broke, - and himself substituted in his place. In the meanwhile he quarrelled and - fought to the right and to the left; and on my arrival I found the whole - estate in an uproar about Adam. No less than three charges of assault, - with intent to kill, were preferred against him. In a fit of jealousy he - had endeavoured to strangle Marlborough with the thong of a whip, and had - nearly effected his purpose before he could be dragged away: he had - knocked Nato down in some trifling dispute, and while the man was - senseless had thrown him into the river to drown him; and having taken - offence at a poor weak creature called Old Rachael, on meeting her by - accident he struck her to the ground, beat her with a supplejack, stamped - upon her belly, and begged her to be assured of his intention (as he - eloquently worded it) “to kick her guts out.” The breeding mothers also - accused him of having been the cause of the poisoning a particular spring, - from which they were in the habit of fetching water for their children, as - Adam on that morning had been seen near the spring without having any - business there, and he had been heard to caution his little daughter - against drinking water from it that day, although he stoutly denied both - circumstances. Into the bargain, my head blacksmith being perfectly well - at five o’clock, was found by his son dead in his bed at eight; and it was - known that he had lately had a dispute with Adam, who on that day had made - it up with him, and had invited him to drink, although it was not certain - that his offer had been accepted. He had, moreover, threatened the lives - of many of the best negroes. Two of the cooks declared, that he had - severally directed them to dress Sully’s food apart, and had given them - powders to mix with it. The first to whom he applied refused positively; - the second he treated with liquor, and when she had drunk, he gave her the - poison, with instructions how to use it. Being a timid creature, she did - not dare to object, so threw away the powder privately, and pretended that - it had been administered; but finding no effect produced by it, Adam gave - her a second powder, at the same time bidding her remember the liquor - which she had swallowed, and which he assured her would effect her own - destruction through the force of Obeah, unless she prevented it by - sacrificing his enemy in her stead. The poor creature still threw away the - powder, but the strength of imagination brought upon her a serious malady, - and it was not till after several weeks that she recovered from the - effects of her fears. The terror thus produced was universal throughout - the estate, and Sully and several other principal negroes requested me to - remove them to my property in St. Thomas’s, as their lives were not safe - while breathing the same air with Adam. However, it appeared a more - salutary measure to remove Adam himself; but all the poisoning charges - either went no further than strong suspicion, or (any more than the - assaults) were not liable by the laws of Jamaica to be punished, except by - flogging or temporary imprisonment, which would only have returned him to - the estate with increased resentment against those to whom he should - ascribe his sufferings, however deserved. - </p> - <p> - However, on searching his house, a musket with a plentiful accompaniment - of powder and ball was found concealed, as also a considerable quantity of - materials for the practice of Obeah: the possession of either of the above - articles (if the musket is without the consent of the proprietor) - authorises the magistrates to pronounce a sentence of transportation. In - consequence of this discovery, Adam was immediately committed to gaol; a - slave court was summoned, and to-day a sentence of transportation from the - island was pronounced, after a trial of three hours. As to the man’s - guilt, of that the jury entertained no doubt after the first half hour’s - evidence; and the only difficulty was to restrain the verdict to - transportation. We produced nothing which could possibly affect the man’s - life; for although perhaps no offender ever better de served hanging; yet - I confess my being weak-minded enough to entertain doubts whether hanging - or other capital punishment ought to be inflicted for any offence - whatever: I am at least certain, that if offenders waited till they were - hanged by me, they would remain unhanged till they were all so many old - Parrs. However, although I did my best to prevent Adam from being hanged, - it was no easy matter to prevent his hanging himself. The Obeah ceremonies - always commence with what is called, by the negroes, “the Myal dance.” - This is intended to remove any doubt of the chief Obeah-man’s supernatural - powers; and in the course of it, he undertakes to show his art by killing - one of the persons present, whom he pitches upon for that purpose. He - sprinkles various powders over the devoted victim, blows upon him, and - dances round him, obliges him to drink a liquor prepared for the occasion, - and finally the sorcerer and his assistants seize him and whirl him - rapidly round and round till the man loses his senses, and falls on the - ground to all appearance and the belief of the spectators a perfect - corpse. The chief Myal-man then utters loud shrieks, rushes out of the - house with wild and frantic gestures, and conceals himself in some - neighbouring wood. At the end of two or three hours he returns with a - large bundle of herbs, from some of which he squeezes the juice into the - mouth of the dead person; with others he anoints his eyes and stains the - tips of his fingers, accompanying the ceremony with a great variety of - grotesque actions, and chanting all the while something between a song and - a howl, while the assistants hand in hand dance slowly round them in a - circle, stamping the ground loudly with their feet to keep time with his - chant. A considerable time elapses before the desired effect is produced, - but at length the corpse gradually recovers animation, rises from the - ground perfectly recovered, and the Myal dance concludes. After this proof - of his power, those who wish to be revenged upon their enemies apply to - the sorcerer for some of the same powder, which produced apparent death - upon their companion, and as they never employ the means used for his - recovery, of course the powder once administered never fails to be - lastingly fatal. It must be superfluous to mention that the Myal-man on - this second occasion substitutes a poison for a narcotic. Now, among other - suspicious articles found in Adam’s hut, there was a string of beads of - various sizes, shapes, and colours, arranged in a form peculiar to the - performance of the Obeah-man in the Myal dance. Their use was so well - known, that Adam on his trial did not even attempt to deny that they could - serve for no purpose but the practice of Obeah; but he endeavoured to - refute their being his own property, and with this view he began to - narrate the means by which he had become possessed of them. He said that - they belonged to Fox (a negro who was lately transported), from whom he - had taken them at a Myal dance held on the estate of Dean’s Valley; but as - the assistants at one of these dances are by law condemned to death - equally with the principal performer, the court had the humanity to - interrupt his confession of having been present on such an occasion, and - thus saved him from criminating himself so deeply as to render a capital - punishment inevitable. I understand that he was quite unabashed and at his - ease the whole time; upon hearing his sentence, he only said very coolly, - “Well! I ca’n’t help it!” turned himself round, and walked out of court. - That nothing might be wanting, this fellow had even a decided talent for - hypocrisy. When on my arrival he gave me a letter filled with the grossest - lies respecting the trustee, and every creditable negro on the estate, he - took care to sign it by the name which he had lately received in baptism; - and in his defence at the bar to prove his probity of character and purity - of manners, he informed the court that for some time past he had been - learning to read, for the sole purpose of learning the Lord’s Prayer. The - nick-name by which he was generally known among the negroes in this part - of the country, was Buonaparte, and he always appeared to exult in the - appellation. Once condemned, the marshal is bound under a heavy penalty to - see him shipped from off the island before the expiration of six weeks, - and probably he will be sent to Cuba. He is a fine-looking man between - thirty and forty, square built, and of great bodily strength, and his - countenance equally expresses intelligence and malignity. The sum allowed - me for him is one hundred pounds currency, which is scarcely a third of - his worth as a labourer, but which is the highest value which a jury is - permitted to mention. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 1. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - Last night the negroes of Friendship took it into their ingenious heads to - pay me a compliment of an extremely inconvenient nature. They thought, - that it would be highly proper to treat me with a nightly serenade just by - way of showing their <i>enjoyment</i> on my return; and accordingly a - large body of them arrived at my doors about midnight, dressed out in - their best clothes, and accompanied with drums, rattles, and their whole - orchestra of abominable instruments, determined to pass the whole night in - singing and dancing under my windows. Luckily, my negro-governors heard - what was going forwards, and knowing my taste a little better than my - visiters, they hastened to assure them of my being in bed and asleep, and - with much difficulty persuaded them to remove into my village. Here they - contented themselves with making a noise for the greatest part of the - night; and the next morning, after coming up to see me at breakfast, they - went away quietly. One of them only remained to enquire particularly after - Lady H———-, as her mother had been her nurse, and she - was very particular in her enquiries as to her health, her children, their - ages and names. When she went away, I gave her a plentiful provision of - bread, butter, plantains, and cold ham from the breakfast table; part of - which she sat down to eat, intending, as she said, to carry the rest to - her piccaninny at home. But in half an hour after she made her appearance - again, saying she was come to take leave of me, and hoped I would give her - a <i>bit</i> to buy tobacco. I gave her a maccaroni, which occasioned a - great squall of delight. Oh! since I had given her so much, she would not - buy tobacco but a fowl; and then, when I returned, she would bring me a - chicken from it for my dinner; that is, if she could keep the other - negroes from stealing it from her, a piece of extraordinary good luck of - which she seemed to entertain but slender hopes. At length off she set; - but she had scarcely gone above ten yards from the house, when she turned - back, and was soon at my writing-table once more, with a “Well! here me - come to massa again!” So then she said, that she had meant to eat part of - the provisions which I had given her, and carry home the rest to her boy; - but that really it was so good, she could not help going on eating and - eating, till she had eaten the whole, and now she wanted another bit of - cold ham to carry home to her child, and then she should go away perfectly - contented. I ordered Cubina to give her a great hunch of it, and Mrs. - Phillis at length took her departure for good and all. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 4. (Wednesday.) - </h3> - <p> - I set out to visit my estate in St. Thomas’s in the East, called Hordley. - It is at the very furthest extremity of the island, and never was there a - journey like unto my journey. Something disagreeable happened at every - step; my accidents commenced before I had accomplished ten miles from my - own house; for in passing along a narrow shelf of rock, which overhangs - the sea near Bluefields, a pair of young blood-horses in my carriage took - fright at the roaring of the waves which dashed violently against them, - and twice nearly overturned me. On the second occasion one of them - actually fell down into the water, while the off-wheel of the curricle - flew up into the air, and thus it remained suspended, balancing backwards - and forwards, like Mahomet’s coffin. Luckily, time was allowed the horse - to recover his legs, down came the wheel once more on terra firma, and on - we went again. We slept at Cashew (an estate near Lacovia), and the next - morning at daylight proceeded to climb the Bogr, a mountain so difficult, - that every one had pronounced the attempt to be hopeless with horses so - young as mine; but those horses were my only ones, and therefore I was - obliged to make the trial. The road is bordered by tremendous precipices - for about twelve miles; the path is so narrow, that a servant must always - be sent on before to make any carts which may be descending stop in - recesses hollowed out for this express purpose; and the cartmen are - obliged to sound their shells repeatedly, in order to give each other - timely warning. The chief danger, however, proceeds from the steepness of - the road, which in some places will not permit the waggons to stop, - however well their conductors may be inclined; then down they come drawn - by twelve or fourteen, or sometimes sixteen oxen, sweeping every thing - before them, and any carriage unlucky enough to find itself in their - course must infallibly be dashed over the precipice. To-day, it really - appeared as if all the estates in the island had agreed to send their - produce by this particular road; the shells formed a complete chorus, and - sounded incessantly during our whole passage of the mountain; and at one - time there was a very numerous accumulation of carts and oxen in - consequence of my carriage coming to a complete stop. As we were - ascending,—“It is very well,” said a gentleman who was travelling - with me, (Mr. Hill) “that we did not come by this road three months - sooner. I remember about that time travelling it on horseback, and an - enormous tree had fallen over the path, which made me say to myself as I - passed under it, ‘Now, how would a chaise with a canopy get along here? - The tree hangs so low that the carriage never could pass, and it would - certainly have to go all the way home again.’ Of course, the obstacle must - now be removed; but if I remember right, this must have been the very - spot.... and as I hope to live, yonder is the very tree still!”—And - so it proved; although three months had elapsed, the impediment had been - suffered to remain in unmolested possession of the road, and to pass my - carriage under it proved an absolute impossibility. After much discussion, - and many fruitless attempts, we at length succeeded in unscrewing the - wheels, lifting off the body, which we carried along, and then built the - curricle up again on the opposite side of the tree. However, by one means - or other (after leaving a knocked-up saddle-horse at a coffee plantation, - to the owner of which I was a perfect stranger, but who very obligingly - offered to take charge of the animal) we found ourselves at the bottom of - the mountain; but the fatal tree, and the delay occasioned by taking - unavoidable shelter from tremendous storms of rain, had lost us so much - time, that night surprised us when we were still eight miles distant from - our destined inn. The night was dark as night could be; no moon, no stars, - nor any light except the flashing of myriads of fire-flies, which, - flapping in the faces of the young horses, frightened them, and made them - rear. The road, too, was full of water-trenches, precipices, and deep and - dangerous holes. As to the ground, it was quite invisible, and we had no - means of proceeding with any chance of safety except by making some of the - servants lead the horses, while others went before us to explore the way, - while they cried out at every moment,—“Take care; a little to the - left, or you will slip into that water-trench—a little to the right, - or you will tumble over that precipice.”—Into the bargain there was - neither inn nor gentleman’s house within reach; and thus we proceeded - crawling along at a foot’s pace for five eternal miles, when we at length - stopped to beg a shelter for the night at a small estate called Porous. By - this time it was midnight; all the family was gone to bed; the gates were - all locked; and before we could obtain admittance a full hour elapsed, - during which I sat in an open carriage, perspiration streaming down from - my head to my feet through vexation, impatience and fatigue, while the - night-dew fell heavy and the night-breeze blew keen; which (as I had - frequently been assured) was the very best recipe possible for getting a - Jamaica fever. On such I counted both for myself and my white servant, - when I at length laid myself down in a bed at Porous; but to my equal - surprise and satisfaction we both rose the next morning without feeling - the slightest inconvenience from our risks of the preceding day, and in - the evening of Friday, the 5th, I reached Miss Cole’s hotel at the Spanish - Town. One of my young horses, however, was so completely knocked up by the - fatigue of crossing the mountain, that I could get no further than - Kingston (only fourteen miles) this next day. In consequence of the delay, - I was enabled to visit the Kingston theatre; the exterior is rather - picturesque; within it has no particular recommendations; the scenery and - dresses were shabby, the actors wretched, and the stage ill lighted; the - performance was for the benefit of the chief actress, who had but little - reason to be satisfied with the number of her audience; and I may reckon - it among my other misfortunes on this ill-starred expedition, that it was - my destiny to sit out the tragedy of “Adelgitha,” whom the author meant - only to be killed in the last act, but whom the actors murdered in all - five. The heroine was the only one who spoke tolerably, but she was old - enough and fat enough for the Widow Cheshire; Guiscard did not know ten - words of his part; the tyrant was really comical enough; and Lothair was - played by a young Jamaica Jew about fifteen years of age, and who is - dignified here with the name of “the Creole Roscius.” His voice was just - breaking, which made him “pipe and whistle in the sound,” his action was - awkward, and altogether he was but a sorry specimen of theatrical talent: - however, his <i>forte</i> is said to lie in broad farce, which perhaps may - account for his being no better in tragedy. On Sunday, the 8th, I resumed - my journey, but my horses were so completely knocked up, that I was - obliged to hire an additional pair to convey me to Miss Hetley’s inn on - the other side of the Yallacks River, which is nineteen miles from - Kingston. This river, as well as that of Morant (which I passed about ten - miles further) both in breadth and strength sets all bridges at defiance, - and in the rainy season it is sometimes impassable for several weeks. On - this occasion there was but little water in either, and I arrived without - difficulty at Port Morant, where I found horses sent by my trustee to - convey me to Hordley. The road led up to the mountains, and was one of the - steepest, roughest, and most fatiguing that I ever travelled, in spite of - its picturesque beauties. At length I reached my estate, jaded and wearied - to death; here I expected to find a perfect paradise, and I found a - perfect hell. Report had assured me, that Hordley was the best managed - estate in the island, and as far as the soil was concerned, report - appeared to have said true; but my trustee had also assured me, that my - negroes were the most contented and best disposed, and here there was a - lamentable incorrectness in the account. I found them in a perfect uproar; - complaints of all kinds stunned me from all quarters: all the blacks - accused all the whites, and all the whites accused all the blacks, and as - far as I could make out, both parties were extremely in the right. There - was no attachment to the soil to be found <i>here</i>; the negroes - declared, one and all, that if I went away and left them to groan under - the same system of oppression without appeal or hope of redress, they - would follow my carriage and establish themselves at Cornwall. I had soon - discovered enough to be certain, that although they told me plenty of - falsehoods, many of their complaints were but too well founded; and yet - how to protect them for the future or satisfy them for the present was no - easy matter to decide. Trusting to these fallacious reports of the - Arcadian state of happiness upon Hordley, I supposed, that I should have - nothing to do there but grant a few indulgences, and establish the - regulations already adopted with success on Cornwall; distribute a little - money, and allow a couple of play-days for dancing; and under this - persuasion I had made it quite impossible for me to remain above a week at - Hordley, which I conceived to be fully sufficient for the above purpose. - As to grievances to be redressed, I was totally unprepared for any such - necessity; yet now they poured in upon me incessantly, each more serious - than the former; and before twenty-four hours were elapsed I had been - assured, that in order to produce any sort of tranquillity upon the - estate, I must begin by displacing the trustee, the physician, the four - white book-keepers, and the four black governors, all of whom I was - modestly required to remove and provide better substitutes in the space of - five days and a morning. What with the general clamour, the assertions and - denials, the tears and the passion, the odious falsehoods, and the still - more odious truths, and (worst of all to me) my own vexation and - disappointment at finding things so different from my expectations, at - first nearly turned my brain; and I felt strongly tempted to set off as - fast as I could, and leave all these black devils and white ones to tear - one another to pieces, an amusement in which they appeared to be perfectly - ready to indulge themselves. It was, however, considerable relief to me to - find, upon examination, that no act of personal ill-treatment was alleged - against the trustee himself, who was allowed to be sufficiently humane in - his own nature, and was only complained of for allowing the negroes to be - maltreated by the book-keepers, and other inferior agents, with absolute - impunity. Being an excellent planter, he confined his attention entirely - to the cultivation of the soil, and when the negroes came to complain of - some act of cruelty or oppression committed by the book-keepers or the - black governors, he refused to listen to them, and left their complaints - unenquired into, and consequently unredressed. The result was, that the - negroes were worse off, than if he had been a cruel man himself; for his - cruelty would have given them only one tyrant, whereas his indolence left - them at the mercy of eight. Still they said, that they would be well - contented to have him continue their trustee, provided that I would - appoint some protector, to whom they might appeal in cases of injustice - and ill-usage. The trustee declaring himself well satisfied that some such - appointment should take place, a neighbouring gentleman (whose humanity to - his own negroes had established him in high favour with mine) was selected - for this purpose. I next ordered one of the book-keepers (of the atrocious - brutality of whose conduct the trustee himself upon examination allowed - that there could be no doubt) to quit the estate in two hours under pain - of prosecution; away went the man, and when I arose the next morning, - another book-keeper had taken himself off of his own accord, and that in - so much haste that he left all his clothes behind him. My next step was to - displace the chief black governor, a man deservedly odious to the negroes, - and whom a gross and insolent lie told to myself enabled me to punish - without seeming to displace him in compliance with their complaints - against him; and these sources of discontent being removed, I read to them - my regulations for allowing them new holidays, additional allowances of - salt-fish, rum, and sugar, with a variety of other indulgences and - measures taken for protection, &c. All which, assisted by a couple of - dances and distribution of money on the day of my departure had so good an - effect upon their tempers, that I left them in as good humour apparently, - as I found them in bad. But to leave them was no such easy matter; the - weather had been bad from the moment of my commencing my journey, but from - the moment of my reaching Hordley, it became abominable. The rain poured - down in cataracts incessantly; the old crazy house stands on the top of a - hill, and the north wind howled round it night and day, shaking it from - top to bottom, and threatening to become a hurricane. The storm was - provided with a very suitable accompaniment of thunder and lightning; and - to complete the business, down came the mountain torrents, and swelled - Plantain Garden River to such a degree, that it broke down the dam-head, - stopped the mill, and all work was at a stand-still for two days and - nights. But the worst of all was that this same river lay between me and - Kingston; bridge there was none, and it soon became utterly impassable. - Thus it continued for four days; on the fifth (the day which I had - appointed for my departure, and on which I gave the negroes a parting - holiday) the water appeared to be somewhat abated at a ford about four - miles distant; for as to crossing at my own, that was quite out of the - question for a week at least. A negro was despatched on horseback to - ascertain the height of the water; his report was very unfavourable. - However, as at worst I could but return, and had no better means of - employing my time, I resolved to make the experiment. About forty of the - youngest and strongest negroes left their dancing and drinking, and ran on - foot to see me safe over the water. The few hours which had elapsed since - my messenger’s examination, had operated very favourably towards the - reduction of the water, although it was still very high. But a servant - going before to ascertain the least dangerous passage, and the negroes - rushing all into the river to break the force of the stream, and support - the carriage on both sides, we were enabled to struggle to the opposite - bank, and were landed in safety with loud cheering from my sable - attendants, who then left me, many with tears running down their cheeks, - and all with thanks for the protection which I had shown them, and earnest - entreaties that I would come to visit them another time. Whether my visit - will have been productive of essential service to them must remain a - doubt; the trustee at least promised me most solemnly that my regulations - for their happiness and security should be obeyed, and that the slave-laws - (of which I had detected beyond a doubt some very flagrant violations) - should be carried into effect for the future with the most scrupulous - exactness. If he breaks his promise, and I discover it, I have pledged - myself most solemnly to remove him, however great may be his merits as a - planter; if he contrives to keep me in ignorance of his proceedings - (which, however, from the precautions which I have now taken, I trust, - will be no easy matter), and the state of the negroes should continue - after my departure to be what it was before my arrival, then I can only - console myself with thinking, that the guilt is his, not mine; and that it - is on <i>his</i> head that the curse of the sufferers and the vengeance of - heaven will fall, not on my own. I have been told that this estate of mine - is one of the most beautiful in the island. It may be so for anything that - I can tell of the matter. The badness of the weather and the disquietude - of my mind during the whole of my short stay, made every thing look gloomy - and hideous; and when I once found myself again beyond my own limits, I - felt my spirits lighter by a hundred weight. Of all the points which had - displeased me at Hordley, none had made me more angry for the time, than - the lie told me by the chief governor, which occasioned my displacing him. - This fellow, who for the credit of our family (no doubt) had got himself - christened by the name of John Lewis, had the impudence to walk into my - parlour just as I was preparing to go to bed, and inform me, that he could - not get the business of the estate done. Why not? He could get nobody to - come to the night-work at the mill, which he supposed was the consequence - of my indulging the negroes so much. Indeed! and where were the people who - ought to come to their night-work? in the negro village? No; they were in - the hospital, and refused to come out to work. Upon which I blazed up like - a barrel of gunpowder, and volleying out in a breath all the curses that I - ever heard in my life, I asked him, whether any person really had been - insolent enough to select a whole night party from the sick people in the - hospital, not one of whom ought to stir out of it till well? There stood - the fellow, trembling and stammering, and unable to get out an answer, - while I stamped up and down the piazza, storming and swearing, banging all - the doors till the house seemed ready to tumble about our ears, and doing - my best to out-herod Herod, till at last I ordered the man to begone that - instant, and get the work done properly. He did not wait to be told twice, - and was off in a twinkling. In a quarter of an hour I sent for him again, - and enquired whether he had succeeded in getting the proper people to work - at the mill? Upon which he had the assurance to answer, that all the - people were there, and that it was not of their not being at the mill that - he had meant to complain. Of what was it then? “Of their not being in the - field.” When? “Yesterday. He could not get the negroes to come to work, - and so there had been none done all day.” And who refused to come? “All - the people.” But who? “All.” But who, who, who?—their names, their - names, their names? “He could not remember them all.” Name one—well?—speak - then, speak! “There was Beck.” And who else? “There was Sally, who used to - be called Whan-ica.” And who else? “There was.... there was Beck.” But who - else? “Beck... and Sally”... But who else? who else? “Little Edward had - gone out of the hospital, and had not come to work.” Well! Beck and Sally, - and little Edward; who else? “Beck, and little Edward, and Sally.” - </p> - <p> - But who else: I say, who else? “He could not remember any body else.” Then - to be sure I was in such an imperial passion, as would have done honour to - “her majesty the queen Dolallolla.” - </p> - <p> - Why, you most impudent of all impudent fellows that ever told a lie, have - you really presumed to disturb me at this time of night, prevent my going - to bed, tell me that you can’t get the business done, and that none of the - people would come to work, and make such a disturbance, and all because - two old women and a little boy missed coming into the field yesterday! - Down dropped the fellow in a moment upon his marrow bones: “Oh, me good - massa,” cried he (and out came the truth, which I knew well enough before - he told me), “me no come of my own head; me <i>ordered</i> to come; but me - never tell massa lie more, so me pray him forgib me!” But his obeying any - person on my own estate in preference to me, and suffering himself to be - converted into an instrument of my annoyance, was not to be easily - overlooked; so I turned him out of the house with a flea in his ear as big - as a camel; and the next morning degraded him to the rank of a common - field negro. The trustee pleaded hard for his being permitted to return to - the waggons, from whence he had been taken, and where he would be useful. - But I was obdurate. Then came his wife to beg for him, and then his - mother, and then his cousin, and then his cousin’s cousin: still I was - firm; till on the day of my departure, the new chief governor came to me - in the name of the whole estate, and bested me to allow John Lewis to - return to the command of the waggons, “for that all the negroes said, that - it would be <i>too sad a thing</i> for them to see a man who had held the - highest place among them, degraded quite to be a common field negro.” - There was something in this appeal which argued so good a feeling, that I - did not think it right to resist any longer; so I hinted that if the - trustee should ask it again as a favour to himself, I might perhaps - relent; and the proper application being thus made, John Lewis was allowed - to quit the field, but with a positive injunction against his ever being - employed again in any office of authority over the negroes. I found - baptism in high vogue upon Hordley, but I am sorry to say, that I could - not discover much effect produced upon their minds by having been made - Christians, except in one particular: whenever one of them told me a - monstrous lie (and they told me whole dozens), he never failed to conclude - his story by saying—“And now, massa, you know, I’ve been christened; - and if you do not believe what I say, I’m ready to buss the booh to the - truth of it.” The whole advantages to be derived by negroes from becoming - Christians, seemed to consist with them in two points; being a superior - species of magic itself, it preserved them from black Obeah; and by - enabling them to take an oath upon the ‘Bible to the truth of any lie - which it might suit them to tell, they believed that it would give them - the power of humbugging the white people with perfect ease and - convenience. They had observed the importance attached by the whites to - such an attestation, and the conviction which it always appeared to carry - with it; as to the crime or penalty of perjury, of that they were totally - ignorant, or at least indifferent; therefore they were perfectly ready to - “buss the book,” which they considered as a piece of buckra superstition, - mighty useful to the negroes, and valued taking their oath upon the Bible - to a lie, no more than Mrs. Mincing did the oath which she took in the - Blue Garret “upon an odd volume of Messalina’s Poems.” Although I set out - from Hordley at two o’clock, it was past seven before I reached an estate - called “The Retreat,” which was only twelve miles off, so abominable was - the road. Here I stopped for the night, which I passed at supper with the - musquitoes,—“not where I ate, but where I was eaten.” Morant River - had been swelled by the late heavy rains to a tremendous height, and its - numerous quicksands render the passage in such a state extremely - dangerous, However, a negro having been sent early to explore it, and - having returned with a favourable report, we proceeded to encounter it. A - Hordley negro, well acquainted with these perilous rivers, had accompanied - me for the express purpose of pointing out the most practicable fords; but - for some time his efforts to find a safe one were unavailing, his horse at - the end of a minute or two plunging into a quicksand or some deep hole, - among the waters thrown up from which he totally disappeared for a moment, - and then was seen to struggle out again with such an effort and leap, as - were quite beyond the capability of any carriage’s attempting. However, at - the end of half an hour he was fortunate to find a place, where he could - cross (up to his horse’s belly in the water, to be sure), but at least - without tumbling into holes and quicksands; and here we set out, conscious - that our whole chance of reaching the opposite shore consisted in keeping - precisely the path which he had gone already, and determined to stick as - close as possible to his horse’s tail. But no sooner were we fairly in the - water, than my young horses found themselves unable to resist the strength - and rapidity of the torrent, which was rolling down huge stones as big as - rocks from the mountain; and to my utter consternation, I perceived the - curricle carried down the stream, and the distance from my guide (who, by - swimming his horse, had reached the destined landing-place in safety) - growing wider and wider with every moment. We were now driving at all - hazards; every moment I expected to see a horse or a wheel sink down into - some deep hole, the chaise overturned, and ourselves either swallowed up - in a quicksand, or dashed to pieces against the stones, which were rolling - around us. I never remember to have felt myself so completely convinced of - approaching destruction, and I roared out with all my might and main:—“We - are carried away! all is over!” although, to be sure, I might as well have - held my tongue, seeing that all my roaring could not do the least possible - good. However, my horses, although too weak to resist the current, were - fortunately strong enough to keep their legs; while they drifted down the - stream, they struggled along in an oblique direction, which gradually - (though but slowly) brought us nearer to the opposite shore; and after - several minutes passed in most painful anxiety, a desperate plunge out of - the water enabled them to <i>jump</i> the carriage upon terra firma on the - same side with my guide, although at a considerable distance from the spot - where he had landed. The Yallack’s River was less dangerous; but even this - too had been sufficiently swelled to make the crossing it no easy matter; - so that what with one obstacle and another, when I reached Kingston at six - o’clock with my bones and my vehicle unbroken, I was almost as much - surprised as satisfied. I dined with the curate of Kingston (Rev. G. - Hill), where I met the admiral upon this station, Sir Home Popham, and a - large party. At Kingston I was obliged to send back a horse, which had - been lent me in aid of my own; another had been dropped at “the Retreat a - third could get no farther than the mountains; and my companion’s three - horses had found themselves unable even to reach Spanish Town, and I had - thus been obliged to leave them and theirs behind upon the road. On the - morning of our departure from Cornwall, when my Italian servant saw the - quantity of horses, mules, servants, and carriages collected for the - journey, he clapped his hands together in exultation, and exclaimed,—“They - will certainly take us for the king of England!” But now when after - leaving one horse in one place and another horse in another, on the - morning of Monday the 16th, he beheld my whole caravan reduced to one pair - of chaise horses and a couple of miserable mules, he cast a rueful look - upon my diminished cavalry and sighed to himself,—“I verily believe, - we shall return home on foot after all!” I reached Spanish Town in time to - dine with the chief justice (Mr. Jackson), and intended to remain two or - three days longer; but the fatality, which had persecuted me from the very - commencement of this abominable journey, was not exhausted yet. On Tuesday - morning, my landlady just hinted, that “she thought it right to let me - know, that to be sure there <i>was</i> a gentleman unwell in the house; - but she supposed, that I should not care about it: however, if I - particularly disliked the neighbourhood of a sick person, she would - procure me lodgings.” I asked, “What was the complaint?” - </p> - <p> - “Oh! he was a little sick, that was all.” To which I only could answer, - that, “in that case I hoped he would get better,” and thought no more - about it. However, when I went to visit the governor, I found, that this - “little sickness” of my landlady’s was neither more nor less than the - yellow fever; of which the gentleman in question was now dying, of which a - lady had died only two days before, and of which another European, newly - arrived, had fallen ill in this very same hotel only a fortnight before, - and had died, after throwing himself out of an upper window in a fit of - delirium. Under all these circumstances, I thought it to the full as - prudent not to prolong my residence in Spanish Town; and accordingly, on - Wednesday the 18th, I resumed my journey homewards. I travelled the north - side of the island, which was the road used by me on my return two years - ago. I have nothing to add to my former account of it, except that there - need not be better inns anywhere than the Wellington hotel at Rio Bueno, - and Judy James’s at Montego Bay, which latter is now, in my opinion, by - far the prettiest town in Jamaica. Indeed, all the inns upon this road are - excellent, with the solitary exception of the Black-heath Tavern, which I - stopped at by a mistake instead of that of Montague. At this most - miserable of all inns that ever entrapped an unwary traveller, there was - literally nothing to be procured for love or money: no corn for the - horses; no wine without sending six miles for a bottle; no food but a - miserable starved fowl, so tough that the very negroes could not eat it; - and a couple of eggs, one of which was addled: there was but one pair of - sheets in the whole house, and neither candles, nor oranges, nor pepper, - nor vinegar, nor bread, nor even so much as sugar, white or brown. Yams - there were, which prevented my servants from going to bed quite empty, and - I contented myself with the far-fetched bottle of wine and the solitary - egg, which I eat by the light of a lamp filled with stinking oil. The one - pair of sheets I seized upon to my own share, and my servants made - themselves as good beds as they could upon the floor with great coats and - travelling mantles. It was on Wednesday night, that after the fatigue of - crossing Mount Diablo, “myself I unfatigued” in this delectable retreat, - which seemed to have been established upon principles diametrically - opposite to those of Shenstone’s. On Thursday I slept at Rio Bueno, on - Friday at Montego Bay, passed Saturday at Anchovy estate (Mr. Plummer’s), - and was very glad, on Sunday the 22d, to find myself once more quietly - established at Cornwall, fully determined to leave it no more, till I - leave it on my return to England. The lady, who had died so lately at - Kingston, had arrived not long before in a vessel, both the crew and - passengers of which landed (to all appearance) in perfect health after a - favourable passage from England. Of course, they soon dispersed in - different directions; yet almost all of them were attacked nearly at the - same period by the fever, which seemed to have a particular commission to - search out such persons as had arrived by that particular ship, at however - remote a distance they might be from each other. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 29. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - This morning (without either fault or accident) a young, strong, healthy - woman miscarried of an eight months’ child; and this is the third time - that she has met with a similar misfortune. No other symptom of - child-bearing has been given in the course of this year, nor are there - above eight women upon the breeding list out of more than one hundred and - fifty females. Yet they are all well clothed and well fed, contented in - mind, even by their own account, over-worked at no time, and when upon the - breeding list are exempted from labour of every kind. In spite of all - this, and their being treated with all possible care and indulgence, - rewarded for bringing children, and therefore anxious themselves to have - them, how they manage it so ill I know not, but somehow or other certainly - the children do not come. - </p> - <h3> - MARCH 31. - </h3> - <p> - During the whole three weeks of my absence, only two negroes have been - complained of for committing fault. The first was a domestic quarrel - between two Africans; Hazard stole Frank’s calabash of sugar, which Frank - had previously stolen out of my boiling-house. So Frank broke Hazard’s - head, which in my opinion settled the matter so properly, that I declined - spoiling it by any interference of my own. The other complaint was more - serious. Toby, being ordered to load the cart with canes, answered “I - wo’nt”—and Toby was as good as his word; in consequence of which the - mill stopped for want of canes, and the boilinghouse stopped for want of - liquor. I found on my return that for this offence Toby had received six - lashes, which Toby did not mind three straws. But as his fault amounted to - an act of downright rebellion, I thought that it ought not by any means to - be passed over so lightly, and that Toby ought to be <i>made</i> to mind. - I took no notice for some days; but the Easter holidays had been deferred - till my return, and only began here on Friday last. On that day, as soon - as the head governor had blown the shell, and dismissed the negroes till - Monday morning, he requested the pleasure of Mr. Toby’s company to the - hospital, where he locked him up in a room by himself. All Saturday and - Sunday the estate rang with laughing, dancing, singing, and huzzaing. - Salt-fish was given away in the morning; the children played at ninepins - for jackets and petticoats in the evening; rum and sugar was denied to no - one. The gumbys thundered; the kitty-katties clattered; all was noise and - festivity; and all this while, “<i>qualis morens Philomela</i>,” sat - solitary Toby gazing at his four white walls! Toby had not minded the - lashes; but the loss of his amusement, and the disgrace of his exclusion - from the fête operated on his mind so forcibly, that when on the Monday - morning his door was unlocked, and the chief governor called him to his - work, not a word would he deign to utter; let who would speak, there he - sat motionless, silent, and sulky. However, upon my going down to him - myself, his voice thought proper to return, and he began at once to - complain of his seclusion and justify his conduct. But he no sooner opened - his lips than the whole hospital opened theirs to censure his folly, - asking him how he could presume to justify himself when he knew that he - had done wrong? and advising him to humble himself and beg my pardon; and - their clamours were so loud and so general (Mrs. Sappho, his wife, being - one of the loudest, who not only “gave it him on both sides of his ears,” - but enforced her arguments by a knock on the pate now and then), that they - fairly drove the evil spirit out of him; he confessed his fault with great - penitence, engaged solemnly never to commit such another, and set off to - his work full of gratitude for my granting him forgiveness. I am more and - more convinced every day, that the best and easiest mode of governing - negroes (and governed by some mode or other they must be) is not by the - detestable lash, but by confinement, solitary or otherwise; they cannot - bear it, and the memory of it seems to make a lasting impression upon - their minds; while the lash makes none but upon their skins, and lasts no - longer than the mark. The order at my hospital is, that no negro should be - denied admittance; even if no symptoms of illness appear, he is allowed - one day to rest, and take physic, if he choose it. On the second morning, - if the physician declares the man to be shamming, and the plea of illness - is still alleged against going to work, then the negro is locked up in a - room with others similarly circumstanced, where care is taken to supply - him with food, water, physic, &c., and no restraint is imposed except - that of not going out. Here he is suffered to remain unmolested as long as - he pleases, and he is only allowed to leave the hospital upon his own - declaration that he is well enough to go to work; when the door is opened, - and he walks away unreproached and unpunished, however evident his - deception may have been. Before I adopted this regulation, the number of - patients used to vary from thirty to forty-five, not more than a dozen of - whom perhaps had anything the matter with them: the number at this moment - is but fourteen, and all are sores, burns, or complaints the reality of - which speaks for itself. Some few persevering tricksters will still submit - to be locked up for a day or two; but their patience never fails to be - wearied out by the fourth morning, and I have not yet met with an instance - of a patient who had once been locked up with a fictitious illness, - returning to the hospital except with a real one. In general, they offer - to take a day’s rest and physic, promising to go out to work the next day, - and on these occasions they have uniformly kept their word. Indeed, my - hospital is now in such good order, that the physician told the trustee - the other day that “mine gave him less trouble than any hospital in the - parish.” - </p> - <p> - My boilers, too, who used to make sugar the colour of mahogany, are now - making excellent; and certainly, if appearances may be trusted, and things - will but last, I may flatter myself with the complete success of my system - of management, as far as the time elapsed is sufficient to warrant an - opinion. I only wish from my soul that I were but half as certain of the - good treatment and good behaviour of the negroes at Hordley. - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 1. (Wednesday.) - </h3> - <p> - Jug-Betty having had two leathern purses full of silver coin stolen out of - her trunk, her cousin Punch told her to have patience till Sunday, and he - thought that by that time he should be able to find it for her. Upon which - she very naturally suspected her cousin Punch of having stolen the money - himself, and brought him to day to make her charge against him. However, - he stuck firmly to a denial, and as several days had been suffered to - elapse since the theft, there could be no doubt of his having concealed - the money, and therefore no utility in searching his person or his house. - I found great fault with the persons in authority for not having taken - such a measure without a moment’s delay; but the trustee informed me that - it frequently produced very serious consequences, many instances having - occurred of the disgrace of their house being searched having offended - negroes so much to the heart, as to occasion their committing suicide: so - that it was a proceeding which was seldom ventured upon without urgent - necessity. It was now too late to take it, at all events; the man - confessed, indeed, that he had quitted his work, and gone down to the - negro-village on the day of the robbery, which rendered his guilt highly - probable, but he could be brought to confess no more; and as to his saying - that he thought he could find the money by Sunday, he explained <i>that</i> - into an intention of “going to consult a brown woman at the bay, who was a - fortune-teller, and who when any thing was stolen, could always point out - the thief by <i>cutting the cards</i>.” This was all that we could extract - from him, and we were obliged to dismiss him. However, the fright of his - examination was not without good consequences: one of the stolen purses - had belonged to a sister of Jug-Betty’s, not long deceased; and on her - return home, <i>this</i> purse (with its contents untouched) was found - lying on the sister’s grave in her garden. Perhaps, the thief had taken it - without knowing the owner; and on finding that it had belonged to a dead - person, he had surrendered it through apprehension of being haunted by her - <i>duppy</i>. - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 5. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - Clearing their grounds by fire is a very expeditious proceeding, - consequently in much practice among the negroes; but in this tindery - country it is extremely dangerous, and forbidden by the law. As I returned - home to-day from church, I observed a large smoke at no great distance, - and Cubina told me, he supposed that the negroes of the neighbouring - estate of Amity were clearing their grounds. “Then they are doing a very - wrong thing,” said I; “I hope they will fire nothing else but their - grounds, for with so strong a breeze a great deal of mischief might be - done.” However, in half an hour it proved that the smoke in question arose - from my own negro-grounds, that the fire had spread itself, and I could - see from my window the flames and smoke pouring themselves upwards in - large volumes, while the crackling of the dry bushes and brush-wood was - something perfectly terrific. The alarm was instantly given, and whites - and blacks all hurried to the scene of action. Luckily, the breeze set the - contrary way from the plantations; a morass interposed itself between the - blazing ground and one of my best cane-pieces: the flames were suffered to - burn till they reached the brink of the water, and then the negroes - managed to extinguish them without much difficulty. Thus we escaped - without injury, but I own I was heartily frightened. - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 8. - </h3> - <p> - This morning I was awaked by a violent coughing in the hospital; and as - soon as I heard any of the servants moving, I despatched a negro to ask, - “whether any body was bad in the hospital?” He returned and told me, “No, - massa; nobody bad there; for Alick is better, and Nelson is dead.” Nelson - was one of my best labourers, and had come into the hospital for a - glandular swelling. Early this morning he was seized with a violent fit of - coughing, burst a large artery, and was immediately suffocated in his - blood! This is the sixth death in the course of the first three months of - the year, and we have not as yet a single birth for a set-off. Say what - one will to the negroes, and treat them as well as one can, obstinate - devils, they will die! - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 9. - </h3> - <p> - I had mentioned to Mr. Shand my having found a woman at Hordley, who had - been crippled for life, in consequence of her having been kicked in the - womb by one of the book-keepers. He writes to me on this subject:—“I - trust that conduct so savage occurs rarely in <i>any</i> country. I can - only say, that in my long experience nothing of the kind has ever fallen - under my observation.” Mr. S. then ought to consider <i>me</i> as having - been in high luck. I have not passed six months in Jamaica, and I have - already found on one of my estates a woman who had been kicked in the womb - by a white book-keeper, by which she was crippled herself, and on another - of my estates another woman who had been kicked in the womb by another - white book-keeper, by which he had crippled the child. The name of the - first man and woman were Lory and Jeannette; those of the second were - Full-wood and Martia: and thus, as my two estates are at the two - extremities of the island, I am entitled to say, from my own knowledge - (i.e, speaking <i>lite-rally</i>, observe), that “white book-keepers kick - black women in the belly <i>from one end of Jamaica to the other</i>.” - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 15. (Wednesday.) - </h3> - <p> - About noon to-day a well-disposed healthy lad of seventeen years of age - was employed in unhaltering the first pair of oxen of one of the waggons, - in doing which he entangled his right leg in the rope. At that moment the - oxen set off full gallop, and dragged the boy along with them round the - whole inclosure, before the other negroes could succeed in stopping them. - However, when the prisoner was extricated, although his flesh appeared to - have been terribly lacerated, no bones were broken, and he was even able - to walk to the hospital without support. He was blooded instantly, and two - physicians were sent for by express. At two o’clock he was still in - perfect possession of his senses, and only complained of the soreness of - his wounds: but in half an hour after he became apoplectic; sank into a - state of utter insensibility, during which a dreadful rattling in his - throat was the only sign of still existing life, and before six in the - evening all was over with him! - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 17. - </h3> - <p> - Pickle had accused his brother-in-law, Edward the Eboe, of having given - him a pleurisy by the practice of Obeah. During my last visit I had - convinced him that the charge was unjust (or at least he had declared - himself to be convinced), and about six weeks ago they came together to - assure me, that ever since they had lived upon the best terms possible. - Unluckily, Pickle’s wife miscarried lately, and for the third time; - previously to which Edward had said, that his wife would remain sole - heiress of the father’s property. This was enough to set the suspicious - brains of these foolish people at work; and to-day Pickle and his - father-in-law, old Damon, came to assure me, that in order to prevent a - child coming to claim its share of the grandfather’s property, Edward had - practised Obeah to make his sister-in-law miscarry; the only proof of - which adduced was the above expression, and the woman’s having miscarried - “just according to Edward’s very words!” To reason with such very absurd - persons was out of the case. I found too, that the two sisters were - quarrelling perpetually, and always on the point of tearing each other’s - eyes out. Therefore, as domestic peace “in a house so disunited” was out - of the question, I ordered the two families to separate instantly, and to - live at the two extremities of the negro village; at the same time - forbidding all intercourse between them whatsoever: a plan, which was - received with approbation by all parties; and Edward moved his property - out of the old man’s house into another without loss of time. Among other - charges of Obeah, Pickle declared, that his house having been robbed, - Edward had told him that Nato was the offender; and in order to prove it - beyond the power of doubt, he had made him look at something round, “just - like massa’s watch,” out of which he had taken a sentee (a something) - which looked like an egg; this he gave to Pickle, at the same time - instructing him to throw it at night against the door of Nato’s house; - which he had no sooner done and broken the egg, than the very next day - Nato’s wife Philippa “began to bawl, and halloo, and went mad.” Now that - Philippa had bawled and hallooed enough was certainly true; but it was - also true that she had confessed her madness to have been a trick for the - purpose of exciting my compassion, and inducing me to feed her from my own - table. Yet was this simple fellow persuaded that he had made her go mad by - the help of his broken egg, and his old fool of a father-in-law was goose - enough to encourage him in the persuasion. - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 19. (Sunday.) - </h3> - <p> - “And massa,” said Bridget, the doctoress, this morning, “my old mother a - lilly so-so to-day; and him tank massa much for the good supper massa send - last night; and him like it so well.—Laud! massa, the old lady was - just thinking what him could yam (eat) and him no fancy nothing; and him - could no yam salt, and him just wishing for something fresh, when at that - very moment Cu-bina come to him from massa with a stewed pig’s head so - fresh: it seemed just as if massa had got it from the Almighty’s hands - himself.” - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 22. - </h3> - <p> - Naturalists and physicians, philosophers and philanthropists, may argue - and decide as they please; but certainly, as far as mere observation - admits of my judging, there does seem to be a very great difference - between the brain of a black person and a white one. I should think that - Voltaire would call a negro’s reason “<i>une raison très particulière</i>.” - Somehow or other, they never can manage to do anything <i>quite</i> as it - should be done. If they correct themselves in one respect to-day they are - sure of making a blunder in some other manner to-morrow. Cubina is now - twenty-five, and has all his life been employed about the stable; he goes - out with my carriage twice every day; yet he has never yet been able to - succeed in putting on the harness properly. Before we get to one of the - plantation gates we are certain of being obliged to stop, and put - something or other to rights: and I once remember having laboured for more - than half an hour to make him understand that the Christmas holidays came - at Christmas; when asked the question, he always hesitated, and answered, - at hap-hazard, “July” or “October.” Yet, Cubina is far superior in - intellect to most of the negroes who have fallen under my observation. The - girl too, whose business it is to open the house each morning, has in vain - been desired to unclose all the jalousies: she never fails to leave three - or four closed, and when she is scolded for doing so, she takes care to - open those three the next morning, and leaves three shut on the opposite - side. Indeed, the attempt to make them correct a fault is quite fruitless: - they never can do the same thing a second time in the same manner; and if - the cook having succeeded in dressing a dish well is desired to dress just - such another, she is certain of doing something which makes it quite - different. One day I desired, that there might be always a piece of salt - meat at dinner, in order that I might be certain of always having enough - to send to the sick in the hospital. In consequence, there was nothing at - dinner but salt meat. I complained that there was not a single fresh dish, - and the next day, there was nothing but fresh. Sometimes there is scarcely - anything served up, and the cook seems to have forgotten the dinner - altogether: she is told of it; and the next day she slaughters without - mercy pigs, sheep, fowls, ducks, turkeys, and everything that she can lay - her murderous hands upon, till the table absolutely groans under the load - of her labours. For above a month Cubina and I had perpetual quarrels - about the cats being shut into the gallery at nights, where they threw - down plates, glasses, and crockery of all kinds, and made such a clatter - that to get a wink of sleep was quite out of the question. Cubina, before - he went to rest, hunted under all the beds and sofas, and laid about him - with a long whip for half an hour together; but in half an hour after his - departure the cats were at work again. He was then told, that although he - had turned them out, he must certainly have left some window open: he - promised to pay particular attention to this point, but that night the - uproar was worse than ever; yet he protested that he had carefully turned - out all the cats, locked all the doors, and shut all the windows. He was - told, that if he had really turned out all the cats, the cats must have - got in again, and therefore that he must have left some one window open at - least. “No,” he said, “he had not left one; but a pane in one of the - windows had been broken two months before, and it was there that the cats - got in whenever they pleased.” Yet he had continued to turn the cats out - of the door with the greatest care, although he was perfectly conscious - that they could always walk in again at the window in five minutes after. - But the most curious of Cubina’s modes of proceeding is, when it is - necessary for him to attack the pigeon-house. He steals up the ladder as - slily and as softly as foot can fall; he opens the door, and steals in his - head with the utmost caution; on which, to his never-failing surprise and - disappointment, all the pigeons make their escape through the open holes; - he has now no resource but entering the dove-cot, and remaining there with - unwearied patience for the accidental return of the birds, which nine - times out of ten does not take place till too late for dinner, and Cubina - returns empty-handed. Having observed this proceeding constantly repeated - during a fortnight, I took pity upon his embarrassment, and ordered two - wooden sliders to be fitted to the holes. Cubina was delighted with this - exquisite invention, and failed not the next morning to close all the - holes on the right with one of the sliders; he then stepped boldly into - the dove-cot, when to his utter confusion the pigeons flew away through - the holes on the left. Here then he discovered where the fault lay, so he - lost no time in closing the remaining aperture with the second slider, and - the pigeons were thus prevented from returning at all. Cubina waited long - with exemplary patience, but without success, so he abandoned the new - invention in despair, made no farther use of the sliders, and continues to - steal up the ladder as he did before. A few days ago, Nicholas, a mulatto - carpenter, was ordered to make a box for the conveyance of four jars of - sweetmeats, of which he took previous measure; yet first he made a box so - small that it would scarcely hold a single jar, and then another so large - that it would have held twenty; and when at length he produced one of a - proper size, he brought it nailed up for travelling (although it was - completely empty), and nailed up so effectually too, that on being - directed to open it that the jars might be packed, he split the cover to - pieces in the attempt to take it off. Yet, among all my negroes, Nicholas - and Cubina are not equalled for adroitness and intelligence by more than - twenty. Judge then what must be the remaining three hundred! - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 23. - </h3> - <p> - In my medical capacity, like a true quack I sometimes perform cures so - unexpected, that I stand like Katterfelto, “with my hair standing on end - at my own wonders.” Last night, Alexander, the second governor, who has - been seriously ill for some days, sent me word, that he was suffering - cruelly from a pain in his head, and could get no sleep. I knew not how to - relieve him; but having frequently observed a violent passion for perfumes - in the house negroes, for want of something else I gave the doctoress some - oil of lavender, and told her to rub two or three drops upon his nostrils. - This morning, he told me that “to be sure what I had sent him was a grand - medicine indeed,” for it had no sooner touched his nose than he felt - some-thing cold run up to his forehead, over his head, and all the way - down his neck to the back-bone; instantly, the headach left him, he fell - fast asleep, nor had the pain returned in the morning. But I am afraid, - that even this wonderful oil would fail of curing a complaint which was - made to me a few days ago. A poor old creature, named Quasheba, made her - appearance at my breakfast table, and told me, “that she was almost - eighty, had been rather weakly for some time past, and somehow she did not - feel as she was by any means right.” - </p> - <p> - “Had she seen the doctor? Did she want physic?” - </p> - <p> - “No, she had taken too much physic already, and the doctor would do her no - good; she did not want to see the doctor.” - </p> - <p> - “But what then was her complaint?” - </p> - <p> - “Oh! she had no particular complaint; only she was old and weakly, and did - not find herself by any means so well as she used to be, and so she came - just to tell massa, and see what he could do to make her quite right - again, that was all.” In short, she <i>only</i> wanted me to make her - young again! - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 24. - </h3> - <p> - Mr. Forbes is dead. When I was last in Jamaica, he had just been poisoned - with corrosive sublimate by a female slave, who was executed in - consequence. He never was well afterwards; but as he lived intemperately, - the whole blame of his death must not be laid upon the poison. - </p> - <h3> - APRIL 30. - </h3> - <p> - A free mulatto of the name of Rolph had frequently been mentioned to me by - different magistrates, as remarkable for the numerous complaints brought - against him for cruel treatment of his negroes. He was described to me as - the son of a white ploughman, who at his death left his son six or seven - slaves, with whom he resides in the heart of the mountains, where the - remoteness of the situation secures him from observation or control. His - slaves, indeed, every now and then contrive to escape, and come down to - Savannah la Mar to lodge their complaints; but the magistrates, hitherto, - had never been able to get a legal hold upon him. However, a few days ago, - he entered the house of a Mrs. Edgins, when she was from home, and - behaving in an outrageous manner to her slaves, he was desired by the - head-man to go away. Highly incensed, he answered, “that if the fellow - dared to speak another word, it should be the last that he should ever - utter.” The negro dared to make a rejoinder; upon which Rolph aimed a blow - at him with a stick, which missed his intended victim, but struck another - slave who was interposing to prevent a scuffle, and killed him upon the - spot. The murder was committed in the presence of several negroes; but - negroes are not allowed to give evidence, and as no free person was - present, there are not only doubts whether the murderer will be punished, - but whether he can even be put upon his trial. - </p> - <h3> - MAY 1. (Friday.) - </h3> - <p> - This morning I signed the manumission of Nicholas Cameron, the best of my - mulatto carpenters. He had been so often on the very point of getting his - liberty, and still the cup was dashed from his lips, that I had promised - to set him free, whenever he could procure an able negro as his - substitute; although being a good workman, a single negro was by no means - an adequate price in exchange. On my arrival this year I found that he had - agreed to pay £150 for a female negro, and the woman was approved of by my - trustee. But on enquiry it appeared that she had a child, from which she - was unwilling to separate, and that her owner refused to sell the child, - except at a most unreasonable price. Here then was an insurmountable - objection to my accepting her, and Nicholas was told to his great - mortification, that he must look out for another substitute. The woman, on - her part, was determined to belong to Cornwall estate and no other: so she - told her owner, that if he attempted to sell her elsewhere she would make - away with herself, and on his ordering her to prepare for a removal to a - neighbouring proprietor’s, she disappeared, and concealed herself so well, - that for some time she was believed to have put her threats of suicide - into execution. The idea of losing his £150 frightened her master so - completely, that he declared himself ready to let me have the child at a - fair price, as well as the mother, if she ever should be found; and her - friends having conveyed this assurance to her, she thought proper to - emerge from her hiding-place, and the bargain was arranged finally. The - titles, however, were not yet made out, and as the time of my departure - for Hordley was arrived, these were ordered to be got ready against my - return, when the negroes were to be delivered over to me, and Nicholas was - to be set free. In the meanwhile, the child was sent by her mistress (a - free mulatto) to hide some stolen ducks upon a distant property, and on - her return blabbed out the errand: in consequence the mistress was - committed to prison for theft; and no sooner was she released, than she - revenged herself upon the poor girl by giving her thirty lashes with the - cattle-whip, inflicted with all the severity of vindictive malice. This - treatment of a child of such tender years reduced her to such a state, as - made the magistrates think it right to send her for protection to the - workhouse, until the conduct of the mistress should have been enquired - into. In the meanwhile, as the result of the enquiry might be the setting - the girl at liberty, the joint title for her and her mother could not be - made out, and thus poor Nicholas’s manumission was at a stand-still again. - The magistrates at length decided, that although the chastisement had been - severe, yet (according to the medical report) it was not such as to - authorise the sending the mistress to be tried at the assizes. She was - accordingly dismissed from farther investigation, and the girl was once - more considered as belonging to me, as soon as the title could be made - out. But the fatality which had so often prevented Nicholas from obtaining - his freedom, was not weary yet. On the very morning, when he was to sign - the title, a person whose signature was indispensable, was thrown out of - his chaise, the wheel of which passed over his head, and he was rendered - incapable of transacting business for several weeks. Yesterday, the titles - were at length brought to me complete, and this morning put Nicholas in - possession of the object, in the pursuit of which he has experienced such - repeated disappointments. The conduct of the poor child’s mulatto mistress - in this case was most unpardonable, and is only one of numerous instances - of a similar description, which have been mentioned to me. Indeed, I have - every reason to believe, that nothing can be uniformly more wretched, than - the life of the slaves of free people of colour in Jamaica; nor would any - thing contribute more to the relief of the black population, than the - prohibiting by law any mulatto to become the owner of a slave for the - future. Why should not rich people of colour be served by poor people of - colour, hiring them as domestics? It seldom happens that mulattoes are in - possession of plantations; but when a white man dies, who happens to - possess twenty negroes, he will divide them among his brown family, - leaving (we may say) five to each of his four children. These are too few - to be employed in plantation work; they are, therefore, ordered to - maintain their owner by some means or other, and which means are - frequently not the most honest, the most frequent being the travelling - about as higglers, and exchanging the trumpery contents of their packs and - boxes with plantation negroes for stolen rum and sugar. I confess I cannot - see why, on such bequest being made, the law should not order the negroes - to be sold, and the produce of the sale paid to the mulatto heirs, but - absolutely prohibiting the mulattoes from becoming proprietors of the - negroes themselves. Every man of humanity must wish that slavery, even in - its best and most mitigated form, had never found a legal sanction, and - must regret that its system is now so incorporated with the welfare of - Great Britain as well as of Jamaica, as to make its extirpation an - absolute impossibility, without the certainty of producing worse mischiefs - than the one which we annihilate. But certainly there can be no sort of - occasion for continuing in the colonies the existence of <i>do-mestic - slavery</i>, which neither contributes to the security of the colonies - themselves, nor to the opulence of the mother-country, the revenue of - which derived from colonial duties would suffer no defalcation whatever, - even if neither whites nor blacks in the West Indies were suffered to - employ slaves, except in plantation labour. - </p> - <h3> - MAY 2. - </h3> - <p> - I gave my negroes a farewell holiday, on which occasion each grown person - received a present of half-a-dollar, and every child a maccaroni. In - return, they endeavoured to express their sorrow for my departure, by - eating and drinking, dancing and singing, with more vehemence and - perseverance than on any former occasion. As in all probability many years - will elapse without my making them another visit, if indeed I should ever - return at all, I have at least exerted myself while here to do everything - which appeared likely to contribute to their welfare and security during - my absence. In particular, my attorney has made out a list of all such - offences as are most usually committed on plantations, to which - proportionate punishments have been affixed by myself. From this code of - internal regulations the overseer is not to be allowed to deviate, and the - attorney has pledged himself in the most solemn manner to adhere strictly - to the system laid down for him. By this scheme, the negroes will no - longer be punished according to the momentary caprice of their - superintendent, but by known and fixed laws, the one no more than the - other, and without respect to partiality or prejudice. Hitherto, in - everything which had not been previously deter mined by the public law, - with a penalty attached to the breach of it, the negro has been left - entirely at the mercy of the overseer, who if he was a humane man punished - him slightly, and if a tyrant, heavily; nay, very often the quantity of - punishment depended upon the time of day when the offence was made known. - If accused in the morning, when the overseer was in cold blood and in good - humour, a night’s confinement in the stocks might be deemed sufficient; - whereas if the charge was brought when the superior had taken his full - proportion of grog or sangaree, the very same offence would be visited - with thirty-nine lashes. I have, moreover, taken care to settle all - disputes respecting property, having caused all negroes having claims upon - others to bring them before my tribunal previous to my departure, and - determined that from that time forth no such claims should be enquired - into, but considered as definitively settled by my authority. It would - have done the Lord Chancellor’s heart good to see how many suits I - determined in the course of a week, and with what expedition I made a - clear court of chancery. But perhaps the most astonishing part of the - whole business was, that after judgment was pronounced, the losers as well - as the gainers declared themselves perfectly satisfied with the justice of - the sentence. I must acknowledge, however, that the negro principle that - “massa can do no wrong,” was of some little assistance to me on this - occasion. “Oh! quite just, me good, massa! what massa say, quite just! me - no say nothing more; me good, massa!” Then they thanked me “for massa’s - goodness in giving them so long talk!” and went away to tell all the - others “how just massa had been in taking away what they wanted to keep, - or not giving them what they asked for.” It must be owned that this is not - the usual mode of proceeding after the loss of a chancery suit in England. - But to do the negroes mere justice, I must say, that I could not have - wished to find a more tractable set of people on almost every occasion. - Some lazy and obstinate persons, of course, there must inevitably be in so - great a number; but in general I found them excellently disposed, and - being once thoroughly convinced of my real good-will towards them, they - were willing to take it for granted, that my regulations must be right and - beneficial, even in cases where they were in opposition to individual - interests and popular prejudices. My attorney had mentioned to me several - points, which he thought it advisable to have altered, but which he had - vainly endeavoured to accomplish. Thus the negroes were in the practice of - bequeathing their houses and grounds, by which means some of them were - become owners of several houses and numerous gardens in the village, while - others with large families were either inadequately provided for, or not - provided for at all. I made it public, that from henceforth no negro - should possess more than one house, with a sufficient portion of ground - for his family, and on the following Sunday the overseer by my order - looked over the village, took from those who had too much to give to those - who had too little, and made an entire new distribution according to the - most strict Agrarian law. Those who lost by this measure, came the next - day to complain to me; when I avowed its having been done by my order, and - explained the propriety of the proceeding; after which they declared - themselves contented, and I never heard another murmur on the subject. - Again, mothers being allowed certain indulgences while suckling, persist - in it for two years and upwards, to the great detriment both of themselves - and their children: complaint of this being made to me, I sent for the - mothers, and told them that every child must be sent to the weaning-house - on the first day of the fifteenth month, but that their indulgences should - be continued to the mothers for two months longer, although the children - would be no longer with them. All who had children of that age immediately - gave them up; the rest promised to do so, when they should be old enough $ - and they all thanked me for the continuance of their indulgences, which - they considered as a boon newly granted them. On my return from Hordley, I - was told that the negroes suffered their pigs to infest the works and - grounds in the immediate vicinity of the house in such numbers, that they - were become a perfect nuisance; nor could any remonstrance prevail on them - to confine the animals within the village. An order was in consequence - issued on a Saturday, that the first four pigs found rambling at large - after two days should be put to death without mercy; and accordingly on - Monday morning, at the negro breakfast hour, the head governor made his - appearance before the house, armed cap-a-pee, with a lance in his hand, - and an enormous cutlass by his side. The news of this tremendous - apparition spread through the estate like wildfire. Instantly all was in - an uproar; the negroes came pouring down from all quarters; in an instant - the whole air was rent with noises of all kinds and creatures; men, women, - and children shouting and bellowing, geese cackling, dogs barking, turkeys - gobbling; and, look where you would, there was a negro running along as - fast as he could, and dragging a pig along with him by one of the hind - legs, while the pigs were all astonishment at this sudden attack, and - called upon heaven and earth for commiseration and protection,— - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - “With many a doleful grunt and piteous squeak, - </p> - <p class="indent15"> - Poor pigs! as if their pretty hearts would break!” - </p> - <p> - <br /> - </p> - <p> - From thenceforth not a pig except my own was to be seen about the place; - yet instead of complaining of this restraint, several of the negroes came - to assure me, that I might depend on the animals not being suffered to - stray beyond the village for the future, and to thank me for having given - them the warning two days before. What other negroes may be, I will not - pretend to guess; but I am certain that there cannot be more tractable or - better disposed persons (take them for all in all) than my negroes of - Cornwall. I only wish, that in my future dealings with white persons, - whether <i>in</i> Jamaica or out of it, I could but meet with half so much - gratitude, affection, and good-will. - </p> - <h3> - THE END. - </h3> - <div style="height: 6em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Journal of a West India Proprietor, by -Matthew Gregory Lewis - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOURNAL OF A WEST INDIA PROPRIETOR *** - -***** This file should be named 54500-h.htm or 54500-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/5/0/54500/ - -Produced by David Widger from page images generously -provided by the Internet Archive - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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- <title>Journal of a West India Proprietor, by
-Matthew Gregory Lewis</title>
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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Journal of a West India Proprietor, by
-Matthew Gregory Lewis
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-
-
-Title: Journal of a West India Proprietor
- Kept During a Residence in the Island of Jamaica
-
-Author: Matthew Gregory Lewis
-
-Release Date: April 7, 2017 [EBook #54500]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: UTF-8
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOURNAL OF A WEST INDIA PROPRIETOR ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by David Widger from page images generously
-provided by the Internet Archive
-
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-
-
-
-
-</pre>
-
- <div style="height: 8em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h1>
- JOURNAL OF A WEST INDIA PROPRIETOR,
- </h1>
- <h3>
- Kept During a Residence in The Island of Jamaica
- </h3>
- <h2>
- By Matthew Gregory Lewis
- </h2>
- <h3>
- Author of “The Monk,” “The Castle Spectre,” “Tales Of Wonder,” &c.
- </h3>
- <h4>
- London: John Murray, Albemarle Street.
- </h4>
- <h3>
- MDCCCXXXIV
- </h3>
- <p>
- <br /> <br />
- </p>
- <h4>
- “I WOULD GIVE MANY A SUGAR CANE,
- </h4>
- <h4>
- MAT. LEWIS WERE ALIVE AGAIN!”
- </h4>
- <h4>
- BYRON.
- </h4>
- <p>
- <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> </a>
- </p>
- <div class="fig" style="width:50%;">
- <img src="images/0001.jpg" alt="0001 " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h5>
- <a href="images/0001.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a>
- </h5>
- <p>
- <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> </a>
- </p>
- <div class="fig" style="width:50%;">
- <img src="images/0007.jpg" alt="0007 " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h5>
- <a href="images/0007.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a>
- </h5>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- <b>CONTENTS</b>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> ADVERTISEMENT. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> JOURNAL OF A WEST INDIA PROPRIETOR </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> 1815. NOVEMBER 8. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> 1816.—JANUARY 1. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> 1817. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> 1818.—JANUARY 1. </a>
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- ADVERTISEMENT.
- </h2>
- <p>
- The following Journals of two residences in Jamaica, in 1815-16, and in
- 1817, are now printed from the MS. of Mr. Lewis; who died at sea, on the
- voyage homewards from the West Indies, in the year 1818.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- JOURNAL OF A WEST INDIA PROPRIETOR
- </h2>
- <p>
- Expect our sailing in a few hours. But although the vessel left the Docks
- on Saturday, she did not reach this place till three o’clock on Thursday,
- the 9th. The captain now tells me, that we may expect to sail certainly in
- the afternoon of to-morrow, the 10th. I expect the ship’s cabin to gain
- greatly by my two days’ residence at the “———————,”
- which nothing can exceed for noise, dirt, and dulness. Eloisa would never
- have established “black melancholy” at the Paraclete as its favourite
- residence, if she had happened to pass three days at an inn at Gravesend:
- nowhere else did I ever see the sky look so dingy, and the river “<i>Nunc
- alio patriam quaero sub sole jacentem</i>.”—Virgil.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- 1815. NOVEMBER 8.
- </h2>
- <h3>
- (WEDNESDAY)
- </h3>
- <p>
- I left London, and reached Gravesend at nine in the morning, having been
- taught to exso dirty; to be sure, the place has all the advantages of an
- English November to assist it in those particulars. Just now, too, a
- carriage passed my windows, conveying on board a cargo of passengers, who
- seemed sincerely afflicted at the thoughts of leaving their dear native
- land! The pigs squeaked, the ducks quacked, and the fowls screamed; and
- all so dolefully, as clearly to prove, that <i>theirs</i> was no
- dissembled sorrow? And after them (more affecting than all) came a
- wheelbarrow, with a solitary porker tied in a basket, with his head
- hanging over on one side, and his legs sticking out on the other, who
- neither grunted nor moved, nor gave any signs of life, but seemed to be of
- quite the same opinion with Hannah More’s heroine, “Grief is for <i>little</i>
- wrongs; despair for mine!”
- </p>
- <p>
- As Miss O’Neil is to play “Elwina” for the first time to-morrow, it is a
- thousand pities that she had not the previous advantage of seeing the
- speechless despondency of this poor pig; it might have furnished her with
- some valuable hints, and enabled her to convey more perfectly to the
- audience the “expressive silence” of irremediable distress.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 10.
- </h3>
- <p>
- At four o’clock in the afternoon, I embarked on board the “Sir Godfrey
- Webster,” Captain Boyes. On approaching the vessel, we heard the loudest
- of all possible shrieks proceeding from a boat lying near her: and who
- should prove to be the complainant, but my former acquaintance, the
- despairing pig, He had recovered his voice to protest against entering the
- ship: I had already declared against climbing up the accommodation ladder;
- the pig had precisely the very same objection. So a <i>soi-disant</i>
- chair, being a broken bucket, was let down for us, and the pig and myself
- entered the vessel by the same conveyance; only pig had the precedence,
- and was hoisted up first. The ship proceeded three miles, and then the
- darkness obliged us to come to an anchor. There are only two other cabin
- passengers, a Mr. J——— and a Mr. S———;
- the latter is a planter in the “May-Day Mountains,” Jamaica: he wonders,
- considering how much benefit Great Britain derives from the West Indies,
- that government is not careful to build more churches in them, and is of
- opinion, that “hedicating the negroes is the only way to make them appy;
- indeed, in his umble hopinion, hedication his hall in hall!”
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 11.
- </h3>
- <p>
- We sailed at six o’clock, passed through “Nob’s Hole,” the “Girdler’s
- Hole,” and “the Pan” (all very dangerous sands, and particularly the last,
- where at times we had only one foot water below us), by half past four,
- and at five came to an anchor in the Queen’s Channel. Never having seen
- any thing of the kind before, I was wonderfully pleased with the
- manoeuvring of several large ships, which passed through the sands at the
- same time with us: their motions seemed to be effected with as much ease
- and dexterity as if they had been crane-necked carriages; and the effect
- as they pursued each other’s track and windings was perfectly beautiful.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 12. (SUNDAY.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- The wind was contrary, and we had to beat up the whole way; we did not
- reach the Downs till past four o’clock, and, as there were above sixty
- vessels arrived before us, we had some difficulty in finding a safe berth.
- At length we anchored in the Lower Roads, about four miles off Deal. We
- can see very clearly the double lights in the vessel moored off the
- Goodwin sands: it is constantly inhabited by two families, who reside
- there alternately every fortnight, except when the weather delays the
- exchange. The “Sir Godfrey Webster” is a vessel of 600 tons, and was
- formerly in the East India service. I have a very clean cabin, a place for
- my books, and every thing is much more comfortable than I expected; the
- wind, however, is completely west, the worst that we could have, and we
- must not even expect a change till the full moon. The captain pointed out
- a man to me to-day, who had been with him in a violent storm off the
- Bermudas. For six hours together, the flashes of lightning were so
- unintermitting, that the eye could not sustain them: at one time, the ship
- seemed to be completely in a blaze; and the man in question (who was then
- standing at the wheel, near the captain) suddenly cried out, “I don’t know
- what has happened to me, but I can neither see nor stand;” and he fell
- down upon the deck. He was taken up and carried below; and it appeared
- that the lightning had affected his eyes and legs, in a degree to make him
- both blind and lame, though the captain, who was standing by his side, had
- received no injury: in three or four days, the man was quite well again.
- In this storm, no less than thirteen vessels were dismasted, or otherwise
- shattered by the lightning.
- </p>
- <p>
- Sea Terms.—<i>Windward, from</i> whence the wind blows; <i>leeward,
- to</i> which it blows; <i>starboard</i>, the <i>right</i> of the stern; <i>larboard</i>,
- the <i>left</i>; <i>starboard helm</i>, when you go to the left; but when
- to the right, instead of larboard helm, <i>helm a-port</i>; <i>luff you
- may</i>, go nearer to the wind; <i>theis (thus)</i> you are near enough;
- <i>luff no near</i>, you are too near the wind; the <i>tiller</i>, the
- handle of the rudder; the <i>capstan</i>, the weigher of the anchor; the
- <i>buntlines</i>, the ropes which move the body of the sail, the <i>bunt</i>
- being the body; the <i>bowlines</i>, those which spread out the sails, and
- make them swell.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 13.
- </h3>
- <p>
- At six this morning, came on a tremendous gale of wind; the captain says,
- that he never experienced a heavier. However, we rode it out with great
- success, although, at one time, it was bawled out that we were driving;
- and, at another, a brig which lay near us broke from her moorings, and
- came bearing down close upon us. The danger, indeed, from the difference
- of size, was all upon the side of the brig; but, luckily, the vessels
- cleared each other. This evening she has thought it as well to remove
- further from so dangerous a neighbourhood. There is a little cabin boy on
- board, and Mr. J——— has brought with him a black
- terrier; and these two at first sight swore to each other an eternal
- friendship, in the true German style. It is the boy’s first voyage, and he
- is excessively sea-sick; so he has been obliged to creep into his hammock,
- and his friend, the little black terrier, has crept into the hammock with
- him. A boat came from the shore this evening, and reported that several
- vessels have been dismasted, lost their anchors, and injured in various
- ways. A brig, which was obliged to make for Ramsgate, missed the pier, and
- was dashed to pieces completely; the crew, however, were saved, all except
- the pilot; who, although he was brought on shore alive, what between
- bruises, drowning, and fright, had suffered so much, that he died two
- hours afterwards. The weather has now again become calm; but it is still
- full west.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 14. (TUESDAY.)
- </h3>
- <h3>
- THE HOURS.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- Ne’er were the zephyrs known disclosing
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- More sweets, than when in Tempe’s shades
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- They waved the lilies, where, reposing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Sat four and twenty lovely maids.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Those lovely maids were called “the Hours,”
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The charge of Virtue’s flock they kept;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And each in turn employ’d her powers
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To guard it, while her sisters slept.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- False Love, how simple souls thou cheatest!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- In myrtle bower, that traitor near
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Long watch’d an Hour, the softest, sweetest!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The evening Hour, to shepherds dear. *
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In tones so bland he praised her beauty,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Such melting airs his pipe could play,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The thoughtless Hour forgot her duty,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And fled in Love’s embrace away.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Meanwhile the fold was left unguarded—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The wolf broke in—the lambs were slain:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And now from Virtue’s train discarded,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- With tears her sisters speak their pain.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Time flies, and still they weep; for never
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The fugitive can time restore:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- An Hour once fled, has fled for ever,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And all the rest shall smile no more!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- * L’heure du berger.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 15.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The wind altered sufficiently to allow us to escape from the Downs; and at
- dusk we were off Beachy Head. This morning, the steward left the trap-door
- of the store-hole open; of course, I immediately contrived to step into
- it, and was on the point of being precipitated to the bottom, among
- innumerable boxes of grocery, bags of biscuit, and porter barrels;—where
- a broken limb was the <i>least</i> that I could expect. Luckily, I fell
- across the corner of the trap, and managed to support myself, till I could
- effect my escape with a bruised knee, and the loss of a few inches of skin
- from my left arm.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 16.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Off the Isle of Wight.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 17.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Off the St. Alban’s Head. Sick to death! My temples throbbing, my head
- burning, my limbs freezing, my mouth all fever, my stomach all nausea, my
- mind all disgust.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 18.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Off the Lizard, the last point of England.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 19. (SUNDAY.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- At one this morning, a violent gust of wind came on; and, at the rate of
- ten miles an hour, carried us through the Chops of the Channel, formed by
- the Scilly Rocks and the Isle of Ushant. But I thought, that the advance
- was dearly purchased by the terrible night which the storm made us pass.
- The wind roaring, the waves dashing against the stern, till at last they
- beat in the quarter gallery; the ship, too, rolling from side to side, as
- if every moment she were going to roll over and over! Mr. J———
- was heaved off one of the sofas, and rolled along, till he was stopped by
- the table. He then took his seat upon the floor, as the more secure
- position; and, half an hour afterwards, another heave chucked him back
- again upon the sofa. The captain snuffed out one of the candles, and both
- being tied to the table, could not relight it with the other: so the
- steward came to do it; when a sudden heel of the ship made him extinguish
- the second candle, tumbled him upon the sofa on which I was lying, and
- made the candle which he had brought with him fly out of the candlestick,
- through a cabin window at his elbow; and thus we were all left in the
- dark. Then the intolerable noise! the cracking of bulkheads! the sawing of
- ropes! the screeching of the tiller! the trampling of the sailors! the
- clattering of the crockery! Every thing above deck and below deck, all in
- motion at once! Chairs, writing-desks, books, boxes, bundles, fire-irons
- and fenders, flying to one end of the room; and the next moment (as if
- they had made a mistake) flying back again to the other with the same
- hurry and confusion! “Confusion worse confounded!” Of all the
- inconveniences attached to a vessel, the incessant noise appears to me the
- most insupportable! As to our live stock, they seem to have made up their
- minds on the subject, and say with one of Ariosto’s knights (when he was
- cloven from the head to the chine), “<i>or corvien morire</i>” Our fowls
- and ducks are screaming and quacking their last by dozens; and by Tuesday
- morning, it is supposed that we shall not have an animal alive in the
- ship, except the black terrier—and my friend the squeaking pig,
- whose vocal powers are still audible, maugre the storm and the sailors,
- and who (I verily believe) only continues to survive out of spite, because
- he can join in the general chorus, and help to increase the number of
- abominable sounds.
- </p>
- <p>
- We are now tossing about in the Bay of Biscay: I shall remember it as long
- as I live. The “beef-eater’s front” could never have “beamed more
- terrible” upon Don Ferolo Whiskerandos, “in Biscay’s Bay, when he took him
- prisoner,” than Biscay’s Bay itself will appear to <i>me</i> the next time
- that I approach it.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 20.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Our live stock has received an increase; our fowls and ducks are dead to
- be sure, but a lark flew on board this morning, blown (as is supposed)
- from the coast of France. In five minutes it appeared to be quite at home,
- eat very readily whatever was given it, and hopped about the deck without
- fear of the sailors, or the more formidable black terrier, with all the
- ease and assurance imaginable.
- </p>
- <p>
- I dare say, it <i>was</i> blown from the coast of France!
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 21.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The weather continues intolerable. Boisterous waves running mountains
- high, with no wind, or a foul one. Dead calms by day, which prevent our
- making any progress; and violent storms by night, which prevent our
- getting any sleep.
- </p>
- <p>
- Every thing is in a state of perpetual motion. “<i>Nulla quies intus</i>
- (nor <i>outus</i> indeed for the matter of that), <i>nullâque silentia
- parte</i>” We drink our tea exactly as Tantalus did in the infernal
- regions; we keep bobbing at the basin for half an hour together without
- being able to get a drop; and certainly nobody on ship-board can doubt the
- truth of the proverb, “Many things fall out between the cup and the lip.”
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 23.
- </h3>
- <p>
- PANDORA’S BOX. (Iliad A.)
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Prometheus once (in Tooke the tale you’ll see)
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In one vast box enclosed all human evils;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But curious Woman needs the inside would see,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And out came twenty thousand million devils.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The story’s spoil’d, and Tooke should well be chid;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The fact, sir, happen’d thus, and I’ve no doubt of it:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- <i>’</i>Twas not that Woman raised the coffer’s lid,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- But when the lid <i>was</i> raised, Woman popp’d out of it.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “But Hope remain’d”—true, sir, she did; but still
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- All saw of what Miss Hope gave intimation;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her right hand grasp’d an undertaker’s bill,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Her left conceal’d a deed of separation.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- N. B. I was most horribly sea-sick when I took this view of the subject.
- Besides, grapes on shipboard, in general, are remarkably sour.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 24.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent20">
- “Manibus date lilia plenis;
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Purpureos spargam flores!”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- The squeaking pig was killed this morning.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 25.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Letters were sent to England by a small vessel bound for Plymouth, and
- laden with oranges from St. Michael’s, one of the Azores.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 26.
- </h3>
- <p>
- A complete and most violent storm, from twelve at night till seven the
- next morning. The fore-top-sail, though only put up for the first time
- yesterday, was rent from top to bottom; and several of the other sails are
- torn to pieces. The perpetual tempestuous weather which we have
- experienced has so shaken the planks of the vessel, that the sea enters at
- all quarters. About one o’clock in the morning I was saluted by a stream
- of water, which poured down exactly upon my face, and obliged me to shift
- my lodgings. The carpenter had been made aware that there was a leak in my
- cabin, and ordered to caulk the seams; but, I suppose, he thought that
- during only a two months’ voyage, the rain might very possibly never find
- out the hole, and that it would be quite time enough to apply the remedy
- when I should have felt the inconvenience. The best is, that the carpenter
- happening to be at work in the next cabin when the water came down upon
- me, I desired him to call my servant, in order that I might get up, on
- account of the leak; on which he told me “that the leak could not be
- helped;” grumbled a good deal at calling up the servant; and seemed to
- think me not a little unreasonable for not lying quietly, and suffering
- myself to be pumped upon by this shower-bath of his own providing.
- </p>
- <p>
- But if the water gets <i>into</i> the ship, on the other hand, last night
- the poor old steward was very near getting out of it. In the thick of the
- storm he was carrying some grog to the mate, when a gun, which drove
- against him, threw him off his balance, and he was just passing through
- one of the port-holes, when, luckily, he caught hold of a rope, and saved
- himself. A screech-owl flew on board this morning: I am sure we have no
- need of birds of ill omen; I could supply the place of a whole aviary of
- them myself.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 28.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Reading Don Quixote this morning, I was greatly pleased with an instance
- of the hero’s politeness, which had never struck me before. The Princess
- Micomicona having fallen into a most egregious blunder, he never so much
- as hints a suspicion of her not having acted precisely as she has stated,
- but only begs to know her reasons for taking a step so extraordinary. “But
- pray, madam,” says he, “why <i>did</i> your ladyship land at Ossuna,
- seeing that it is not a seaport town?”
- </p>
- <p>
- I was also much charmed with an instance of conjugal affection, in the
- same work. Sancho being just returned home, after a long absence, the
- first thing which his wife, Teresa, asks about, is the welfare of the ass.
- “I have brought him back,” answers Sancho, “and in much better health and
- condition than I am in myself.” “The Lord be praised,” said Teresa, “for
- this his great mercy to me!”
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 29.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The wind continues contrary, and the weather is as disagreeable and
- perverse as it can well be; indeed, I understand that in these latitudes
- nothing can be expected but heavy gales or dead calms, which makes them
- particularly pleasant for sailing, especially as the calms are by far the
- most disagreeable of the two: the wind steadies the ship; but when she
- creeps as slowly as she does at present (scarcely going a mile in four
- hours), she feels the whole effect of the sea breaking against her, and
- rolls backwards and forwards with every billow as it rises and falls. In
- the mean while, every thing seems to be in a state of the most active
- motion, except the ship; while we are carrying a spoonful of soup to our
- mouths, the remainder takes the “glorious golden opportunity” to empty
- itself into our laps, and the glasses and salt-cellars carry on a
- perpetual domestic warfare during the whole time of dinner, like the
- Guelphs and the Ghibellines. Nothing is so common as to see a roast goose
- suddenly jump out of its dish in the middle of dinner, and make a frisk
- from one end of the table to the other; and we are quite in the habit of
- laying wagers which of the two boiled fowls will arrive at the bottom
- first.
- </p>
- <p>
- N.B. To-day the fowl without the liver wing was the favourite, but the
- knowing ones were taken in; the uncarved one carried it hollow.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 30
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Do those I love e’er think on me?”
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- How oft that painful doubt will start,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To blight the roseate smile of glee,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And cloud the brow, and sink the heart!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No more can I, estranged from home,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Their pleasures share, nor soothe their moans
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To them I’m dead as were the foam
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Now breaking o’er my whitening bones.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And doubtless now with newer friends,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The tide of life content they stem;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor on the sailor think, who bends
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Full many an anxious thought on them.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Should that reflection cause me pain?
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- No ease for mine their grief could bring;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Enough if, when we meet again,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Their answering hearts to greet me spring.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Enough, if no dull joyless eye
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Give signs of kindness quite forgot;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor heartless question, cold reply,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Speak—“all is past; I love you not.”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Too much has heav’n ordain’d of woe,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Too much of groans on earth abounds,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- For me to wish one tear to flow
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Which brings no balm for sorrow’s wounds.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Love’s moisten’d lid and Friendship’s sigh,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- I could not see, I could not hear!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To think “they weep!” more fills mine eye,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And smarts the more each tender tear.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then, if there be one heart so kind,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- It mourns each hour the loss of me;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Shrinks, when it hears some gust of wind,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And sighs—“Perhaps a storm at sea!”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Oh! if there be an heart <i>indeed</i>,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Which beats for me, so sad, so true,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Swift to its aid, Oblivion, speed,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And bathe it with thy poppy’s dew;
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- My form in vapours to conceal,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- From Pleasure’s wreath rich odours shake;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor let that heart one moment feel
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Such pangs as force my own to ache.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Demon of Memory, cherish’d grief!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Oh, could I break thy wand in twain!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Oh, could I close thy magic leaf,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Till those I love are mine again!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 1. (FRIDAY.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- The captain to-day pointed oat to me a sailor-boy, who, about three years
- ago, was shaken from the mast-head, and fell through the scuttle into the
- hold; the distance was above eighty feet, yet the boy was taken up with
- only a few bruises.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 3. (SUNDAY.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- The wind during the last two days has been more favourable; and at nine
- this morning we were in the latitude of Madeira.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 5.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Sea Terms.—<i>Ratlines</i>, the rope ladders by which the sailors
- climb the shrouds; the <i>companion</i>, the cabin-head; <i>reefs</i>, the
- divisions by which the sails are contracted; <i>stunsails</i>, additional
- sails, spread for the purpose of catching all the wind possible; the
- fore-mast, main-mast, mizen-mast; <i>fore</i>, the head; <i>aft</i>, the
- stern; <i>being pooped</i> (the very sound of which tells one, that it
- must be something very terrible), having the stern beat in by the sea; <i>to
- belay a rope</i>, to fasten it.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 6.
- </h3>
- <p>
- I had no idea of the expense of building and preserving a ship: that in
- which I am at present cost £30,000 at its outset. Last year the repairs
- amounted to £14,000; and in a voyage to the East Indies they were more
- than £20,000. In its return last year from Jamaica it was on the very
- brink of shipwreck. A storm had driven it into Bantry Bay, and there was
- no other refuge from the winds than Bear Haven, whose entrance was narrow
- and difficult; however, a gentleman from Castletown came on board, and
- very obligingly offered to pilot the ship. He was one of the first people
- in the place, had been the owner of a vessel himself, was most thoroughly
- acquainted with every inch of the haven, &c. &c., and so on they
- went. There was but one sunken rock, and that about ten feet in diameter;
- the captain knew it, and warned his gentleman-pilot to keep a little more
- to the eastward. “My dear friend,” answered the Irishman, “now do just
- make yourself <i>asy</i>; I know well enough what we are about; we are as
- clear of the rock as if we were in the Red Sea, by Jasus;”—upon
- which the vessel struck upon the rock, and there she stuck. The captain
- fell to swearing and tearing his hair. “God damn you, sir! didn’t I tell
- you to keep to eastward? Dam’me, she’s on the rock!” “Oh! well, my dear,
- she’s now <i>on</i> the rock, and, in a few minutes, you know, why she’ll
- be <i>off</i> the rock: to be sure, I’d have taken my oath that the rock
- was two hundred and fifty feet on the other side of her, but——“—“Two
- hundred and fifty feet! why, the channel is not two hundred and fifty feet
- wide itself! and as to getting her off, bumping against this rock, it can
- only be with a great hole in her side.”—“Poh! now, bother, my dear!
- why sure——“—“Leave the ship, sir; dam’me, sir, get out
- of my ship this moment!” Instead of which, with the most smiling and
- obliging air in the world, the Irishman turned to console the female
- passengers. “Make yourselves <i>asy</i>, ladies, pray make yourselves
- perfectly <i>asy</i>; but, upon my soul, I believe your captain’s mad; no
- danger in life! only make yourselves <i>asy</i>, I say; for the ship lies
- on the rock as safe and as quiet, by Jasus, as if she were lying on a mud
- bank!” Luckily the weather was so perfectly calm, that the ship having
- once touched the rock with her keel bumped no more. It was low water; she
- wanted but five inches to float her, and when the tide rose she drifted
- off, and with but little harm done. The gentleman-pilot then thought
- proper to return on shore, took a very polite leave of the
- lady-passengers, and departed with all the urbanity possible; only
- +thinking the captain the strangest person that he had ever met with; and
- wondering that any man of common sense could be put out of temper by such
- a trifle.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 7.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Yesterday we had the satisfaction of falling in with the trade wind, and
- now we are proceeding both rapidly and steadily. The change of climate is
- very perceptible; and the deep and beautiful blue which colours the sea is
- a certain intimation of our approach to the tropic. A few flying fish have
- made their appearance; and the spears are getting in order for the
- reception of their constant attendant, the dolphin. These spears have
- ropes affixed to them, and at one end of the pole are five barbs, at the
- other a heavy ball of lead: then, when the fish is speared, the striker
- lets the staff fall, on which down goes the lead into the sea, and up goes
- the dolphin into the air, who is in the utmost astonishment to find itself
- all of a sudden turned into a flying fish; so determines to cultivate the
- art of flying for the future, and promises itself a great many pleasant
- airings. The dolphin and the flying fish are beautifully coloured, and
- both are very good food, particularly the latter, which move in shoals
- like the herring, and are about the size of that fish. They are supposed
- to feed on spawn and sea animalculæ, and will not take the bait; but on
- the shores of Barbadoes, which they frequent in great multitudes, they are
- caught in wide nets, spread upon the surface of the sea; then, upon
- beating the waters around, the fish rise in clouds, and fly till, their
- fins getting dry, they fall down into the nets which have been spread to
- receive them. The dolphin is seldom above three feet long; the immense
- strength which he exerts in his struggles for liberty occasions the
- necessity of catching him in the way before described.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 8.
- </h3>
- <p>
- At three o’clock this afternoon we entered the tropic of Cancer; and if
- our wind continues tolerably favourable, we may expect to see Antigua on
- Sunday. On crossing the line, it was formerly usual for ships to receive a
- visit from an old gentleman and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Cancer: the husband
- was, by profession, a barber; and, probably, the scullion, who insisted so
- peremptorily on shaving Sancho, at the duke’s castle, had served an
- apprenticeship to Mr. Cancer, for their mode of proceeding was much alike,
- and, indeed, very peculiar: the old gentleman always made a point of using
- a rusty iron hoop instead of a razor, tar for soap, and an empty
- beef-barrel was, in his opinion, the very best possible substitute for a
- basin; in consequence of which, instead of paying him for shaving them,
- people of taste were disposed to pay for not being shaved; and as Mrs.
- Cancer happened to be particularly partial to gin (when good), the gift of
- a few bottles was generally successful in rescuing the donor’s chin from
- the hands of her husband; however, to-day this venerable pair
- “peradventure were sleeping, or on a journey,” for we neither saw nor
- heard any thing about them.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 9.
- </h3>
- <p>
- When, after his victory of the 1st of June, Lord Howe again put to sea
- from Portsmouth, the number of women who were turned on shore out of the
- ships (wives, sisters, &c.) amounted to above thirty thousand!
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 10. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- What triumph moves on the billows so blue?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In his car of pellucid pearl I view,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With glorious pomp, on the dancing tide,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The tropic Genius proudly ride.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The flying fish, who trail his car,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Dazzle the eye, as they shine from afar;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Twinkling their fins in the sun, and show
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- All the hues which adorn the showery bow.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Of dark sea-blue is the mantle he wears;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- For a sceptre a plantain branch he bears;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Pearls his sable arms surround,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And his locks of wool with coral are crown’d.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Perpetual sunbeams round him stream;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His bronzed limbs shine with golden gleam;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The spicy spray from his wheels that showers,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Makes the sense ache with its odorous powers.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Myriads of monsters, who people the caves
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Of ocean, attendant plough the waves;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sharks and crocodiles bask in his blaze,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And whales spout the waters which dance in his rays.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And as onward floats that triumph gay,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The light sea-breezes around it play;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- While at his royal feet lie bound
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The Ouragans, hush’d in sleep profound.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Dark Genius, hear a stranger’s prayer,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor suffer those winds to ravage and tear
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Jamaica’s savannas, and loose to fly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Mingling the earth, and the sea, and the sky.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- From thy locks on my harvest of sweets diffuse,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To swell my canes, refreshing dews;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And kindly breathe, with cooling powers,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Through my coffee walks and shaddock bowers.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Let not thy strange diseases prey
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- On my life; but scare from my couch away
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The yellow Plague’s imps; and safe let me rest
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- From that dread black demon, who racks the breast:
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor force my throbbing temples to know
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Thy sunbeam’s sudden and maddening blow;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor bid thy day-flood blaze too bright
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- On nerves so fragile, and brain so light:
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And let me, returning in safety, view
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Thy triumph again on the ocean blue;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And in Britain I’ll oft with flowers entwine
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The Tropic Sovereign’s ebony shrine!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Was it but fancy? did He not frown,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And in anger shake his coral crown?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Gorgeous and slow the pomp moves on!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Low sinks the sun—and all is gone!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- “And pray now do you mean to say that you really saw all this fine show?”
- Oh, yes, really, “in my mind’s eye, Horatio,” as Shakspeare says; or, if
- you like it better in Greek—
- </p>
- <p>
- [Greek line] Odyssey, A.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 11.
- </h3>
- <p>
- A dead centipes was found on the deck, supposed to have made its way on
- board, during the last voyage, among the logwood. This is not the only
- species of disagreeable passengers, who are in the habit of introducing
- themselves into homeward bound vessels without leave. While sleeping on
- deck last year, the Captain felt something run across his face; and,
- supposing it to be a cock-roach, he brushed off a scorpion; but not
- without its first biting him upon the cheek: the pain for about four hours
- was excessive; but although he did no more than wash the wound with
- spirits, he was perfectly well again in a couple of days.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 12.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Since we entered the tropic, the rains have been incessant, and most
- violent; but the wind was brisk and favourable, and we proceeded rapidly.
- Now we have lost the trade-wind, and move so slowly, that it might almost
- be called standing still. On the other hand, the weather is now perfectly
- delicious; the ship makes but little way, but she moves steadily: the sun
- is brilliant; the sky cloudless; the sea calm, and so smooth that it looks
- like one extended sheet of blue glass; an awning is stretched over the
- deck; although there is not wind enough to fill the canvass, there is
- sufficient to keep the air cool, and thus, even during the day, the
- weather is very pleasant; but the nights are quite heavenly, and so
- bright, that at ten o’clock yesterday evening little Jem Parsons (the
- cabin boy), and his friend the black terrier, came on deck, and sat
- themselves down on a gun-carriage, to read by the light of the moon. I
- looked at the boy’s book, (the terrier, I suppose, read over the other’s
- shoulder,) and found that it was “The Sorrows of Werter.” I asked who had
- lent him such a book, and whether it amused him? He said that it had been
- made a present to him, and so he had read it almost through, for he had
- got to Werter’s dying; though, to be sure, he did not understand it all,
- nor like very much what he understood; for he thought the man a great fool
- for killing himself <i>for love</i>. I told him I thought every man a
- great fool who killed himself for love or for any thing else: but had he
- no books but “The Sorrows of Werter?”—Oh dear, yes, he said, he had
- a great many more; he had got “The Adventures of a Louse,” which was a
- very curious book, indeed; and he had got besides “The Recess,” and
- “Valentine and Orson,” and “Ros-lin Castle,” and a book of Prayers, just
- like the Bible; but he could not but say that he liked “The Adventures of
- a Louse” the best of any of them.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 13.
- </h3>
- <p>
- We caught a dolphin, but not with the spear: he gorged a line which was
- fastened to the stern, and baited with salt pork; but being a very large
- and strong fish, his efforts to escape were so powerful, that it was
- feared that he would break the line, and a <i>grainse</i> (as the
- dolphin-spear is technically termed) was thrown at him: he was struck, and
- three of the prongs were buried in his side; yet, with a violent effort,
- he forced them out again, and threw the lance up into the air. I am not
- much used to take pleasure in the sight of animal suffering; but if
- Pythagoras himself had been present, and “of opinion that the soul of his
- grandam might haply inhabit” this dolphin, I think he must still have
- admired the force and agility displayed in his endeavours to escape.
- Imagination can picture nothing more beautiful than the colours of this
- fish: while covered by the waves he was entirely green; and as the water
- gave him a case of transparent crystal, he really looked like one solid
- piece of living emerald; when he sprang into the air, or swam fatigued
- upon the surface, his fins alone preserved their green, and the rest of
- his body appeared to be of the brightest yellow, his scales shining like
- gold wherever they caught the sun; while the blood which, as long as he
- remained in the sea, continued to spout in great quantities, forced its
- way upwards through the water, like a wreath of crimson smoke, and then
- dispersed itself in separate globules among the spray. From the great loss
- of blood, his colours soon became paler; but when he was at length safely
- landed on deck, and beating himself to death against the flooring, agony
- renewed all the lustre of his tints: his fins were still green and his
- body golden, except his back, which was olive, shot with bright deep blue;
- his head and belly became silvery, and the spots with which the latter was
- mottled changed, with incessant rapidity, from deep olive to the most
- beautiful azure. Gradually his brilliant tints disappeared: they were
- succeeded by one uniform shade of slate-colour; and when he was quite
- dead, he exhibited nothing but dirty brown and dull dead white. As soon as
- all was over with him, the first thing done was to convert one of his fins
- into the resemblance of a flying fish, for the purpose of decoying other
- dolphins; and the second, to order some of the present gentleman to be got
- ready for dinner. He measured above four feet and a half.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 14.
- </h3>
- <p>
- At noon to-day, we found ourselves in the latitude of Jamaica. We were
- promised the sight of Antigua on Sunday next, but that is now quite out of
- the question. We made but eight miles in the whole of yesterday; and as
- Jamaica is still at the distance of eighteen hundred miles, at this rate
- of proceeding we may expect to reach it about eight months hence. The sky
- this evening presented us with quite a new phenomenon, a rose-coloured
- moon: she is to be at her full to-morrow; and this afternoon, about
- half-past four, she rose like a disk of silver, perfectly white and
- colourless; but, as she was exactly opposite to the sun at the time of his
- setting, the reflection of his rays spread a kind of pale blush over her
- orb, which produced an effect as beautiful as singular. Indeed, the size
- and inconceivable brilliance of the sun, the clearness of the atmosphere,
- which had assumed a faint greenish hue, and was entirely without a cloud,
- the smoothness of the ocean, and the aforesaid rose-coloured moon,
- altogether rendered this sunset the most magical in effect that I ever
- beheld; and it was with great reluctance that I was called away from
- admiring it, to ascertain whether the merits of our new acquaintance, the
- dolphin, extended any further than his skin. Part of him, which was boiled
- for yesterday’s dinner, was rather coarse and dry, and might have been
- mistaken for indifferent haddock. But his having been steeped in brine,
- and then broiled with a good deal of pepper and salt, had improved him
- wonderfully; and to-day I thought him as good as any other fish.
- </p>
- <p>
- Our wind is like Lady Townley’s separate allowance: “that little has been
- made less;” or, rather, it has dwindled away to nothing. We are now so
- absolutely becalmed, that I begin seriously to suspect all the crew of
- being Phæacians; and that at this identical moment Neptune is amusing
- himself by making the ship take root in the ocean; a trick which he played
- once before to a vessel (they say) in the days of Ulysses. I have got some
- locust plants on board in pots: if we continue to sail as slowly as we
- have done for the last week, before we reach Jamaica my plants will be
- forest trees, little Jem, the cabin-boy, will have been obliged to shave,
- and the black terrier will have died of old age long ago. Great numbers of
- porpoises were playing about to-day, and tumbling under the ship’s very
- nose. When in their gambols they allow themselves to be seen above the
- surface, they are of a dirty blackish brown, and as ugly as heart can
- wish; but in the waves they acquire a fine sea-green cast, and their
- spouting up water in the sunbeams is extremely ornamental.
- </p>
- <h3>
- THE HELMSMAN.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- Hark! the bell 1 it sounds midnight!—all hail, thou new
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- heav’n!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- How soft sleep the stars on their bosom of night!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- While o’er the full moon, as they gently are driven,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Slowly floating the clouds bathe their fleeces in light.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The warm feeble breeze scarcely ripples the ocean,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And all seems so hush’d, all so happy to feel!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- So smooth glides the bark, I perceive not her motion,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- While low sings the sailor who watches the wheel.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That sailor I’ve noted—his cheek, fresh and blooming
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- With health, scarcely yet twenty springs can have
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- seen;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His looks they are lofty, but never presuming,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- His limbs strong, but light, and undaunted his mien.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Frank and clear is his brow, yet a thoughtful expression,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Half tender, half mournful, oft shadows his eye;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And murmurs escape him, which make the confession,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- If not check’d by a hem, they had swell’d to a sigh.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His song is not pour’d to beguile the lone hour,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- When in-watch on deck <i>’</i>tis his duty to keep;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor of painful reflection to weaken the power,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Nor chase from his eyelids the pinions of sleep.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Tis so sad...‘tis so sweet... and some tones come so
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- swelling,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- So right from the heart, and so pure to the ear;—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That sure at this moment his thoughts must be dwelling
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- On one who is absent, most kind and most dear.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Perhaps on a mother his mind loves to linger,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Whose wants to relieve, the rough seas hath he
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- cross’d;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Who kiss’d him at parting, and vow’d he could bring her
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- No jewel so dear as the one she then lost!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No, no! ’tis a sweetheart, his soul’s cherish’d treasure,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Those full melting notes... hark! he breathes them
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- again!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- So mournful, and yet they’re prolong’d with such plea
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- sure........
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Oh, nothing but love could have prompted the strain.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Yet, whate’er be the cause of thy sadness, young seaman,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That the weight be soon lighten’d, I send up my vow;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- From the stings of remorse, I’ll be sworn, thou’rt a
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- freeman,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- No guilt ever ruffled the smooth of that brow!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That sigh which you breath’d sprang from pensive
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- affection;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- That song, though so plaintive, sheds balm on the
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- heart;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And the pain which you feel at each fond recollection,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Is worth all the pleasures that vice could impart.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Oh, still may the scenes of your life, like the present,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Shine bright to the eye, and speak calm to the breast;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- May each wave flow as gentle, each breeze play as
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- pleasant,
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- And warm as the clime prove the friends you love best!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And may she, who now dictates that ballad so tender,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Diffuse o’er your days the heart’s solace and ease,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- As yon lovely moon, with a gleam of mild splendour,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Pure, tranquil, and bright, over-silvers the seas!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 16.
- </h3>
- <p>
- What little wind there is blows so perversely, that we have been obliged
- to alter our course; and instead of Antigua, we are now told that the
- Summer Islands (Shakspeare’s “still vexed Bermoothes”) are the first land
- that we must expect to see.
- </p>
- <p>
- I am greatly disappointed at finding such a scarcity of monsters; I had
- flattered myself, that as soon as we should enter the Atlantic Ocean, or
- at least the tropic, we should have seen whole shoals of sharks, whales,
- and dolphins wandering about as plenty as sheep upon the South Downs:
- instead of which, a brace of dolphins, and a few flying fish and
- porpoises, are the only inhabitants of the ocean who have as yet taken the
- trouble of paying us the common civility of a visit. However, I am
- promised, that as soon as we approach the islands, I shall have as many
- sharks as heart can wish.
- </p>
- <p>
- As I am particularly fond of proofs of conjugal attachment between animals
- (in the human species they are so universal that I set no store by them),
- an instance of that kind which the captain related to me this morning gave
- me great pleasure. While lying in Black River harbour, Jamaica, two sharks
- were frequently seen playing about the ship; at length the female was
- killed, and the desolation of the male was excessive:—
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- “Che faro senz’ Eurydice?”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- What he did <i>without</i> her remains a secret, but what he did <i>with</i>
- her was clear enough; for scarce was the breath out of his Eurydice’s
- body, when he stuck his teeth in her, and began to eat her up with all
- possible expedition. Even the sailors felt their sensibility excited by so
- peculiar a mark of posthumous attachment; and to enable him to perform
- this melancholy duty the more easily, they offered to be his carvers,
- lowered their boat, and proceeded to chop his better half in pieces with
- their hatchets; while the widower opened his jaws as wide as possible, and
- gulped down pounds upon pounds of the dear departed as fast as they were
- thrown to him, with the greatest delight and all the avidity imaginable. I
- make no doubt that all the while he was eating, he was thoroughly
- persuaded that every morsel which went into his stomach would make its way
- to his heart directly! “She was perfectly consistent,” he said to himself;
- “she was excellent through life, and really she’s extremely good now she’s
- dead!” and then, “unable to conceal his pain,”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “He sigh’d and swallow’d, and sigh’d and swallow’d,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And sigh’d and swallow’d again.”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- I doubt, whether the annals of Hymen can produce a similar instance of
- post-obitual affection. Certainly Calderon’s “<i>Amor despues de la Muerte</i>”
- has nothing that is worthy to be compared to it; nor do I recollect in
- history any fact at all resembling it, except perhaps a circumstance which
- is recorded respecting Cambletes, King of Lydia, a monarch equally
- remarkable for his voracity and uxoriousness; and who, being one night
- completely overpowered by sleep, and at the same time violently tormented
- by hunger, eat up his queen without being conscious of it, and was
- mightily astonished, the next morning, to wake with her hand in his mouth,
- the only bit that was left of her. But then, Cambletes was quite
- unconscious what he was doing; whereas, the shark’s mark of attachment was
- evidently intentional. It may, however, be doubted, from the voracity with
- which he eat, whether his conduct on this occasion was not as much
- influenced by the sentiment of hunger as of love; and if he were
- absolutely on the point of starving, Tasso might have applied to this
- couple, with equal truth, although with somewhat a different meaning, what
- he says of his “Amanti e Sposi;”—
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- ——“Pende
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- D’ un fato sol e l’ una e l’ altra vita
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- for if Madam Shark had not died first, Monsieur must have died himself for
- want of a dinner.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 17. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- On this day, from a sense of propriety no doubt, as well as from having
- nothing else to do, all the crew in the morning betook themselves to their
- studies. The carpenter was very seriously spelling a comedy; Edward was
- engaged with “The Six Princesses of Babylon;” a third was amusing himself
- with a tract “On the Management of Bees;” another had borrowed the
- cabin-boy’s “Sorrows of Werter,” and was reading it aloud to a large
- circle—some whistling—and others yawning; and Werter’s abrupt
- transitions, and exclamations, and raptures, and refinements, read in the
- same loud monotonous tone, and without the slightest respect paid to
- stops, had the oddest effect possible. “She did not look at me; I thought
- my heart would burst; the coach drove off; she looked out of the window;
- was that look meant for me? yes it was; perhaps it might be; do not tell
- me that it was not meant for me. Oh, my friend, my friend, am I not a
- fool, a madman?” (This part is rather stupid, or so, you see, but no
- matter for that; where was I? oh!) “I am now sure, Charlotte loves me: I
- prest my hand on my heart; I said ‘Klopstock;’ yes, Charlotte loves me;
- what! does Charlotte love me? oh, rapturous thought! my brain turns round:—Immortal
- powers!—how!—what!—oh, my friend, my friend,” &c.
- &c. &c. I was surprised to find that (except Edward’s Fairy Tale)
- none of them were reading works that were at all likely to amuse them
- (Smollett or Fielding, for instance), or any which might interest them as
- relating to their profession, such as voyages and travels; much less any
- which had the slightest reference to the particular day. However, as most
- of them were reading what they could not possibly understand, they might
- mistake them for books of devotion, for any thing they knew to the
- contrary; or, perhaps, they might have so much reverence for all books in
- print, as to think that, provided they did but read something, it was
- doing a good work, and it did not much matter what. So one of Congreve’s
- fine ladies swears Mrs. Mincing, the waiting maid, to secrecy, “upon an
- odd volume of Messalina’s Poems.” Sir Dudley North, too, informs us, (or
- is it his brother Roger? but I mean the Turkey merchant: ):—that at
- Constantinople the respect for printed books is so great, that when people
- are sick, they fancy that they can be <i>read</i> into health again; and
- if the Koran should not be in the way, they will make a shift with a few
- verses of the Bible, or a chapter or two of the Talmud, or of any other
- book that comes first to hand, rather than not read something. I think Sir
- Dudley says, that he himself cured an old Turk of the toothache, by
- administering a few pages of “Ovid’s Metamorphoses;” and in an old
- receipt-book, we are directed for the cure of a double tertian fever, “to
- drink plentifully of cock-broth, and sleep with the Second Book of the
- Iliad under the pillow.” If, instead of sleeping with it under the pillow,
- the doctor had desired us to read the Second Book of the Iliad in order
- that we <i>might</i> sleep, I should have had some faith in his
- prescription myself.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 19.
- </h3>
- <p>
- During these last two days nothing very extraordinary, or of sufficient
- importance to deserve its being handed down to the latest posterity, has
- occurred; except that this morning a swinging rope knocked my hat into the
- sea, and away it sailed upon a voyage of discovery, like poor La Perouse,
- to return no more, I suppose; unless, indeed,—like Polycrates, the
- fortunate tyrant of Samos, who threw his favourite ring into the ocean,
- and found it again in the stomach of the first fish that was served up at
- his table,—I should have the good luck (but I by no means reckon
- upon it) to catch a dolphin with my hat upon his head: as to a porpoise,
- he never could squeeze his great numskull into it; but our dolphin of last
- week was much about my own size, and I dare say such another would find my
- hat fit him to a miracle, and look very well in it.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 20.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The weather is so excessively close and sultry, that it would be allowed
- to be too hot to be pleasant, even by that perfect model for all future
- lords of the bedchamber, who was never known to speak a word, except in
- praise, of any thing living or dead, through the whole course of his life:
- but, at last, one day he met with an accident—he happened to die;
- and the next day he met with another accident—he happened to be
- damned: and immediately upon his arrival in the infernal regions, the
- Devil (who was determined to be as well bred as the other could be for his
- ears,) came to pay his compliments to the new-comer, and very obligingly
- expressed his concern that his lordship was not likely to feel satisfied
- with his new abode; for that he must certainly find hell very hot and
- disagreeable. “Oh, dear, no!” exclaimed the Lord of the Bedchamber, “not
- at all disagreeable, by any manner of means, Mr. Devil, upon my word and
- honour! Rather <i>warm</i>, to be sure.” In point of heat there is no
- difference between the days and the nights; or if there is any, it is that
- the nights are rather the hottest of the two. The lightning is incessant,
- and it does not show itself forked or in flashes, but in wide sheets of
- mild blue light, which spread themselves at once over the sky and sea;
- and, for the moment which they last, make all the objects around as
- distinct as in daylight. The moon now does not rise till near ten o’clock,
- and during her absence the size and brilliancy of the stars are admirable.
- In England they always seemed to me (to borrow a phrase of Shakspeare’s,
- which, in truth, is not worth borrowing,) to “peep through the blanket of
- the dark;” but here the heavens appear to be studded with them on the
- outside, as if they were chased with so many jewels: it is really Milton’s
- “firmament of living sapphires;” and what with the lightning, the stars,
- and the quantity of floating lights which just gleamed round the ship
- every moment, and then were gone again, to-night the sky had an effect so
- beautiful, that when at length the moon thought proper to show her great
- red drunken face, I thought that we did much better without her.
- </p>
- <p>
- The above-mentioned floating lights are a kind of sea-meteors, which, as I
- am told, are produced by the concussion of the waves, while eddying in
- whirlpools round the rudder; but still I saw them rise sometimes at so
- great a distance from the ship, and there appeared to be something so like
- <i>Will</i> in the direction of their course,—sometimes hurrying on,
- sometimes gliding along quite slowly; now stopping and remaining
- motionless for a minute or two, and then hurrying on again,—that I
- could not be convinced of their not being Medusæ, or some species or other
- of phosphoric animal: but whatever be the cause of this appearance, the
- effect is singularly beautiful. As to air, we have not enough to bless
- ourselves with. I had been led to believe, that when once we should have
- fallen in with the trade winds, from that moment we should sail into our
- destined port as rapidly and as directly as Truffaldino travels in Gozzi’s
- farce; when, having occasion to go from Asia to Europe, and being very
- much pressed for time, he persuades a conjuror of his acquaintance to lend
- him a devil, with a great pair of bellows, the nozzle of which being
- directed right against his stern, away goes the traveller before the
- stream of wind, with the devil after him, and the infernal bellows never
- cease from working till they have blown him out of one quarter of the
- globe into another: but our trade winds must “hide their diminished heads”
- before Truffaldino’s bellows. It seems that like the Moors, “in Africa the
- torrid,” they are “of temper somewhat mulish;” for, although, to be sure,
- when they <i>do</i> blow, they will only blow in one certain direction,
- yet very often they will not blow at all; which has been our case for the
- last week: indeed, they seem to be but a queerish kind of a concern at
- best. About three years ago a fleet of merchantmen was becalmed near St.
- Vincent’s: in a few days after their arrival, there happened a violent
- eruption of a volcano in that island, nor was it long before a favourable
- breeze sprang up. Unluckily, one of the ships had anchored rather nearer
- to the shore than the others, and was at the distance of about one hundred
- and fifty yards from the stream of the trade wind; nor could any possible
- efforts of the crew, by tacking, by towing, or otherwise, ever enable the
- vessel to conquer that one hundred and fifty yards: there she remained, as
- completely becalmed as if there were not such a thing as a breath of wind
- in the universe; and on the one hand she had the mortification to see the
- rest of the merchantmen, with their convoy (for it was in the very heat of
- the war), sail away with all their canvass spread and swelling; while, on
- the other hand, the sailors had the comfortable possibility of being
- suffocated every moment by the clouds of ashes which continued to fall on
- their deck every moment, from the burning volcano, although they were not
- nearer to St. Vincent’s than eight or nine miles; indeed that distance
- went for nothing, as ashes fell upon vessels that were out at sea at least
- five hundred miles; and Barbadoes being to windward of the volcano, such
- immense quantities of its contents were carried to that island as almost
- covered the fields; and destroying vegetation completely wherever they
- fell, did inconceivable damage, while that which St. Vincent’s itself
- experienced was but trifling in proportion.
- </p>
- <p>
- Our captain is quite out of patience with the tortoise pace of our
- progress; for my part I care very little about it. Whether we have sailed
- slowly or rapidly, when a day is once over, I am just as much nearer
- advanced towards April, the time fixed for my return to England; and, what
- is of much more consequence, whether we have sailed slowly or rapidly,
- when a day is once over, I am just as much nearer advanced towards “that
- bourne,” to reach which, peaceably and harmlessly, is the only business of
- life, and towards which the whole of our existence forms but one continued
- journey.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 21.
- </h3>
- <p>
- We succeeded in catching another dolphin today; but he had not a hat on;
- however, I just asked him whether he happened to have seen mine, but to
- little purpose; for I found that he could tell me nothing at all about it;
- so, instead of bothering the poor animal with any more questions, we eat
- him.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 22.
- </h3>
- <p>
- About three years ago the Captain had the ill luck to be captured by a
- French frigate. As she had already made prizes of two other merchantmen,
- it was determined to sink his ship; which, after removing the crew and
- every thing in her that was valuable, was effected by firing her own guns
- down the hatchways. It was near three hours before she filled, then down
- she went with a single plunge, head foremost, with all her sails set and
- colours flying. This display of the ship’s magnificence in her last
- moments reminded me of Mary Queen of Scots, arraying herself in her
- richest robes that she might go to the scaffold. If Yorick had fallen in
- with this anecdote in the course of his journey, the situation of the
- Captain, standing on the enemy’s deck, and seeing his “brave vessel” in
- full and gallant trim, possessing all the abilities for a long existence,
- yet abandoned by every one, and sinking from the effect of her own shot,
- might have furnished him with a companion for his old commercial Marquis,
- lamenting over the rust of his newly recovered sword.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 23.
- </h3>
- <h3>
- THE DOLPHIN.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- Does then the insatiate sea relent?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And hath he back those treasures sent,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- His stormy rage devoured?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- All starred with gems the billows bound,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And emeralds, jacinths, sapphires round
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The bark in spray are showered.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No, no! ’t is there the Dolphin plays;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His scales, enriched with sunny rays,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Celestial tints unfold;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And as he darts, the waters blue
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Are streaked with gleams of many a hue,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Green, orange, purple, gold!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And brighter still will shine your skin,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Poor fish, more dazzling play each fin,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- On deck when dying cast;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Like good men, who, expiring, bless
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The Power that calls them, all confess
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Your brightest hour your last.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And now the Spearman watchful stands!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The five-pronged grainse, which arms his hands,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Your scales is doomed to gore;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The lead will sink, and soon on high,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Borne from the deep, perforce you’ll fly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Nor e’er regain it more.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Weep, Beauty, weep! those vivid dyes,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Those splendours, but the harpooner’s eyes
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- To strike his victim call!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Ambition, mark the Dolphin’s close—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- To dangerous heights he only rose
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- To find the heavier fall!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Mark, too, ye witty, rich, and gay,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- How quick those sportive fins could play,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- How gay, how rich was he!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He moves no more—he’s cold to touch—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He’s dull—dark—dead! The Dolphin’s such,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And such we all must be!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- There is a technical fault in the above lines: the grainse, or
- dolphin-spear, has five barbs; but the <i>harpooner</i> never uses a lance
- with more than a single point. However, the word was so agreeable to my
- ear, that I could not find in my heart to leave it out.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 24. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- At length we have crawled into the Caribbean Sea. I was told that we were
- not to expect to see land to-day; but on shipboard our not seeing a thing
- <i>to-day</i> by no means implies that we shall not see it before <i>to-morrow</i>;
- for the nautical day is supposed to conclude at noon, when the solar
- observation is taken; and, therefore, the making land <i>to-day</i>, or
- not, very often depends upon our making it before twelve o’clock, or after
- it. This was the case in the present instance; for noon was scarcely
- passed when we saw Descada (a small island totally unprovided with water,
- and whose only produce consists in a little cotton), Guadaloupe, and Marie
- Galante, though the latter was at so great a distance as to be scarcely
- visible. At sunset Antigua was in sight.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 25.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The sun rose upon Montserrat and Nevis, with the <i>Rodondo</i> rock
- between them, “apricis natio gratissima mergis,—” for it is
- perpetually covered with innumerable flocks of gulls, boobies, pelicans,
- and other sea birds. Then came St. Christopher’s and St. Eustatia; and in
- the course of the afternoon we passed over the <i>Aves</i> bank, a
- collection of sand, rock, and mud, extending about two hundred miles, and
- terminated at each end by a small island: one of them inhabited by a few
- fishermen, the other only by sea birds. Of all the Atlantic isles the soil
- of St. Christopher’s is by some supposed to be the richest, the land
- frequently producing three hogsheads an acre. I rather think that this was
- the first island discovered by Columbus, and that it took its name from
- his patron-saint. Montserrat is so rocky, and the roads so steep and
- difficult, that the sugar is obliged to be brought down in bags upon the
- backs of mules, and not put into casks, till its arrival on the sea shore.
- </p>
- <p>
- The weather is now quite delicious; there is just wind enough to send us
- forward and keep the air cool: the sun is brilliant without being
- overpowering; the swell of the waves is scarcely perceptible; and the ship
- moves along so steadily, that the deck affords almost as firm footing as
- if we were walking on land. One would think that Belinda had been smiling
- on the Caribbean Sea, as she once before did on the Thames, and had “made
- all the world look gay.” During the night we passed Santa Cruz, an island
- which, from the perfection to which its cultivation has been carried, is
- called “the Garden of the West Indies.”
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 28.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Having left Porto Rico behind us, at noon today we passed the insulated
- rock of Alcavella, lying about six miles from St. Domingo, which is now in
- sight. As this part of the Caribbean Sea is much infested by pirates from
- the Caraccas, all our muskets have been put in repair, and to-day the guns
- were loaded, of which we mount eight; but as one of them, during the last
- voyage, went overboard in a gale of wind, its place has been supplied by a
- <i>Quaker</i>, i. e. a sham gun of wood, so called, I suppose, because it
- would not fight if it were called upon. These pirate-vessels are small
- schooners, armed with a single twenty-four pounder, which moves upon a
- swivel, and their crew is composed of negroes and outlaws of all nations,
- their numbers generally running from one hundred to one hundred and fifty
- men. To-day, for the first time, I saw some flying fish: we have also been
- visited by several men-of-war birds and tropic birds; the latter is a
- species of gull, perfectly white, and distinguished by a single very long
- feather in its tail: its nautical name is “the boatswain.”
- </p>
- <p>
- As we sail along, the air is absolutely loaded with “Sabean odours from
- the spicy shores” of St. Domingo, which we were still coasting at sunset.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 30.
- </h3>
- <p>
- At day-break Jamaica was in sight, or rather it would have been in sight,
- only that we could not see it. The weather was so gloomy, and the wind and
- rain were so violent, that we might have said to the Captain, as one of
- the two Punches who went into the ark is reported to have said to the
- patriarch, during the deluge, “Hazy weather, Master Noah.”—I
- remember my good friend, Walter Scott, asserts, that at the death of a
- poet the groans and tears of his heroes and heroines swell the blast and
- increase the river; perhaps something of the same kind takes place at the
- arrival of a West India proprietor from Europe, and all this rain and wind
- proceed from the eyes and lungs of my agents and overseers, who, for the
- last twenty years, have been reigning in my dominions with despotic
- authority; but now
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Whose groans in roaring winds complain,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Whose tears of rage impel the rain;”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- because, on the approach of the sovereign himself, they must evacuate the
- palace, and resign the deputed sceptre. “Hinc illæ lachrymæ!” this is the
- cause of our being soaked to the skin this morning. However, about noon
- the weather cleared up, and allowed us to verify, with our own eyes, that
- we had reached “the Land of Springs,” without having been invited by any
- Piccaroon vessel to “walk the plank” instead of the deck; which is a
- compliment very generally paid by those gentry, after they have taken the
- trouble of laying a plank over the side of a captured ship, in order that
- the passengers and the crew may walk overboard without any inconvenience.
- </p>
- <p>
- We arrived at the east end of the island, passed Pedro Point and Starvegut
- Bay, and arrived before Black River Bay (our destined harbour) soon after
- two o’clock; but here we were obliged to come to a stand still: the
- channel is very dangerous, extremely narrow, and full of sunken rocks; so
- that it can only be entered by a vessel drawing so much water as ours with
- a particular wind, and when there is not any apprehension of a sudden
- squall. We were, therefore, obliged to drop anchor, and are now riding
- within a couple of miles of the shore, but with as utter an incapability
- of reaching it as if we were still at Gravesend. The north side of the
- island is said to be extremely beautiful and romantic; but the south,
- which we coasted to-day, is low, barren, and without any recommendation
- whatever. As yet I can only look at Jamaica as one does on a man who comes
- to pay money, and whom we are extremely well pleased to see, however
- little the fellow’s appearance may be in his favour.
- </p>
- <p>
- We passed the whole of the day in vain endeavours to work ourselves into
- the bay. At one time, indeed, we got very near the shore, but the
- consequence was, that we were within an ace of striking upon a rock, and
- very much obliged to a sudden gust of wind, which, blowing right off
- shore, blew us out of the channel, and left us at night in a much more
- perilous situation than we had occupied the evening before, though even
- that had been by no means secure. At three o’clock, the other passengers
- went on shore in the jolly-boat, and proceeded to their destination; but
- as I was still more than thirty miles distant from my estate, I preferred
- waiting on board till the Captain should have moored his vessel in safety,
- and be at liberty to take me in his pinnace to Savannah la Mar, when I
- should find myself within a few miles of my own house.
- </p>
- <p>
- In the course of the afternoon, one of the sailors took up a fish of a
- very singular shape and most brilliant colours, as it floated along upon
- the water. It seemed to be gasping, and lay with its belly upwards; it was
- supposed to have eaten something poisonous, as whenever it was touched it
- appeared to be full of life, and squirted the water in our faces with
- great spirit and dexterity. But no sooner was he suffered to remain quiet
- in the tub, than he turned upon his back and again was gasping. He had a
- large round transparent globule, intersected with red veins, under the
- belly, which some imagined to proceed from a rupture, and to be the
- occasion of his disease. But I could not discover any vestige of a wound;
- and the globule was quite solid to the touch; neither did the fish appear
- to be sensible when it was pressed upon. No one on board had ever seen
- this kind of fish till then; its name is the “Doctor Fish.”
- </p>
- <p>
- A black pilot came on board yesterday, in a canoe hollowed out of the
- cotton-tree; and when it returned for him this morning, it brought us a
- water-melon. I never met with a worse article in my life; the pulp is of a
- faint greenish yellow, stained here and there with spots of moist red, so
- that it looks exactly as if the servant in slicing it had cut his finger,
- and suffered it to bleed over the fruit. Then the seeds, being of a dark
- purple, present the happiest imitation of drops of clotted gore; and
- altogether (prejudiced as I was by its appearance), when I had put a
- single bit into my mouth, it had such a kind of Shylocky taste of raw
- flesh about it (not that I recollect having ever eaten a bit of raw flesh
- itself), that I sent away my plate, and was perfectly satisfied as to the
- merits of the fruit.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- 1816.—JANUARY 1.
- </h2>
- <p>
- At length the ship has squeezed herself into this champagne bottle of a
- bay! Perhaps, the satisfaction attendant upon our having overcome the
- difficulty, added something to the illusion of its effect; but the beauty
- of the atmosphere, the dark purple mountains, the shores covered with
- mangroves of the liveliest green down to the very edge of the water, and
- the light-coloured houses with their lattices and piazzas completely
- embowered in trees, altogether made the scenery of the Bay wear a very
- picturesque appearance. And, to complete the charm, the sudden sounds of
- the drum and banjee, called our attention to a procession of the
- John-Canoe, which was proceeding to celebrate the opening of the new year
- at the town of Black River. The John-Canoe is a Merry-Andrew dressed in a
- striped doublet, and bearing upon his head a kind of pasteboard
- house-boat, filled with puppets, representing, some sailors, others
- soldiers, others again slaves at work on a plantation, &c. The negroes
- are allowed three days for holidays at Christmas, and also New-year’s day,
- which being the last is always reckoned by them as the festival of the
- greatest importance. It is for this day that they reserve their finest
- dresses, and lay their schemes for displaying their show and expense to
- the greatest advantage; and it is then that the John-Canoe is considered
- not merely as a person of material consequence, but one whose presence is
- absolutely indispensable. Nothing could look more gay than the procession
- which we now saw with its train of attendants, all dressed in white, and
- marching two by two (except when the file was broken here and there by a
- single horseman), and its band of negro music, and its scarlet flags
- fluttering about in the breeze, now disappearing behind a projecting clump
- of mangrove trees, and then again emerging into an open part of the road,
- as it wound along the shore towards the town of Black River.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- ——“Magno telluris amore
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Egressi optatâ Troes potiuntur arena.”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- I had determined not to go on shore, till I should land for good and all
- at Savannah la Mar. But although I could resist the “telluris amor,” there
- was no resisting John-Canoe; so, in defiance of a broiling afternoon’s
- sun, about four o’clock we left the vessel for the town.
- </p>
- <p>
- It was, as I understand, formerly one of some magnitude; but it now
- consists only of a few houses, owing to a spark from a tobacco-pipe or a
- candle having lodged upon a mosquito-net during dry weather; and although
- the conflagration took place at mid-day, the whole town was reduced to
- ashes. The few streets—(I believe there were not above two, but
- those were wide and regular, and the houses looked very neat)—were
- now crowded with people, and it seemed to be allowed, upon all hands, that
- New-year’s day had never been celebrated there with more expense and
- festivity.
- </p>
- <p>
- It seems that, many years ago, an Admiral of the Red was superseded on the
- Jamaica station by an Admiral of the Blue; and both of them gave balls at
- Kingston to the “<i>Brown Girls;”</i> for the fair sex elsewhere are
- called the “Brown Girls” in Jamaica. In consequence of these balls, all
- Kingston was divided into parties: from thence the division spread into
- other districts: and ever since, the whole island, at Christmas, is
- separated into the rival factions of the Blues and the Reds (the Red
- representing also the English, the Blue the Scotch), who contend for
- setting forth their processions with the greatest taste and magnificence.
- This year, several gentlemen in the neighbourhood of Black River had
- subscribed very largely towards the expenses of the show; and certainly it
- produced the gayest and most amusing scene that I ever witnessed, to which
- the mutual jealousy and pique of the two parties against each other
- contributed in no slight degree. The champions of the rival Roses,—the
- Guelphs and the Ghibellines,—none of them could exceed the scornful
- animosity and spirit of depreciation with which the Blues and the Reds of
- Black River examined the efforts at display of each other. The Blues had
- the advantage beyond a doubt; this a Red girl told us that she could not
- deny; but still, “though the Reds were beaten, she would not be a Blue
- girl for the whole universe!” On the other hand, Miss Edwards (the
- mistress of the hotel from whose window we saw the show), was rank Blue to
- the very tips of her fingers, and had, indeed, contributed one of her
- female slaves to sustain a very important character in the show; for when
- the Blue procession was ready to set forward, there was evidently a hitch,
- something was wanting; and there seemed to be no possibility of getting on
- without it—when suddenly we saw a tall woman dressed in mourning
- (being Miss Edwards herself) rush out of our hotel, dragging along by the
- hand a strange uncouth kind of a glittering tawdry figure, all feathers,
- and pitchfork, and painted pasteboard, who moved most reluctantly, and
- turned out to be no less a personage than Britannia herself, with a
- pasteboard shield covered with the arms of Great Britain, a trident in her
- hand, and a helmet made of pale blue silk and silver. The poor girl, it
- seems, was bashful at appearing in this conspicuous manner before so many
- spectators, and hung back when it came to the point. But her mistress had
- seized hold of her, and placed her by main force in her destined position.
- The music struck up; Miss Edwards gave the Goddess a great push forwards;
- the drumsticks and the elbows of the fiddlers attacked her in the rear;
- and on went Britannia willy-nilly!
- </p>
- <p>
- The Blue girls called themselves “the Blue girls of Waterloo.” Their motto
- was the more patriotic; that of the Red was the more gallant:—“Britannia
- rules the day!” streamed upon the Blue flag; “Red girls for ever!” floated
- upon the Red. But, in point of taste and invention, the former carried it
- hollow. First marched Britannia; then came a band of music; then the flag;
- then the Blue King and Queen—the Queen splendidly dressed in white
- and silver (in scorn of the opposite party, her train was borne by a
- little girl in red); his Majesty wore a full British Admiral’s uniform,
- with a white satin sash, and a huge cocked hat with a gilt paper crown
- upon the top of it. These were immediately followed by “Nelson’s car,”
- being a kind of canoe decorated with blue and silver drapery, and with
- “Trafalgar” written on the front of it; and the procession was closed by a
- long train of Blue grandees (the women dressed in uniforms of white, with
- robes of blue muslin), all Princes and Princesses, Dukes and Duchesses,
- every mother’s child of them.
- </p>
- <p>
- The Red girls were also dressed very gaily and prettily, but they had
- nothing in point of invention that could vie with Nelson’s Car and
- Britannia; and when the Red throne made its appearance, language cannot
- express the contempt with which our landlady eyed it. “It was neither one
- thing nor t’other,” Miss Edwards was of opinion. “Merely a few yards of
- calico stretched over some planks—and look, look, only look at it
- behind! you may see the bare boards! By way of a throne, indeed! Well, to
- be sure, Miss Edwards never saw a poorer thing in her life, that she must
- say!” And then she told me, that somebody had just snatched at a medal
- which Britannia wore round her neck, and had endeavoured to force it away.
- I asked her who had done so? “Oh, one of the Red party, <i>of course!</i>”
- The Red party was evidently Miss Edwards’s Mrs. Grundy. John-Canoe made no
- part of the procession; but he and his rival, John-Crayfish (a personage
- of whom I heard, but could not obtain a sight), seemed to act upon quite
- an independent interest, and go about from house to house, tumbling and
- playing antics to pick up money for themselves.
- </p>
- <p>
- A play was now proposed to us, and, of course, accepted. Three men and a
- girl accordingly made their appearance; the men dressed like the tumblers
- at Astley’s, the lady very tastefully in white and silver, and all with
- their faces concealed by masks of thin blue silk; and they proceeded to
- perform the quarrel between Douglas and Glenalvon, and the fourth act of
- “The Fair Penitent.” They were all quite perfect, and had no need of a
- prompter. As to Lothario, he was by far the most comical dog that I ever
- saw in my life, and his dying scene exceeded all description; Mr. Coates
- himself might have taken hints from him! As soon as Lothario was fairly
- dead, and Calista had made her exit in distraction, they all began dancing
- reels like so many mad people, till they were obliged to make way for the
- Waterloo procession, who came to collect money for the next year’s
- festival; one of them singing, another dancing to the tune, while she
- presented her money-box to the spectators, and the rest of the Blue girls
- filling up the chorus. I cannot say much in praise of the black Catalani;
- but nothing could be more light, and playful, and graceful, than the
- extempore movements of the dancing girl. Indeed, through the whole day, I
- had been struck with the precision of their march, the ease and grace of
- their action, the elasticity of their step, and the lofty air with which
- they carried their heads—all, indeed, except poor Britannia, who
- hung down hers in the most ungoddess-like manner imaginable. The first
- song was the old Scotch air of “Logie of Buchan,” of which the girl sang
- one single stanza forty times over. But the second was in praise of the
- Hero of Heroes; so I gave the songstress a dollar to teach it to me, and
- drink the Duke’s health. It was not easy to make out what she said, but as
- well as I could understand them, the words ran as follows:—
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- “Come, rise up, our gentry,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And hear about Waterloo;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Ladies, take your spy-glass,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And attend to what we do;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- For one and one makes two,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- But one alone must be.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Then singee, singee Waterloo,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- None so brave as he!”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- —and then there came something about green and white flowers, and a
- Duchess, and a lily-white Pig, and going on board of a dashing man of war;
- but what they all had to do with the Duke, or with each other, I could not
- make even a guess. I was going to ask for an explanation, but suddenly
- half of them gave a shout loud enough “to fright the realms of Chaos and
- old Night,” and away they flew, singers, dancers, and all. The cause of
- this was the sudden illumination of the town with quantities of large
- chandeliers and bushes, the branches of which were stuck all over with
- great blazing torches: the effect was really beautiful, and the excessive
- rapture of the black multitude at the spectacle was as well worth the
- witnessing as the sight itself.
- </p>
- <p>
- I never saw so many people who appeared to be so unaffectedly happy. In
- England, at fairs and races, half the visiters at least seem to have been
- only brought there for the sake of traffic, and to be too busy to be
- amused; but here nothing was thought of but real pleasure; and that
- pleasure seemed to consist in singing, dancing, and laughing, in seeing
- and being seen, in showing their own fine clothes, or in admiring those of
- others. There were no people selling or buying; no servants and landladies
- bustling and passing about; and at eight o’clock, as we passed through the
- market-place, where was the greatest illumination, and which, of course,
- was most thronged, I did not see a single person drunk, nor had I observed
- a single quarrel through the course of the day; except, indeed, when some
- thoughtless fellow crossed the line of the procession, and received by the
- way a good box of the ear from the Queen or one of her attendant
- Duchesses. Every body made the same remark to me; “Well, sir, what do you
- think Mr. Wilberforce would think of the state of the negroes, if he could
- see this scene?” and certainly, to judge by this one specimen, of all
- beings that I have yet seen, these were the happiest. As we were passing
- to our boat, through the market-place, suddenly we saw Miss Edwards dart
- out of the crowd, and seize the Captain’s arm—“Captain! Captain!”
- cried she, “for the love of Heaven, only look at the <i>Red</i> lights!
- Old iron hoops, nothing but old iron hoops, I declare! Well! for my part!”
- and then, with a contemptuous toss of her head, away frisked Miss Edwards
- triumphantly.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 2.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The St. Elizabeth, which sailed from England at the same time with our
- vessel, was attacked by a pirate from Carthagena, near the rocks of
- Alcavella, who attempted three times to board her, though he was at length
- beaten off so that our Piccaroon preparations were by no means taken
- without foundation.
- </p>
- <p>
- At four o’clock this morning I embarked in the cutter for Savannah la Mar,
- lighted by the most beautiful of all possible morning stars: certainly, if
- this star be really Lucifer, that “Son of the Morning,” the Devil must be
- “an extremely pretty fellow.” But in spite of the fineness of the morning,
- our passage was a most disagreeable concern: there was a violent swell in
- the sea; and a strong north wind, though it carried us forward with great
- rapidity, overwhelmed us with whole sheets of foam so incessantly, that I
- expected, as soon as the sun should have evaporated the moisture, to see
- the boat’s crew covered with salt, and looking like so many Lot’s wives
- after her metamorphosis.
- </p>
- <p>
- The distance was about thirty miles, and soon after nine o’clock we
- reached Savannah la Mar, where I found my trustee, and a whole cavalcade,
- waiting to conduct me to my own estate; for he had brought with him a
- curricle and pair for myself a gig for my servant, two black boys upon
- mules, and a cart with eight oxen to convey my baggage. The road was
- excellent, and we had not above five miles to travel; and as soon as the
- carriage entered my gates, the uproar and confusion which ensued sets all
- description at defiance. The works were instantly all abandoned; every
- thing that had life came flocking to the house from all quarters; and not
- only the men, and the women, and the children, but, “by a bland
- assimilation,” the hogs, and the dogs, and the geese, and the fowls, and
- the turkeys, all came hurrying along by instinct, to see what could
- possibly be the matter, and seemed to be afraid of arriving too late.
- Whether the pleasure of the negroes was sincere may be doubted; but
- certainly it was the loudest that I ever witnessed: they all talked
- together, sang, danced, shouted, and, in the violence of their
- gesticulations, tumbled over each other, and rolled about upon the ground.
- Twenty voices at once enquired after uncles, and aunts, and grandfathers,
- and great-grandmothers of mine, who had been buried long before I was in
- existence, and whom, I verily believe, most of them only knew by
- tradition. One woman held up her little naked black child to me, grinning
- from ear to ear;—“Look, Massa, look here! him nice lilly neger for
- Massa!” Another complained,—“So long since none come see we, Massa;
- good Massa, come at last.” As for the old people, they were all in one and
- the same story: now they had lived once to see Massa, they were ready for
- dying to-morrow, “them no care.”
- </p>
- <p>
- The shouts, the gaiety, the wild laughter, their strange and sudden bursts
- of singing and dancing, and several old women, wrapped up in large cloaks,
- their heads bound round with different-coloured handkerchiefs, leaning on
- a staff, and standing motionless in the middle of the hubbub, with their
- eyes fixed upon the portico which I occupied, formed an exact counterpart
- of the festivity of the witches in Macbeth. Nothing could be more odd or
- more novel than the whole scene; and yet there was something in it by
- which I could not help being affected; perhaps it was the consciousness
- that all these human beings were my <i>slaves</i>;—to be sure, I
- never saw people look more happy in my life; and I believe their condition
- to be much more comfortable than that of the labourers of Great Britain;
- and, after all, slavery, in <i>their</i> case, is but another name for
- servitude, now that no more negroes can be forcibly carried away from
- Africa, and subjected to the horrors of the voyage, and of the seasoning
- after their arrival: but still I had already experienced, in the morning,
- that Juliet was wrong in saying “What’s in a name?” For soon after my
- reaching the lodging-house at Savannah la Mar, a remarkably cleanlooking
- negro lad presented himself with some water and a towel: I concluded him
- to belong to the inn; and, on my returning the towel, as he found that I
- took no notice of him, he at length ventured to introduce himself, by
- saying,—“Massa not know me; <i>me your slave!</i>”—and really
- the sound made me feel a pang at the heart. The lad appeared all gaiety
- and good humour, and his whole countenance expressed anxiety to recommend
- himself to my notice; but the word “slave” seemed to imply, that, although
- he did feel pleasure then in serving me, if he had detested me he must
- have served me still. I really felt quite humiliated at the moment, and
- was tempted to tell him,—“Do not say that again; say that you are my
- negro, but do not call yourself my slave.”
- </p>
- <p>
- Altogether, they shouted and sang me into a violent headach. It is now one
- in the morning, and I hear them still shouting and singing. I gave them a
- holiday for Saturday next, and told them that I had brought them all
- presents from England; and so, I believe, we parted very good friends.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 3.
- </h3>
- <p>
- I have reached Jamaica in the best season for seeing my property in a
- favourable point of view; it is crop time, when all the laborious work is
- over, and the negroes are the most healthy and merry. This morning I went
- to visit the hospital, and found there only eight patients out of three
- hundred negroes, and not one of them a serious case. Yesterday I had
- observed a remarkably handsome Creole girl, called Psyche, and she really
- deserved the name. This morning a little brown girl made her appearance at
- breakfast, with an orange bough, to flap away the flies, and, on enquiry,
- she proved to be an emanation of the aforesaid Psyche. It is evident,
- therefore, that Psyche has already visited the palace of Cupid; I heartily
- hope that she is not now upon her road to the infernal regions: but, as
- the ancients had two Cupids, one divine and the other sensual, so am I in
- possession of two Psyches; and on visiting the hospital, <i>there</i> was
- poor Psyche the second. Probably this was the Psyche of the sensual Cupid.
- </p>
- <p>
- I passed the morning in driving about the estate: my house is frightful to
- look at, but very clean and comfortable on the inside; some of the scenery
- is very picturesque, from the lively green of the trees and shrubs, and
- the hermitage-like appearance of the negro buildings, all situated in
- little gardens, and embosomed in sweet-smelling shrubberies. Indeed, every
- thing appears much better than I expected; the negroes seem healthy and
- contented, and so perfectly at their ease, that our English squires would
- be mightily astonished at being accosted so familiarly by their farmers.
- This delightful north wind keeps the air temperate and agreeable. I live
- upon shaddocks and pine-apples. The dreaded mosquitoes are not worse than
- gnats, nor as bad as the Sussex harvest-bugs; and, as yet, I never felt
- myself in more perfect health. There was a man once, who fell from the top
- of a steeple; and, perceiving no inconvenience in his passage through the
- air,—“Come,” said he to himself, while in the act of falling,
- “really this is well enough yet if it would but last.” Cubina, my young
- Savannah la Mar acquaintance, is appointed my black attendant; and as I
- had desired him to bring me any native flowers of Jamaica, this evening he
- brought me a very pretty one; the negroes, he said, called it
- “John-to-Heal,” but in white language it was <i>hoccoco-pickang</i>; it
- proved to be the wild Ipecacuanha.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 4.
- </h3>
- <p>
- There were three things against which I was particularly cautioned, and
- which three things I was determined <i>not</i> to do: to take exercise
- after ten in the day; to be exposed to the dews after sun-down; and to
- sleep at a Jamaica lodging-house. So, yesterday, I set off for Montego Bay
- at eight o’clock in the morning, and travelled till three; walked home
- from a ball after midnight; and that home was a lodging-house at Montego
- Bay; but the lodging-house was such a cool clean lodging-house, and the
- landlady was such an obliging smiling landlady, with the whitest of all
- possible teeth, and the blackest of all possible eyes, that no harm could
- happen to me from occupying an apartment which had been prepared by <i>her</i>.
- She was called out of her bed to make my room ready for me; yet she did
- every thing with so much good-will and cordiality; no quick answers, no
- mutterings: inns would be bowers of Paradise, if they were all rented by
- mulatto landladies, like Judy James.
- </p>
- <p>
- I was much pleased with the scenery of Montego Bay, and with the neatness
- and cleanliness of the town; indeed, what with the sea washing it, and the
- picturesque aspect of the piazzas and verandas, it is impossible for a
- West Indian town so situated, and in such a climate, not to present an
- agreeable appearance. But the first part of the road exceeds in beauty all
- that I have ever seen: it wound through mountain lands of my own, their
- summits of the boldest, and at the same time of the most beautiful shapes;
- their sides ornamented with bright green woods of bamboo, logwood,
- prickly-yellow, broad-leaf, and trumpet trees; and so completely covered
- with the most lively verdure, that once, when we found a piece of barren
- rock, Cubina pointed it out to me as a curiosity;—“Look, massa, rock
- quite naked!” The cotton-tree presented itself on all sides; but as this
- is the season for its shedding its leaves, its wide-spreading bare white
- arms contributed nothing to the beauty of the scene, except where the wild
- fig and various creeping plants had completely mantled the stems and
- branches; and then its gigantic height, and the fantastic wreathings of
- its limbs, from which numberless green withes and strings of wild flowers
- were streaming, rendered it exactly the very tree for which a
- landscape-painter would have wished. The air, too, was delicious; the
- fragrance of the Sweet-wood, and of several other scented trees, but above
- all, of the delicious Logwood (of which most of the fences in Westmoreland
- are made) composed an atmosphere, such, that if Satan, after promising
- them “a buxom air, embalmed with odours,” had transported Sin and Death
- thither, the charming couple must have acknowledged their papa’s promises
- fulfilled.
- </p>
- <p>
- We travelled these first ten miles (Montego Bay being about thirty from my
- estate of Cornwall) without seeing a human creature, nor, indeed, any
- thing that had life in it, except a black snake basking in the sunshine,
- and a few John Crows——a species of vulture, whose utility is
- so great that its destruction is prohibited by law under a heavy penalty.
- In a country where putrefaction is so rapid, it is of infinite consequence
- to preserve an animal which, if a bullock or horse falls dead in the
- field, immediately flies to the carcass before it has time to corrupt, and
- gobbles it up before you can say “John Crow,” much less Jack Robinson. The
- bite of the black snake is slightly venomous, but that is all; as to the
- great yellow one, it is perfectly innoxious, and so timid that it always
- runs away from you. The only dangerous species of serpent is the
- Whip-snake, so called from its exactly resembling the lash of a whip, in
- length, thinness, pliability, and whiteness; but even the bite of this is
- not mortal, except from very great neglect. The most beautiful tree, or,
- rather, group of trees, all to nothing, is the Bamboo, both from its
- verdure and from its elegance of form: as to the Cotton tree, it answers
- no purpose, either of ornament or utility; or, rather, it is not suffered
- to answer any, since it is forbidden by law to export its down, lest it
- should hurt the fur trade in the manufacture of hats: its only present use
- is to furnish the negroes with canoes, which are hollowed out of its
- immense trunks. I am as yet so much enchanted with the country, that it
- would require no very strong additional inducements to make me establish
- myself here altogether; and in that case my first care would be to build
- for myself a cottage among these mountains, in which I might pass the
- sultry months,
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “E bruna-si; ma il bruno il bel non toglie.”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 5.
- </h3>
- <p>
- As I was returning; this morning; from Montego Bay, about a mile from my
- own estate, a figure presented itself before me, I really think the most
- picturesque that I ever beheld: it was a mulatto girl, born upon Cornwall,
- but whom the overseer of a neighbouring estate had obtained my permission
- to exchange for another slave, as well as two little children, whom she
- had borne to him; but, as yet, he has been unable to procure a substitute,
- owing to the difficulty of purchasing single negroes, and Mary Wiggins is
- still my slave. However, as she is considered as being manumitted, she had
- not dared to present herself at Cornwall on my arrival, lest she should
- have been considered as an intruder; but she now threw herself in my way
- to tell me how glad she was to see me, for that she had always thought
- till now (which is the general complaint) that “<i>she had no massa</i>”
- and also to obtain a regular invitation to my negro festival tomorrow. By
- this universal complaint, it appears that, while Mr. Wilberforce is
- lamenting their hard fate in being subject to a master, <i>their</i>
- greatest fear is the not having a master whom they know; and that to be
- told by the negroes of another estate that “they belong to no massa,” is
- one of the most contemptuous reproaches that can be cast upon them. Poor
- creatures, when they happened to hear on Wednesday evening that my
- carriage was ordered for Montego Bay the next morning, they fancied that I
- was going away for good and all, and came up to the house in such a
- hubbub, that my agent was obliged to speak to them, and pacify them with
- the assurance that I should come back on Friday without fail.
- </p>
- <p>
- But to return to Mary Wiggins: she was much too pretty not to obtain her
- invitation to Cornwall; on the contrary, I <i>insisted</i> upon her
- coming, and bade her tell her <i>husband</i> that I admired his taste very
- much for having chosen her. I really think that her form and features were
- the most <i>statue-like</i> that I ever met with: her complexion had no
- yellow in it, and yet was not brown enough to be dark—it was more of
- an ash-dove colour than any thing else; her teeth were admirable, both for
- colour and shape; her eyes equally mild and bright; and her face merely
- broad enough to give it all possible softness and grandness of contour:
- her air and countenance would have suited Yarico; but she reminded me most
- of Grassini in “La Vergine del Sole,” only that Mary Wiggins was a
- thousand times more beautiful, and that, instead of a white robe, she wore
- a mixed dress of brown, white, and dead yellow, which harmonised
- excellently well with her complexion while one of her beautiful arms was
- thrown across her brow to shade her eyes, and a profusion of rings on her
- fingers glittered in the sunbeams. Mary Wiggins and an old Cotton-tree are
- the most picturesque objects that I have seen for these twenty years.
- </p>
- <p>
- On my arrival at home, my agent made me a very elegant little present of a
- scorpion and a couple of centipedes: the first was given to him, but the
- large centipede he had shaken out of a book last night, and having
- immediately covered her up in a phial of rum, he found this morning that
- she had produced a young one, which was lying drowned by her side.
- </p>
- <p>
- I find that my negroes were called away from their attention to the works
- yesterday evening (for the crop is now making with the greatest activity),
- and kept up all night by a fire at a neighbouring estate. On these
- occasions a fire-shell is blown, and all the negroes of the adjoining
- plantations hasten to give their assistance. On this occasion the fire was
- extinguished with the loss of only five negro houses; but this is a heavy
- concern to the poor negro proprietors, who have lost in it their whole
- stock of clothes, and furniture, and finery, which they had been
- accumulating for years, and to which their attachment is excessive.
- </p>
- <h3>
- LANDING.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- When first I gain’d the Atlantic shore,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And bade farewell to ocean’s roar,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- What gracious power my bosom eased,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- My senses soothed, my fancy pleased,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And bade me feel, in whispers bland,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No Stranger in a Stranger-land?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- <i>’</i>T was not at length my goal to reach,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And tread Jamaica’s burning beach:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- <i>’</i>T was not from Neptune’s chains discharged,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To move, think, feel with powers enlarged:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor that no more my bed the wave,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Ere morning dawn’d, might prove my grave:—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A livelier chord was struck: a spell,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- While heav’d my heart with gentle swell,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Crept o’er my soul with magic sweet,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And made each pulse responsive beat.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- No Sheep-bell e’er to Pilgrim’s ear,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Wandering in woods unknown and drear;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No midnight lay to Spanish maid,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Conscious by whom the lute was played;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Not on the breeze the sounding wings
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Of him who nurture homeward brings
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To mother-bird, whose callow brood
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Pain her fond heart with chirps for food,—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- E’er seem’d more charming than to me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- (When two long months had past at sea,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- During whose course my thirsty ear
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No softer voice, no strain could hear
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nearer allied to love and pity,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Than the strong bass of seaman’s ditty,)
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Seem’d by the sea-gale round me flung,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Approaching sounds of female tongue!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- No, Venus, no! Small right hast thou
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To claim for this my grateful vow;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor on thine altar now bestows
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- My hand the gift of one poor rose!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No eager glance, no heighten’d dye
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Blush’d on my cheek, nor fired mine eye;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I heard, nor felt, at each soft note,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Flutter my heart, and swell my throat.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Those sounds but spoke of bosom-balm,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Of pity prompt and kindness calm;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Of tender care, of anxious zeal;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- For here were breasts whose hearts could feel!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- <i>’</i>T was as to guest in stranger halls
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- If voice of friend a welcome calls:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Such pleasure soothes the starting maid,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Who finds some jewel long mislaid;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Pleasure, which blessed dew supplies,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To ease the heart, and float the eyes;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- As when in pain attentions prove
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A mother’s care, a sister’s love.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To Woman, Life its value owes!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Robb’d of her love, its dawn and close
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Would find nor aid, nor soothing care;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Its middle course no joys would share.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Childhood in vain would thirst and cry,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And Age, unheeded, moan and die;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And Manhood frown to see the hours
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Weave scentless wreaths unblest with flowers.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- It beam’d on cheek of sable dye;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No matter, since <i>’</i>t was <i>woman’s</i> eye!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Each phrase the tortured language broke;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Enough for me—<i>’</i>t was <i>woman</i> spoke!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Once raven locks my temples wore;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Time has pluck’d many, sorrow more:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Through forty springs (thank God they’re run)
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- These weary eyes have seen the sun;
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And in that space full room is found
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- For flowers to fade, and thorns to wound.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- But now, (all fancy’s freaks supprest,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Each thread-bare sneer and wanton jest,)
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- With hand on heart in serious tone,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- With thanks, with truth, I needs must own,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Wide as I’ye roam’d the world around,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Roam where I would, I ever found,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The worst of Women still possest
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- More virtues than of Men the best.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And, oh! if shipwreck proves my lot,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Guide me, kind Heav’n, to some lone cot
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Where <i>woman</i> dwells! Her hand she’ll stretch
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- In pity to the stranger-wretch;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- If virtuous want mine eye surveys,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Nor mine the power his head to raise,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- I’ll pour the tale in <i>woman’s</i> ear,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- She’ll aid, and, aiding, drop a tear.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And when my life-blood sickness drains,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And racks my nerves, and fires my brains,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- What kinder juice, what livelier power,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Than mineral yields, or opiate flower,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Can make me e’en in pain rejoice?—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- A few sweet words in that sweet voice!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 6.
- </h3>
- <p>
- This was the day given to my negroes as a festival on my arrival. A couple
- of heifers were slaughtered for them: they were allowed as much rum, and
- sugar, and noise, and dancing as they chose; and as to the two latter,
- certainly they profited by the permission. About two o’clock they began to
- assemble round the house, all drest in their holiday clothes, which, both
- for men and women, were chiefly white; only that the women were decked out
- with a profusion of beads and corals, and gold ornaments of all
- descriptions; and that while the blacks wore jackets, the mulattoes
- generally wore cloth coats; and inasmuch as they were all plainly clean
- instead of being shabbily fashionable, and affected to be nothing except
- that which they really were, they looked twenty times more like gentlemen
- than nine tenths of the bankers’ clerks who swagger up and down Bond
- Street. It is a custom as to the mulatto children, that the males born on
- an estate should never be employed as field negroes, but as tradesmen; the
- females are brought up as domestics about the house. I had particularly
- invited “Mr. John-Canoe” (which I found to be the polite manner in which
- the negroes spoke of him), and there arrived a couple of very gay and
- gaudy ones. I enquired whether one of them was “John-Crayfish;” but I was
- told that John-Crayfish was John-Ca-noe’s rival and enemy, and might
- belong to the factions of “the Blues and the Reds;” but on Cornwall they
- were all friends, and therefore there were only the father and the son—-Mr.
- John-Canoe, senior, and Mr. John-Canoe, junior.
- </p>
- <p>
- The person who gave me this information was a young mulatto carpenter,
- called Nicholas, whom I had noticed in the crowd, on my first arrival, for
- his clean appearance and intelligent countenance; and he now begged me to
- notice the smaller of the two John-Canoe machines. “To be sure,” he said,
- “it was not so large nor so showy as the other, but then it was much
- better <i>proportioned</i> (his own word), and altogether much prettier;”
- and he said so much in praise of it, that I asked him whether he knew the
- maker? and then out came the motive: “Oh, yes! it was made by John Fuller,
- who lived in the next house to him, and worked in the same shop, and
- indeed they were just like brothers.” So I desired to see his <i>fidas
- Achates</i>, and he brought me as smart and intelligent a little fellow as
- eye ever beheld, who came grinning from ear to ear to tell me that he had
- made every bit of the canoe with his own hands, and had set to work upon
- it the moment that he knew of massa’s coming to Jamaica. And indeed it was
- as fine as paint, pasteboard, gilt paper, and looking-glass could make it!
- Unluckily, the breeze being very strong blew off a fine glittering
- umbrella, surmounted with a plume of John Crow feathers, which crowned the
- top; and a little wag of a negro boy whipped it up, clapped it upon his
- head, and performed the part of an impromptu Mr. John-Canoe with so much
- fun and grotesqueness, that he fairly beat the original performers out of
- the pit, and carried off all the applause of the spectators, and a couple
- of my dollars. The John-Canoes are fitted out at the expense of the rich
- negroes, who afterwards share the money collected from the spectators
- during their performance, allotting one share to the representator
- himself; and it is usual for the master of the estate to give them a
- couple of guineas apiece.
- </p>
- <p>
- This Nicholas, whom I mentioned, is a very interesting person, both from
- his good looks and gentle manners, and from his story. He is the son of a
- white man, who on his death-bed charged his nephew and heir to purchase
- the freedom of this natural child. The nephew had promised to do so; I had
- consented; nothing was necessary but to find the substitute (which now is
- no easy matter); when about six months ago the nephew broke his neck, and
- the property went to a distant relation. Application in behalf of poor
- Nicholas has been made to the heir, and I heartily hope that he will
- enable me to release him. I felt strongly tempted to set him at liberty at
- once; but if I were to begin in that way, there would be no stopping; and
- it would be doing a kindness to an individual at the expense of all my
- other negroes—others would expect the same; and then I must either
- contrive to cultivate my estate with fewer hands—or must cease to
- cultivate it altogether—and, from inability to maintain them, send
- my negroes to seek bread for themselves—which, as two thirds of them
- have been born upon the estate, and many of them are lame, dropsical, and
- of a great age, would, of all misfortunes that could happen to them, be
- the most cruel. Even when Nicholas was speaking to me about his liberty,
- he said, “It is not that I wish to go away, sir; it is only for the name
- and honour of being free: but I would always stay here and be your
- servant; and I had rather be an under-workman on Cornwall, than a head
- carpenter any where else.” Possibly, this was all palaver (in which the
- negroes are great dealers), but at least he <i>seemed</i> to be sincere;
- and I was heartily grieved that I could not allow myself to say more to
- him than that I sincerely wished him to get his liberty, and would receive
- the very lowest exchange for him that common prudence would authorize. And
- even for those few kind words, the poor fellow seemed to think it
- impossible to find means strong enough to express his gratitude.
- </p>
- <p>
- Nor is this the only instance in which Nicholas has been unlucky. It seems
- that he was the first lover of the beautiful Psyche, whom I had noticed on
- my arrival. This evening, after the performance of the John-Canoes, I
- desired to see some of the girls dance; and by general acclamation Psyche
- was brought forward to exhibit, she being avowedly the best dancer on the
- estate; and certainly nothing could be more light, graceful, easy, and
- spirited, than her performance. She perfectly answered the description of
- Sallust’s Sempronia, who was said—“Sal tare elegantius, quam necesse
- est probæ, et cui cariora semper omnia, quam decus et pudicitia fuit.”
- When her dance was over, I called her to me, and gave her a handful of
- silver. “Ah, Psyche,” said Nicholas, who was standing at my elbow, “Massa
- no give you all that if massa know you so bad girl! she run away from me,
- massa!” Psyche gave him a kind of pouting look, half kind, and half
- reproachful, and turned away. And then he told me that Psyche had been his
- wife (<i>one</i> of his wives he should have said); that he had had a
- child by her, and then she had left him for one of my “white people” (as
- they call the book-keepers), because he had a good salary, and could
- afford to give her more presents than a slave could. “Was there not
- another reason for your quarrelling?” said my agent. “Was there not a
- shade of colour too much?”—“Oh, massa!” answered Nicholas, “the
- child is not my own, that is certain; it is a black man’s child. But still
- I will always take care of the child because it have no friends, and me
- wish make it good neger for massa—and <i>she</i> take good care of
- it too,” he added, throwing his arm round the waist of a sickly-looking
- woman rather in years; “she my wife, too, massa, long ago; old now and
- sick, but always good to me, so I still live with her, and will never
- leave her, never, massa; she Polly’s mother, sir.” Polly is a pretty,
- delicate-looking girl, nursing a young child; she belongs to the
- mansion-house, and seems to think it as necessary a part of her duty to
- nurse <i>me</i> as the child. To be sure she has not as yet insisted upon
- suckling me; but if I open a <i>jalousie</i> in the evening, Polly walks
- in and shuts it without saying a word. “Oh, don’t shut the window, Polly.”—“Night-air
- not good for massa;” and she shuts the casement without mercy. I am
- drinking orangeade, or some such liquid; Polly walks up to the table, and
- seizes it; “Leave that jug, Polly, I am dying with thirst.”—“More
- hurt, massa;” and away go Polly and the orangeade. So that I begin to
- fancy myself Sancho in Barataria, and that Polly is the Señor Doctor Pedro
- in petticoats.
- </p>
- <p>
- The difference of colour, which had offended Nicholas so much in Psyche’s
- child, is a fault which no mulatto will pardon; nor can the separation of
- castes in India be more rigidly observed, than that of complexional shades
- among the Creoles. My black page, Cubina, is married: I told him that I
- hoped he had married a pretty woman; why had he not married Mary Wiggins?
- He seemed quite shocked at the very idea. “Oh, massa, me black, Mary
- Wiggins sambo; that not allowed.”
- </p>
- <p>
- The dances performed to-night seldom admitted more than three persons at a
- time: to me they appeared to be movements entirely dictated by the caprice
- of the moment; but I am told that there is a regular figure, and that the
- least mistake, or a single false step, is immediately noticed by the rest.
- I could indeed sometimes fancy, that one story represented an old duenna
- guarding a girl from a lover; and another, the pursuit of a young woman by
- two suitors, the one young and the other old; but this might be only
- fancy. However, I am told, that they have dances which not only represent
- courtship and marriage, but being brought to bed. Their music consisted of
- nothing but Gambys (Eboe drums), Shaky-shekies, and Kitty-katties: the
- latter is nothing but any flat piece of board beat upon with two sticks,
- and the former is a bladder with a parcel of pebbles in it. But the
- principal part of the music to which they dance is vocal; one girl
- generally singing two lines by herself, and being answered by a chorus. To
- make out either the rhyme of the air, or meaning of the words, was out of
- the question. But one very long song was about the Duke of Wellington,
- every stanza being chorussed with,
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- “Ay! hey-day! Waterloo!
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Waterloo! ho! ho! ho!”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- <i>I</i> too had a great deal to do in the business, for every third word
- was “massa;” though how I came there, I have no more idea than the Duke.
- </p>
- <p>
- The singing began about six o’clock, and lasted without a moment’s pause
- till two in the morning; and such a noise never did I hear till then. The
- whole of the floor which was not taken up by the dancers was, through
- every part of the house except the bed-rooms, occupied by men, women, and
- children, fast asleep. But although they were allowed rum and sugar by
- whole pailfuls, and were most of them <i>merry</i> in consequence, there
- was not one of them drunk; except indeed, one person, and that was an old
- woman, who sang, and shouted, and tossed herself about in an elbow chair,
- till she tumbled it over, and rolled about the room in a manner which
- shocked the delicacy of even the least prudish part of the company. At
- twelve, my agent wanted to dismiss them; but I would not suffer them to be
- interrupted on the first holiday that I had given them; so they continued
- to dance and shout till two; when human nature could bear no more, and
- they left me to my bed, and a violent headache.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 7. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- In spite of their exertions of last night, the negroes were again with me
- by two o’clock in the day, with their drums and their chorusses. However,
- they found themselves unable to keep it up as they had done on the former
- night, and were content to withdraw to their own houses by ten in the
- evening. But first they requested to have tomorrow to themselves, in order
- that they might go to the mountains for provisions. For although their
- cottages are always surrounded with trees and shrubs, their provision
- grounds are kept quite distinct, and are at a distance among the
- mountains. Of course, I made no difficulty of acceding to their request,
- but upon condition, that they should ask for no more holidays till the
- crop should be completed. For the purpose of cultivating their
- provision-grounds, they are allowed every Saturday; but on the occasion of
- my arrival, they obtained permission to have the Saturday to themselves,
- and to fetch their week’s provisions from the mountains on the following
- Monday. All the slaves maintain themselves in this manner by their own
- labour; even the domestic attendants are not exempted, but are expected to
- feed themselves, except stated allowances of salt fish, salt pork, &c.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 8.
- </h3>
- <p>
- I really believe that the negresses can produce children at pleasure; and
- where they are barren, it is just as hens will frequently not lay eggs on
- shipboard, because they do not like their situation. Cubina’s wife is in a
- family way, and I told him that if the child should live, I would christen
- it for him, if he wished it. “Tank you, kind massa, me like it very much:
- much oblige if massa do that for <i>me</i>, too.” So I promised to baptize
- the father and the baby on the same day, and said that I would be
- godfather to any children that might be born on the estate during my
- residence in Jamaica. This was soon spread about, and although I have not
- yet been here a week, two women are in the straw already, Jug Betty and
- Minerva: the first is wife to my head driver, the Duke of Sully; but my
- sense of propriety was much gratified at finding that Minerva’s husband
- was called Captain.
- </p>
- <p>
- I think nobody will be able to accuse me of neglecting the religious
- education of my negroes: for I have not only promised to baptize all the
- infants, but, meeting a little black boy this morning, who said that his
- name was Moses, I gave him a piece of silver, and told him that it was for
- the sake of Aaron; which, I flatter myself, was planting in his young mind
- the rudiments of Christianity.
- </p>
- <p>
- In my evening’s drive I met the negroes, returning from the mountains,
- with baskets of provisions sufficient to last them for the week. By law
- they are only allowed every other Saturday for the purpose of cultivating
- their own grounds, which, indeed, is sufficient; but by giving them every
- alternate Saturday into the bargain, it enables them to perform their task
- with so much ease as almost converts it into an amusement; and the
- frequent visiting their grounds makes them grow habitually as much
- attached to them as they are to their houses and gardens. It is also
- adviseable for them to bring home only a week’s provisions at a time,
- rather than a fortnight’s; for they are so thoughtless and improvident,
- that, when they find themselves in possession of a larger supply than is
- requisite for their immediate occasions, they will sell half to the
- wandering higglers, or at Savanna la Mar, in exchange for spirits; and
- then, at the end of the week, they find themselves entirely unprovided
- with food, and come to beg a supply from the master’s storehouse.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 9.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The sensitive plant is a great nuisance in Jamaica: it over-runs the
- pastures, and, being armed with very strong sharp prickles, it wounds the
- mouths of the cattle, and, in some places, makes it quite impossible for
- them to feed. Various endeavours have been made to eradicate this
- inconvenient weed, but none as yet have proved effectual.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 10.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The houses here are generally built and arranged according to one and the
- same model. My own is of wood, partly raised upon pillars; it consists of
- a single floor: a long gallery, called a piazza, terminated at each end by
- a square room, runs the whole length of the house. On each side of the
- piazza is a range of bed-rooms, and the porticoes of the two fronts form
- two more rooms, with balustrades, and flights of steps descending to the
- lawn. The whole house is virandoed with shifting Venetian blinds to admit
- air; except that one of the end rooms has sash-windows on account of the
- rains, which, when they arrive, are so heavy, and shift with the wind so
- suddenly from the one side to the other, that all the blinds are obliged
- to be kept closed; consequently the whole house is in total darkness
- during their continuance, except the single sash-windowed room. There is
- nothing underneath except a few store-rooms and a kind of waiting-hall;
- but none of the domestic negroes sleep in the house, all going home at
- night to their respective cottages and families.
- </p>
- <p>
- Cornwall House itself stands on a dead flat, and the works are built in
- its immediate neighbourhood, for the convenience of their being the more
- under the agent’s personal inspection (a point of material consequence
- with them all, but more particularly for the hospital). This dead flat is
- only ornamented with a few scattered bread-fruit and cotton trees, a grove
- of mangoes, and the branch of a small river, which turns the mill. Several
- of these buildings are ugly enough; but the shops of the cooper,
- carpenter, and blacksmith, some of the trees in their vicinity, and the
- negro-huts, embowered in shrubberies, and groves of oranges, plantains,
- cocoas, and pepper-trees, would be reckoned picturesque in the most
- ornamented grounds. A large spreading tamarind fronts me at this moment,
- and overshadows the stables, which are formed of open wickerwork; and an
- orange-tree, loaded with fruit, grows against the window at which I am
- writing.
- </p>
- <p>
- On three sides of the landscape the prospect is bounded by lofty purple
- mountains; and the variety of occupations going on all around me, and at
- the same time, give an inconceivable air of life and animation to the
- whole scene, especially as all those occupations look clean,—even
- those which in England look dirty. All the tradespeople are dressed either
- in white jackets and trousers, or with stripes of red and sky-blue. One
- band of negroes are carrying the ripe canes on their heads to the mill;
- another set are conveying away the <i>trash</i>, after the juice has been
- extracted; flocks of turkeys are sheltering from the heat under the trees;
- the river is filled with ducks and geese; the coopers and carpenters are
- employed about the puncheons; carts drawn some by six, others by eight,
- oxen, are bringing loads of Indian corn from the fields; the black
- children are employed in gathering it into the granary, and in quarrelling
- with pigs as black as themselves, who are equally busy in stealing the
- corn whenever the children are looking another way: in short, a plantation
- possesses all the movement and interest of a farm, without its dung, and
- its stench, and its dirty accompaniments.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 11.
- </h3>
- <p>
- I saw the whole process of sugar-making this morning. The ripe canes are
- brought in bundles to the mill, where the cleanest of the women are
- appointed, one to put them into the machine for grinding them, and another
- to draw them out after the juice has been extracted, when she throws them
- into an opening in the floor close to her; another band of negroes
- collects them below, when, under the name of <i>trash</i>, they are
- carried away to serve for fuel. The juice, which is itself at first of a
- pale ash-colour, gushes out in great streams, quite white with foam, and
- passes through a wooden gutter into the boiling-house, where it is
- received into the siphon or “cock copper.” where fire is applied to it,
- and it is slaked with lime, in order to make it granulate. The feculent
- parts of it rise to the top, while the purer and more fluid flow through
- another gutter into the second copper. When little but the impure scum on
- the surface remains to be drawn off, the first gutter communicating with
- the copper is stopped, and the grosser parts are obliged to find a new
- course through another gutter, which conveys them to the distillery,
- where, being mixed with the molasses, or treacle, they are manufactured
- into rum. From the second copper they are transmitted into the first, and
- thence into two others, and in these four latter basins the scum is
- removed with skimmers pierced with holes, till it becomes sufficiently
- free from impurities to be <i>skipped off</i>, that is, to be again ladled
- out of the coppers and spread into the coolers, where it is left to
- granulate. The sugar is then formed, and is removed into the <i>curing-house</i>,
- where it is put into hogsheads, and left to settle for a certain time,
- during which those parts which are too poor and too liquid to granulate,
- drip from the casks into vessels placed beneath them: these drippings are
- the molasses, which, being carried into the distillery, and mixed with the
- coarser scum formerly mentioned, form that mixture from which the
- spirituous liquor of sugar is afterwards produced by fermentation: when
- but once distilled, it is called “low wine;” and it is not till after it
- has gone through a second distillation, that it acquires the name of rum.
- The “trash” used for fuel consists of the empty canes, that which is
- employed for fodder and for thatching is furnished by the superabundant
- cane-tops; after so many have been set apart as are required for planting.
- After these original plants have been cut, their roots throw up suckers,
- which, in time, become canes, and are called <i>ratoons</i>: they are far
- inferior in juice to the planted canes; but then, on the other hand, they
- require much less weeding, and spare the negroes the only laborious part
- of the business of sugar-making, the digging holes for the plants;
- therefore, although an acre of ratoons will produce but one hogshead of
- sugar, while an acre of plants will produce two, the superiority of the
- ratooned piece is very great, inasmuch as the saving of time and labour
- will enable the proprietor to cultivate five acres of ratoons in the same
- time with one of plants. Unluckily, after three crops, or five at the
- utmost, in general the ratoons are totally exhausted, and you are obliged
- to have recourse to fresh plants.
- </p>
- <p>
- Last night a poor man, named Charles, who had been coachman to my uncle
- ages ago, was brought into the hospital, having missed a step in the
- boiling-house, and plunged his foot into the siphon: fortunately, the fire
- had not long been kindled, and though the liquor was hot enough to scald
- him, it was not sufficiently so to do him any material injury. The old man
- had presented himself to me on Saturday’s holiday (or <i>play-day</i>, in
- the negro dialect), and had shown me, with great exultation, the coat and
- waistcoat which had been the last present of his old massa. Charles is now
- my chief mason, and, as one of the principal persons on the estate, was
- entitled, by old custom, to the compliment of a <i>distinguishing</i>
- dollar on my arrival; but at the same time that I gave him the dollar, to
- which his situation entitled him, I gave him another for himself, as a
- keepsake: he put it into the pocket of “his old massa’s” waistcoat, and
- assured me that they should never again be separated. On hearing of his
- accident, I went over to the hospital to see that he was well taken care
- of; and immediately the poor fellow began talking to me about my
- grandfather, and his young massa, and the young missies, his sisters, and
- while I suffered him to chatter away for an hour, he totally forgot the
- pain of his burnt leg.
- </p>
- <p>
- It was particularly agreeable to me to observe, on Saturday, as a proof of
- the good treatment which they had experienced, so many old servants of the
- family, many of whom had been born on the estate, and who, though turned
- of sixty and seventy, were still strong, healthy, and cheerful. Many
- manumitted negroes, also, came from other parts of the country to this
- festival, on hearing of my arrival, because, as they said,—“if they
- did not come to see massa, they were afraid that it would look ungrateful,
- and as if they cared no longer about him and Cornwall, now that they were
- free.” So they stayed two or three days on the estate, coming up to the
- house for their dinners, and going to sleep at night among their friends
- in their own former habitations, the negro huts; and when they went away,
- they assured me, that nothing should prevent their coming back to bid me
- farewell, before I left the island. All this may be palaver; but certainly
- they at least play their parts with such an air of truth, and warmth, and
- enthusiasm, that, after the cold hearts and repulsive manners of England,
- the contrast is infinitely agreeable.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Je ne vois que des yeux toujours prêts à sourire.”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- I find it quite impossible to resist the fascination of the conscious
- pleasure of pleasing; and my own heart, which I have so long been obliged
- to keep closed, seems to expand itself again in the sunshine of the kind
- looks and words which meet me at every turn, and seem to wait for mine as
- anxiously as if they were so many diamonds.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 12.
- </h3>
- <p>
- In the year ‘80, this parish of Westmoreland was kept in a perpetual state
- of alarm by a runaway negro called <i>Plato</i>, who had established
- himself among the Moreland Mountains, and collected a troop of banditti,
- of which he was himself the chief. He robbed very often, and murdered
- occasionally; but gallantry was his every day occupation. Indeed, being a
- remarkably tall athletic young fellow, among the beauties of his own
- complexion he found but few Lucretias; and his retreat in the mountains
- was as well furnished as the haram of Constantinople. Every handsome
- negress who had the slightest cause of complaint against her master, took
- the first opportunity of eloping to join <i>Plato</i>, where she found
- freedom, protection, and unbounded generosity; for he spared no pains to
- secure their affections by gratifying their vanity. Indeed, no Creole lady
- could venture out on a visit, without running the risk of having her
- bandbox run away with by Plato for the decoration of his sultanas; and if
- the maid who carried the bandbox happened to be well-looking, he ran away
- with the maid as well as the bandbox. Every endeavour to seize this
- desperado was long in vain: a large reward was put upon his head, but no
- negro dared to approach him; for, besides his acknowledged courage, he was
- a professor of Obi, and had threatened that whoever dared to lay a finger
- upon him should suffer spiritual torments, as well as be physically shot
- through the head.
- </p>
- <p>
- Unluckily for Plato, rum was an article with him of the first necessity;
- the look-out, which was kept for him, was too vigilant to admit of his
- purchasing spirituous liquors for himself; and once, when for that purpose
- he had ventured into the neighbourhood of Montego Bay, he was recognised
- by a slave, who immediately gave the alarm. Unfortunately for this poor
- fellow, whose name was Taffy, at that moment all his companions happened
- to be out of hearing; and, after the first moment’s alarm, finding that no
- one approached, the exasperated robber rushed upon him, and lifted the
- bill-hook, with which he was armed, for the purpose of cleaving his skull.
- Taffy fled for it; but Plato was the younger, the stronger, and the
- swifter of the two, and gained upon him every moment. Taffy, however, on
- the other hand, possessed that one quality by which, according to the
- fable, the cat was enabled to save herself from the hounds, when the fox,
- with his thousand tricks, was caught by them. He was an admirable climber,
- an art in which Plato possessed no skill; and a bread-nut tree, which is
- remarkably difficult of ascent, presenting itself before him, in a few
- moments Taffy was bawling for help from the very top of it. To reach him
- was impossible for his enemy; but still his destruction was hard at hand;
- for Plato began to hack the tree with his bill, and it was evident that a
- very short space of time would be sufficient to level it with the ground.
- In this dilemma, Taffy had nothing for it but to break off the branches
- near him; and he contrived to pelt these so dexterously at the head of his
- assailant, that he fairly kept him at bay till his cries at length reached
- the ears of his companions, and their approach compelled the
- banditti-captain once more to seek safety among the mountains.
- </p>
- <p>
- After this Plato no longer dared to approach Montego town; but still
- spirits must be had:—how was he to obtain them? There was an old
- watchman on the outskirts of the estate of Canaan, with whom he had
- contracted an acquaintance, and frequently had passed the night in his
- hut; the old man having been equally induced by his presents and by dread
- of his corporeal strength and supposed supernatural power, to profess the
- warmest attachment to the interests of his terrible friend. To this man
- Plato at length resolved to entrust himself: he gave him money to purchase
- spirits, and appointed a particular day when he would come to receive
- them. The reward placed upon the robber’s head was more than either
- gratitude or terror could counterbalance; and on the same day when the
- watchman set out to purchase the rum, he apprised two of his friends at
- Canaan, for whose use it was intended, and advised <i>them</i> to take the
- opportunity of obtaining the reward.
- </p>
- <p>
- The two negroes posted themselves in proper time near the watchman’s hut.
- Most unwisely, instead of sending down some of his gang, they saw Plato,
- in his full confidence in the friendship of his confidant, arrive himself
- and enter the cabin; but so great was their alarm at seeing this dreadful
- personage, that they remained in their concealment, nor dared to make an
- attempt at seizing him. The spirits were delivered to the robber: he might
- have retired with them unmolested; but, in his rashness and his eagerness
- to taste the liquor, of which he had so long been deprived, he opened the
- flagon, and swallowed draught after draught, till he sunk upon the ground
- in a state of complete insensibility. The watchman then summoned the two
- negroes from their concealment, who bound his arms, and conveyed him to
- Montego Bay, where he was immediately sentenced to execution. He died most
- heroically; kept up the terrors of his imposture to his last moment; told
- the magistrates, who condemned him, that his death should be revenged by a
- storm, which would lay waste the whole island, that year; and, when his
- negro gaoler was binding him to the stake at which he was destined to
- suffer, he assured him that he should not live long to triumph in his
- death, for that he had taken good care to Obeah him before his quitting
- the prison. It certainly did happen, strangely enough, that, before the
- year was over, the most violent storm took place ever known in Jamaica;
- and as to the gaoler, his imagination was so forcibly struck by the
- threats of the dying man, that, although every care was taken of him, the
- power of medicine exhausted, and even a voyage to America undertaken, in
- hopes that a change of scene might change the course of his ideas, still,
- from the moment of Plato’s death, he gradually pined and withered away,
- and finally expired before the completion of the twelvemonth.
- </p>
- <p>
- The belief in Obeah is now greatly weakened, but still exists in some
- degree. Not above ten months ago, my agent was informed that a negro of
- very suspicious manners and appearance was harboured by some of my people
- on the mountain lands. He found means to have him surprised, and on
- examination there was found upon him a bag containing a great variety of
- strange materials for incantations; such as thunder-stones, cat’s ears,
- the feet of various animals, human hair, fish bones, the teeth of
- alligators, &c.: he was conveyed to Montego Bay; and no sooner was it
- understood that this old African was in prison, than depositions were
- poured in from all quarters from negroes who deposed to having seen him
- exercise his magical arts, and, in particular, to his having sold such and
- such slaves medicines and charms to deliver them from their enemies;
- being, in plain English, nothing else than rank poisons. He was convicted
- of Obeah upon the most indubitable evidence. The good old practice of
- burning has fallen into disrepute; so he was sentenced to be transported,
- and was shipped off the island, to the great satisfaction of persons of
- all colours—white, black, and yellow.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 13.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Throughout the island many estates, formerly very flourishing and
- productive, have been thrown up for want of hands to cultivate them, and
- are now suffered to lie waste: four are in this situation in my own
- immediate neighbourhood. Finding their complement of negroes decrease, and
- having no means of recruiting them, proprietors of two estates have in
- numerous instances found themselves obliged to give up one of them, and
- draw off the negroes for the purpose of properly cultivating the other.
- </p>
- <p>
- I have just had an instance strikingly convincing of the extreme nicety
- required in rearing negro children. Two have been born since my arrival.
- My housekeeper was hardly ever out of the lying-in apartment; I always
- visited it myself once a day, and sometimes twice, in order that I might
- be certain of the women being well taken care of; not a day passed without
- the inspection of a physician; nothing of indulgence, that was proper for
- them, was denied; and, besides their ordinary food, the mothers received
- every day the most nourishing and palatable dish that was brought to my
- own table. Add to this, that the women themselves were kind-hearted
- creatures, and particularly anxious to rear these children, because I had
- promised to be their godfather myself. Yet, in spite of all this attention
- and indulgence, one of the mothers, during the nurse’s absence for ten
- minutes, grew alarmed at her infant’s apparent sleepiness. To rouse it,
- she began dancing and shaking it till it was in a strong perspiration, and
- then she stood with it for some minutes at an open window, while a strong
- north wind was blowing. In consequence, it caught cold, and the next
- morning symptoms of a locked jaw showed itself. The poor woman was the
- image of grief itself: she sat on her bed, looking at the child which lay
- by her side with its little hands clasped, its teeth clenched, and its
- eyes fixed, writhing in the agony of the spasm, while she was herself
- quite motionless and speechless, although the tears trickled down her
- cheeks incessantly. All assistance was fruitless: her thoughtlessness for
- five minutes had killed the infant, and, at noon to-day it expired.
- </p>
- <p>
- This woman was a tender mother, had borne ten children, and yet has now
- but one alive: another, at present in the hospital, has borne seven, and
- but one has lived to puberty; and the instances of those who have had
- four, five, six children, without succeeding in bringing up one, in spite
- of the utmost attention and indulgence, are very numerous; so heedless and
- inattentive are the best-intentioned mothers, and so subject in this
- climate are infants to dangerous complaints. The locked jaw is the common
- and most fatal one; so fatal, indeed, that the midwife (the <i>graundee</i>
- is her negro appellation) told me, the other day, “Oh, massa, till nine
- days over, we <i>no hope</i> of them.” Certainly care and kindness are not
- adequate to save the children, for the son of a sovereign could not have
- been more anxiously well treated than was the poor little negro who died
- this morning.
- </p>
- <p>
- The negroes are always buried in their own gardens, and many strange and
- fantastical ceremonies are observed on the occasion. If the corpse be that
- of a grown person, they consult it as to which way it pleases to be
- carried; and they make attempts upon various roads without success, before
- they can hit upon the right one. Till that is accomplished, they stagger
- under the weight of the coffin, struggle against its force, which draws
- them in a different direction from that in which they had settled to go;
- and sometimes in the contest the corpse and the coffin jump off the
- shoulders of the bearers. But if, as is frequently the case, any person is
- suspected of having hastened the catastrophe, the corpse will then refuse
- to go any road but the one which passes by the habitation of the suspected
- person, and as soon as it approaches his house, no human power is equal to
- persuading it to pass. As the negroes are extremely superstitious, and
- very much afraid of ghosts (whom they call the <i>duppy</i>), I rather
- wonder at their choosing to have their dead buried in their gardens; but I
- understand their argument to be, that they need only fear the duppies of
- their enemies, but have nothing to apprehend from those after death, who
- loved them in their lifetime; but the duppies of their adversaries are
- very alarming beings, equally powerful by day as by night, and who not
- only are spiritually terrific, but who can give very hard substantial
- knocks on the pate, whenever they see fit occasion, and can find a good
- opportunity.
- </p>
- <p>
- Last Saturday a negro was brought into the hospital, having fallen into
- epileptic fits, with which till then he had never been troubled. As the
- faintings had seized him at the slaughter-house, and the fellow was an
- African, it was at first supposed by his companions, that the sight and
- smell of the meat had affected him; for many of the Africans cannot endure
- animal food of any kind, and most of the Ebres in particular are made ill
- by eating turtle, even although they can use any other food without
- injury. However, upon enquiry among his shipmates, it appeared that he had
- frequently eaten beef without the slightest inconvenience. For my own
- part, the symptoms of his complaint were such as to make me suspect him of
- having tasted something poisonous, specially as, just before his first
- fit, he had been observed in the small grove of mangoes near the house;
- but I was assured by the negroes, one and all, that nothing could possibly
- have induced him to eat an herb or fruit from that grove, as it had been
- used as a burying-ground for “the white people.” But although my idea of
- the poison was scouted, still the mention of the burying-ground suggested
- another cause for his illness to the negroes, and they had no sort of
- doubt, that in passing through the burying-ground he had been struck down
- by the duppy of a white person not long deceased, whom he had formerly
- offended, and that these repeated fainting fits were the consequence of
- that ghostly blow. The negroes have in various publications been accused
- of a total want of religion, but this appears to me quite incompatible
- with the ideas of spirits existing after dissolution of the body, which
- necessarily implies a belief in a future state; and although (as far as I
- can make out) they have no outward forms of religion, the most devout
- Christian cannot have “God bless you” oftener on his lips than the negro;
- nor, on the other hand, appear to feel the wish for their enemy’s
- damnation more sincerely when he utters it.
- </p>
- <p>
- The Africans (as is well known) generally believe, that there is a life
- beyond this world, and that they shall enjoy it by returning to their own
- country; and this idea used frequently to induce them, soon after their
- landing in the colonies, to commit suicide; but this was never known to
- take place except among fresh negroes, and since the execrable slave-trade
- has been abolished, such an illusion is unheard of. As to those who had
- once got over the dreadful period of “seasoning,” they were generally soon
- sensible enough of the amelioration of their condition, to make the idea
- of returning to Africa the most painful that could be presented to them.
- But, to be sure, poor creatures! what with the terrors and sufferings of
- the voyage, and the unavoidable hardships of the seasoning, those
- advantages were purchased more dearly than any in this life can possibly
- be worth. God be thanked, all that is now at an end; and certainly, as far
- as I can as yet judge, if I were now standing on the banks of Virgil’s
- Lethe, with a goblet of the waters of oblivion in my hand, and asked
- whether I chose to enter life anew as an English labourer or a Jamaica
- negro, I should have no hesitation in preferring the latter. For myself,
- it appears to me almost worth surrendering the luxuries and pleasures of
- Great Britain, for the single pleasure of being surrounded with beings who
- are always laughing and singing, and who seem to perform their work with
- so much <i>nonchalance</i>, taking up their baskets as if it were
- perfectly optional whether they took them up or left them there;
- sauntering along with their hands dangling; stopping to chat with every
- one they meet; or if they meet no one, standing still to look round, and
- examine whether there is nothing to be seen that can amuse them, so that I
- can hardly persuade myself that it is really <i>work</i> that they are
- about. The negro might well say, on his arrival in England—“Massa,
- in England every thing work!” for here nobody appears to work at all.
- </p>
- <p>
- I am told that there is one part of their business very laborious, the
- digging holes for receiving the cane-plants, and which I have not as yet
- seen; but this does not occupy above a month (I believe) at the utmost, at
- two periods of the year; and on my estate this service is chiefly
- performed by extra negroes, hired for the purpose; which, although equally
- hard on the hired negroes (called a jobbing gang), at least relieves my
- own, and after all, puts even the former on much the same footing with
- English day-labourers.
- </p>
- <p>
- But if I could be contented to <i>live</i> in Jamaica, I am still more
- certain, that it is the only agreeable place for me to die in; for I have
- got a family mausoleum, which looks for all the world like the theatrical
- representation of the “tomb of all the Capulets.” Its outside is most
- plentifully decorated “with sculptured stones,”—
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- “Arms, angels, epitaphs, and bones.”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- Within is a tomb of the purest white marble, raised on a platform of
- ebony; the building, which is surmounted by a statue of Time, with his
- scythe and hour-glass, stands in the very heart of an orange grove, now in
- full bearing; and the whole scene this morning looked so cool, so
- tranquil, and so gay, and is so perfectly divested of all vestiges of
- dissolution, that the sight of it quite gave me an appetite for being
- buried. It is a matter of perfect indifference to me what becomes of this
- little ugly husk of mine, when once I shall have “shuffled off this mortal
- coil;” or else I should certainly follow my grandfather’s example, and,
- die where I might, order my body to be sent over for burial to Cornwall;
- for I never yet saw a place where one could lie down more comfortably to
- listen for the last trumpet.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 14. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- I gave a dinner to my “white people,” as the book-keepers, &c. are
- called here, and who have a separate house and establishment for
- themselves; and certainly a man must be destitute of every spark of
- hospitality, and have had “Caucasus horrens” for his great-grandmother, if
- he can resist giving dinners in a country where Nature seems to have set
- up a superior kind of “London Tavern” of her own. They who are possessed
- by the “Ci-borum ambitiosa fames, et lautæ gloria mensæ,” ought to ship
- themselves off for Jamaica out of hand; and even the lord mayor himself
- need not blush to give his aldermen such a dinner as is placed on my
- table, even when I dine alone. Land and sea turtle, quails, snipes,
- plovers, and pigeons and doves of all descriptions—of which the
- ring-tail has been allowed to rank with the most exquisite of the winged
- species, by epicures of such distinction, that their opinion, in matters
- of this nature, almost carries with it the weight of a law,—excellent
- pork, barbicued pigs, pepperpots, with numberless other excellent dishes,
- form the ordinary fare; while the poultry is so large and fine, that if
- the Dragon of Wantley found “houses and churches to be geese and turkies”
- in England, he would mistake the geese and turkies for houses and churches
- here. Then our tarts are made of pineapples, and pine-apples make the best
- tarts that I ever tasted; there is no end of the variety of fruits, of
- which the shaddock is “in itself an host;” but the most singular and
- exquisite flavour, perhaps, is to be found in the granadillo, a fruit
- which grows upon a species of vine, and, in fact, appears to be a kind of
- cucumber. It must be suffered to hang till it is dead ripe, when it is
- scarcely any thing except juice and seeds, which can only be eaten with a
- spoon. It requires sugar, but the acid is truly delicious, and like no
- other separate flavour that I ever met with; what it most resembles is a
- <i>macedoine</i>, as it unites the different tastes of almost all other
- fruits, and has, at the same time, a very strong flavour of wine.
- </p>
- <p>
- As to fish, Savannah la Mar is reckoned the best place in the island, both
- for variety and <i>safety</i>; for, in many parts, the fish feed upon
- copperas banks, and cannot be used without much precaution: here, none is
- necessary, and it is only to be wished that their names equalled their
- flesh in taste; for it must be owned, that nothing can be less tempting
- than the sounds of Jew-fish, hog-fish, mud-fish, snappers, god-dammies,
- groupas, and grunts! Of the Sea Fish which I have hitherto met with, the
- Deep-water Silk appears to me the best; and of rivers, the
- Mountain-Mullet: but, indeed, the fish is generally so excellent, and in
- such profusion, that I never sit down to table without wishing for the
- company of Queen Atygatis of Scythia, who was so particularly fond of
- fish, that she prohibited all her subjects from eating it on pain of
- death, through fear that there might not be enough left for her majesty.
- </p>
- <p>
- This fondness for fish seems to be a sort of royal passion: more than one
- of our English sovereigns died of eating too many lampreys; though, to own
- the truth, it was suspected that the monks, in an instance or two,
- improved the same by the addition of a little ratsbane; and Mirabeau
- assures us, that Frederick the Second of Prussia might have prolonged his
- existence, if he could but have resisted the fascination of an eel-pye;
- but the charm was too strong for him, and, like his great-grandmother of
- all, he ate and died—“All for eel-pye, or this world well lost!” And
- now, which had to resist the most difficult temptation, Frederic or Eve?
- <i>She</i> longed to experience pleasures yet untasted, and which she
- fancied to be exquisite: <i>he</i>, like Sigismunda, pined after known
- pleasures, and which he knew to be good; <i>she</i> was the dupe of
- imagination; <i>he</i> fell a victim to established habit. Which was the
- most deserving pardon? There is a question for the bishops: those
- clergymen who reside constantly on their livings (as all clergymen ought
- to do, or they ought not to be clergymen), I shall, in charity, believe to
- have something better to do with their time than to solve it.
- </p>
- <p>
- The provision-grounds of the negroes furnish them with plantains, bananas,
- cocoa-nuts, and yams: of the latter there is a regular harvest once a
- year, and they remain in great perfection for many months, provided they
- are dug up carefully, but the slightest wound with the spade is sufficient
- to rot them. Catalue (a species of spinach) is a principal article in
- their pepper-pots; but in this parish their most valuable and regular
- supply of food arises from the cocoa-finger, or coccos, a species of the
- yam, but which lasts all the year round. These vegetables form the basis
- of negro sustenance; but the slaves also receive from their owners a
- regular weekly allowance of red herrings and salt meat, which serves to
- relish their vegetable diet; and, indeed, they are so passionately fond of
- salted provisions, that, instead of giving them fresh beef (as at their
- festival of Saturday last), I have been advised to provide some hogsheads
- of salt fish, as likely to afford them more gratification, at such future
- additional holidays as I may find it possible to allow them in this busy
- season of crop.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 15.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The offspring of a white man and black woman is a <i>mulatto</i>; the
- mulatto and black produce a <i>sambo</i>; from the mulatto and white comes
- the <i>quadroon</i>; from the quadroon and white the <i>mustee</i>; the
- child of a mustee by a white man is called a <i>musteefino</i>; while the
- children of a musteefino are free by law, and rank as white persons to all
- intents and purposes. I think it is Long who asserts, that two mulattoes
- will never have children; but, as far as the most positive assurances can
- go, since my arrival in Jamaica, I have reason to believe the contrary,
- and that mulattoes breed together just as well as blacks and whites; but
- they are almost universally weak and effeminate persons, and thus their
- children are very difficult to rear. On a sugar estate one black is
- considered as more than equal to two mulattoes. Beautiful as are their
- forms in general, and easy and graceful as are their movements (which,
- indeed, appear to me so striking, that they cannot fail to excite the
- admiration of any one who has ever looked with delight on statues), still
- the women of colour are deficient in one of the most requisite points of
- female beauty. When Oromases was employed in the formation of woman, and
- said,—“Let her enchanting bosom resemble the celestial spheres,” he
- must certainly have suffered the negress to slip out of his mind. Young or
- old, I have not yet seen such a thing as a <i>bosom</i>.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 16.
- </h3>
- <p>
- I never witnessed on the stage a scene so picturesque as a negro village.
- I walked through my own to-day, and visited the houses of the drivers, and
- other principal persons; and if I were to decide according to my own
- taste, I should infinitely have preferred their habitations to my own.
- Each house is surrounded by a separate garden, and the whole village is
- intersected by lanes, bordered with all kinds of sweet-smelling and
- flowering plants; but not such gardens as those belonging to our English
- cottages, where a few cabbages and carrots just peep up and grovel upon
- the earth between hedges, in square narrow beds, and where the tallest
- tree is a gooseberry bush: the vegetables of the negroes are all
- cultivated in their provision-grounds; these form their <i>kitchen-gardens</i>,
- and these are all for ornament or luxury, and are filled with a profusion
- of oranges, shaddocks, cocoa-nuts, and peppers of all descriptions: in
- particular I was shown the abba, or palm-tree, resembling the cocoa-tree,
- but much more beautiful, as its leaves are larger and more numerous, and,
- feathering to the ground as they grow old, they form a kind of natural
- arbour. It bears a large fruit, or rather vegetable, towards the top of
- the tree, in shape like the cone of the pine, but formed of seeds, some
- scarlet and bright as coral, others of a brownish-red or purple. The abba
- requires a length of years to arrive at maturity: a very fine one, which
- was shown me this morning, was supposed to be upwards of an hundred years
- old; and one of a very moderate size had been planted at the least twenty
- years, and had only borne fruit once.
- </p>
- <p>
- It appears to me a strong proof of the good treatment which the negroes on
- Cornwall have been accustomed to receive, that there are many very old
- people upon it; I saw to-day a woman near a hundred years of age; and I am
- told that there are several of sixty, seventy, and eighty. I was glad,
- also, to find, that several negroes who have obtained their freedom, and
- possess little properties of their own in the mountains, and at Savannah
- la Mar, look upon my estate so little as the scene of their former
- sufferings while slaves, that they frequently come down to pass a few days
- in their ancient habitations with their former companions, by way of
- relaxation. One woman in particular expressed her hopes, that I should not
- be offended at her still coming to Cornwall now and then, although she
- belonged to it no longer; and begged me to give directions before my
- return to England, that her visits should not be hindered on the grounds
- of her having no business there.
- </p>
- <p>
- My visit to Jamaica has at least produced one advantage to myself. Several
- runaways, who had disappeared for some time (some even for several
- months), have again made their appearance in the field, and I have desired
- that no questions should be asked. On the other hand, after enjoying
- herself during the Saturday and Sunday, which were allowed for holidays on
- my arrival, one of my ladies chose to <i>pull foot</i>, and did not return
- from her hiding-place in the mountains till this morning. Her name is
- Marcia; but so unlike is she to Addison’s Marcia, that she is not only as
- black as Juba, (instead of being “fair, oh! how divinely fair!”) but,—whereas
- Sempronius complains, that “Marcia, the lovely Marcia, is left behind,”
- the complaint against my heroine is, that “Marcia, the lovely Marcia,” is
- always running away. In excuse for her disappearance she alleged, that so
- far was her husband from thinking that “she towered above her sex,” that
- he had called her “a very bad woman,” which had provoked her so much, that
- she could not bear to stay with him; and she assured me, that he was
- himself “a very bad man;” which, if true, was certainly enough to justify
- any lady, black or white, in making a little incognito excursion for a
- week or so; therefore, as it appeared to be nothing more than a conjugal
- quarrel, and as Marcia engaged never to run away any more (at the same
- time allowing that she had suffered her resentment to carry her too far,
- when it had carried her all the way to the mountains), I desired that an
- act of oblivion might be passed in favour of Cato’s daughter, and away she
- went, quite happy, to pick hog’s meat.
- </p>
- <p>
- The negro houses are composed of wattles on the outside, with rafters of
- sweet-wood, and are well plastered within and whitewashed; they consist of
- two chambers, one for cooking and the other for sleeping, and are, in
- general, well furnished with chairs, tables, &c., and I saw none
- without a four-post bedstead and plenty of bed-clothes; for, in spite of
- the warmth of the climate, when the sun is not above the horizon the negro
- always feels very chilly. I am assured that many of my slaves are very
- rich (and their property is inviolable), and that they are I’ll never
- without salt provisions, porter, and even wine, to entertain their friends
- and their visiters from the bay or the mountains. As I passed through
- their grounds, many little requests were preferred to me: one wanted an
- additional supply of lime for the whitewashing his house; another was
- building a new house for a superannuated wife (for they have all so much
- decency as to call their sexual attachments by a conjugal name), and
- wanted a little assistance towards the finishing it; a third requested a
- new axe to work with; and several entreated me to negotiate the purchase
- of some relation or friend belonging to another estate, and with whom they
- were anxious to be reunited: but all their requests were for additional
- indulgences; not one complained of ill-treatment, hunger, or over-work.
- </p>
- <p>
- Poor Nicholas gave me a fresh instance of his being one of those whom
- Fortune pitches upon to show her spite: he has had four children, none of
- whom are alive; and the eldest of them, a fine little girl of four years
- old, fell into the mill-stream, and was drowned before any one was aware
- of her danger. His wife told me that she had had fifteen children, had
- taken the utmost care of them, and yet had now but two alive: she said,
- indeed, fifteen at the first, but she afterwards corrected herself, and
- explained that she had had twelve whole children and three half ones by
- which she meant miscarriages.
- </p>
- <p>
- Besides the profits arising from their superabundance of provisions, which
- the better sort of negroes are enabled to sell regularly once a week at
- Savannah la Mar to a considerable amount, they keep a large stock of
- poultry, and pigs without number; which latter cost their owners but
- little, though they cost me a great deal; for they generally make their
- way into the cane-pieces, and sometimes eat me up an hogshead of sugar in
- the course of the morning: but the most expensive of the planter’s enemies
- are the rats, whose numbers are incredible, and are so destructive that a
- reward is given for killing them. During the last six months my agent has
- paid for three thousand rats killed upon Cornwall. Nor is the sugar which
- they consume the worst damage which they commit; the worst mischief is,
- that if through the carelessness of those whose business it is to supply
- the mill, one cane which has been gnawed by the rats is allowed
- admittance, that single damaged piece is sufficient to produce acidity
- enough to spoil the whole sugar.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 17.
- </h3>
- <p>
- In this country there is scarcely any twilight, and all nature seems to
- wake at the same moment. About six o’clock the darkness disperses, the sun
- rises, and instantly every thing is in motion: the negroes are going to
- the field, the cattle are driving to pasture, the pigs and the poultry are
- pouring out from their hutches, the old women are preparing food on the
- lawn for the <i>pickaninnies</i> (the very small children), whom they keep
- feeding at all hours of the day; and all seem to be going to their
- employments, none to their work, the men and the women just as quietly and
- leisurely as the pigs and the poultry. The sight is really quite gay and
- amusing, and I am generally out of bed in time to enjoy it, especially as
- the continuance of the cool north breezes renders the weather still
- delicious, though the pleasure is rather an expensive one. Not a drop of
- rain has fallen since the 16th of November; the young canes are burning;
- and the drying quality of these norths is still more detrimental than the
- want of rain, so that these winds may be said to blow my pockets inside
- out; and as every draught of air, which I inhale with so much pleasure, is
- estimated to cost me a guinea, I feel, while breathing it, like Miss
- Burney’s Citizen at Vauxhall, who kept muttering to himself with every bit
- of ham that he put into his mouth, “There goes sixpence, and there goes a
- shilling!”
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 18.
- </h3>
- <p>
- A Galli-wasp, which was killed in the neighbouring morass, has just been
- brought to me. This is the Alligator in miniature, and is even more
- dreaded by the negroes than its great relation: it is only to be found in
- swamps and morasses: that which was brought to me was about eighteen
- inches in length, and I understand that it is seldom longer, although, as
- it grows in years, its thickness and the size of its jaws and head become
- greatly increased. It runs away on being encountered, and conceals itself;
- and it is only dangerous if trampled upon by accident, or if attacked; but
- then its bite is a dreadful one, not only from its tongue being armed with
- a sting (the venom of which is very powerful, although not mortal), but
- from its teeth being so brittle that they generally break in the wound,
- and as it is hardly possible to extract the pieces entirely, the wound
- corrupts, and becomes an incurable sore of the most offensive nature.
- Luckily, these reptiles are very scarce, but nothing can exceed the terror
- and aversion in which they are held by the negroes. This dead one had been
- lying in the room for several hours, yet, on my servant’s accidentally
- stirring the board on which the galli-wasp was stretched for my
- inspection, my little negro servant George darted out of the room in
- terror, and was at the bottom of the staircase in a moment. The skin of
- this animal appeared to be like shagreen in looks and strength, and was
- almost entirely composed of layers of very small scales; the colours were
- brownish-yellow and olive-green, the teeth numerous and piercing, and the
- claws of the feet very long and sharp: altogether it is a hideous and
- disgusting creature. As to the alligator of Jamaica, it is a timid animal,
- which never was known to attack the human species, though it frequently
- takes the liberty of running away with a dog or two, which appears to be
- their venison and turtle. There is no river on my estate large enough for
- their inhabiting; but, in Paradise River, which is not above four miles
- off, I understand that they are common.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 19.
- </h3>
- <p>
- A young mulatto carpenter, belonging to Horace Beckford’s estate of
- Shrewsbury, came to beg my intercession with his overseer. He had been
- absent two days without leave, and on these occasions it is customary for
- the slaves to apply to some neighbouring gentleman for a note in their
- behalf’ which, as I am told, never fails to obtain the pardon required, as
- the managers of estates are in general but too happy to find an excuse for
- passing over without punishment any offences which are not very heinous;
- indeed, what with the excellent laws already enacted for the protection of
- the slaves, and which every year are still further ameliorated, and what
- with the difficulty of procuring more negroes—(which can now only be
- done by purchasing them from other estates),—which makes it
- absolutely necessary for the managers to preserve the slaves, if they mean
- to preserve their own situations,—I am fully persuaded that
- instances of tyranny to negroes are now very rare, at least in this
- island. But I must still acknowledge, from my own sad experience, since my
- arrival, that unless a West-Indian proprietor occasionally visit his
- estates himself, it is utterly impossible for him to be <i>certain</i>
- that his deputed authority is not abused, however good may be his
- intentions, and however vigilant his anxiety.
- </p>
- <p>
- My father was one of the most humane and generous persons that ever
- existed; there was no indulgence which he ever denied his negroes, and his
- letters were filled with the most absolute injunctions for their good
- treatment. When his estates became mine, the one upon which I am now
- residing was managed by an attorney, considerably advanced in years, who
- had been long in our employment, and who bore the highest character for
- probity and humanity. He was both attorney and overseer; and it was a
- particular recommendation to me that he lived in my own house, and
- therefore had my slaves so immediately under his eye, that it was
- impossible for any subaltern to misuse them without his knowledge. His
- letters to me expressed the greatest anxiety and attention respecting the
- welfare and comfort of the slaves;—so much so, indeed, that when I
- detailed his mode of management to Lord Holland, he observed, “that if he
- did all that was mentioned in his letters, he did as much as could
- possibly be expected or wished from an attorney;” and on parting with his
- own, Lord Holland was induced to take mine to manage his estates, which
- are in the immediate neighbourhood of Cornwall. This man died about two
- years ago, and since my arrival, I happened to hear, that during his
- management a remarkably fine young penn-keeper, named Richard (the brother
- of my intelligent carpenter, John Fuller), had run away several times to
- the mountains. I had taken occasion to let the brothers know, between jest
- and earnest, that I was aware of Richard’s misconduct; and at length, one
- morning, John, while he blamed his brother’s running away, let fall, that
- he had some excuse in the extreme ill-usage which he had received from one
- of the bookkeepers, who “had had a spite against him.” The hint alarmed
- me; I followed it, and nothing could equal my anger and surprise at
- learning the whole truth.
- </p>
- <p>
- It seems, that while I fancied my attorney to be resident on Cornwall, he
- was, in fact, generally attending to a property of his own, or looking
- after estates of which also he had the management in distant parts of the
- island. During his absence, an overseer of his own appointing, without my
- knowledge, was left in absolute possession of his power, which he abused
- to such a degree, that almost every slave of respectability on the estate
- was compelled to become a runaway. The property was nearly ruined, and
- absolutely in a state of rebellion; and at length he committed an act of
- such severity, that the negroes, one and all, fled to Savannah la Mar, and
- threw themselves upon the protection of the magistrates, who immediately
- came over to Cornwall, investigated the complaint, and <i>now</i>, at
- length, the attorney, who had known frequent instances of the overseer’s
- tyranny, had frequently rebuked him for them, and had redressed the
- sufferers, but who still had dared to abuse my confidence so grossly as to
- continue him in his situation, upon this public exposure thought proper to
- dismiss him. Yet, while all this was going on—while my negroes were
- groaning under the iron rod of this petty tyrant—and while the
- public magistrature was obliged to interfere to protect them from his
- cruelty—my attorney had the insolence and falsehood to write me
- letters, filled with assurances of his perpetual vigilance for their
- welfare—of their perfect good treatment and satisfaction; nor, if I
- had not come myself to Jamaica, in all probability should I ever have had
- the most distant idea how abominably the poor creatures had been misused.
- </p>
- <p>
- I have made it my business to mix as much as possible among the negroes,
- and have given them every encouragement to repose confidence in me; and I
- have uniformly found all those, upon whom any reliance can be placed,
- unite in praising the humanity of their present superintendant. Instantly
- on his arrival, he took the whole power of punishment into his own hands:
- he forbade the slightest interference in this respect of any person
- whatever on the estate, white or black; nor have I been able to find as
- yet any one negro who has any charge of harsh treatment to bring against
- him.
- </p>
- <p>
- However, having been already so grossly deceived, I will never again place
- implicit confidence in any person whatever in a matter of such importance.
- Before my departure, I shall take every possible measure that may prevent
- any misconduct taking place without my being apprised of it as soon as
- possible; and I have already exhorted my negroes to apply to the
- magistrates on the very first instance of ill-usage, should any occur
- during my absence.
- </p>
- <p>
- I am indeed assured by every one about me, that to manage a West-Indian
- estate without the occasional use of the cart-whip, however rarely, is
- impossible; and they insist upon it, that it is absurd in me to call my
- slaves ill-treated, because, when they act grossly wrong, they are treated
- like English soldiers and sailors. All this may be very true; but there is
- something to me so shocking in the idea of this execrable cart-whip, that
- I have positively forbidden the use of it on Cornwall; and if the estate
- must go to rack and ruin without its use, to rack and ruin the estate must
- go. Probably, I should care less about this punishment, if I had not been
- living among those on whom it may be inflicted; but now, when I am
- accustomed to see every face that looks upon me, grinning from ear to ear
- with pleasure at my notice, and hear every voice cry “God bless you,
- massa,” as I pass, one must be an absolute brute not to feel unwilling to
- leave them subject to the lash; besides, they are excellent cajolers, and
- lay it on with a trowel. Nicholas and John Fuller came to me this morning
- to beg a favour, “and beg massa hard, quite hard!” It was, that when massa
- went away, “he would leave his picture for the negroes;” that they might
- talk to it, “all just as they did to massa.” Shakspeare says—
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- “A little flattery does well sometimes!”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- But, although the mode of expressing it may be artifice, the sentiment of
- good-will may be shown. A dog grows attached to the person who feeds and
- makes much of him; and as they have never experienced as yet any but kind
- treatment from me personally, it would be against common sense and nature
- to suppose that my negroes do not feel kindly towards me.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 20.
- </h3>
- <h3>
- THE RUNAWAY.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- Peter, Peter was a black boy;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Peter, him pull foot one day:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Buckra girl, him * Peter’s joy;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Lilly white girl entice him away.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Fye, Missy Sally, fye on you!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Poor Blacky Peter why undo?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Oh! Peter, Peter was a bad boy;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Peter was a runaway.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- * <i>The negroes never distinguish between “him” and “her” in their
- conversation</i>.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Peter, him Massa thief—Oh! fye!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Missy Sally, him say him do so.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Him money spent, Sally bid him bye.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And from Peter away him go;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Fye, Missy Sally, fye on you!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Poor Blacky Peter what him do?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Oh! Peter, Peter was a sad boy;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Peter was a runaway!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Peter, him go to him Massa back;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- There him humbly own him crime:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Massa, forgib one poor young Black!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Oh! Massa, good Massa, forgib dis time!”—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Then in come him Missy so fine, so gay,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And to him Peter thus him say:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Oh! Missy, good Missy, you for me pray!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Beg Massa forgib poor runaway!”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Missy, you cheeks so red, so white;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Missy, you eyes like diamond shine I
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Missy, you Massa’s sole delight,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And Lilly Sally, him was mine!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Him say—6 Come, Peter, mid me go!’—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Could me refuse him? Could me say 6 no?’—»
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Poor Peter—‘no’ him could no say!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- So Peter, Peter ran away!”—
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Him Missy him pray; him Massa so kind
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Was moved by him prayer, and to Peter him says
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Well, boy, for this once I forgive you!—but mind!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- With the buckra girls you no more go away!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Though fair without, they’re foul within;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Their heart is black, though white their skin.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then Peter, Peter with me stay;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Peter no more run away!”—
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 21. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- The hospital has been crowded, since my arrival, with patients who have
- nothing the matter with them. On Wednesday there were about thirty
- invalids, of whom only four were cases at all serious; the rest had “a
- lilly pain here, Massa,” or “a bad pain me know nowhere, Massa,” and
- evidently only came to the hospital in order to sit idle, and chat away
- the time with their friends. Four of them the doctor ordered into the
- field peremptorily; the next day there came into the sick-house six
- others; upon this I resolved to try my own hand at curing them; and I
- directed the head-driver to announce, that the presents which I had
- brought from England should be distributed to-day, that the new-born
- children should be christened, and that the negroes might take possession
- of my house, and amuse themselves till twelve at night. The effect of my
- prescription was magical; two thirds of the sick were hale and hearty, at
- work in the field on Saturday morning, and to-day not a soul remained in
- the hospital except the four serious cases.
- </p>
- <p>
- The christening took place about four o’clock. Sully’s infant, which had
- been destined to perform a part on this occasion, had died in the
- hospital; but this morning the father came to complain of his
- disappointment, and to beg leave to substitute a child <i>by another</i>
- wife, which had been born about two months before my arrival; and as the
- father is a very serviceable fellow, and the mother, besides having
- brought up three children of her own, had the additional merit of having
- reared an infant whose own mother had died in child-bed, I broke through
- the rule of only christening those myself who should be born since my
- coming to Jamaica, and granted his request. By good luck, the first child
- to be named was the offspring of Minerva and Captain; so I told the
- parents that as it would be highly proper to call the boy after the
- greatest Captain that the world could produce, he should be named
- Wellington; and that I hoped that he would grow up to serve <i>me</i> in
- Jamaica as well as the Duke of Wellington had served his massa, the King
- of England, in Europe. The Duke of Sully’s child I wanted to call Navarre;
- but the father had brought over a free negro from Savannah la Mar to stand
- godfather, who was his <i>fidus Achates</i>, by the name of John Davies,
- and I found that he had set his heart upon calling the boy John Lewis,
- after his friend and myself; so John Lewis he was.
- </p>
- <p>
- There ought to have been a third child, born at seven months, whom the <i>graundee</i>
- had reared with great difficulty, and dismissed, quite strong, from the
- hospital; the mother had taken great care of it till the tenth day, when
- she was entitled to an allowance of clothes, provisions, &c.; but no
- sooner had she received her reward, than on that very night she suffered
- the child to remain so long without food, while she went herself to dance
- on a neighbouring estate, that it was brought, in an exhausted state, back
- to the hospital; and, in spite of every care, it expired within four and
- twenty hours after its return.
- </p>
- <p>
- The ceremony was performed with perfect gravity and propriety by all
- parties; I thought it as well to cut the reading part of it very short;
- but I read a couple of prayers, marked the foreheads of the children with
- the sign of the cross, and, instead of the concluding prayer, I
- substituted a wish, “that God would bless the children, and make them live
- to be as good servants to me, as I prayed him to make me a kind massa to
- them;” upon which all present very gravely made me their lowest bows and
- courtesies, and then gave me a loud huzza; so unusual a mode of
- approbation at a christening that it had nearly overturned my seriousness;
- and I made haste to serve out Madeira to the parents and assistants, that
- they might drink the healths of the new Christians and of each other. The
- mothers and the <i>graindee</i> were then called up to the table, and the
- ladies in a family way were arranged behind them.
- </p>
- <p>
- <i>Their</i> title in Jamaica is rather coarse, but very expressive. I
- asked Cubina one day “who was that woman with a basket on her head?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Massa,” he answered, “that one belly-woman going to sell provisions at
- the Bay.” As she was going to sell <i>provisions</i>, I supposed that <i>belly</i>-woman
- was the name of her trade; but it afterwards appeared that she was one of
- those females who had given in their names as being then labouring under
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “The pleasing punishment which women bear;”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- and who, in consequence, were discharged from all severe labour. I then
- gave the <i>graundee</i> and the mothers a dollar each, and told them,
- that for the future they might claim the same sum, in addition to their
- usual allowance of clothes and provisions, for every infant which should
- be brought to the overseer alive and well on the fourteenth day; and I
- also gave each mother a present of a scarlet girdle with a silver medal in
- the centre, telling her always to wear it on feasts and holidays, when it
- should entitle her to marks of peculiar respect and attention, such as
- being one of the first served, and receiving a larger portion than the
- rest; that the <i>first</i> fault which she might commit, should be
- forgiven on the production of this girdle; and that when she should have
- any favour to ask, she should always put it round her waist, and be
- assured, that on seeing it, the overseer would allow the wearer to be
- entitled to particular indulgence. On every additional child an additional
- medal is to be affixed to the belt, and precedence is to follow the
- greater number of medals. I expected that this notion of an order of
- honour would have been treated as completely fanciful and romantic; but to
- my great surprise, my manager told me, that “he never knew a dollar better
- bestowed than the one which formed the medal of the girdle, and that he
- thought the institution likely to have a very good effect.”
- </p>
- <p>
- Immediately after the christening the Eboe drums were produced, and in
- defiance of Sunday the negroes had the irreverence to be gay and happy,
- while the presents were getting in order for distribution. All the men got
- jackets, the women seven yards of stuff each for petticoats, &c., and
- the children as much printed cotton as would make a couple of frocks. The
- Creoles were delighted beyond measure when some of the African male
- negroes exclaimed, “Tank, massa,” and made a low courtesy in the confusion
- of their gratitude. As they were all called to receive their presents
- alphabetically in pairs, some of the combinations were very amusing. We
- had Punch and Plato, Priam and Pam, Hemp and Hercules, and Minerva and
- Moll come together. By twelve they dispersed, and I went to bed, as usual
- on these occasions, with a violent headach.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 22.
- </h3>
- <p>
- While I was at dinner, a violent uproar was heard below stairs. On
- enquiry, it proved to be Cubina, quarrelling with his niece Phillis (a
- goodlooking black girl employed about the house), about a broken pitcher;
- and as her explanation did not appear satisfactory to him, he had thought
- proper to give her a few boxes on the ear. Upon hearing this, I read him
- such a lecture upon the baseness of a man’s striking a woman, and told him
- with so much severity that his heart must be a bad one to commit such an
- offence, that poor Cubina, having never heard a harsh word from me before,
- scarcely knew whether he stood upon his head or his heels. When he
- afterwards brought my coffee, he expressed his sorrow for having offended
- me, and begged my pardon in the most humble manner. I told him, that to
- obtain mine, he must first obtain that of Phillis, and he immediately
- declared himself ready to make her any apology that I might dictate. So
- the girl was called in; and her uncle going up to her, “I am very sorry,
- Phillis,” said he, “that I gave way to high passion, and called you hard
- names, and struck you: which I ought not to have done while massa was in
- the house;” (here I was going to interrupt him, but he was too clever not
- to perceive his blunder, and made haste to add) “nor if he had <i>not</i>
- been here, nor at all; so I hope you will have the kindness to forgive me
- this once, and I never will strike you again, and so I beg your pardon.”
- And he then put out his hand to her in the most frank and hearty manner
- imaginable; and on her accepting it, made her three or four of his very
- lowest and most graceful bows. I furnished him with a piece of money to
- give her as a peace-offering; they left the room thoroughly reconciled,
- and in five minutes after they and the rest of the servants were all
- chattering, laughing, and singing together, in the most perfect harmony
- and good-humour. I suppose, if I had desired an upper servant in England
- to make the same submission, he would have preferred quitting my service
- to doing what he would have called “humbling himself to an inferior;” or,
- if he had found himself compelled to give way, he would have been sulky
- with the girl, and found fault with every thing that she did in the house
- for a twelvemonth after.
- </p>
- <p>
- On the other hand, there are some choice ungrateful scoundrels among the
- negroes: on the night of their first dance, a couple of sheep disappeared
- from the pen, although they could not have been taken from want of food,
- as on that very morning there had been an ample distribution of fresh
- beef; and last night another sheep and a quantity of poultry followed
- them. Yesterday, too, a young rascal of a boy called “massa Jackey,” who
- is in the frequent habit of running away for months at a time, and whom I
- had distinguished from the cleverness of his countenance and buffoonery of
- his manners, came to beg my permission to go and purchase food with some
- money which I had just given him, “because he was almost starving; his
- parents were dead, he had no provision-grounds, no allowance, and nobody
- ever gave him anything.” Upon this I sent Cubina with the boy to the
- storekeeper, when it appeared that he had always received a regular
- allowance of provisions twice a week, which he generally sold, as well as
- his clothes, at the Bay, for spirits; had received an additional portion
- only last Friday; and, into the bargain, during the whole of that week had
- been fed from the house. What he could propose to himself by telling a lie
- which must be so soon detected, I cannot conceive; but I am assured, that
- unless a negro has an interest in telling the truth, he always lies—in
- order to keep his tongue in practice.
- </p>
- <p>
- One species of flattery (or of <i>Congo-saw</i>, as we call it here)
- amused me much this morning: an old woman who is in the hospital wanted to
- express her gratitude for some stewed fish which I had sent her for
- supper, and, instead of calling me “massa,” she always said—“Tank
- him, <i>my husband</i>.”
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 24.
- </h3>
- <p>
- This was a day of perpetual occupation. I rose at six o’clock, and went
- down to the Bay to settle some business; on my return I visited the
- hospital while breakfast was getting ready; and as soon as it was over, I
- went down to the negro-houses to hear the whole body of Eboes lodge a
- complaint against one of the book-keepers, and appoint a day for their
- being heard in his presence. On my return to the house, I found two women
- belonging to a neighbouring estate, who came to complain of cruel
- treatment from their overseer, and to request me to inform their trustee
- how ill they had been used, and see their injuries redressed. They said,
- that having been ill in the hospital, and ordered to the field while they
- were still too weak to work, they had been flogged with much severity
- (though not beyond the limits of the law); and my head driver, who was
- less scrupulously delicate than myself as to ocular inspection of Juliet’s
- person (which Juliet, to do her justice, was perfectly ready to submit to
- in proof of her assertions), told me, that the woman had certainly
- suffered greatly; the other, whose name was Delia, was but just recovering
- from a miscarriage, and declared openly that the overseer’s conduct had
- been such, that nothing should have prevented her running away long ago if
- she could but have had the heart to abandon a child which she had on the
- estate. Both were poor feeble-looking creatures, and seemed very unfit
- subjects for any severe correction. I promised to write to their trustee;
- and, as they were afraid of being punished on their return home for having
- thrown themselves on my protection, I wrote a note to the overseer,
- requesting that the women might remain quite unmolested till the trustee’s
- arrival, which was daily expected; and, with this note and a present of
- cocoa-fingers and salt fish, Delia and Juliet departed, apparently much
- comforted.
- </p>
- <p>
- They were succeeded by no less a personage than <i>Venus</i> herself—a
- poor, little, sickly, timid soul, who had purchased her freedom from my
- father by substituting in her place a fine stout black wench, who, being
- Venus’s <i>locum tenens</i>, was, by courtesy, called Venus, too, though
- her right name was “Big Joan;” but, by some neglect of the then attorney,
- Venus had never received any title, and she now came to beg “massa so good
- as give paper;” otherwise she was still, to all intents and purposes, my
- slave, and I might still have compelled her to work, although, at the same
- time, her substitute was on the estate. Of course, I promised the paper
- required, and engaged to act the part of a second Vulcan by releasing
- Venus from my chains: but the paper was not the only thing that Venus
- wanted; she also wanted a petticoat! She told me, that when the presents
- were distributed on Sunday, the petticoat, which she would otherwise have
- had, was, of course, “given to the <i>other</i> Venus;” and though, to be
- sure, she was free now, yet, “when she belonged to massa, she had always
- worked for him well,” and “she was quite as glad to see massa as the other
- Venus,” and, therefore, “ought to have quite as much petticoat.” I tried
- to convince her, that for Venus to wear a petticoat of blue durant, or,
- indeed, any petticoat at all, would be quite unclassical: the goddess of
- beauty stuck to her point, and finally carried off the petticoat.
- </p>
- <p>
- Venus had scarcely evacuated the premises, when her place was occupied by
- the minister of Savannah la Mar, with proposals for instructing the
- negroes in religion; and the minister, in his turn, was replaced by one of
- the Sunday-night thieves, who had been caught while in the actual
- possession of one of my sheep and a great turkey-cock; and, to make the
- matter worse, the depredator’s name was Hercules! Hercules, whom Virgil
- states to have exercised so much severity on Cacus, when his own oxen were
- stolen, was taken up himself for stealing my sheep in Jamaica! The
- demi-god had nothing to say in his excuse: he had just received a large
- allowance of beef:—therefore, hunger had no share in his
- transgression; and the committing the offence during the very time that I
- was giving the negroes a festival, rendered his ingratitude the more
- flagrant.
- </p>
- <p>
- I perfectly well understood that the man was sent to me by my agent, in
- order to show the absolute necessity of sometimes employing the cart-whip,
- and to see whether I would suffer the fellow to escape unpunished. But, as
- this was the first offender who had been brought before me, I took that
- for a pretext to absolve him: so I lectured him for half an hour with
- great severity, swore that on the very next offence I would order him to
- be sold; and that if he would not do his fair proportion of work without
- being lashed, he should be sent to work somewhere else; for I would suffer
- no such worthless fellows on my estate, and would not be at the expense of
- a cart-whip to correct him. He promised most earnestly to behave better in
- future, and Hercules was suffered to depart: but I am told that no good
- can be expected of him; that he is perpetually running away; and that he
- had been absent for five weeks together before my arrival, and only
- returned home upon hearing that there was a distribution of beef, rum, and
- jackets going forward; in return for all which, he stole my sheep and my
- poor great turkey-cock.
- </p>
- <p>
- But now came the most puzzling business of the day. About four years ago,
- two Eboes, called Pickle and Edward, were rivals, after being intimate
- friends: Pickle (who is an excellent faithful negro, but not very wise)
- was the successful candidate; and, of course, the friendship was
- interrupted, till Edward married the sister of the disputed fair one. From
- this time the brothers-in-law lived in perfect harmony together; but,
- during the first festival given on my arrival, Pickle’s house was broken
- open, and robbed of all his clothes, &c. The thief was sought for, but
- in vain. On Monday last I found Pickle in the hospital, complaining of a
- pain in his side; and the blood, which had been taken from him, gave
- reason to apprehend a pleurisy arising from cold; but, as the disorder had
- been taken in its earliest stage, nothing dangerous was expected. The
- fever abated; the medicines performed their offices properly; still the
- man’s spirits and strength appeared to decline, and he persisted in saying
- that he was not better, and should never do well. At length, to-day, he
- got out of his sick bed, came to the house, attended by the whole body of
- drivers, and accused his brother-in-law of having been the stealer of his
- goods. I asked, “Had Edward been seen near his house? Had any of his
- effects been seen in Edward’s possession? Did Edward refuse to suffer his
- hut to be searched?” No. Edward, who was present, pressed for the most
- strict scrutiny, and asserted his perfect ignorance; nor could the accuser
- advance any grounds for the charge, except his belief of Edward’s guilt.
- “Why did he think so?” After much beating about the bush, at length out
- came the real <i>causa doloris</i>—“Edward had <i>Obeahed</i> him!”
- He had accused Edward of breaking open his house, and had begged him to
- help him to his goods again; and “Edward had gone at midnight into the
- bush” (i. e. the wood), and “had gathered the plant whangra, which he had
- boiled in an iron pot, by a fire of leaves, over which he went pufij
- puffie!” and said the sautee-sautee; and then had cut the whangra root
- into four pieces, three to bury at the plantation gates, and one to burn;
- and to each of these three pieces he gave the name of a Christian, one of
- which was Daniel, and Edward had said, that this would help him to find
- his goods; but instead of that, he had immediately felt this pain in his
- side, and therefore he was sure that, instead of using Obeah to find his
- goods, Edward had used it to kill himself. “And were these all his
- reasons?” I enquired. “No; when he married, Edward was very angry at the
- loss of his mistress, and had said that they never would live well and
- happily together; and they never <i>had</i> lived happily and well
- together.”
- </p>
- <p>
- This last argument quite got the better of my gravity. By parity of
- reasoning, I thought that almost every married couple in Great Britain
- must be under the influence of Obeah! I endeavoured to convince the fellow
- of his folly and injustice, especially as the person accused was the
- identical man who had detected the Obeah priest harboured in one of my
- negro huts last year, had seized him with his own hands, and delivered him
- up to my agent, who had prosecuted and transported him. It was, therefore,
- improbable in the highest degree, that he should be an Obeah man himself;
- and all the bystanders, black and white, joined me in ridiculing Pickle
- for complaints so improbable and childish. But anger, argument, and irony
- were all ineffectual. I offered to christen him, and expel black Obeah by
- white, but in vain; the fellow persisted in saying, that “he had a pain in
- his side, and, <i>therefore</i>, Edward must have given it to him;” and he
- went back to his hospital, shaking his head all the way, sullen and
- unconvinced. He is a young strong negro, perfectly well disposed, and
- doing his due portion of work willingly; and it will be truly provoking to
- lose him by the influence of this foolish prejudice.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 25.
- </h3>
- <p>
- I sent for Edward, had him alone with me for above two hours, and pressed
- him most earnestly to confide in me. I gave him a dollar to convince him
- of my good-will towards him; assured him that whatever he might tell me
- should remain a secret between us; said, that I was certain of his not
- having used any poison, or done any thing really mischievous; but as I
- suspected him of having played some monkey-tricks or other, which, however
- harmless in themselves, had evidently operated dangerously upon Pickle’s
- imagination, I begged him to tell me precisely what had passed, in order
- that I might counteract its baleful effects. In reply, Edward swore to me
- most solemnly, “by the great God Almighty, who lives above the clouds,”
- that he never had used any such practices: that he had never gone into the
- wood to gather whangra; and that he had considered Pickle, from the moment
- of his own marriage, as his brother, and had always, till then, loved him
- as such. His eyes filled with tears while he protested that he should be
- as sorry for Pickle’s death as if it were himself; and he complained
- bitterly of having the ill name of an Obeah man given to him, which made
- him feared and shunned by his companions, and entirely without cause. But
- he said that he was certain that Pickle would never have suspected him of
- such a crime, if a third person had not put it into his head. There is a
- negro on my estate called Adam, who has been long and strongly suspected
- of having connections with Obeah men. When Edward was quite young, he was
- under this fellow’s superintendence, and he now assured me, that Adam had
- not only endeavoured to draw him into similar practices, but had even
- pressed him very earnestly to lay a magical egg under the door of a
- book-keeper whose conduct had been obnoxious. Edward had positively
- refused: from that moment his superintendent, from being his protector,
- had become his enemy, had shown him spite upon every occasion; and he it
- was, he had no doubt, who, for the purpose of injuring him, had put this
- foolish notion into Pickle’s head.
- </p>
- <p>
- Upon enquiry it appeared, that on the very morning succeeding Pickle’s
- entering the hospital, this suspected man had gone there also, on pretence
- of sickness, and had remained there to watch the invalid; although it was
- so evident that nothing was the matter with him, that the doctor had
- frequently ordered him to the field, but the man had always found means
- for evading the order. The first thing that we now did was to turn him out
- of the sick-house, neck and heels; I then took Edward with me to Pickle’s
- bedside, where the former told his brother-in-law, that if he had ever
- done any thing to offend him, he heartily begged his pardon; that he swore
- by the Almighty God that he had never been in the bush to hurt him, nor
- any where else; on the contrary, that he had always loved him, and wished
- him well; and that he now begged him to be friends with him again, to
- forget and forgive all former quarrels, and to accept the hand which he
- offered him in all sincerity. The sick man also confessed, that he had
- always loved Edward as his brother, had “eaten and drunk with him for many
- years with perfect good-will,” and that it was his ingratitude for such
- affection which vexed him more than any thing. On this I told him, that I
- insisted upon their being good friends for the future, and that I should
- never hear the word Obeah, or any such nonsense, mentioned on my estate,
- on pain of my extreme displeasure. I promised that, as soon as Pickle
- should be quite recovered, I would buy for him exactly a set of such
- things as had been stolen from him; that Edward should bring them to his
- house, to show that he had rather give him things than take them away; and
- I then desired to see them shake hands. They did so, with much apparent
- cordiality; Edward then went back to his work; and this evening, when I
- sent him a dish from my table, Pickle desired the servant to tell me, that
- he had hardly any fever, and felt “<i>quite so so</i>,” which, in the
- negro dialect, means “a great deal better.” I begin, therefore, to hope
- that we shall save the foolish fellow’s life at last, which, at one time,
- appeared to be in great jeopardy.
- </p>
- <p>
- There was a great dinner and ball for the whole county given to-day at
- Montego Bay, to which I was invited; but I begged leave to decline this
- and all other invitations, being determined to give up my whole time to my
- negroes during my stay in Jamaica.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 26.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Every morning my agent regales me with some fresh instance of
- insubordination: he says nothing plainly, but shakes his head, and
- evidently gives me to understand, that the estate cannot be governed
- properly without the cart-whip. It seems that this morning, the women, one
- and all, refused to carry away the <i>trash</i> (which is one of the
- easiest tasks that can be set), and that without the slightest pretence:
- in consequence, the mill was obliged to be stopped; and when the driver on
- that station insisted on their doing their duty, a little fierce young
- devil of a Miss Whaunica flew at his throat, and endeavoured to strangle
- him: the agent was obliged to be called in, and, at length, this petticoat
- rebellion was subdued, and every thing went on as usual. I have, in
- consequence, assured the women, that since they will not be managed by
- fair treatment, I must have recourse to other measures; and that, if any
- similar instance of misconduct should take place, I was determined, on my
- return from Kingston, to sell the most refractory, ship myself immediately
- for England, and never return to them and Jamaica more. This threat, at
- the time, seemed to produce a great effect; all hands were clasped, and
- all voices were raised, imploring me not to leave them, and assuring me,
- that in future they would do their work quietly and willingly. But whether
- the impression will last beyond the immediate moment is a point greatly to
- be doubted.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 27.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Another morning, with the mill stopped, no liquor in the boiling-house,
- and no work done. The driver brought the most obstinate and insolent of
- the women to be lectured by me; and I bounced and stormed for half an hour
- with all my might and main, especially at Whaunica, whose ingratitude was
- peculiar; as she is the wife of Edward, the Eboe, whom I had been
- protecting against the charge of theft and Obeahism, and had shown him
- more than usual kindness. They, at last, appeared to be very penitent and
- ashamed of themselves, and engaged never to behave ill again, if I would
- but forgive them this present fault; Whaunica, in particular, assuring me
- very earnestly, that I never should have cause to accuse her of “bad
- manners” again; for, in negro dialect, ingratitude is always called “bad
- manners.” My agent declares, that they never conducted themselves so ill
- before; that they worked cheerfully and properly till my arrival; but now
- they think that I shall protect them against all punishment, and have made
- regularly ten hogsheads of sugar a week less than they did before my
- coming upon the estate. This is the more provoking, as, by delaying the
- conclusion of the crop, the latter part of it may be driven into the rainy
- season, and then the labour is infinitely more severe both for the slaves
- and the cattle, and more detrimental to their health.
- </p>
- <p>
- The minister of Savannah la Mar has shown me a plan for the religious
- instruction of the negroes, which was sent to him by the ecclesiastical
- commissaries at Kingston. It consisted but of two points: against the
- first (which recommended the slaves being <i>ordered</i> to go to church
- on a Sunday) I positively declared myself. Sunday is now the absolute
- property of the negroes for their relaxation, as Saturday is for the
- cultivation of their grounds; and I will not suffer a single hour of it to
- be taken from them for any purpose whatever. If my slaves choose to go to
- church on Sundays, so much the better; but not one of them shall be <i>ordered</i>
- to do one earthly thing on Sundays, but that which he chooses himself. The
- second article recommended occasional pastoral visits of the minister to
- the different estates; and in this respect I promised to give him every
- facility—although I greatly doubt any good effect being produced by
- a few short visits, at considerable intervals, on the minds of ignorant
- creatures, to whom no palpable and immediate benefit is offered. It
- appears, indeed, to me, that the only means of giving the negroes morality
- and religion must be through the medium of education, and their being
- induced to read such books in the minister’s absence as may recall to
- their thoughts what they have heard from him; otherwise, he may talk for
- an hour, and they will have understood but little—and remember
- nothing. There is not a single negro among my whole three hundred who can
- read a line; and what I suppose to be wanted on West-Indian estates is not
- an importation of missionaries, but of schoolmasters on Dr. Bell’s plan,
- if it could by any means be introduced here with effect. However, in the
- mean while I told the minister, that I was perfectly well inclined to have
- every measure tried that might enlighten the minds of the negroes,
- provided it did not interfere with their own hours of leisure, and were
- not compulsory. I mentioned to him a plan for commencing his instructions
- under the most favourable auspices, of which he seemed to approve; and he
- has promised to make occasional visits on my estate during my absence,
- which may do good and can do no harm; and, even should it fail to make the
- negroes religious, will, at least, add another humane inspector to my
- list. Soon after the minister’s departure, John Fuller came to repair one
- of the windows. Now John is in great disgrace with me in one respect.
- Instead of having a wife on the estate, he keeps one at the Bay, so that
- his children will not belong to me. Phillis, too, who formerly lived with
- John, says, that she parted with him, because he threw away all his money
- upon the Bay girls; though John asserts that the cause of separation was
- his catching the false Phillis coming out of one of the book-keepers’
- bedrooms.
- </p>
- <p>
- However, it is certain, that now his connections are all at the Bay; and I
- have assured him, that if he does not provide himself with a wife at
- Cornwall, before my return from Kingston, I will put him up to auction,
- and call the girls together to bid for him, one offering half a dozen
- yams, and another a bit of salt fish; and the highest bidder shall carry
- him off as her property. But to-day, as he came into the room just as the
- minister left it, I told him that Dr. Pope was coming to give the negroes
- some instruction; and that he had left part of a catechism for him, which
- he was to get by heart against his next visit. John promised to study it
- diligently, and went off to get it read to him by one of the book-keepers.
- Several of his companions came to hear it from curiosity, and the
- book-keeper read aloud:—
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- “John Fuller is gone to the Bay, boys,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- On the girls to spend his cash;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And when John Fuller comes home, boys,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- John Fuller deserves the lash.”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- So John went away shaking his head, and saying, “Massa had told him, that
- the minister had left that paper to make him a better Christian. But he
- was certain that the minister had nothing to do with that, and that massa
- had made it all himself about the Bay girls.”
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 28. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- I shall have enough to do in Jamaica if I accept all the offices that are
- pressed upon me. A large body of negroes, from a neighbouring estate, came
- over to Cornwall this morning, to complain of hard treatment, in various
- ways, from their overseer and drivers, and requesting me to represent
- their injuries to their trustee here, and their proprietor in England. The
- charges were so strong, that I am certain that they must be fictitious;
- however, I listened to their story with patience; promised that the
- trustee (whom I was to see in a few days) should know their complaint;—and
- they went away apparently satisfied. Then came a runaway negro, who wanted
- to return home, and requested me to write a few lines to his master, to
- save him from the lash. He was succeeded by a poor creature named Bessie,
- who, although still a young woman, is dispensed with from labour, on
- account of her being afflicted with the <i>cocoa-bay</i>, one of the most
- horrible of negro diseases. It shows itself in large blotches and
- swellings, and which generally, by degrees, moulder away the joints of the
- toes and fingers, till they rot and drop off; sometimes as much as half a
- foot will go at once. As the disease is communicable by contact, the
- person so afflicted is necessarily shunned by society; and this poor
- woman, who is married to John Fuller, one of the best young men on the
- estate, and by whom she has had four children (although they are all
- dead), has for some time been obliged to live separated from him, lest he
- should be destroyed by contracting the same complaint. She now came to
- tell me, that she wanted a blanket, “for that the cold killed her of
- nights;” cold being that which negroes dislike most, and from which most
- of their illnesses arise. Of course she got her blanket; then she said,
- that she wanted medicine for her complaint. “Had not the doctor seen her?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Oh, yes! Dr. Goodwin; but the white doctor could do her no good. She
- wanted to go to a black doctor, named Ormond, who belonged to a
- neighbouring gentleman.” I told her, that if this black doctor understood
- her particular disease better than others, certainly she should go to him;
- but that if he pretended to cure her by charms or spells, or any thing but
- medicine, I should desire his master to cure the black doctor by giving
- him the punishment proper for such an impostor. Upon this Bessie burst
- into tears, and said “that Ormond was not an Obeah man, and that she had
- suffered too much by Obeah men to wish to have any more to do with them.
- She had made Adam her enemy by betraying him, when he had attempted to
- poison the former attorney; he had then cursed her, and wished that she
- might never be hearty again: and from that very time her complaint had
- declared itself; and her poor pickaninies had all died away, one after
- another; and she was sure that it was Adam who had done all this mischief
- by Obeah.” Upon this, I put myself in a great rage, and asked her “how she
- could believe that God would suffer a low wicked fellow like Adam to make
- good people die, merely because he wished them dead?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “She did not know; she knew nothing about God; had never heard of any such
- Being, nor of any other world.” I told her, that God was a great
- personage, “who lived up yonder above the blue, in a place full of
- pleasures and free from pains, where Adam and wicked people could not
- come; that her pickaninies were not dead for ever, but were only gone up
- to live with God, who was good, and would take care of them for her; and
- that if she were good, when she died, she too would go up to God above the
- blue, and see all her four pickaninies again.” The idea seemed so new and
- so agreeable, to the poor creature, that she clapped her hands together,
- and began laughing for joy; so I said to her every thing that I could
- imagine likely to remove her prejudice; told her that I should make it a
- crime even so much as to mention the word Obeah on the estate; and that,
- if any negro from that time forward should be proved to have accused
- another of Obeahing him, or of telling another that he had been Obeahed,
- he should forfeit his share of the next present of salt-fish, which I
- meant soon to distribute among the slaves, and should never receive any
- favour from me in future; so I gave Bessie a piece of money, and she
- seemed to go away in better spirits than she came.
- </p>
- <p>
- This Adam, of whom she complained, is a most dangerous fellow, and the
- terror of all his companions, with whom he lives in a constant state of
- warfare. He is a creole, born on my own property, and has several sisters,
- who have obtained their freedom, and are in every respect creditable and
- praiseworthy; and to one of whom I consider myself as particularly
- indebted, as she was the means of saving poor Richard’s life, when the
- tyranny of the overseer had brought him almost to the brink of the grave.
- But this brother is in every thing the very reverse of his sisters: there
- is no doubt of his having (as Bessie stated) infused poison into the
- water-jars through spite against the late superintendent. It was this same
- fellow whom Edward suspected of having put into his brother-in-law’s head
- the idea of his having been bewitched; and it was also in his hut that the
- old Obeah man was found concealed, whom my attorney seized and transported
- last year. He is, unfortunately, clever and plausible; and I am told that
- the mischief which he has already done, by working upon the folly and
- superstition of his fellows, is incalculable; yet I cannot get rid of him:
- the law will not suffer any negro to be shipped off the island, until he
- shall have been convicted of felony at the sessions; I cannot sell him,
- for nobody would buy him, nor even accept him, if I would offer them so
- dangerous a present; if he were to go away, the law would seize him, and
- bring him back to me, and I should be obliged to pay heavily for his
- re-taking and his maintenance in the workhouse. In short, I know not what
- I can do with him, except indeed make a Christian of him! This might
- induce the negroes to believe, that he had lost his infernal power by the
- superior virtue of the holy water; but, perhaps he may refuse to be
- christened. However, I will at least ask him the question; and if he
- consents, I will send him—and a couple of dollars—to the
- clergyman—for he shall not have so great a distinction as baptism
- from massa’s own hand—and see what effect “white Obeah” will have in
- removing the terrors of this professor of the black.
- </p>
- <p>
- As to my sick Obeah patient, Pickle, from the moment of his reconciliation
- with his brother-inlaw he began to mend, and has recovered with wonderful
- rapidity: the fellow seems <i>really</i> grateful for the pains which I
- have taken about him; and our difficulty now is to prevent his fancying
- himself too soon able to quit the hospital, so eager is he to return “to
- work for massa.”
- </p>
- <p>
- There are certainly many excellent qualities in the negro character; their
- worst faults appear to be, this prejudice respecting Obeah, and the
- facility with which they are frequently induced to poison to the right
- hand and to the left. A neighbouring gentleman, as I hear, has now three
- negroes in prison, all domestics, and one of them grown grey in his
- service, for poisoning him with corrosive sublimate; his brother was
- actually killed by similar means; yet I am assured that both of them were
- reckoned men of great humanity. Another agent, who appears to be in high
- favour with the negroes whom he now governs, was obliged to quit an
- estate, from the frequent attempts to poison him; and a person against
- whom there is no sort of charge alleged for tyranny, after being brought
- to the doors of death by a cup of coffee, only escaped a second time by
- his civility, in giving the beverage, prepared for himself to two young
- book-keepers, to both of whom it proved fatal. It, indeed, came out,
- afterwards, that this crime was also effected by the abominable belief in
- Obeah: the woman, who mixed the draught, had no idea of its being poison;
- but she had received the deleterious ingredients from an Obeah man, as “a
- charm to make her massa good to her;” by which the negroes mean, the
- compelling a person to give another every thing for which that other may
- ask him.
- </p>
- <p>
- Next to this vile trick of poisoning people (arising, doubtless, in a
- great measure, from their total want of religion, and their ignorance of a
- future state, which makes them dread no punishment hereafter for
- themselves, and look with but little respect on human life in others), the
- greatest drawback upon one’s comfort in a Jamaica existence seems to me to
- be the being obliged to live perpetually in public. Certainly, if a man
- was desirous of leading a life of vice <i>here</i>, he must have set
- himself totally above shame, for he may depend upon every thing done by
- him being seen and known. The houses are absolutely transparent; the walls
- are nothing but windows—and all the doors stand wide open. No
- servants are in waiting to announce arrivals: visiters, negroes, dogs,
- cats, poultry, all walk in and out, and up and down your living-rooms,
- without the slightest ceremony.
- </p>
- <p>
- Even the Temple of Cloacina (which, by the bye, is here very elegantly
- spoken of generally as “<i>The</i> Temple,”) is as much latticed and as
- pervious to the eye as any other part of my premises; and many a time has
- my delicacy been put to the blush by the ill-timed civility of some old
- woman or other, who, wandering that way, and happening to cast her eye to
- the left, has stopped her course to curtsy very gravely, and pay me the
- passing compliment of an “Ah, massa! bless you, massa! how day?”
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 29.
- </h3>
- <p>
- I find that Bessie’s black doctor is really nothing more than a professor
- of medicine as to this particular disease; and I have ordered her to be
- sent to him in the mountains immediately. Several gentlemen of the county
- dined with me to-day, and when they left me, one of the carriages
- contrived to get overturned, and the right shoulder of one of the
- gentlemen was dislocated. Luckily, it happened close to the house; and as
- the physician who attends my estate had dined with me also, a boy, on a
- mule, was despatched after him with all haste. He was soon with us, the
- bone was replaced with perfect ease, and this morning the patient left me
- with every prospect of finding no bad effects whatever from his accident.
- </p>
- <p>
- We had at dinner a land tortoise and a barbecued pig, two of the best and
- richest dishes that I ever tasted;—the latter, in particular—which
- was dressed in the true maroon fashion, being placed on a barbecue (a
- frame of wicker-work, through whose interstices the steam can ascend),
- filled with peppers and spices of the highest flavour, wrapt in plantain
- leaves, and then buried in a hole filled with hot stones, by whose vapour
- it is baked, no particle of the juice being thus suffered to evaporate. I
- have eaten several other good Jamaica dishes, but none so excellent as
- this, a large portion of which was transferred to the most infirm patients
- in the hospital. Perhaps an English physician would have felt every hair
- of his wig bristle upon his head with astonishment, at hearing me ask,
- this morning, a woman in a fever, how her bark and her barbe cued pig had
- agreed with her. But, with negroes, I find that feeding the sick upon
- stewed fish and pork, highly seasoned, produces the very best effects
- possible.
- </p>
- <p>
- Some of the fruits here are excellent, such as shaddocks, oranges,
- granadelloes, forbidden fruit; and one between an orange and a lemon,
- called “the grape or cluster fruit,” appears to me quite delicious. For
- the vegetables, I cannot say so much, yams, plantains, cocoa poyers,
- yam-poys, bananas, &c. look and taste all so much alike, that I
- scarcely know one from the other: they are all something between bread and
- potatoes, not so good as either, and I am quite tired of them all. The
- Lima Bean is said to be more like a pea than a bean, but whatever it be
- like, it appeared to me very indifferent. As to peas themselves, nothing
- can be worse. The achie fruit is a kind of vegetable, which generally is
- fried in butter; many people, I am told, are fond of it, but I could find
- no merit in it. The palm-tree (or abba, as it is called here) produces a
- long scarlet or reddish brown cone, which separates into beads, each of
- which contains a roasting nut surrounded by a kind of stringy husk—which,
- being boiled in salt and water, upon being chewn has a taste of artichoke,
- but the consistence is very disagreeable. The only native vegetable, which
- I like much, is the ochra, which tastes like asparagus, though not with
- quite so delicate a flavour.
- </p>
- <p>
- As to fish, the variety is endless; but I think it rather consists in
- variety of names than of flavour. From this, however, I must except the
- Silk-Fish and Mud-Fish, and above all, the Mountain-Mullet, which is
- almost the best fish that I ever tasted. All the shell-fish, that I have
- met with as yet, have been excellent; the oysters have not come, in my
- way, but I am told that they are not only poor and insipid, but frequently
- are so poisonous that I had better not venture upon them; and so ends this
- chapter of the “Almanach des Gourmands” for Jamaica.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 30.
- </h3>
- <p>
- There were above twenty ladies literally at my feet this morning. I went
- down to the negro-village to speak to Bessie about going to her black
- doctor; and all the refractory females of last week heard of my being
- there, and came in a body to promise better conduct for the future, and
- implore me not to go away. The sight of my carriage getting ready to take
- me to Kingston, and the arrival of post-horses, had alarmed them with the
- idea that I was really going to put my threats into execution of leaving
- them for ever. They had artfully enough prevailed on the wife of Clifford
- (the driver whom Whannica had collared) to be their spokes-woman; and they
- begged, and lifted up their folded hands, and cried, and fell on the
- ground, and kissed my feet—and, in short, acted their part so well,
- that they almost made me act mine to perfection, and fall to blubbering. I
- told them, that I certainly should go to Kingston on Thursday; but if I
- had good accounts of them during my absence, I should return in a few
- days;—if, on the contrary, the idle negroes continued to refuse to
- work without compulsion, then, in justice to the good ones (who last week
- were obliged to do more than their share), those punishments, which I had
- stopped, must be resumed;—but that, as Cornwall would be
- unsupportable to me, if I could not live there without hearing the crack
- of the abominable cart-whip all day long, I would not return to it, but
- ship myself off for England, and never visit them or Jamaica any more. And
- then I talked very sternly and positively about “punishments” and “making
- bad negroes do their work properly,” and every third word was the
- cart-whip, till I almost fancied myself the princess in the “Fairy Tale,”
- who never opened her mouth, but out came two toads and three couple of
- serpents. However, to sweeten my oration a little at the end, I told them,
- that, “having enquired closely into the characters of the present
- book-keepers, I had found no charge against any of them except one, who
- was accused of having occasionally struck a negro, of using bad language
- to them, and of being a hasty passionate man, though in other respects
- very serviceable to the estate. But although these faults were but
- trifling, and some of them not proved, so determined was I to show that I
- would suffer no white person on the estate who maltreated the negroes,
- either by word or deed, that I had determined to make an example of him
- for the warning of the rest; and accordingly had dismissed him this
- morning.”
- </p>
- <p>
- The man in question (by his own account) had made himself obnoxious to
- them; and on hearing of his discharge, they, one and all, sprawled upon
- the ground in such a rapture of joy and gratitude, that now I may safely
- say with Sir Andrew Aguecheek, “I was adored once!”
- </p>
- <p>
- The book-keeper had denied positively the charge of striking the negroes,
- and ascribed it to the revenge of the Eboe Edward, whom he had detected in
- cutting out part of a boiling-house window, in order that he might pass
- out stolen sugar unperceived; for, to do the negroes justice, it is a
- doubt whether they are the greatest thieves or liars, and the quantity of
- sugar which they purloin during the crop, and dispose of at the Bay for a
- mere trifle, is enormous. However, whether the charge of striking were
- true or not, it was sufficiently proved that this book-keeper was a
- passionate man, and he said himself, “that the negroes had conceived a
- spite against him,” which alone were reasons enough for removing him.
- Indeed, I had the less scruple from the slight nature of his offence
- making it easy for him to find another situation; and I have besides
- desired him to stay out his quarter on the estate, and then receive a
- double salary on going away, which will free him from any charge of having
- been dismissed disgracefully.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 31.
- </h3>
- <p>
- I went to enquire after my petitioners Juliet and Delia, and had the
- satisfaction to find that the trustee had enquired into their complaint;
- and, as it appeared not to be entirely unfounded, he had done every thing
- that was right and necessary. Aberdeen, too, the runaway cooper, who had
- applied to me to obtain his pardon, had been suffered to return to his
- work unpunished; and as it had been found that his flight had in a great
- measure been occasioned by his being in a bad state of health, which
- rendered him apprehensive of being put to labour beyond his strength, he
- had been permitted to select his own occupation, which, of course, was the
- easiest one in his trade. But I found it a more difficult matter to
- ascertain the truth or falsehood of the charges brought to me on Sunday
- last: the books positively contradicted them, but the register might have
- been falsely kept; and as the negroes persisted most positively in their
- complaint against the overseer (particularly as to his having curtailed
- them of the legal allowance of time for their meals, and the cultivation
- of their own grounds) with the concurrence of the trustee, I wrote to the
- magistrates of the county, desiring that they would summon the negroes in
- question before a council of protection, and examine into the injuries of
- which they had complained to me.
- </p>
- <p>
- FEBRUARY 1. (Thursday.)
- </p>
- <p>
- I left Cornwall for Spanish Town at six in the morning, accompanied by a
- young naval officer, the son of my next neighbour, Mr. Hill of Amity, who
- not only was good enough to lend me a kittereen, with a canopy, to perform
- my journey, but his son to be my <i>cicerone</i> on my tour. The road
- wound through mountain passes, or else on a shelf of rock so narrow—though
- without the slightest danger—that one of the wheels was frequently
- in the sea, while my other side was fenced by a line of bold broken
- cliffs, clothed with trees completely from their brows down to the very
- edge of the water. Between eight and nine we reached a solitary tavern,
- called Blue-fields, where the horses rested for a couple of hours. It had
- a very pretty garden on the sea-shore, which contained a picturesque
- cottage, exactly resembling an ornamental Hermitage; and leaning against
- one of the pillars of its porch we found a young girl, who exactly
- answered George Colman’s description of Yarico, “quite brown, but
- extremely genteel, like a Wedgewood teapot.” She told us that she was a
- Spanish creole, who had fled with her mother from the disputes between the
- royalists and independents in the island of Old Providence; and the owner
- of the tavern being a relation of her mother, he had permitted the
- fugitives to establish themselves in his garden-cottage, till the troubles
- of their own country should be over. She talked perfectly good English,
- for she said that there were many of that nation established in
- Providence. Her name was Antonietta. Her figure was light and elegant; her
- black eyes mild and bright; her countenance intelligent and good-humoured;
- and her teeth beautiful to perfection: altogether, Antonietta was by far
- the handsomest creole that I have ever seen.
- </p>
- <p>
- From Blue-fields we proceeded at once to Lakovia (a small village), a
- stage of thirty miles. Here we found a relay of horses, which conveyed us
- by seven o’clock to “the Gutturs;” a house belonging to the proprietor of
- the post-horses, and which is situated at the very foot of the tremendous
- May-day Mountains. The house is an excellent one, and we found good beds,
- eatables, and, in short, every thing that travellers could wish. The
- distance from Lakovia to “the Gutturs” is sixteen miles.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 2.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Yesterday the only very striking point of view (although the whole of the
- road was picturesque) was “the Cove,” situated between Blue-fields and
- Lakovia, and which resembled the most beautiful of the views of coves to
- be found in “Cook’s Voyages,” but our journey to-day was a succession of
- beautiful scenes, from beginning to end. Instantly on leaving “the
- Gutturs,” we began to ascend the May-day Mountains, and it was not till
- after travelling for five and twenty miles, that we found ourselves at the
- foot of them on the other side, at a place called Williamsfield, about
- twelve miles from the toll-house, where we rested for the night. To be
- sure, the road was so rough, that it was enough to make one envy the
- Mahometan women, who, having no souls at all, could not possibly have them
- jolted out of their bodies; but the beauty of the scenery amply rewarded
- us for our bruised sides and battered backs. The road was, for the most
- part, bounded by lofty rocks on one side, and a deep precipice on the
- other, and bordered with a profusion of noble trees and flowering shrubs
- in great variety. In particular, I was struck with the picturesque
- appearance of some wild fig-trees of singular size and beauty. Although
- there were only two of us, besides servants, we found it necessary to
- employ seven horses and a couple of mules; and, as our cavalcade wound
- along through the mountains, the Spanish look of our sumpter-mules, and of
- our kittereens (which are precisely the vehicle in which Gil Bias is
- always represented when travelling with Scipio towards Lirias) gave us
- quite the appearance of a caravan; nor should I have been greatly
- surprised to see a trap-door open in the middle of the road, and Captain
- Rolando’s whiskers make their appearance. Every one spoke to me with
- contempt of this south road, in respect of beauty, when compared with the
- north; however, it certainly seemed to me more beautiful than any road
- which I have ever travelled as yet.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 3.
- </h3>
- <p>
- A stage of twenty miles brought us to Old Harbour, and, passing through
- the Dry River, twelve more landed us at Spanish Town, otherwise called St.
- Jago de la Vega, and the seat of government in Jamaica, although Kingston
- is much larger and more populous, and must be considered as the principal
- town. We found very clean and comfortable lodgings at Miss Cole’s. Spanish
- Town has no recommendations whatever; the houses are mostly built of wood:
- the streets are very irregular and narrow; every alternate building is in
- a ruinous state, and the whole place wears an air of gloom and melancholy.
- The government house is a large clumsy-looking brick building, with a
- portico the stucco of which has suffered by the weather, and it can
- advance no pretensions to architectural beauty. On one side of the square
- in which it stands there is a small temple protecting a statue of Lord
- Rodney, executed by Bacon: some of the bas-reliefs on the pedestal
- appeared to me very good; but the old admiral is most absurdly dressed in
- the habit of a Roman General, and furnished out with buskins and a
- truncheon. The temple itself is quite in opposition to good taste, with
- very low arches, surmounted by heavy bas reliefs out of all proportion.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 4. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- We breakfasted with the Chief Justice, who is my relation, and of my own
- name, and then went to the church, which is a very handsome one; the walls
- lined with fine mahogany, and ornamented with many monuments of white
- marble, in memory of the former governors and other principal inhabitants.
- It seems that my ancestors, on both sides, have always had a taste for
- being well lodged after their decease; for, on admiring one of these
- tombs, it proved to be that of my maternal grandfather; but still this was
- not to be compared for a moment with my mausoleum at Cornwall. After
- church I went home with the Rector, who is one of the ecclesiastical
- commissaries, and had a long conversation with him respecting a plan which
- is in agitation for giving the negroes something of a religious education.
- We afterwards dined with the member for Westmoreland; and as every body in
- Jamaica is on foot by six in the morning, at ten in the evening we were
- quite ready to go to bed.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 5.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The Chief Justice went with me to Kingston, where I had appointed the
- agent for my other estate in St. Thomas-in-the-East to meet me. The short
- time allotted for my stay in the island makes it impossible to attend
- properly both to this estate and to Cornwall at this first visit, and
- therefore I determined to confine my attention to the negroes on the
- latter estate till my return to Jamaica. I now contented myself by
- impressing on the mind of my agent (whom I am certain of being a most
- humane and intelligent man) my extreme anxiety for the abolition of the
- cart-whip; and I had the satisfaction of hearing from him, that for a long
- time it had never been used more than perhaps twice in the year, and then
- only very slightly, and for some offence so flagrant that it was
- impossible to pass it over; and he assured me, that whenever I visit
- Hordley, I may depend upon its not being employed at all. On the other
- hand, I am told that a gentleman of the parish of Vere, who came over to
- Jamaica for the sole purpose of ameliorating the condition of his negroes,
- after abolishing the cart-whip, has at length been constrained to resume
- the occasional use of it, because he found it utterly impossible to keep
- them in any sort of subordination without it.
- </p>
- <p>
- There is not that air of melancholy about Kingston which pervades Spanish
- Town; but it has no pretensions to beauty; and if any person will imagine
- a large town entirely composed of booths at a race-course, and the streets
- merely roads, without any sort of paving, he will have, a perfect idea of
- Kingston.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 6.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The Jamaica canoes are hollowed cotton-trees. We embarked in one of them
- at six in the morning, and visited the ruins of Port Royal, which, last
- year, was destroyed by fire: some of the houses were rebuilding; but it
- was a melancholy sight, not only from the look of the half-burnt
- buildings, but the dejected countenances of the ruined inhabitants. I
- returned to breakfast at the rectory, with two other ecclesiastical
- commissaries; had more conversation about their proposed plan; and became
- still more convinced of the difficulty of doing any thing effectual
- without danger to the island and to the negroes themselves, and of the
- extreme delicacy requisite in whatever may be attempted. We afterwards
- visited the school of the children of the poor, who are educating upon Dr.
- Bell’s system; and then saw the church, a very large and handsome one on
- the inside, but mean enough as to its exterior. I was shown the tombstone
- of Admiral Benbow, who was killed in a naval engagement, and whose ship
- afterwards
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Bore down to Port Royal, where the people flocked very
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- much
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To see brave Admiral Benbow laid in Kingston Town
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Church,”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- as the admiral’s Homer informs us.
- </p>
- <p>
- The church is a large one, but it is going to be still further extended;
- the negroes in Kingston and its neighbourhood being (as the rector assured
- me) so anxious to obtain religious instruction, that on Sundays not only
- the church but the churchyard is so completely thronged with them, as to
- make it difficult to traverse the crowd; and those who are fortunate
- enough to obtain seats for the morning service, through fear of being
- excluded from that of the evening, never stir out of the church during the
- whole day. They also flock to be baptized in great numbers, and many have
- lately come to be married; and their burials and christenings are
- performed with great pomp and solemnity.
- </p>
- <p>
- One of the most intelligent of the negroes with whom I have yet conversed,
- was the coxswain of my Port Royal canoe. I asked him whether he had been
- christened? He answered, no; he did not yet think himself good enough, but
- he hoped to be so in time. Nor was he married; for he was still young, and
- afraid that he could not break off his bad habits, and be contented to
- live with no other woman than his wife; and so he thought it better not to
- become a Christian till he could feel certain of performing the duties of
- it. However, he said, he had at least cured himself of one bad custom, and
- never worked upon Sundays, except on some very urgent necessity. I asked
- what he did on Sundays instead: did he go to church?—No. Or employ
- himself in learning to read?—Oh, no; though he thought being able to
- read <i>was a great virtue</i>; (which was his constant expression for any
- thing right, pleasant, or profitable;) but he had no leisure to learn, no
- week days, and as he had heard the parson say that Sunday ought to be a
- day of rest, he made a point of doing nothing at all on that day. He
- praised his former master, of whose son he was now the property, and said
- that neither of them had ever occasion to lay a finger on him. He worked
- as a waterman, and paid his master ten shillings a week, the rest of his
- earnings being his own profit; and when he owed wages for three months, if
- he brought two his master would always give him time for the remainder,
- and that in so kind a manner, that he always fretted himself to think that
- so kind a master should wait for his rights, and worked twice as hard till
- the debt was discharged. He said that kindness was the only way to make
- good negroes, and that, if <i>that</i> failed, flogging would never
- succeed; and he advised me, when I found my negro worthless, “to sell him
- at once, and not stay to flog him, and so, by spoiling his appearance,
- make him sell for less; for blacks must not be treated now, massa, as they
- used to be; they can think, and hear, and see, as well as white people:
- blacks are wiser, massa, than they were, and will soon be still wiser.” I
- thought the fellow himself was a good proof of his assertion.
- </p>
- <p>
- I left Kingston at two o’clock, in defiance of a broiling sun; reached
- Spanish Town in time to dine with the Attorney-General; and went
- afterwards to the play, where I found my acquaintance Mr. Hill of Covent
- Garden theatre performing Lord William in “The Haunted Tower,” and Don
- Juan in the pantomime which followed. The theatre is neat enough, but, I
- am told, very inferior in splendour to that in Kingston. As to the
- performance, it was about equal to any provincial theatricals that I ever
- saw in England; although the pieces represented were by no means well
- selected, being entirely musical, and the orchestra consisting of nothing
- more than a couple of fiddles. My stay in Spanish Town has been too short
- to admit of my inspecting the antiquities of it, which must be reserved
- for a future visit, although I never intend to make a longer than the
- present. The difference of climate was very sensible, both at Spanish Town
- and Kingston; and the suffocating closeness made me long to breathe again
- in the country.
- </p>
- <p>
- The governor happened to be absent on a tour in the north; but I had an
- opportunity of seeing many of the principal persons of the island during
- my residence here; and the civilities which I received from all of them
- were not only more than I expected, but such as I should be unreasonable
- if I had desired more, and very ungrateful if I could ever forget them.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 7.
- </h3>
- <p>
- We were to return by the North Road, and set out at six in the morning.
- The first stage was to the West Tavern, nineteen miles; and nothing can be
- imagined at once more sublime and more beautiful than the scenery. Our
- road lay along the banks of the Rio Cobre, which runs up to Spanish Town,
- where its floods frequently commit dreadful ravages. Large masses of rock
- intercept its current at small intervals, which, as well as its
- shallowness, render it unnavigable. The cliffs and trees are of the most
- gigantic size, and the road goes so near the brink of a tremendous
- precipice, that we were obliged always to send a servant forwards to warn
- any other carriage of our approach, in order that it might stay in some
- broader part while we passed it. A bridge had been attempted to be built
- over the river, but a storm had demolished it before its completion, and
- nothing was now left standing but a single enormous arch. In like manner,
- “the Dry River” sets all bridges at defiance: when we crossed it between
- Old Harbour and Spanish Town, it was nothing but a waste of sand; but its
- floods frequently pour down with irresistible strength and rapidity, and
- sometimes render it impassable for weeks together. I was extremely
- delighted with the first ten miles of this stage: unluckily, a mist then
- arose, so thick, that it was utterly impossible even to guess at the
- surrounding scenery; and the morning was so cold, that I was very glad to
- wrap myself up in my cloak as closely as if I had been travelling in an
- English December.
- </p>
- <p>
- By the time of our leaving the West Tavern the mist had dispersed, and I
- was able to ad mire the extraordinary beauty of Mount Diavolo, which we
- were then crossing. Though we had left the river, the road was still a
- narrow shelf of rock running along the edge of ravines of great depth, and
- filled with broken masses of stone and trees of wonderful magnitude; only
- that at intervals we emerged for a time into places resembling ornamental
- parks in England, the lawns being of the liveliest verdure, the ground
- rising and falling with an endless variety of surface, and enriched with a
- profusion of trees majestic in stature and picturesque in their shapes,
- many of them entirely covered with the beautiful flowers of “hogsmeat,”
- and other creeping plants. The logwood, too, is now perfectly golden with
- its full bloom, and perfumes all the air; and nothing can be more gay than
- the quantity of wild flowers which catch the eye on all sides,
- particularly the wild pine, and the wild ipecacuanha. We travelled for
- sixteen miles, which brought us to our harbour for the night,—-a
- solitary tavern called Blackheath, situated in the heart of the mountains
- of St. Anne.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 8.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The road soon brought us down to the very brink of the sea, which we
- continued to skirt during the whole of the stage. It then brought us to
- St. Anne’s Bay, where we found an excellent breakfast, at an inn quite in
- the English fashion,—for the landlady had been long resident in
- Great Britain. Every thing was clean and comfortable, and the windows
- looked full upon the sea. This stage was sixteen miles: the next was said
- to be twenty-five; but from the time which we took to travel it, I can
- scarcely believe it to be so much. Our road still lay by the sea-side,
- till we began to ascend the mountain of Rio Bueno; from which we at length
- perceived the river itself running into the sea. It was at Porto Bueno
- that Columbus is said to have made his first landing on the island. Rio
- Bueno is a small town with a fort, situated close to the sea. Here also we
- found a very good inn, kept by a Scotchman.
- </p>
- <p>
- The present landlady (her father being from home) was a very pretty brown
- girl, by name Eliza Thompson. She told me that she was only residing with
- her parents during her <i>husband’s</i> absence; for she was (it seems)
- the <i>soi-disant</i> wife of an English merchant in Kingston, and had a
- house on Tachy’s Bridge. This kind of establishment is the highest object
- of the <i>brown</i> females of Jamaica; they seldom marry men of their own
- colour, but lay themselves out to captivate some white person, who takes
- them for mistresses, under the appellation of housekeepers.
- </p>
- <p>
- Soon after my arrival at Cornwall, I asked my attorney whether a
- clever-looking brown woman, who seemed to have great authority in the
- house, belonged to me?—No; she was a free woman.—Was she in my
- service, then?—No; she was not in my service. I began to grow
- impatient.—“But what <i>does</i> she do at Cornwall? Of what use is
- she in the house?”—“Why sir, as to use.... of no great use, sir;”
- and then, after a pause, he added in a lower voice, “It is the custom,
- sir, in this country, for unmarried men to have housekeepers, and Nancy is
- mine.” But he was unjust in saying that Nancy is of no use on the estate;
- for she is perpetually in the hospital, nurses the children, can bleed,
- and mix up medicines, and (as I am assured) she is of more service to the
- sick than all the doctors. These brown housekeepers generally attach
- themselves so sincerely to the interests of their protectors, and make
- themselves so useful, that they in common retain their situation; and
- their children (if slaves) are always honoured by their fellows with the
- title of Miss. My mulatto housemaid is always called “Miss Polly,” by her
- fellow-servant Phillis. This kind of connection is considered by a brown
- girl in the same light as marriage. They will tell you, with an air of
- vanity, “I am Mr. Such-a-one’s <i>Love!</i>” and always speak of him as
- being her <i>husband</i>; and I am told, that, except on these terms, it
- is extremely difficult to obtain the favours of a woman of colour. To gain
- the situation of housekeeper to a white man, the mulatto girl
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- “directs her aim;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- This makes her happiness, and this her fame.”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 9.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The sea-view from a bridge near Falmouth was remarkably pleasing; a stage
- of eighteen miles brought us to the town itself, which I understand to be
- in size the second in the island.
- </p>
- <p>
- However various are the characters which actors sustain, I find their own
- to be the same every where. Although the Jamaica company did not consist
- of more than twenty persons, their green-room squabbles had divided it,
- and we found one half performing at Falmouth. We did not wait for the
- play, but proceeded for twenty-two miles to Montego Bay, where I once more
- found myself under the protecting roof of Miss Judy James.
- </p>
- <p>
- On our return from dinner at Mr. Dewer’s, we discovered a ball of brown
- ladies and gentlemen opposite to the inn. No whites nor blacks were
- permitted to attend this assembly; but as our landlady had two nieces
- there, under her auspices we were allowed to be spectators. The females
- chiefly consisted of the natural daughters of attorneys and overseers, and
- the young men were mostly clerks and book-keepers. I saw nothing at all to
- be compared, either for form or feature, to many of the humbler people of
- colour, much less to the beautiful Spaniard at Blue-fields. Long, or Bryan
- Edwards, asserts that mulattos never breed except with a separate black or
- white; but at this ball two girls were pointed out to me, the daughters of
- mulatto parents; and I have been assured that the assertion was a mistake,
- arising from such a connection being very rarely formed; the females
- generally preferring to live with white men, and the brown men having thus
- no other resource than black women. As to the above girls, the fact is
- certain; and the different shades of colour are distinguished by too plain
- a line to allow any suspicion of infidelity on the part of their parents.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 10.
- </h3>
- <p>
- We passed the day at Mr. Plummer’s estate, Anchovy Bottom.
- </p>
- <p>
- When Lord Bolingbroke was resident in America, large flocks of turkeys
- used to ravage his corn-fields; but, from their extreme wildness, he never
- could make any of them prisoners. He had a barn lighted by a large sash
- window, and into this he laid a train of corn, hiding some servants with
- guns behind the large doors, which were folded back. The turkeys picked up
- the corn, and gradually were enticed to enter the barn. But as soon as a
- dozen had passed in, the servants clapped the doors to with all possible
- expedition. Now they reckoned themselves secure of their game; but to
- their utter consternation, the turkeys in a body darted towards the light,
- dashed against the glass, forced out the wood-work, and away went turkeys,
- glass, wood-work, and all.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 11. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- I reached Cornwall about three o’clock, after an excursion the most
- amusing and agreeable that I ever made in my life. Almost every step of
- the road presented some new and striking scene; and although we travelled
- at all hours, and with as little circumspection as if we had been in
- England, I never felt a headach except for one half hour. On my arrival, I
- found the satisfactory intelligence usually communicated to West Indian
- proprietors. My estate in the west is burnt up for want of moisture; and
- my estate in the east has been so completely flooded, that I have lost a
- whole third of my crop. At Cornwall, not a drop of rain has fallen since
- the 16th of November. Not a vestige of verdure is to be seen; and we begin
- to apprehend a famine among the negroes in consequence of the drought
- destroying their provision grounds. This alone is wanting to complete the
- dangerous state of the island; where the higher classes are all in the
- utmost alarm at rumours of Wilberforce’s intentions to set the negroes
- entirely at freedom; the next step to which would be, in all probability,
- a general massacre of the whites, and a second part of the horrors of St.
- Domingo: while, on the other hand, the negroes are impatient at the delay;
- and such disturbances arose in St. Thomas’s in the East, last Christmas,
- as required the interposition of the magistrates. They say that the
- negroes of that parish had taken it into their heads that <i>The Regent
- and Wilherforce</i> had actually determined upon setting them all at
- liberty at once on the first day of the present year, but that the
- interference of the island had defeated the plan. Their discontent was
- most carefully and artfully fomented by some brown Methodists, who held
- secret and nightly meetings on the different estates, and did their best
- to mislead and bewilder these poor creatures with their fantastic and
- absurd preaching. These fellows harp upon sin, and the devil, and
- hell-fire incessantly, and describe the Almighty and the Saviour as beings
- so terrible, that many of their proselytes cannot hear the name of Christ
- without shuddering. One poor negro, on one of my own estates, told the
- overseer that he knew himself to be so great a sinner that nothing could
- save him from the devil’s clutches, even for a few hours, except singing
- hymns; and he kept singing so incessantly day and night, that at length
- terror and want of sleep turned his brain, and the wretch died raving mad.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 12.
- </h3>
- <p>
- A Sir Charles Price, who had an estate in this island infested by rats,
- imported, with much trouble, a very large and strong species for the
- purpose of extirpating the others. The new-comers answered his purpose to
- a miracle; they attacked the native rats with such spirit, that in a short
- time they had the whole property to themselves; but no sooner had they
- done their duty upon the rats, than they extended their exertions to the
- cats, of whom their strength and size at length enabled them completely to
- get the better; and since that last victory, Sir Charles Price’s rats, as
- they are called, have increased so prodigiously, that (like the man in
- Scripture, who got rid of one devil, and was taken possession of by seven
- others) this single species is now a greater nuisance to the island than
- all the others before them were together. The best, mode of destroying
- rats here is with terriers; but those imported from England soon grow
- useless, being blinded by the sun, while their puppies, born in Jamaica,
- are provided by nature with a protecting film over their eyes, which
- effectually secures them against incurring that calamity.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 12.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Poor Philippa, the woman who used always to call me her “husband,” and
- whom I left sick in the hospital, during my absence has gone out of her
- senses; and there cannot well happen any thing more distressing, as there
- is no separate place for her confinement, and her ravings disturb the
- other invalids. There is, indeed, no kind of bedlam in the whole island of
- Jamaica: whether this proceeds from people being so very sedate and
- sensible, that they never go mad, or from their all being so mad, that no
- one person has a right to shut up another for being out of his senses, is
- a point which I will not pretend to decide. One of my domestic negroes, a
- boy of sixteen, named Prince, was abandoned by his worthless mother in
- infancy, and reared by this Philippa; and since her illness he passes
- every moment of his leisure in her sick-room. On the other hand, there is
- a woman named Christian, attending two fevered children in the hospital;
- one her own, and the other an adopted infant, whom she reared upon the
- death of its mother in child-birth; and there she sits, throwing her eyes
- from one to the other with such unceasing solicitude, that no one could
- discover which was her own child and which the orphan.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 13.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Two Jamaica nightingales have established themselves on the orange tree
- which grows against my window, and their song is most beautiful. This bird
- is also called “the mocking-bird,” from its facility of imitating, not
- only the notes of every other animal, but—I am told—of
- catching every tune that may be played or sung two or three times in the
- house near which it resides, after which it will go through the air with
- the greatest taste and precision, throwing in cadences and ornaments that
- Catalani herself might envy.
- </p>
- <p>
- But by far the most curious animal that I have yet seen in Jamaica is “the
- soldier,” a species of crab, which inhabits a shell like a snail’s, so
- small in proportion to its limbs, that nothing can be more curious or
- admirable than the machinery by which it is enabled to fold them up
- instantly on the slightest alarm. They inhabit the mountains, but
- regularly once a year travel in large troops down to the seaside to spawn
- and change their shells. If I recollect right, Goldsmith gives a very full
- and entertaining account of this animal, by the name of “the soldier
- crab.” They are seldom used in Jamaica except for soups, which are
- reckoned delicious: that which was brought to me was a very small one, the
- shell being no bigger than a large snail’s, although the animal itself,
- when marching with his house on his back, appears to be above thrice the
- size; but I am told that they are frequently as large as a man’s fist.
- Mine was found alone in the public road: how it came to be in so solitary
- a state, I know not, for in general they move in armies, and march towards
- the sea in a straight line; I am afraid, by his being found alone, that my
- soldier must have been a deserter.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 14.
- </h3>
- <p>
- To-day there was a shower of rain for the first time since my arrival;
- indeed, not a drop has fallen since the 16th of November; and in
- consequence my present crop has suffered terribly, and our expectations
- for next season are still worse.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 18. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- The rain has brought forth the fire-flies, and in the evening the hedges
- are all brilliant with their numbers. In the day they seem to be torpid
- beetles of a dull reddish colour, but at night they become of a shining
- purple. The fire proceeds from two small spots in the back part of the
- head. It is yellow in the light, and requires motion to throw out its
- radiance in perfection; but as soon as it is touched, the fly struggles
- violently, and bends itself together with a clicking noise like the snap
- of a spring; and I understand that this effort is necessary to set it in
- motion. It is sufficiently strong to turn itself upwards with a single
- movement, if lying on its back: some people say that it is always obliged
- to throw itself upon its back in order to take wing; but this I have,
- again, heard others contradict. When confined in a glass, the light seems
- almost extinguished; nothing can be discerned but two pale yellow spots;
- but on being pressed by the hand it becomes more brilliant than any
- emerald, and when on the wing it seems entirely composed of the most
- beautifully coloured fire.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 20.
- </h3>
- <p>
- I attended the Slave Court, where a negro was tried for sheep-stealing,
- and a black servant girl for attempting to poison her master. The former
- was sentenced to be transported. The latter was a girl of fifteen, called
- Minetta: she acknowledged the having infused corrosive sublimate in some
- brandy and water; but asserted that she had taken it from the medicine
- chest without knowing it to be poison, and had given it to her master at
- her grandmother’s desire. This account was evidently a fabrication: there
- was no doubt of the grandmother’s innocence, although some suspicion
- attached to the mother’s influence; but as to the girl herself, nothing
- could be more hardened than her conduct through the whole transaction. She
- stood by the bed to see her master drink the poison; witnessed his agonies
- without one expression of surprise or pity; and when she was ordered to
- leave the room, she pretended to be fast asleep, and not to hear what was
- said to her. Even since her imprisonment, she could never be prevailed
- upon to say that she was sorry for her master’s having been poisoned; and
- she told the people in the gaol, that “they could do nothing to her, for
- she had turned king’s evidence against her grandmother.” She was condemned
- to die on Thursday next, the day after to-morrow: she heard the sentence
- pronounced without the least emotion; and I am told, that when she went
- down the steps of the courthouse, she was seen to laugh.
- </p>
- <p>
- The trial appeared to be conducted with all possible justice and
- propriety; the jury consisted of nine respectable persons; the bench of
- three magistrates, and a senior one to preside. There were no lawyers
- employed on either side; consequently no appeals to the passions, no false
- lights thrown out, no traps, no flaws, no quibbles, no artful
- cross-examinings, and no brow-beating of witnesses; and I cannot say that
- the trial appeared to me to go on at all the worse. Nobody appeared to be
- either for or against the prisoner; the only object of all present was
- evidently to come at the truth, and I sincerely believe that they obtained
- their object. The only part of the trial of which I disapproved was the
- ordering the culprit to such immediate execution, that sufficient time was
- not allowed for the exercise of the royal prerogative, should the governor
- have been disposed to commute the punishment for that of transportation.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 21.
- </h3>
- <p>
- During my excursion to Spanish Town, the complaining negroes of
- Friendship, who had applied to me for relief, were summoned to Savannah la
- Mar, before the Council of Protection, and the business thoroughly
- investigated. Their examination has been sent to me, and they appear to
- have had a very fair hearing. The journals of the estate were produced;—the
- book-keepers examined upon oath; and in order to make out a case at all,
- the chief complainant contradicted himself so grossly, as left no doubt
- that the whole was a fabrication. They were, therefore, dismissed without
- relief, but also without punishment, in spite of their gross falsehoods
- and calumnies; and although they did not gain their object, I make no
- doubt that they will go on more contentedly for having had attention paid
- to their complaints. It was indeed evident, that Nelly (the chief
- complainant) was actuated more by wounded pride than any real feeling of
- hardship; for what she laid the most stress upon was, the overseer’s
- turning his back upon her, when she stated herself to be injured, and
- walking away without giving her any answer.
- </p>
- <p>
- There are so many pleasing and amusing parts of the character of negroes,
- that it seems to me scarcely possible not to like them. But when they are
- once disposed to evil, they seem to set no bounds to the indulgence of
- their bad passions. A poor girl came into the hospital to-day, who had had
- some trifling dispute with two of her companions; on which the two friends
- seized her together, and each fixing her teeth on one of the girl’s hands,
- bit her so severely, that we greatly fear her losing the use of both of
- them. I happened also to ask, this morning, to whom a skull had belonged,
- which I had observed fixed on a pole by the roadside, when returning last
- from Montego Bay. I was told, that about five years ago a Mr. Dunbar had
- given some discontent to his negroes in the article of clothing them,
- although, in other respects, he was by no means a severe master. However,
- this was sufficient to induce his head driver, who had been brought up in
- his own house from infancy, to form a plot among his slaves to assassinate
- him; and he was assisted in this laudable design by two young men from a
- neighbouring property, who barely knew Mr. Dunbar by sight, had no enmity
- against him whatever, and only joined in the conspiracy in compliment to
- their worthy friend the driver. During several months a variety of
- attempts were made for effecting their purpose; but accident defeated
- them; till at length they were made certain of his intention to dine out
- at some distance, and of his being absolutely obliged to return in the
- evening. An ambuscade was therefore laid to intercept him; and on his
- passing a clump of trees, the assassins sprang upon him, the driver
- knocked him from his horse, and in a few moments their clubs despatched
- him. No one suspected the driver; but in the course of enquiry, his house
- as well as the other was searched, and not only Mr. Dunbar’s watch was
- found concealed there, but with it one of his ears, which the villain had
- carried away, from a negro belief that, as long as the murderer possesses
- one of the ears of his victim, he will never be haunted by his spectre.
- The stranger-youths, two of Dunbar’s negroes, and the driver, were tried,
- confessed the crime, and were all executed; the head of the latter being
- fixed upon a pole <i>in terrorem</i>. But while the offenders were still
- in prison, the overseer upon a neighbouring property had occasion to find
- fault in the field with a woman belonging to a gang hired to perform some
- particular work; upon which she flew upon him with the greatest fury,
- grasped him by the throat, cried to her fellows—“Come here! come
- here! Let us Dunbar him!” and through her strength and the suddenness of
- her attack had nearly accomplished her purpose, before his own slaves
- could come to his assistance. This woman was also executed.
- </p>
- <p>
- This happened about five years ago, when the mountains were in a very
- rebellious state. Every thing there is at present quiet. But only last
- year a book-keeper belonging to the next estate to me was found with his
- skull fractured in one of my own cane-pieces; nor have any enquiries been
- able to discover the murderer.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 22.
- </h3>
- <p>
- During many years the Moravians have been established upon the
- neighbouring estate of Mesopotamia. As the ecclesiastical commissaries had
- said so much to me respecting the great appetite of the negroes for
- religious instruction, I was desirous of learning what progress had been
- made in this quarter, and this morning I went over to see one of the
- teachers. He told me, that he and his wife had jointly used their best
- efforts to produce a sense of religion in the minds of the slaves; that
- they were all permitted to attend his morning and evening lectures, if
- they chose it; but that he could not say that they showed any great
- avidity on the subject. It seems that there are at least three hundred
- negroes on the estate; the number of believers has rather increased than
- diminished, to be sure, but still in a very small proportion. When this
- gentleman arrived, there were not more than forty baptised persons: he has
- been here upwards of five years, and still the number of persons
- “belonging to his church” (as he expressed it) does not exceed fifty. Of
- these, seldom more than ten or a dozen attend his lectures at a time. As
- to the remaining two hundred and fifty, they take no more notice of his
- lectures or his exhortations, than if there were no such person on the
- property, are only very civil to him when they see him, and go on in their
- own old way, without suffering him to interfere in any shape. By the
- overseer of Greenwich’s express desire, the Moravian has, however, agreed
- to give up an hour every day for the religious instruction of the negro
- children on that property: and I should certainly request him to extend
- his labours to Cornwall, if I did not think it right to give the Church of
- England clergymen full room for a trial of their intended periodical
- visitations; which would not be the case, if the negroes were to be
- interfered with by the professors of any other communion: otherwise I am
- myself ready to give free ingress and egress upon my several estates to
- the teachers of any Christian sect whatever, the Methodists always
- excepted, and “Miss Peg, who faints at the sound of an organ.”
- </p>
- <p>
- For my own part, I have no hope of any material benefit arising from these
- religious visitations made at quarterly intervals. It seems to me as
- nugatory as if a man were to sow a field with horse-hair, and expect a
- crop of colts.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 23.
- </h3>
- <p>
- This morning my picture was drawn by a self-taught genius, a negro
- Apelles, belonging to Dr. Pope, the minister; and the picture was exactly
- such as a self-taught genius might be expected to produce. It was a
- straight hard outline, without shade or perspective; the hair was a large
- black patch, and the face covered with an uniform layer of flesh-colour,
- with a red spot in the centre of each cheek. As to likeness, there was not
- even an attempt to take any. But still, such as they were, there were
- eyes, nose, and mouth, to be sure. A long red nose supplied the place of
- my own snub; an enormous pair of whiskers stretched themselves to the very
- corner of my mouth; and in place of three hairs and a half, the painter,
- in the superabundance of his generosity, bestowed upon me a pair of
- eye-brows more bushy than Dr. Johnson’s, and which, being formed in an
- exact semicircle, made the eyes beneath them stare with an expression of
- the utmost astonishment. The negroes, however, are in the highest
- admiration of the painter’s skill, and consider the portrait as a striking
- resemblance; for there is a very blue coat with very yellow buttons, and
- white gaiters and trow-sers, and an eye-glass so big and so blue, that it
- looks as if I had hung a pewter plate about my neck; and a bunch of
- watch-seals larger than those with which Pope has decorated Belinda’s
- great great grandsire. John Fuller (to whom, jointly with Nicholas, the
- charge of this inestimable treasure is to be entrusted) could not find
- words to express his satisfaction at the performance. “Dere massa coat!
- and dere him chair him sit in! and dere massa seals, all just de very same
- ting! just all as one! And oh! ki! dere massa pye-glass!” In the midst of
- his raptures he dropped the picture, and fractured the frame-glass. His
- despair now equalled his former joy;—“Oh, now what for him do? Such
- a pity! Just to break it after it was all done so well! All so pretty!”
- However, we stuck the broken glass together with wafers, and he carried it
- off, assuring me, “that when massa gone, he should talk to it every
- morning, all one as if massa still here.” Indeed, this “talking to massa”
- is a favourite amusement among the negroes, and extremely inconvenient:
- they come to me perpetually with complaints so frivolous, and requests so
- unreasonable, that I am persuaded they invent them only to have an excuse
- for “talk to massa;” and when I have given them a plump refusal, they go
- away perfectly satisfied, and “tank massa for dis here great indulgence of
- talk.”
- </p>
- <p>
- There is an Eboe carpenter named Strap, who was lately sick and in great
- danger, and whom I nursed with particular care. The poor fellow thinks
- that he never can express his gratitude sufficiently; and whenever he
- meets me in the public road, or in the streets of Savannah la Mar, he
- rushes towards the carriage, roars out to the postilion to stop, and if
- the boy does not obey instantly, he abuses him with all his power; “for
- why him no stop when him want talk to massa?”—“But look, Strap, your
- beast is getting away!”—“Oh! damn beast, massa.”—“But you
- should go to your mountain, or you will get no vittle.”—“Oh, damn
- vittle, and damn mountain! me no want vittle, me want talk wid massa;” and
- then, all that he has got to say is, “Oh massa, massa! God bless you,
- massa! me quite, <i>quite</i> glad to see you come back, my own massa!”
- And then he bursts into a roar of laughter so wild and so loud, that the
- passers-by cannot help stopping to stare and laugh too.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 24.
- </h3>
- <p>
- On the Sunday after my first arrival, the whole body of Eboe negroes came
- to me to complain of the attorney, and more particularly of one of the
- book-keepers. I listened to them, if not with unwearied patience, at least
- with unsubdued fortitude, for above an hour and a half; and finding some
- grounds for their complaint against the latter, in a few days I went down
- to their quarter of the village, told them that to please them I had
- discharged the book-keeper, named a day for examining their other
- grievances, and listened to them for an hour more. When the day of trial
- came, they sent me word that they were perfectly satisfied, and had no
- complaint to make. I was, therefore, much surprised to receive a visit
- from Edward, the Eboe, yesterday evening, who informed me, that during my
- absence his fellows had formed a plan of making a complaint <i>en masse</i>
- to a neighbouring magistrate; and that, not only against the attorney, but
- against myself “for not listening to them when they were injured;” and
- Edward claimed great merit with me for having prevented their taking this
- step, and convinced them, that while I was on the estate myself, there
- could be no occasion for applying to a third person. Now, having made me
- aware of my great obligations to him, here Edward meant the matter to
- rest; but being a good deal incensed at their ingratitude, I instantly
- sent for the Eboes, and enquired into the matter; when it appeared, that
- Edward (who is a clever fellow, and has great influence over the rest) had
- first goaded them into a resolution of complaining to a magistrate, had
- then stopped them from putting their plan into execution, and that the
- whole was a plot of Edward’s, in order to make a merit with me for himself
- at the expense of his countrymen. However, as they confessed their having
- had the intention of applying to Mr. Hill as a magistrate, I insisted upon
- their executing their intention. I told them, that as Mr. Hill was the
- person whom they had selected for their protector, to Mr. Hill they should
- go; that they should either make their complaint to him against me, or
- confess that they had been telling lies, and had no complaint to make; and
- that, as the next day was to be a play-day given them by me, instead of
- passing it at home in singing and dancing, they should pass it at the Bay
- in stating their grievances.
- </p>
- <p>
- This threw them into terrible confusion; they cried out that they wanted
- to make no complaint whatever, and that it was all Edward’s fault, who had
- misled them. Three of them, one after the other, gave him the lie to his
- face; and each and all (Edward as well as the rest) declared that go to
- the Bay they absolutely would <i>not</i>. The next morning they were all
- at the door waiting for my coming out: they positively refused to go to
- Mr. Hill, and begged and prayed, and humbled themselves; now scraping and
- bowing to me, and then blackguarding Edward with all their might and main;
- and when I ordered the driver to take charge of them, and carry them to
- Mr. Hill, some of them fairly took to their heels, and ran away. However,
- the rest soon brought them back again, for they swore that if one went,
- all should go; and away they were marched, in a string of about twenty,
- with the driver at their head. When they got to the Bay, they told Mr.
- Hill that, as to their massa, they had no complaint to make against him,
- except that he had compelled them to make one; and what they said against
- the attorney was so trifling, that the magistrate bade the driver take
- them all back again. Upon which they slunk away to their houses, while the
- Creoles cried out “Shame! shame!” as they passed along.
- </p>
- <p>
- Indeed, the Creoles could not have received a greater pleasure than the
- mortification of the Eboes; for the two bodies hate each other as
- cordially as the Guelphs and Ghibellines; and after their departure for
- the Bay, I heard the head cook haranguing a large audience, and declaring
- it to be her fixed opinion, “that massa ought to sell all the Eboes, and
- buy Creoles instead.” Probably, Mrs. Cook was not the less loud in her
- exclamations against the ingratitude of the Eboes, from her own loyalty
- having lately been questioned. She had found fault one day in the hospital
- with some women who feigned sickness in order to remain idle. “You no work
- willing for massa,” said Mrs. Cook, “and him so vex, him say him go to
- Kingston to-morrow, and him wish him neber come back again!”—“What!”
- cried Philippa, the mad woman, “you wish massa neber come back from
- Kingston?” So she gave Mrs. Cook a box on the ear with all her might; upon
- which Mrs. Cook snatched up a stick and broke the mad woman’s pate with
- it. But though she could beat a hole in her head, she never could beat out
- of it her having said that she wished massa might never come back. And
- although Philippa has recovered her senses, in her belief of Mrs. Cook’s
- disloyalty she continues firm; and they never meet without renewing the
- dispute.
- </p>
- <p>
- To-day being a play-day, the gaiety of the negroes was promoted by a
- distribution of an additional quantity of salt-fish (which forms a most
- acceptable ingredient in their pepper-pots), and as much rum and sugar as
- they chose to drink. But there was also a dinner prepared at the house
- where the “white people” reside, expressly for none but the <i>piccaninny-mothers</i>;
- that is, for the women who had children living. I had taken care, when
- this play-day was announced by the head driver, to make him inform the
- negroes that they were indebted for it entirely to these mothers; and to
- show them the more respect, I went to them after dinner myself, and drank
- their healths. The most respectable blacks on the estate were also
- assembled in the room; and I then told them that clothes would wear out,
- and money would be spent, and that I wished to give them something more
- lasting than clothes or money. The law only allows them, as a matter of
- right, every alternate Saturday for themselves, and holidays for three
- days at Christmas, which, with all Sundays, forms their whole legal time
- of relaxation. I therefore granted them as a matter of right, and of which
- no person should deprive them on any account whatever, <i>every</i>
- Saturday to cultivate their grounds; and in addition to their holidays at
- Christmas, I gave them for play-days Good-Friday, the second Friday in
- October, and the second Friday in July. By which means, they will in
- future have the same number of holidays four times a year, which hitherto
- they have been allowed only once, i.e. at Christmas. The first is to be
- called “the royal play-day,” in honour of that excellent Princess, the
- Duchess of York; and the negroes are directed to give three cheers upon
- the head driver’s announcing “The health of our good lady, H. R. H. the
- Duchess of York.” And I told them, that before my leaving the island, I
- should hear them drink this health, and should not fail to let Her Royal
- Highness know, that the negroes of Cornwall drank her health every year.
- This evidently touched the right chord of their vanity, and they all bowed
- and courtesied down to the very ground, and said, that would do them much
- high honour. The ninth being my own birthday, the July play-day is to be
- called “the massa’s” and that in October is to be in honour of the
- piccaninny-mothers, from whom it is to take its name.
- </p>
- <p>
- The poor creatures overflowed with gratitude; and the prospective
- indulgences which had just been announced, gave them such an increase of
- spirits, that on returning to my own residence, they fell to singing and
- dancing again with as much violence as if they had been a pack of French
- furies at the Opera. The favourite song of the night was,
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- “Since massa come, we very well off;”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- which words they repeated in chorus, without intermission (dancing all the
- time), for hours together; till, at half-past three, neither my eyes nor
- my brain could endure it any longer, and I was obliged to send them word
- that I wanted to go to bed, and could not sleep till the noise should
- cease. The idea of my going to bed seemed never to have occurred to them
- till that moment. Fortunately, like Johnson’s definition of wit, “the
- idea, although novel, was immediately acknowledged to be just.” So
- instantly the drums and gumbies left off beating; the children left off
- singing; the women and men left off dancing; and they all with one accord
- fell to kicking, and pulling, and thumping about two dozen of their
- companions, who were lying fast asleep upon the floor. Some were roused,
- some resisted, some began fighting, some got up and lay down again; but at
- length, by dint of their leading some, carrying others, and rolling the
- remainder down the steps, I got my house clear of my black guests about
- four in the morning.
- </p>
- <p>
- Another of their popular songs this evening was—
- </p>
- <p>
- “All the stories them telling you are lies, oh!”
- </p>
- <p>
- which was meant as a satire upon the Eboes. My friend Strap being an Eboe,
- and one who had hitherto generally taken a leading part in all the
- discontents and squabbles of his countrymen, I was not without
- apprehensions of his having been concerned in the late complaint. I was,
- therefore, much pleased to find that he had positively refused to take any
- share in the business, and had been to the full as violent as any of the
- Creoles in reprobating the ingratitude of the Eboes. Today he came up to
- the house dressed in his best clothes, to show me his seven children; and
- he marched at their head in all the dignity of paternal pride. He begged
- me particularly to notice two fine little girls, who were twins. I told
- him that I had seen them already. “Iss! iss!” he said; “massa see um; but
- massa no <i>admire</i> um enough yet.” Upon which I fell to admiring them,
- tooth and nail, and the father went away quite proud and satisfied.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 25.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Yesterday it was observed at George’s Plain, an estate about four miles
- off, that the water-mill did not work properly, and it was concluded that
- the grating was clogged up with rubbish. To clear it away, a negro
- immediately jumped down into the trench upon a log of wood; when he felt
- the log move under him, and of course jumped out again with all possible
- expedition. It was then discovered that the impediment in question
- proceeded from a large alligator which had wandered from the morass, and,
- in the hope of finding his way to the river, had swam up the mill-trench
- till he found himself stopped by the grating; and the banks being too high
- for him to gain them by leaping upwards, and the place of his confinement
- too narrow to admit of his turning round to go back again, his escape was
- impossible, and a ball, lodged near his eye, soon put an end to him. I
- went over to see him this morning; but I was not contented with merely
- seeing him, so I begged to have a steak cut off for me, brought it home,
- and ordered it to be broiled for dinner. One of the negroes happened to
- see it in the kitchen; the news spread through the estate like wildfire;
- and I had immediately half a dozen different deputations, all hoping that
- massa would not think of eating the alligator, for it was poisonous.
- However, I was obstinate, and found the taste of the flesh, when broiled
- with pepper and salt, and assisted by an onion sauce, by no means to be
- despised; but the consistence of the meat was disagreeable, being as tough
- as a piece of eel-skin. Perhaps any body who wishes to eat alligator
- steaks in perfection, ought to keep them for two or three days before
- dressing them; or the animal’s age might be in fault, for the fellow was
- so old that he had scarcely a tooth in his head; I therefore contented
- myself with two or three morsels; but a person who was dining with me ate
- a whole steak, and pronounced the dish to be a very good one. The eggs are
- said to be very palatable; nor have the negroes who live near morasses,
- the same objection with those of Cornwall to eating the flesh; it is,
- however, true that the gall of the alligator, if not extracted carefully,
- will render the whole animal unfit for food; and when this gall is reduced
- to powder, it forms a poison of the most dangerous nature, as the negroes
- know but too well.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 26.
- </h3>
- <p>
- I had given the most positive orders that no person whatever should
- presume to strike a negro, or give him abusive language, or, however great
- the offence might be, should inflict any punishment, except by the sole
- direction of the trustee himself. Yet, although I had already discharged
- one bookkeeper on this account, this evening another of them had a dispute
- in the boiling-house with an African named Frank, because a pool of water
- was not removed fast enough; upon which he called him a rascal, sluiced
- him with the dirty water, and finally knocked him down with the broom. The
- African came to me instantly; four eye-witnesses, who were examined
- separately, proved the truth of his ill-usage; and I immediately
- discharged the book-keeper, who had contented himself with simply denying
- the blow having been given by him: but I told him that I could not
- possibly allow his single unsupported denial to outweigh five concordant
- witnesses to the assertion; and that, if he grounded his claim to being
- believed merely upon his having a white skin, he would find that, on
- Cornwall estate at least, that claim would not be admitted. The fact was
- established as evident as the sun; and nothing should induce me to retain
- him on my property, except his finding some means of appeasing the injured
- negro, and prevailing on him to intercede in his behalf. This was an
- humiliation to which he could not bring himself to stoop; and,
- accordingly, the man has left the estate. Probably, indeed, the attempt at
- reconciliation would have been unsuccessful; for when one of his
- companions asked Frank whether, if Mr. Barker would make him a present, he
- had not better take it, and beg massa to let him stay, he exclaimed, in
- the true spirit of a Zanga,—“No, no, no! me no want present! me no
- want noting! Me no beg for Mr. Barker! him go away!”—I was kept
- awake the greatest part of the night by the songs and rejoicings of the
- negroes, at their triumph over the offending book-keeper.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 27.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The only horned cattle said to be fit for Jamaica work, are those which
- have a great deal of black in them. The white are terribly tormented by
- the insects, and they are weak and sluggish in proportion to their
- quantity of white. On the contrary I am told that such a thing as a black
- horse is not to be found in the island; those which may be imported black
- soon change their colour into a bay; and colts are said to have been
- dropped perfectly black, which afterwards grew lighter and lighter till
- they arrived at being perfectly white.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 28.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Hearing that a manati (the sea-cow) had been taken at the mouth of the
- Cabrita River, and was kept alive at the Hope Wharf I got a sailing-boat,
- and went about eight miles to see the animal. It was suffered to live in
- the sea, a rope being fastened round it, by which it could be landed at
- pleasure. It was a male, and a very young one, not exceeding nine feet in
- length, whereas they have frequently been found on the outside of
- eighteen. The females yield a quart of milk at a time: a gentleman told me
- that he had tasted it, and could not have distinguished it from the
- sweetest cow’s milk. Unlike the seal, it never comes on shore, although it
- ventures up rivers in the night, to feed on the grass of their banks; but
- during the day it constantly inhabits the ocean, where its chief enemy is
- the shark, whose attacks it beats off with its tail, the strength of which
- is prodigious. It was killed this morning, and the gentleman to whom it
- belonged was obliging enough to send me part of it; we roasted it for
- dinner, and, except that its consistence was rather firmer, I should not
- have known it from veal.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 29.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The wife of an old negro on the neighbouring estate of Anchovy had lately
- forsaken him for a younger lover. One night, when she happened to be
- alone, the incensed husband entered her hut unexpectedly, abused her with
- all the rage of jealousy, and demanded the clothes to be restored, which
- he had formerly given her. On her refusal he drew a knife, and threatened
- to cut them off her back; nor could she persuade him to depart, till she
- had received a severe beating. He had but just left the hut, when he
- encountered his successful rival, who was returning home: a quarrel
- instantly ensued; and the husband, having the knife still unsheathed in
- his hand, plunged it into the neck of his antagonist. It pierced the
- jugular vein; of course the man fell dead on the spot; and the murderer
- has been sent to Montego Bay, to take his trial.
- </p>
- <p>
- MARCH 1. (Friday.)
- </p>
- <p>
- One of my house-boys, named Prince, is son to the Duke of Sully; and
- to-day his Grace came to beg that, when I should leave Jamaica, I would
- direct the boy to be made a tradesman, instead of being sent back to be a
- common field-negro: but my own shops are not only full at present, but
- loaded with future engagements. Sully then requested that I would send his
- son to learn some other trade (a tailor’s, for instance) at Savannah la
- Mar, as had been frequently done in former times; but this, also, I was
- obliged to refuse. I told him, that formerly a master could pay for the
- apprenticeship of a clever negro boy, and, instead of employing him
- afterwards on the estate, could content himself with being repaid by a
- share of the profits; but that, since The Abolition had made it impossible
- for the proprietor of an estate to supply the place of one negro by the
- purchase of another, it would be unjust to his companions to suffer any
- one in particular to be withdrawn from service; as in that case two
- hundred and ninety-nine would have to do the work, which was now performed
- by three hundred; and, therefore, I could allow my negroes to apply
- themselves to no trades but such as related to the business of the
- property, such as carpenters, coopers, smiths, &c. “All true, massa,”
- said Sully; “all fair and just; and, to be sure, a tailor or a saddler
- would be of no great use towards your planting and getting in your crop;
- nor——”
- </p>
- <p>
- He hesitated for a moment, and then added, with a look of doubt, and in a
- lower voice,—“Nor—nor a fiddler either, I suppose, massa?” I
- began to laugh. “No, indeed, Sully; nor a fiddler either!” It seems the
- lad, who is about sixteen, very thoughtless, and <i>un tantino</i> stupid,
- has a passion for playing the fiddle, and, among other trades, had
- suggested this to his father, as one which would be extremely to his
- taste. We finally settled, that when the plough should be introduced on my
- estate (which I am very anxious to accomplish, and substitute the labour
- of oxen for that of negroes, wherever it can possibly be done), Prince
- should be instructed in farming business, and in the mean while should
- officiate as a pen-keeper to look after the cattle.
- </p>
- <p>
- Just now Prince came to me with a request of his own. “Massa, please, me
- want one little coat.”—“A little coat! For what?”—“Massa,
- please, for wear when me go down to the Bay.”—“And why should you
- wear a little coat when you go to the Bay?”—“Massa, please, make me
- look eerie (buckish) when me go abroad.” So I assured him that he looked
- quite eerie enough already; and that, as I was going away too soon to
- admit of my seeing him in his little coat, there could not be the
- slightest occasion for his being a bit <i>eerier</i> than he was. A master
- in England would probably have been not a little astonished at receiving
- such a request from one of his groom-boys; but here one gets quite
- accustomed to them; and when they are refused, the petitioners frequently
- laugh themselves at their own unreasonableness.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 2.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Most of those negroes who are tolerably industrious, breed cattle on my
- estate, which are their own peculiar property, and by the sale of which
- they obtain considerable sums. The pasturage of a steer would amount, in
- this country, to £12 a year; but the negro cattle get their grass from me
- without its costing them a farthing; and as they were very desirous that I
- should be their general purchaser, I ordered them to agree among
- themselves as to what the price should be. It was, therefore, settled that
- I should take their whole stock, good and bad indifferently, at the rate
- of £15 a head for every three-year-old beast; and they expressed
- themselves not only satisfied, but very grateful for my acceptance of
- their proposal. John Fuller and the beautiful Psyche had each a steer to
- sell (how Psyche came to be so rich, I had too much discretion to
- enquire), and they were paid down their £15 a piece instantly, which they
- carried off with much glee.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 3. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- In this country it may be truly said that “it never rains but it pours.”
- After a drought of three months, it began to rain on Thursday morning, and
- has never stopped raining since, with thunder all the day, and lightning
- all the night; one consequence of which incessant showers is, that it has
- brought out all sorts of insects and reptiles in crowds: the ground is
- covered with lizards; the air is filled with mosquitoes, and their bite is
- infinitely more envenomed than on my first arrival. A centipede was found
- squeezed to death under the door of my bed-room this morning. As to the
- cock-roaches, they are absolutely in legions; every evening my negro boys
- are set to hunt them, and they kill them by dozens on the chairs and
- sofas, in the covers of my books, and among the leaves in my
- fruit-baskets. Yesterday I wanted to send away a note in a great hurry,
- snatched up a wafer, and was on the point of putting it into my mouth,
- when I felt it move, and found it to be a cockroach, which had worked its
- way into the wafer-box.
- </p>
- <p>
- MARCH 4. (Monday.)
- </p>
- <p>
- Since my arrival in Jamaica, I am not conscious of having omitted any
- means of satisfying my negroes, and rendering them happy and secure from
- oppression. I have suffered no person to be punished, except the two
- female demons who almost bit a girl’s hands off (for which they received a
- slight switching), and the most worthless rascal on the estate, whom for
- manifold offences I was compelled, for the sake of discipline, to allow to
- pass two days in the bilboes. I have never refused a favour that I could
- possibly grant. I have listened patiently to all complaints. I have
- increased the number of negro holidays, and have given away money and
- presents of all kinds incessantly. Now for my reward. On Saturday morning
- there were no fewer than forty-five persons (not including children) in
- the hospital; which makes nearly a fifth of my whole gang. Of these, the
- medical people assured me that not above seven had any thing whatever the
- matter with them; the rest were only feigning sickness out of mere
- idleness, and in order to sit doing nothing, while their companions were
- forced to perform their part of the estate-duty. And sure enough, on
- Sunday morning they all walked away from the hospital to amuse themselves,
- except about seven or eight: they will, perhaps, go to the field for a
- couple of days; and on Wednesday we may expect to have them all back
- again, complaining of pains, which (not existing) it is not possible to
- remove. Jenny (the girl whose hands were bitten) was told by the
- doctoress, that having been in the hospital all the week, she ought not,
- for very shame, to go out on Sunday. She answered, “She wanted to go to
- the mountains, and go she would.” “Then,” said the doctoress, “you must
- not come back again on Monday at least.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Yes,” Jenny said, “she <i>should</i> come back;” and back this morning
- Jenny came. But as her wounds were almost completely well, she had tied
- packthread round them so as to cut deep into the flesh, had rubbed dirt
- into them, and, in short, had played such tricks as nearly to produce a
- mortification in one of her fingers.
- </p>
- <p>
- The most worthless fellow on the whole property is one Nato,—a
- thief, a liar, a runaway, and one who has never been two days together out
- of the hospital since my arrival, although he has nothing the matter with
- him; indeed, when the other negroes abused him for his laziness, and
- leaving them to do his work for him, he told them plainly that he did not
- mean to work, and that nobody should make him. The only real illness which
- brought him to the hospital, within my knowledge, was the consequence of a
- beating received from his own father, who had caught him in the act of
- robbing his house by the help of a false key. In the hospital he found his
- wife, Philippa, the mad woman, with whom he instantly quarrelled, and she
- cut his head open with a plate; and as she might have served one of the
- children in the same way, we were obliged to confine her. Her husband was
- thought to be the fittest person to guard her; and accordingly they were
- locked up together in a separate room from the other invalids, till a
- straight waistcoat could be made. The husband was then restored to
- freedom, and desired to go to work, which he declared to be impossible
- from illness; yet he disappeared the whole of the next day; and on his
- return on the following morning, he had the impudence to assert that he
- had never been out of the hospital for an hour. For this runaway offence,
- and for endeavouring to exasperate his wife’s phrensy, he was put into the
- bilboes for two days: on the third he was released; when he came to me
- with tears in his eyes, implored me most earnestly to forgive what had
- past, and promised to behave better for the future, “to so good a massa.”
- It appeared afterwards, that he had employed his absence in complaining to
- Mr. Williams, a neighbouring magistrate, that, “having a spite against
- them, although neither he nor his wife had committed any fault, I had
- punished them both by locking them up for several days in a solitary
- prison, under pretence of his wife’s insanity, when, in fact, she was
- perfectly in her senses.” Unluckily, one of my physicians had told Mr.
- Williams, that very morning, how much he had been alarmed at Cornwall,
- when, upon going into a mad woman’s room, her husband had fastened the
- door, and he had found himself shut up between them; the woman really mad,
- and the man pretending to be so too. The moment that Nato mentioned the
- mad woman as his wife, “What then,” said Mr. Williams, “you are the fellow
- who alarmed the doctor so much two days ago?” Upon which Nato had the
- impudence to burst into a fit of laughter,—“Oh, ki, massa, doctor no
- need be fright; we no want to hurt him; only make lilly bit fun wid him,
- massa, that all.” On which he was ordered to get out of Mr. Williams’s
- house, slunk back into the Cornwall hospital, and in a few days came to me
- with such a long story of penitence, and “so good massa,” that he induced
- me to forgive him.
- </p>
- <p>
- To sum up the whole, about three this morning an alarm was given that the
- pen-keeper had suffered the cattle to get among the canes, where they
- might do infinite mischief; the trustee was roused out of his bed; the
- drivers blew their shells to summon the negroes to their assistance; when
- it appeared, that there was not a single watchman at his post; the
- watch-fires had all been suffered to expire; not a single domestic was to
- be found, nor a horse to be procured; even the little servant boys, whom
- the trustee had locked up in his own house, and had left fast asleep when
- he went to bed, had got up again, and made their escape to pass the night
- in play and rioting; and although they were perfectly aware of the
- detriment which the cattle were doing to my interests, not a negro could
- be prevailed upon to rouse himself and help to drive them out, till at
- length Cubina (who had run down from his own house to mine on the first
- alarm) with difficulty collected about half a dozen to assist him: but
- long before this, one of my best cane-pieces was trampled to pieces, and
- the produce of this year’s crop considerably diminished.—And so much
- for negro gratitude! However, they still continue their eternal song of
- “Now massa come, we very well off;” but their satisfaction evidently
- begins and ends with themselves. They rejoice sincerely at being very well
- off, but think it unnecessary to make the slightest return to massa for
- making them so.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 5.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The worst of negro diseases is “the cocoa-bag” it is both hereditary and
- contagious, and will lurk in the blood of persons apparently the most
- healthy and of regular habits, till a certain age; when it declares itself
- in the form of offensive sores, attended with extreme debility. No cure
- for it has yet been discovered: there are negro doctors, who understand
- how to prepare diet drinks from simples of the island, which moderate its
- virulence for a time; but the disease itself is never entirely subdued. On
- the contrary, “the yaws,” although it defies the power of medicine,
- ultimately cures itself. This, also, is communicated by contact, and that
- of so slight a nature, that a fly, which had touched an ulcer produced by
- the yaws, has been known to convey the infection by merely alighting on
- the wound of a cut finger. It generally shows itself by a slight pimple,
- which is soon converted into a sore; and this spreads itself gradually
- over the invalid’s whole body, till having made its progress through the
- system completely, its virulence gradually abates, and at length the
- disease disappears all together. As “the yaws” can only be taken once,
- inoculation has been tried upon the most hopeful subjects; but the disease
- showed itself with as much violence as when contracted in the natural way.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 6.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Nato has kept his promise as yet, and has actually past a whole week in
- the field; a thing which he was never known to do before within the memory
- of man. So I sent him a piece of money to encourage him; and told him,
- that I sent him a <i>maccarony</i> for behaving well, and wished to know
- whether any one had ever given him a maccarony for behaving ill. I hear
- that he was highly delighted at my thinking him worthy to receive a
- present from me, and sent me in return the most positive assurances of
- perseverance in good conduct. On the other hand, Mackaroo has not only run
- away himself, but has carried his wife away with him. This is improving
- upon the profligacy of British manners with a vengeance. In England, a man
- only runs away with another person’s wife: but to run away with his own—what
- depravity!—As to my ungrateful demigod of a sheep-stealer, Hercules,
- the poor wretch has brought down upon himself a full punishment for all
- his misdeeds. By running away, and sleeping in the woods, exposed to all
- the fury of the late heavy rains, he has been struck by the palsy.
- Yesterday some of my negroes found him in the mountains, unable to raise
- himself from the ground, and brought him in a cart to the hospital; where
- he now lies, having quite lost the use of one side, and without any hopes
- of recovery. He is still a young man, and in every other respect strong
- and healthy; so that he may look forward to a long and miserable
- existence.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 8.
- </h3>
- <h3>
- THE HUMMING BIRD.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- Deck’d with all that youth and beauty
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- E’er bestow’d on sable maid,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Gathering bloom her fragrant duty,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Down the lime-walk Zoè stray’d.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Many a logwood brake was ringing
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- With the chicka-chinky’s cry;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Many a mock-bird loudly singing
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Bless’d the groves with melody.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Fly-birds, on whose plumage showers
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Nature’s hand her wealth profuse,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Humming round, from banks of flowers
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Suck’d the rich ambrosial juice.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- There an orange-plant, perfuming
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- All the air with blossoms white,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Near a bush of roses blooming,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Charm’d at once the scent and sight.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Of that plant the loveliest daughter,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- One sweet bloom-bough all preferr’d;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- When his glittering eye had caught her,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Oh, how joy’d the Humming Bird!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Here the fairest blossoms thinking,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Swift he flies, nor loads the stem;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Poised in air, and odour drinking,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Fluttering hangs the feather’d Gem.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sure, he deems, these cups untasted,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Many a honied drop allow!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Soon he finds his labour wasted;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Bees have robb’d that orange bough.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Wandering bees, at blush of morning,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Drain’d of all their sweets the bells;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then the rifled beauty scorning,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- How his angry throat he swells!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- See his bill the blossoms rending;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Round their leaves in wrath he throws;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then, once more his wings extending,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Flies to woo the opening rose.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- (e Mark, my Zoe,” said her mother,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- (t Mark that bough, so lovely late!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Thou in bloom art such another—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Such, perhaps, may be thy fate.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- (e Some wild youth may charm and cheat thee,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Sip thy sweets, and break his vow;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then the world will scorn and treat thee
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- As the Fly-Bird did just now.”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- British mothers thus impress on
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Virgin minds some maxim true;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Zoè heard and used the lesson
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Just as British daughters do.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 9.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The shaddock contains generally thirty-two seeds, two of which only will
- reproduce shaddocks; and these two it is impossible to distinguish: the
- rest will yield, some sweet oranges, others bitter ones, others again
- forbidden fruit, and, in short, all the varieties of the orange; but until
- the trees actually are in bearing, no one can guess what the fruit is
- likely to prove; and even then, the seeds which produce shaddocks,
- although taken from a tree remarkable for the excellence of its fruit,
- will frequently yield only such as are scarcely eatable. So also the
- varieties of the mango are infinite: the fruit of no two trees resembling
- each other; and the seeds of the very finest mango (although sown and
- cultivated with the utmost care) seldom affording any thing at all like
- the parent stock. The two first mangoes which I tasted were nothing but
- turpentine and sugar; the third was very delicious; and yet I was told
- that it was by no means of a superior quality. The <i>sweet</i> cassava
- requires no preparation; the <i>bitter</i> cassava, unless the juice is
- carefully pressed out of it, is a deadly poison; there is a third kind,
- called the <i>sweet-and-bitter</i> cassava, which is perfectly wholesome
- till a certain age, when it acquires its deleterious qualities. Many
- persons have been poisoned by mistaking these various kinds of cassava for
- each other. As soon as the plantain has done bearing, it is cut down; when
- four or five suckers spring from each root, which become plants themselves
- in their turn. Ratoons are suckers of the sugar-cane: they are far
- preferable to the original plants, where the soil is rich enough to
- support them; but they are much better adapted to some estates than to
- others. Thus, on my estate in St. Thomas’s in the East, they can allow of
- ten ratoons from the same plant, and only dig cane-holes every eleventh
- year; while, at Cornwall, the strength of the cane is exhausted in the
- fourth ratoon, or the fifth at furthest. The fresh plants are cane-tops;
- but those canes which bear <i>flags</i> or feathers at their extremities
- will not answer the purpose, as dry weather easily burns up the slight
- arrows to which the flags adhere, and destroys them before they can
- acquire sufficient vigour to resist the climate.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 10. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- I find that I have not done justice to the cotton tree, and, on the other
- hand, have given too much praise to the Jamaica kitchen. The first cotton
- trees which I saw, were either withered by age, or struck by lightning, or
- happened to be ill-shaped of their kind; but I have since met with others,
- than which nothing could be more noble or picturesque, from their gigantic
- height, the immense spread of their arms, the colour of their stems and
- leaves, and the wild fantastic wreathings of their roots and branches. As
- to the kitchen, nothing can be larger and finer in appearance than the
- poultry of all kinds, but nothing can be uniformly more tough and
- tasteless; and the same is the case with all butcher’s meat, pork
- excepted, which is much better here than in Europe. The fault is in the
- climate, which prevents any animal food from being kept sufficiently long
- to become tender; so that when a man sits down to a Jamaica dinner, he
- might almost fancy himself a guest at Macbeth’s Covent-Garden banquet,
- where the fowls, hams, and legs of mutton are all made of deal boards. I
- ordered a duck to be kept for two days; but it was so completely spoiled,
- that there was no bearing it upon the table. Then I tried the expedient of
- boiling a fowl till it absolutely fell to pieces; but even this violent
- process had not the power of rendering it tender. The only effect produced
- by it was, that instead of being helped to a wing of solid wood, I got a
- plateful of splinters. Perhaps, my having totally lost my appetite
- (probably from my not being able to take, in this climate, sufficient of
- my usual exercise) makes the meat appear to me less palatable than it may
- to others; but I have observed, that most people here prefer living upon
- soups, stews, and salted provisions. For my own part, I have for the last
- few weeks eaten nothing except black crabs, than which I never met with a
- more delicious article for the table. I have also tried the <i>soldier</i>
- soup, which is in great estimation in this island; but although it greatly
- resembled the very richest cray-fish soup, it seemed to be composed of
- cray-fish which had been kept too long. The <i>soldiers</i> themselves
- were perfectly fresh, for they were brought to the kitchen quite alive and
- merry; but I was told that this taste of staleness is their peculiar
- flavour, as well as their peculiar scent even when alive, and is precisely
- the quality which forms their recommendation. It was quite enough to fix
- my opinion of the soup: I ate two spoonfuls, and never mean to venture on
- a third.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 12.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The most general of negro infirmities appears to be that of lameness. It
- is chiefly occasioned by the <i>chiga</i>, a diminutive fly which works
- itself into the feet to lay its eggs, and, if it be not carefully
- extracted in time, the flesh around it corrupts, and a sore ensues not
- easily to be cured. No vigilance can prevent the attacks of the chiga; and
- not only soldiers, but the very cleanest persons of the highest rank in
- society, are obliged to have their feet examined regularly. The negroes
- are all provided with small knives for the purpose of extracting them: but
- as no pain is felt till the sore is produced, their extreme laziness
- frequently makes them neglect that precaution, till all kinds of dirt
- getting into the wound, increases the difficulty of a cure; and sometimes
- the consequence is lameness for life.
- </p>
- <p>
- There is another disease which commits great ravages among them; for
- although in this climate its quality is far from virulent, and it is easy
- to be cured in its beginning, the negro will most carefully conceal his
- having such a complaint, till it has made so great a progress that its
- effects are perceived by others. Even then, they will never acknowledge
- the way in which they have contracted it; but men and women, whose noses
- almost shake while speaking to you, will still insist upon it that their
- illness arises from catching cold, or from a strain in lifting a weight,
- or, in short, from any cause except the true one. Yet why they act thus it
- is difficult to imagine; for certainly it does not arise from shame.
- </p>
- <p>
- Indeed, it is one of their singular obstinacies, that, however ill they
- may be, they scarcely ever will confess to the physician what is really
- the matter with them on their first coming into the hospital, but will
- rather assign some other cause for their being unwell than the true one;
- and it is only by cross-questioning, that their superintendents are able
- to understand the true nature of their case. Perhaps this duplicity is
- occasioned by fear; for in any bodily pain it is not possible to be more
- cowardly than the negro; and I have heard strong young men, while the
- tears were running down their cheeks, scream and roar as if a limb was
- amputating, although the doctoress was only applying a poultice to a
- whitlow on the finger. I suppose, therefore, that dread of the pain of
- some unknown mode of treatment makes them conceal their real disease, and
- name some other, of which they know the cure to be unattended with bodily
- suffering or long restraint. In the disease I allude to, such a motive
- would operate with peculiar force, as one of their chief aversions is the
- necessarily being long confined to one certainly not fragrant room.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 13.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The Reporter of the African Institution asserts, in a late pamphlet, that
- in the West Indies the breeding system is to this day discouraged, and
- that the planters are still indifferent to the preservation of their
- present stock of negroes, from their confidence of getting fresh supplies
- from Africa. Certainly the negroes in Jamaica are by no means of this
- Reporter’s opinion, but are thoroughly sensible of their intrinsic value
- in the eyes of the proprietor. On my arrival, every woman who had a child
- held it up to show to me, exclaiming,—“See massa, see! here nice new
- neger me bring for work for massa;” and those who had more than one did
- not fail to boast of the number, and make it a claim to the greater merit
- with me. Last week, an old watchman was brought home from the mountains
- almost dead with fever; he would neither move, nor speak, nor notice any
- one, for several days. For two nights I sent him soup from my own table;
- but he could not even taste it, and always gave it to his daughter. On the
- third evening, there happened to be no soup at dinner, and I sent other
- food instead; but old Cudjoe had been accustomed to see the soup arrive,
- and the disappointment made him fancy himself hungry, and that he could
- have eaten the soup if it had been brought as usual: accordingly, when I
- visited him the next morning, he bade the doctoress tell me that massa had
- send him no soup the night before. This was the first notice that he had
- ever taken of me. I promised that some soup should be ordered for him on
- purpose that evening. Could he fancy any thing to eat <i>then?</i>—“Milk!
- milk!” So milk was sent to him, and he drank two full calabashes of it. I
- then tried him with an egg, which he also got down; and at night, by
- spoonfuls at a time, he finished the whole bason of soup; but when I next
- came to see him, and he wished to thank me, the words in which he thought
- he could comprise most gratitude were bidding the doctoress tell me he
- would do his best not to die yet; he promised to <i>fight hard</i> for it.
- He is now quite out of danger, and seems really to be grateful. When he
- was sometimes too weak to speak, on my leaving the room he would drag his
- hand to his mouth with difficulty, and kiss it three or four times to bid
- me farewell; and once, when the doctoress mentioned his having charged her
- to tell me that he owed his recovery to the good food that I had sent him,
- he added, “And him kind words too, massa; kind words do neger much good,
- much as good food.” In my visits to the old man, I observed a young woman
- nursing him with an infant in her arms, which (as they told me) was her
- own, by Cudjoe. I therefore supposed her to be his wife: but I found that
- she belonged to a <i>brown</i> man in the mountains; and that Cudjoe hired
- her from her master, at the rate of thirty pounds a year!
- </p>
- <p>
- I hope this fact will convince the African <i>Reporter</i>, that it is
- possible for some of this “oppressed race of human beings”—“of these
- our most unfortunate fellow-creatures,”—to enjoy at least <i>some</i>
- of the luxuries of civilised society; and I doubt, whether even Mr.
- Wilberforce himself, with all his benevolence, would not allow a negro to
- be quite rich enough, who can afford to pay thirty pounds a year for the
- hire of a kept mistress.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 14.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Poor Nato’s stock of goodness is quite exhausted; and the day before
- yesterday he returned to the hospital with most piteous complaints of
- pains and aches, whose existence he could persuade no person to credit.
- His pulse was regular, his skin cool, his tongue red and moist, and the
- doctor declared nothing whatever to be the matter with him. However, on my
- arrival, he began to moan, and groan, and grunt, and all so lamentably,
- that every soul in the hospital, sick or well, burst into a fit of
- laughter. For my part, I told him that I really believed him to be very
- bad; and that, as he met with no sympathy in the hospital, I should remove
- him from such unfeeling companions. Accordingly I had a comfortable bed
- made for him in a separate house. Here he was plentifully supplied with
- provisions: but, in order that he might enjoy perfect repose daring his
- illness, the doors were kept locked, and no person allowed to disturb him
- with their conversation; while, by the doctor’s orders, he was obliged to
- take frequent doses of Bitter-Wood and Assafotida. Shame would not suffer
- him to get well all at once; so yesterday he still complained of a pain in
- his chest, and begged to be blooded. His request was granted; and the
- blood proved to be so pure and well-coloured, that every one exclaimed,
- that for a man who had such good blood to part with it so wantonly was a
- shame and a folly. The fellow was at length convinced that his tricks
- would serve no object; and this morning he begged me to suffer him to
- return to his duty, and promised that I should have no more cause to
- complain of him. So I consented to consider his cure as completed, and he
- set off for the field perfectly satisfied with his release.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 15.
- </h3>
- <p>
- On opening the Assize-court for the county of Cornwall on March 4., Mr.
- Stewart, the Custos of Trelawny, and Presiding Judge, said, in his charge
- to the jury, he wished to direct their attention in a peculiar manner to
- the infringement of slave-laws in the island, in consequence of charges
- having been brought forward in England of slave laws not being enforced in
- this country, and being in fact perfect dead letters. The charge was
- unfounded; but it became proper, in consequence, for the bench to call in
- a strong manner on the grand jury to be particularly vigilant and
- attentive to the discharge of this part of their duty. The bench at the
- same time adverted to another subject connected with the above. Many out
- of the country, and <i>some in it</i>, had thought proper to interfere
- with our system, and by their insidious practices and dangerous doctrines
- to call the peace of the island into question, and to promote disorder and
- confusion. The jury were therefore enjoined, in every such case, to
- investigate it thoroughly, and to bring the parties concerned before the
- country, and not to suffer the systems of the island, as established by
- the laws of the land, to be overset or endangered. It was their bounden
- duty to watch over and support the established laws, and to act against
- those who dared to infringe them; and that, otherwise, it was imperiously
- called for on the principle of self-preservation. Every country had its
- peculiar laws, on the due maintenance of which depended the public safety
- and welfare. I read all this with the most perfect unconsciousness; when,
- lo and behold! I have been assured, from a variety of quarters, that all
- this was levelled at myself! It is I (it seems) who am “calling the peace
- of the island in question;” who am “promoting disorder and confusion;” and
- who am “infringing the established laws!” I should never have guessed it!
- By “insidious practices” is meant (as I am told) my overindulgence to my
- negroes; and my endeavouring to obtain either redress or pardon for those
- belonging to other estates, who occasionally appeal to me for protection:
- while “dangerous doctrines” alludes to my being of opinion, that the
- evidence of negroes ought at least to be <i>heard</i> against white
- persons; the jury always making proportionable abatements of belief, from
- bearing in mind the bad habits of most negroes, their general want of
- probity and good faith in every respect, and their total ignorance of the
- nature of religious obligations. At the same time, these defects may be
- counterbalanced by the respectable character of the particular negro; by
- the strength of corroborating circumstances; and, finally, by the
- irresistible conviction which his evidence may leave upon the minds of the
- jury. They are not obliged to <i>believe</i> a negro witness, but I
- maintain that he ought to be <i>heard</i>, and then let the jury give
- their verdict according to their conscience. But this, in the opinion of
- the bench at Montego Bay, it seems, is “dangerous doctrine!” At least, the
- venom of my doctrines is circumscribed within very narrow limits; for as I
- have made a point of never stirring off my own estate, nobody could
- possibly be corrupted by them, except those who were at the trouble of
- walking into my house for the express purpose of being corrupted.
- </p>
- <p>
- At all events, if I <i>really</i> am the person to whom Mr. Stewart
- alluded, I must consider his speech as the most flattering compliment that
- I ever received. If my presence in the island has made the bench of a
- whole country think it necessary to exact from the jury a more severe
- vigilance than usual in all causes relating to the protection of negroes,
- I cannot but own myself most richly rewarded for all my pains and expense
- in coming hither, for every risk of the voyage, and for every possible
- sacrifice of my pleasures. There is nothing earthly that is too much to
- give for the power of producing an effect so beneficial; and I would set
- off for Constantinople to-morrow, could I only be convinced that my
- arrival would make the Mufti redress the complaints of the lower orders of
- Turks with more scrupulous justice, and the Bashaws relax the fetters of
- their slaves as much as their safety would permit. But I cannot flatter
- myself with having done either the one or the other in Jamaica; and if Mr.
- Stewart <i>really</i> alluded to me in his charge, I am certainly greatly
- obliged to him; but he has paid me much too high a compliment;—God
- grant that I may live to deserve it!
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 16.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Hercules, the poor paralytic runaway, has neither moved nor spoken since
- his being brought into the hospital. For the two last days he refused all
- sustenance; blisters, rubbing with mustard, &c. were tried without
- producing the least sensation; and in the course of last night he expired
- without a groan.
- </p>
- <p>
- Another offender, by name Charles Fox, is also under the doctor’s hands,
- suffering under the effects of his own transgressions. Having been
- Pickle’s shipmate, he professed the strongest attachment to him, and was
- perpetually at his house; till Pickle’s wife made her husband aware that
- love for herself was the real object of his shipmate’s visits. Finding her
- story disbelieved, she hid Pickle behind the bed, when he had an
- opportunity of hearing the solicitations of his perfidious Pylades; and,
- rushing from his concealment, he gave Fox so complete a thrashing, that he
- was obliged to come to the hospital. Here is another proof that negroes,
- “our unfortunate fellow-creatures,” are not without some of the luxuries
- of civilised life; old men of sixty keeping mistresses, and young ones
- seducing their friends’ wives; why, what would the Reporter of the African
- Institution have?
- </p>
- <p>
- It is only to be wished, that the negroes would content themselves with
- these fashionable peccadilloes; but, unluckily, there are some palates
- among them which require higher seasoned vices; and besides their
- occasional amusements of poisoning, stabbing, thieving, &c., a plan
- has just been discovered in the adjoining parish of St. Elizabeth’s, for
- giving themselves a grand fête by murdering all the whites in the island.
- The focus of this meditated insurrection was on Martin’s Penn, the
- property of Lord Balcarras, where the overseer is an old man of the
- mildest character, and the negroes had always been treated with peculiar
- indulgence. Above a thousand persons were engaged in the plot, three
- hundred of whom had been regularly sworn to assist in it with all the
- usual accompanying ceremonies of drinking human blood, eating earth from
- graves, &c. Luckily, the plot was discovered time enough to prevent
- any mischief; and yesterday the ringleaders were to be tried at Black
- River.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 17. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- The Cornwall Chronicle informs us, that, at the Montego Bay assizes, a man
- was tried on the Monday, for assaulting, while drunk, an officer who had
- served with great distinction, and calling him a coward; for which offence
- he was sentenced to a month’s imprisonment and fine of £100; and on the
- Tuesday the same man brought an action against another person for calling
- him a “drunken liar,” for which he was awarded £1000 for damages! A plain
- man would have supposed two such verdicts to be rather incompatible; but
- one lives to learn.
- </p>
- <p>
- I remember to have read the case of a French nobleman, who was accused of
- impotence by his wife before the Parliament of Paris, and by a farmer’s
- daughter for seduction and getting her with child before the Parliament of
- Rouen; he thought himself perfectly sure of gaining either the one cause
- or the other: but, however, he was condemned in both. Certainly the poor
- Frenchman had no luck in matters of justice.
- </p>
- <p>
- To make the matter better, in the present instance, the man was a
- clergyman; and his cause of quarrel against the officer was the latter’s
- refusal to give him a puncheon of rum to christen all his negroes in a
- lump.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 22.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Mr. Plummer came over from St. James’s to-day, and told me, that the
- “insidious practices and dangerous doctrines” in Mr. Stewart’s speech were
- intended for the Methodists, and that only the charge to the grand jury
- respecting “additional vigilance” was in allusion to myself; but he added
- that it was the report at Montego Bay, that, in consequence of my
- over-indulgence to my negroes, a song had been made at Cornwall, declaring
- that I was come over to set them all free, and that this was now
- circulating through the neighbouring parishes. If there be any such song
- (which I do not believe), I certainly never heard it. However, my agent
- here says, that he has reason to believe that my negroes really have
- spread the report that I intend to set <i>them</i> free in a few years;
- and this merely out of vanity, in order to give themselves and their
- master the greater credit upon other estates. As to the truth of an
- assertion, that is a point which never enters into negro consideration.
- </p>
- <p>
- The two ringleaders of the proposed rebellion have been condemned at Black
- River, the one to be hanged, the other to transportation. The plot was
- discovered by the overseer of Lyndhurst Penn (a Frenchman from St.
- Domingo) observing an uncommon concourse of stranger negroes to a child’s
- funeral, on which occasion a hog was roasted by the father. He stole
- softly down to the feasting hut, and listened behind a hedge to the
- conversation of the supposed mourners; when he heard the whole conspiracy
- detailed. It appears that above two hundred and fifty had been sworn in
- regularly, all of them Africans; not a Creole was among them. But there
- was a <i>black</i> ascertained to have stolen over into the island from
- St. Domingo, and a <i>brown</i> Anabaptist missionary, both of whom had
- been very active in promoting the plot. They had elected a King of the
- Eboes, who had two Captains under him; and their intention was to effect a
- complete massacre of all the whites on the island; for which laudable
- design His Majesty thought Christmas the very fittest season in the year,
- but his Captains were more impatient, and were for striking the blow
- immediately. The next morning information was given against them: one of
- the Captains escaped to the woods; but the other, and the King of the
- Eboes, were seized and brought to justice. On their trial they were
- perfectly cool and unconcerned, and did not even profess to deny the facts
- with which they were charged.
- </p>
- <p>
- Indeed, proofs were too strong to admit of denial; among others, a copy of
- the following song was found upon the King, which the overseer had heard
- him sing at the funeral feast, while the other negroes joined in the
- chorus:—
- </p>
- <h3>
- SONG OF THE KING OF THE EBOES.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- Oh me good friend, Mr. Wilberforce, make we free!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- God Almighty thank ye! God Almighty thank ye!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- God Almighty, make we free!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Buckra in this country no make we free:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- What Negro for to do? What Negro for to do?
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Take force by force! Take force by force!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- CHORUS.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- To be sure! to be sure! to be sure!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- The Eboe King said, that he certainly had made use of this song, and what
- harm was there in his doing so? He had sung no songs but such as his brown
- priest had assured him were approved of by John the Baptist. “And who,
- then, was John the Baptist?” He did not very well know; only he had been
- told by his brown priest, that John the Baptist was a friend to the
- negroes, and had got his head in a pan!
- </p>
- <p>
- As to the Captain, he only said in his defence, that if the court would
- forgive him this once, he would not do so again, as he found the whites
- did not like their plans which, it seems, till that moment they had never
- suspected! They had all along imagined, no doubt, that the whites would
- find as much amusement in having their throats cut, as the blacks would
- find in cutting them. I remember hearing a sportsman, who was defending
- the humanity of hunting, maintain, that it being as much the nature of a
- hare to run away as of a dog to run after her, consequently the hare must
- receive as much pleasure from being coursed, as the dog from coursing.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 23.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Two negroes upon Amity estate quarrelled the other day about some trifle,
- when the one bit the other’s nose off completely. Soon after his accident,
- the overseer meeting the sufferer—“Why, Sambo,” he exclaimed,
- “where’s your nose?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “I can’t tell, massa,” answered Sambo; “I looked every where about, but I
- could not find it.”
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 24. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- Every Sunday since my return from Kingston I have read prayers to such of
- the negroes as chose to attend, preparatory to the intended visitations of
- the minister, Dr. Pope. About twenty or thirty of the most respectable
- among them generally attended, and behaved with great attention and
- propriety. I read the Litany, and made them repeat the responses. I
- explained the Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer to them, teaching them to
- say each sentence of the latter after me, as I read it slowly, in hopes of
- impressing it upon their memory. Then came “the good Samaritan,” or some
- such apologue; and, lastly, I related to them a portion of the life of
- Christ, and explained to them the object of his death and sufferings. The
- latter part of my service always seemed to interest them greatly; but,
- indeed, they behaved throughout with much attention. Unluckily, the head
- driver, who was one of the most zealous of my disciples, never could
- repeat the responses of the Litany without an appeal to myself, and always
- made a point of saying—“Good Lord, deliver us; yes, sir!” and made
- me a low bow: and one day when I was describing the wonderful precocity of
- Christ’s understanding, as evidenced by his interview with the doctors in
- the temple, while but a child, the head driver thought fit to interrupt me
- with—“Beg massa pardon, but want know one ting as puzzle me. Massa
- say ‘the child,’ and me want know, massa, one ting much; was Jesus Christ
- a boy or a girl?” Like my friend the Moravian, at Mesopotamia, I cannot
- boast of any increased audience; and if the negroes will not come to hear
- massa, I have little hope of their giving up their time to hear Dr. Pope,
- who inspires them with no interest, and can exert no authority. Indeed, I
- am afraid that I am indebted for the chief part of my present auditory to
- my quality of massa rather than that of priest; and when I ask any of them
- why they did not come to prayers on the preceding Sunday, their excuse is
- always coupled with an assurance, that they wished very much to come,
- “because they wish to do <i>any thing</i> to oblige massa.”
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 25.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The negroes certainly are perverse beings. They had been praying for a
- sight of their master year after year; they were in raptures at my
- arrival; I have suffered no one to be punished, and shown them every
- possible indulgence during my residence amongst them; and one and all they
- declare themselves perfectly happy and well treated. Yet, previous to my
- arrival, they made thirty-three hogsheads a week; in a fortnight after my
- landing, their product dwindled to twenty-three; daring this last week
- they have managed to make but thirteen. Still they are not ungrateful;
- they are only selfish: they love me very well, but they love themselves a
- great deal better; and, to do them justice, I verily believe that every
- negro on the estate is extremely anxious that all should do their full
- duty, except himself. My censure, although accompanied with the certainty
- of their not being punished, is by no means a matter of indifference. If I
- express myself to be displeased, the whole property is in an uproar; every
- body is finding fault with every body; nobody that does not represent the
- shame of neglecting my work, and the ingratitude of vexing me by their
- ill-conduct; and then each individual—having said so much, and said
- it so strongly, that he is convinced of its having its full effect in
- making the others do their duty—thinks himself quite safe and snug
- in skulking away from his own.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 26.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Young Hill was told at the Bay this morning, that I make a part of the
- Eboe King’s song! According to this report, “good King George and good Mr.
- Wilberforce” are stated to have “given me a paper” to set the negroes free
- (i. e. an order), but that the white people of Jamaica will not suffer me
- to show the paper, and I am now going home to say so, and “to resume my
- chair, which I have left during my absence to be filled by the Regent.”
- </p>
- <p>
- Since I heard the report of a rebellious song issuing from Cornwall, I
- have listened more attentively to the negro chaunts; but they seem, as far
- as I can make out, to relate entirely to their own private situation, and
- to have nothing to do with the negro state in general. Their favourite,
- “We varry well off,” is still screamed about the estate by the children;
- but among the grown people its nose has been put out of joint by the
- following stanzas, which were explained to me this morning. For several
- days past they had been dinned into my ears so incessantly, that at length
- I became quite curious to know their import, which I learned from Phillis,
- who is the family minstrel. It will be evident from this specimen, that
- the Cornwall bards are greatly inferior to those of Black River, who have
- actually advanced so far as to make an attempt at rhyme and metre.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NEGRO SONG AT CORNWALL.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Hey-ho-day! me no care a dammee! (i. e. a damn,)
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Me acquire a house, (i. e. I have a solid foundation to
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- build on,)
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Since massa come see we—oh!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Hey-ho-day! neger now quite eerie, (i. e. hearty,)
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- For once me see massa—hey-ho-day!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- When massa go, me no care a dammee,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- For how them usy we—hey-ho-day!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- An Alligator, crossing the morass at Bellisle, an estate but a few miles
- distant from Cornwall, fell into a water-trench, from which he struggled
- in vain to extricate himself, and was taken alive; so that, according to
- the vulgar expression, he may literally be said to “have put his foot in
- it.” Fontenelle says, that when Copernicus published his system, he
- foresaw the contradictions which he should have to undergo—“Et il se
- tira d’affaire très-habilement. Le jour qu’on lui présentoit le premier
- exemplaire, scavez-vous ce qu’il fit? Il mourut;” which was precisely the
- resource resorted to by the alligator. He died on the second morning of
- his captivity, and his proprietor, Mr. Storer, was obliging enough to
- order the skin to be stuffed, and to make me a present of him. Neptune was
- despatched to bring him (or rather her, for nineteen eggs were found
- within her) over to Cornwall; and at dinner to-day we were alarmed with a
- general hubbub. It proved to be occasioned by Neptune’s arrival (if Thames
- or Achelous had been despatched on this errand, it would have been more
- appropriate) with the alligator on his head. In a few minutes every thing
- on the estate that was alive, without feathers, and with only two legs,
- flocked into the room, and requested to take a bird’s-eye view of the
- monster; for as to coming near her, <i>that</i> they were much too
- cowardly to venture. It was in vain that I represented to them, that being
- dead it was utterly impossible that the animal could hurt them: they
- allowed the impossibility, but still kept at a respectful distance; and
- when at length I succeeded in persuading them to approach it, upon some
- one accidentally moving the alligator’s tail, they all, with one accord,
- set up a loud scream, and men, women, and children tumbled out of the room
- over one another, to the irreparable ruin of some of my glasses and
- decanters, and the extreme trepidation of the whole side-board.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- The negro-husband, who stabbed his rival in a fit of jealousy, has been
- tried at Montego Bay, and acquitted. On the other hand, the King of the
- Eboes has been hung at Black Hiver, and died, declaring that he left
- enough of his countrymen to prosecute the design in hand, and revenge his
- death upon the whites. Such threats of a rescue were held out, that it was
- judged advisable to put the militia under arms, till the execution should
- have taken place; and also to remove the King’s Captain to the gaol at
- Savannah la Mar, till means can be found for transporting him from the
- island.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 27.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The Eboe Captain has effected his escape by burning down the prison door.
- It is supposed that he has fled towards the fastnesses in the interior of
- the mountains, where I am assured that many settlements of run-away slaves
- have been formed, and with which the inhabited part of the island has no
- communication. However, the chief of the Accompong Maroons, Captain Roe,
- is gone in pursuit of him, and has promised to bring him in, alive or
- dead. The latter is the only reasonable expectation, as the fugitive is
- represented as a complete desperado.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- The negroes have at least given me one proof of their not being entirely
- selfish. When they heard that the boat was come to convey my baggage to
- the ship at Black River, they collected all their poultry, and brought it
- to my agent, desiring him to add it to my sea-stores. Of course I refused
- to let them be received, and they were evidently much disappointed, till I
- consented to accept the fowls and ducks, and then gave them back to them
- again, telling them to consider them as a present from my own hen-house,
- and to distinguish them by the name of “massa’s poultry.”
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 28.
- </h3>
- <p>
- I have been positively assured, that an attempt was made to persuade the
- grand jury at Montego Bay, to present me for over-indulgence to my own
- negroes! It is a great pity that so reasonable an attempt should not have
- succeeded.—The rebel captain who broke out of prison, has been found
- concealed in the hut of a notorious Obeah-man, and has been lodged a
- second time in the gaol of Savannah la Mar.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 29.
- </h3>
- <p>
- About two months ago, a runaway cooper, belonging to Shrewsbury estate, by
- name Edward, applied to me to intercede for his not being punished on his
- return home. As soon as he got the paper requested, he gave up all idea of
- returning to the estate, and instead of it went about the country stealing
- every thing upon which he could lay his hands; and whenever his
- proceedings were enquired into by the magistrates, he stated himself to be
- on the road to his trustee, and produced my letter as a proof of it. At
- length some one had the curiosity to open the letter, and found that it
- had been written two months before.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 30.
- </h3>
- <p>
- This was the day appointed for the first “Royal play-day,” when I bade
- farewell to my negroes. I expected to be besieged with petitions and
- complaints, as they must either make them on this occasion or not at all.
- I was, therefore, most agreeably surprised to find, that although they had
- opportunities of addressing me from nine in the morning till twelve at
- night, the only favours asked me were by a poor old man, who wanted an
- iron cooking pot, and by Adam, who begged me to order a little daughter of
- his to be instructed in needle-work: and as to complaints, not a murmur of
- such a thing was heard; they all expressed themselves to be quite
- satisfied, and seemed to think that they could never say enough to mark
- their gratitude for my kindness, and their anxiety for my getting safe to
- England. We began our festival by the head driver’s drinking the health of
- H. R. H. the Duchess of York, whom the negroes cheered with such a shout
- as might have “rent hell’s concave.”
- </p>
- <p>
- Then we had a christening of such persons as had been absent on the former
- occasion, one of whom was Adam, the reputed Obeah-man. In the number was a
- new-born child, whom we called Shakspeare, and whom Afra, the Eboe mother,
- had very earnestly begged me to make a Christian, as well as a daughter of
- hers, about four or five years old; at the same time that she declined
- being christened herself! In the same manner Cubina’s wife, although her
- father and husband were both baptised on the former occasion, objected to
- going through the ceremony herself; and the reason which she gave was,
- that “she did not like being christened while she was with child, as she
- did not know what change it might not produce upon herself and the
- infant.”
- </p>
- <p>
- After the christening there was a general distribution of salt-fish by the
- trustee; and I also gave every man and woman half a dollar each, and every
- child a maccarony (fifteen pence) as a parting present, to show them that
- I parted with them in good-humour. While the money was distributing, young
- Hill arrived, and finding the house completely crowded, he enquired what
- was the matter. “Oh, massa,” said an old woman, “it is only <i>my son</i>,
- who is giving the negroes all something.”
- </p>
- <p>
- I also read to them a new code of laws, which I had ordered to be put in
- force at Cornwall, for the better security of the negroes. The principal
- were, that “a new hospital for the lying-in women, and for those who might
- be seriously ill, should be built, and made as comfortable as possible;
- while the present one should be reserved for those whom the physicians
- might declare to be very slightly indisposed, or not ill at all; the doors
- being kept constantly locked, and the sexes placed in separate chambers,
- to prevent its being made a place of amusement by the lazy and lying, as
- is the case at present.”—“A book register of punishments to be kept,
- in which the name, offence, and nature and quantity of punishment
- inflicted must be carefully put down; and also a note of the same given to
- the negro, in order that if he should think himself unjustly, or too
- severely punished, he may show his note to my other attorney on his next
- visit, or to myself on my return to Jamaica, and thus get redress if he
- has been wronged.”—“No negro is to be struck, or punished in any
- way, without the trustee’s express orders: the black driver so offending
- to be immediately degraded, and sent to work in the field; and the white
- person, for such a breach of my orders, to be discharged upon the spot.”—“No
- negro is to be punished till twenty-four hours shall have elapsed between
- his committing the fault and suffering for it, in order that nothing
- should be done in the heat of passion, but that the trustee should have
- time to consider the matter coolly. But to prevent a guilty person from
- avoiding punishment by running away, he is to pass those twenty-four hours
- in such confinement as the trustee may think most fitting.”—“Any
- white person, who can be proved to have had an improper connection with a
- woman known publicly to be living as the wife of one of my negroes, is to
- be discharged immediately upon complaint being made.” I also gave the head
- driver a complete list of the allowances of clothing, food, &c. to
- which the negroes were entitled, in order that they might apply to it if
- they should have any doubts as to their having received their full
- proportion; and my new rules seemed to add greatly to the satisfaction of
- the negroes, who were profuse in their expressions of gratitude.
- </p>
- <p>
- The festival concluded with a grander ball than usual, as I sent for music
- from Savanna la Mar to play country dances to them; and at twelve o’clock
- at night they left me apparently much pleased, only I heard some of them
- saying to each other, “When shall we have such a day of pleasure again,
- since massa goes to-morrow?”
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 31. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- With their usual levity, the negroes were laughing and talking as gaily as
- ever till the very moment of my departure; but when they saw my curricle
- actually at the door to convey me away, then their faces grew very long
- indeed. In particular, the women called me by every endearing name they
- could think of. “My son! my love! my husband! my father!”
- </p>
- <p>
- “You no my massa, you my tata!” said one old woman (upon which another
- wishing to go a step beyond her, added, “Iss, massa, iss! It was you”);—————and
- when I came down the steps to depart, they crowded about me, kissing my
- feet, and clasping my knees, so that it was with difficulty that I could
- get into the carriage. And this was done with such marks of truth and
- feeling, that I cannot believe the whole to be mere acting and mummery.
- </p>
- <p>
- I dined with Mr. Allwood at Shaftstone, his pen near Blue-fields, and at
- half past seven found myself once more on board the Sir Godfrey Webster.
- </p>
- <p>
- To fill up my list of Jamaica delicacies, I must not forget to mention,
- that I did my best to procure a Cane-piece Cat roasted in the true African
- fashion. The Creole negroes, however, greatly disapproved of my venturing
- upon this dish, which they positively denied having tasted themselves; and
- when, at length, the Cat was procured, last Saturday, instead of plainly
- boiling it with negro-pepper and salt, they made into a high seasoned
- stew, which rendered it impossible to judge of its real flavour. However,
- I tasted it, as did also several other people, and we were unanimous in
- opinion, that it might have been mistaken for a very good game-soup, and
- that, when properly dressed, a Cane-piece Cat must be excellent food.
- </p>
- <p>
- One of the best vegetable productions of the island is esteemed to be the
- Avogada pear, sometimes called “the vegetable marrow.” It was not the
- proper season for them, and with great difficulty I procured a couple,
- which were said to be by no means in a state of perfection. Such as they
- were, I could find no great merit in them; they were to be eaten cold with
- pepper and salt, and seemed to be an insipid kind of melon, with no other
- resemblance to marrow than their softness.
- </p>
- <p>
- APRIL 1. (Monday.)
- </p>
- <p>
- At eight this morning we weighed anchor on our return to England.
- </p>
- <h3>
- YARRA.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- Poor Yarra comes to bid farewell,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- But Yarra’s lips can never say it!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her swimming eyes—her bosom’s swell—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The debt she owes you, these must pay it.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She ne’er can speak, though tears can start,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Her grief, that fate so soon removes you;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But One there is, who reads the heart,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And well He knows how Yarra loves you!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- See, massa, see this sable boy!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- When chill disease had nipp’d his flower,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- You came and spoke the word of joy,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And poured the juice of healing power.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To visit far Jamaica’s shore
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Had no kind angel deign’d to move you,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- These laughing eyes had laugh’d no more,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Nor Yarra lived to thank and love you,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then grieve not, massa, that to view
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Our isle you left your British pleasures:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- One tear, which falls in grateful dew,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Is worth the best of Britain’s treasures.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And sure, the thought will bring relief,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- What e’er your fate, wherever rove you,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Your wealth’s not given by pain and grief,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- But hands that know, and hearts that love you.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- May He, who bade you cross the wave,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Through care for Afric’s sons and daughters;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- When round your bark the billows rave,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In safety guide you through the waters!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- By all you love with smiles be met;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Through life each good man’s tongue approve you:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And though far distant, don’t forget,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- While Yarra lives, she’ll live to love you!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 3.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The trade-winds which facilitate the passage to Jamaica, effectually
- prevent the return of vessels by the same road. The common passage is
- through the Gulf of Florida, but there is another between Cuba and St.
- Domingo, which is at least 1000 miles nearer. The first, however, affords
- almost a certainty of reaching Europe in a given time; while you may keep
- tacking in the attempt to make the windward passage (as it is called) for
- months together. Last night the wind was so favourable for this attempt,
- that the captain determined upon risking it. Accordingly he altered his
- course; and had not done so for more than a few hours, when the wind
- changed, and became as direct for the Gulf, as till then it had been
- contrary. The consequence was, that the Gulf passage was fixed once for
- all, and we are now steering towards it with all our might and main.
- Besides the distance saved, there was another reason for preferring the
- windward passage, if it could have been effected. The Gulf of Florida has
- for some time past been infested by a pirate called Captain Mitchell, who,
- by all accounts, seems to be of the very worst description. It is not long
- ago, since, in company with another vessel of his own stamp, he landed on
- the small settlement of St. Andrews, plundered it completely, and on his
- departure carried off the governor, whom he kept on board for more than
- fourteen days, and then hung him at the yard-arm out of mere wanton
- devilry; and indeed he is said to show no more mercy to any of his
- prisoners than he did to the poor governor. His companion has been
- captured and brought into Kingston, and the conquering vessel is gone in
- search of Captain Mitchell. If it does not fall in with him, and <i>we</i>
- do, I fear that we shall stand but a bad chance; for he has one hundred
- men on board according to report, while we have not above thirty. However,
- the captain has harangued them, represented the necessity of their
- fighting if attacked, as Captain Mitchell is known to spare no one, high
- or low, and has engaged to give every man five guineas apiece, if a gun
- should be fired. The sailors promise bravery; whether their promises will
- prove to be pie-crust, we must leave to be decided by time and Captain
- Mitchell. In the mean while, every sail that appears on the horizon is
- concluded to be this terrible pirate, and every thing is immediately put
- in readiness for action.
- </p>
- <p>
- This day we passed the Caymana islands; but owing to our having always
- either a contrary wind, or no wind at all, it was not till the 12th that
- Cuba was visible, nor till the 14th that we reached Cape Florida.
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 15.
- </h3>
- <p>
- At noon this day we found ourselves once more sailing on the Atlantic, and
- bade farewell to the Gulf of Florida without having heard any news of the
- dreaded Commodore Mitchell. The narrow and dangerous part of this Gulf is
- about two hundred miles in length, and fifty in breadth, bordered on one
- side by the coast of Florida, and on the other, first by Cuba, and then by
- the Bahama Islands, of which the Manilla reef forms the extremity, and
- which reef also terminates the Gulf. But on both sides of these two
- hundred miles, at the distance of about four or five miles from the main
- land, there extends a reef which renders the navigation extremely
- dangerous. The reef is broken at intervals by large inlets; and the sudden
- and violent squalls of wind to which the Gulf is subject, so frequently
- drive vessels into these perilous openings, that it is worth the while of
- many of the poorer inhabitants of Florida to establish their habitations
- within the reef, and devote themselves and their small vessels entirely to
- the occupation of assisting vessels in distress. They are known by the
- general name of “wreckers,” and are allowed a certain salvage upon such
- ships as they may rescue. As a proof of the violence of the gales which
- are occasionally experienced in this Gulf, our captain, about nine years
- ago, saw the wind suddenly take a vessel (which had unwisely suffered her
- canvass to stand, while the rest of the ships under convoy had taken
- theirs down,) and turn her completely over, the sails in the water and the
- keel uppermost. It happened about four o’clock in the afternoon: the
- captain and the passengers were at dinner in the cabin; but as she went
- over very leisurely, they and the crew had time allowed them to escape out
- of the windows and port-holes, and sustain themselves upon the rigging,
- till boats from the ships near them could arrive to take them off. As she
- filled, she gradually sunk, and in a quarter of an hour she had
- disappeared totally.
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 17.
- </h3>
- <h3>
- THE FLYING FISH.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- Bright ocean-bird, alike who sharing
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Both elements, could sport the air in,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Or swim the sea, your winged fins wearing
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- The rainbow’s hues,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Your fate this day full long shall bear in
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Her mind the muse,
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In vain for you had nature blended
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Two regions, and your powers extended;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Now high you rose, now low descended;
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- But folly marred
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Those gifts, the bounteous dame intended
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- To prove your guard.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A flying fish, could bounds include her?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She winged the deep, if birds pursued her;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She swam the sky, if dolphins viewed her;
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- But now what wish
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Tempts you to watch yon bright deluder,
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Unthinking fish?
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Alas!—a fly above you viewing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Gay tints his gilded wings imbuing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- You mount; and ah! too far pursuing
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- At fancy’s call,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Heedless you strike the sails, where ruin
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Awaits your fall.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Your fins, too dry, no longer play you,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And soon those fins no more upstay you;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- You drop; and now on deck survey you
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Jack, Tom, and Bill,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Who up may take, and down may lay you,
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- As suits their will.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Oh! list my tale, fair maids of Britain!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- This subject fain I’d try my wit on,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And show the rock you’re apt to split on:
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Then cry not—“Pish!”—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- You’re all (I’m glad the thought I hit on)
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Just flying fish!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Beauty, does nature’s hand bestow it?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- It swells your pride, and plain you show it;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Though wealthy cit, and airy poet
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Your charms pursue,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Church—physic—law—you he fair, you know it,
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- You’ll none, not you!= .
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Age looks too dry, and youth too blooming:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The scholar’s face there’s too much gloom in;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- This man’s too dull, that too presuming;
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- His mouth’s too wide!—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- For mending, Lord! you think there’s room in
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- The best, when tried.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In each you find some fault to snarl at,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And wilful seek the sun by starlight;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Till some gay glittering rogue in scarlet,
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Who lures the eye,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Dazzles poor miss, and then the varlet
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Pretends to fly.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His flight has piqued, his glitter caught her;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And soon her mammy’s darling daughter,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Whose eyes have made such mighty slaughter,
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Charm’d by a fop,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Is fairly hit <i>’</i>twixt wind and water,
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- And, miss! you drop!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then certain fate of fallen lasses,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- When short-lived bliss more frail than glass is,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To eyes of all degrees and classes
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Exposed you stand,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And soon your beauty circling passes
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- From hand to hand.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In vain your flattering charms display you;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- From home and parents far away, you
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- See former friends with scorn survey you;
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- While fools and brutes
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- May take you up, or down may lay you,
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- As humour suits.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Oh! mark, dear girls, the moral story
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Of one, who breathes but to adore ye!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Let no rash action mar your glory;
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- But when you wish
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To catch some coxcomb, place before ye
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- The flying fish.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 20.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Two or three years ago, our captain, while his vessel was lying in Black
- River Bay, for the purpose of loading, was informed by his sailors, that
- their beef and other provisions frequently disappeared in a very
- unaccountable manner. However, by setting a strict watch during the night,
- he soon managed to clear up the mystery: and a negro, who had made his
- escape from the workhouse, and concealed himself on board among the bags
- of cotton, was found to be the thief. He was sent back to the workhouse,
- of which the chain was still about his neck. But another negro had better
- luck in a similar attempt on board of a different vessel. He contrived to
- secrete himself in the lower part of it, where the sugar hogsheads are
- stored, unknown to any one. As soon as the cargo was completed, the planks
- above it were caulked down, and raised no more till their ship reached
- Liverpool; when, to the universal astonishment, upon opening the hold, out
- walked Mungo, in a wretched condition to be sure, but still at least
- alive, and a freeman in Great Britain. During his painful voyage, he had
- subsisted entirely upon sugar, of which he had consumed nearly an
- hogshead; how he managed for water I could not learn, nor can imagine.
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 23.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The old steward, this morning, told one of the sailors, who complained of
- being ill, that he would get well as soon as he should reach England, and
- could have plenty of vegetables; “for,” he said, “the man had only got a
- <i>stomachick</i> complaint; nothing but just scurvy!”
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 24.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Sea Terms.—The <i>sheets</i>, a term for various ropes; the <i>halyards</i>,
- ropes which extend the topsails; the <i>painter</i>, the rope which
- fastens the boat to the vessel; the eight points of the compass, south,
- south and by east, south-south east, south east and by east, south-east,
- east south and by east, east south east, east and by south east. The
- knowledge of these points is termed “knowing how to box the compass.”
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 27.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Many years ago, a new species of grass was imported into Jamaica, by Mr.
- Vassal, (to whom an estate near my own then belonged), as he said “for the
- purpose of feeding his pigs and his bookkeepers.” Its seeds being soon
- scattered about by the birds, it has taken possession of the cane-pieces,
- whence to eradicate it is an utter impossibility, the roots being as
- strong as those of ginger, and insinuating themselves under ground to a
- great extent; so that the only means of preventing it from entirely
- choking up the canes, is plucking it out with the hand, which is obliged
- to be done frequently, and has increased the labour of the plantation at
- least one third. This nuisance, which is called “Vassal’s grass,” from its
- original introducer, has now completely over-run the parish of
- Westmoreland, has begun to show itself in the neighbouring parishes, and
- probably in time will get a footing throughout the island. St. Thomas’s in
- the East has been inoculated with another self-inflicted plague, under the
- name of “the rifle-ant,” which was imported for the purpose of eating up
- the ants of the country; and so to be sure they did, but into the bargain
- they eat up every thing else which came in their way, a practice in which
- they persist to this hour; so that it may be doubted whether in Jamaica
- most execrations are bestowed in the course of the day upon Vassal’s
- grass, the rifle-ants, Sir Charles Price’s rats, or the Reporter of the
- African Society; only that the maledictions uttered against the three
- first are necessarily local, while the Reporter of the African Society
- comes in for curses from all quarters.
- </p>
- <p>
- APRIL 30. (Tuesday.)
- </p>
- <p>
- A whole calendar month has elapsed since our quitting Jamaica, during
- which the wind has been favourable for something less than four-and-twenty
- hours; either it has blown precisely from the point on which we wanted to
- sail, or has been so faint, that we scarcely made one knot an hour.
- However, on Tuesday last, finding ourselves in the latitude of the
- “still-vexed Bermoothes,” by way of variety, a sudden squall carried away
- both our lower stunsails in the morning; and at nine in the evening there
- came on a gale of wind truly tremendous. The ship pitched and rolled every
- minute, as if she had been on the point of overturning; the hencoops
- floated about the deck, and many of the poultry were found drowned in them
- the next morning. Just as the last dead-light was putting up, the sea
- embraced the opportunity of the window being open, to whip itself through,
- and half filled the after-cabin with water; and in half an hour more a
- mountain of waves broke over the vessel, and pouring itself through the
- sky-light, paid the same compliment to the fore-cabin, with which it had
- already honoured the after one. About four in the morning the storm
- abated, and then we relapsed into our good old jog-trot pace of a knot an
- hour. Our passengers consist of a Mrs. Walker with her two children, and a
- sick surgeon of the name of Ashman.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MAY 5. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- We continue to proceed at such a tortoise-pace, that it has been thought
- advisable to put the crew upon an allowance of water.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MAY 7.
- </h3>
- <p>
- A negro song.—“Me take my cutacoo, (i. e. a basket made of matting,)
- and follow him to Lucea, and all for love of my bonny man-O—My bonny
- man come home, come home! Doctor no do you good. When neger fall into
- neger hands, buckra doctor no do him good more. Come home, my gold ring,
- come home!” This is the song of a wife, whose husband had been Obeahed by
- another woman, in consequence of his rejecting her advances. A negro
- riddle: “Pretty Miss Nancy was going to market, and she tore her fine
- yellow gown, and there was not a taylor in all the town who could mend it
- again.” This is a ripe plantain with a broken skin. The negroes are also
- very fond of what they call Nancy stories, part of which is related, and
- part sung. The heroine of one of them is an old woman named Mamma Luna,
- who having left a pot boiling in her hut, found it robbed on her return.
- Her suspicions were divided between two children whom she found at play
- near her door, and some negroes who had passed that way to market. The
- children denied the theft positively. It was necessary for the negroes, in
- order to reach their own estate, to wade through a river at that time
- almost dry; and on their return, Mammy Luna (who it should seem, was not
- without some skill in witchcraft,) warned them to take care in venturing
- across the stream, for that the water would infallibly rise and carry away
- the person who had stolen the contents of her pot; but if the thief would
- but confess the offence, she engaged that no harm should happen, as she
- only wanted to exculpate the innocent, and not to punish the guilty. One
- and all denied the charge, and several crossed the river without fear or
- danger; but upon the approach of a <i>belly-woman</i> to the bank, she was
- observed to hesitate. “My neger, my neger,” said Mammy Luna, “why you
- stop? me tink, you savee well, who thief me?” This accusation spirited up
- the woman, who instantly marched into the river, singing as she went ( and
- the woman’s part is always chanted frequently in chorus, which the negroes
- call, “taking up the sing”).
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “If da me eat Mammy Luna’s pease-O,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Drowny me water, drowny, drowny!”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- “My neger, my neger,” cried the old woman, “me sure now you the thief! me
- see the water wet you feet. Come back, my neger, come back.” Still on went
- the woman, and still continued her song of
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “If da me eat Mammy Luna’s pease, &c.”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- “My neger, my neger,” repeated Mammy Luna, “me no want punish you; my pot
- smell good, and you belly-woman. Come back, my neger, come back; me see
- now water above your knee!” But the woman was obstinate; she continued to
- sing and to advance, till she reached the middle of the river’s bed, when
- down came a tremendous flood, swept her away, and she never was heard of
- more; while Mammy Luna warned the other negroes never to take the property
- of another; always to tell the truth; and, at least, if they should be
- betrayed into telling a lie, not to persist in it, otherwise they must
- expect to perish like their companion. Observe, that a moral is always an
- indispensable part of a Nancy story. Another is as follows:—“Two
- sisters had always lived together on the best terms; but, on the death of
- one of them, the other treated very harshly a little niece, who had been
- left to her care, and made her a common drudge to herself and her
- daughter. One day the child having broken a water-jug, was turned out of
- the house, and ordered not to return till she could bring back as good a
- one. As she was going along, weeping, she came to a large cotton-tree,
- under which was sitting an old woman without a head. I suppose this
- unexpected sight made her gaze rather too earnestly, for the old woman
- immediately enquired—‘Well, my piccaniny, what you see?’ ‘Oh,
- mammy,’ answered the girl, ‘me no see nothing.’ ‘Good child!’ said again
- the old woman; ‘and good will come to you.’ Not far distant was a
- cocoa-tree; and here was another old woman, without any more head than the
- former one. The same question was asked her, and she failed not to give
- the same answer which had already met with so good a reception. Still she
- travelled forwards, and began to feel faint through want of food, when,
- under a mahogany tree, she not only saw a third old woman, but one who, to
- her great satisfaction, had got a head between her shoulders. She stopped,
- and made her best courtesy—‘How day, grannie!’ ‘How day, my
- piccaniny; what matter, you no look well?’ ‘Grannie, me lilly hungry.’ ‘My
- piccaniny, you see that hut, there’s rice in the pot, take it, and yam-yam
- me; but if you see one black puss, mind you give him him share.’ The child
- hastened to profit by the permission; the ‘one black puss’ failed not to
- make its appearance, and was served first to its portion of rice, after
- which it departed; and the child had but just finished her meal, when the
- mistress of the hut entered, and told her that she might help herself to
- three eggs out of the fowl-house, but that she must not take any of the <i>talking</i>
- ones: perhaps, too, she might find the black puss there, also; but if she
- did, she was to take no notice of her. Unluckily all the eggs seemed to be
- as fond of talking as if they had been so many old maids; and the moment
- that the child entered the fowl-house, there was a cry of ‘Take <i>me!</i>
- Take <i>me!</i>’ from all quarters. However she was punctual in her
- obedience; and although the conversable eggs were remarkably fine and
- large, she searched about till at length she had collected three little
- dirty-looking eggs, that had not a word to say for themselves. The old
- woman now dismissed her guest, bidding her to return home without fear;
- but not to forget to break one of the eggs under each of the three trees
- near which she had seen an old woman that morning. The first egg produced
- a water-jug exactly similar to that which she had broken; out of the
- second came a whole large sugar estate; and out of the third a splendid
- equipage, in which she returned to her aunt, delivered up the jug, related
- that an old woman in a red docker (i. e. petticoat) had made her a great
- lady, and then departed in triumph to her sugar estate. Stung by envy, the
- aunt lost no time in sending her own daughter to search for the same good
- fortune which had befallen her cousin. She found the cotton-tree and the
- headless old woman, and had the same question addressed to her; but
- instead of returning the same answer—‘What me see,’ said she; ‘me
- see one old woman without him head!’ Now this reply was doubly offensive;
- it was rude, because it reminded the old lady of what might certainly be
- considered as a personal defect; and it was dangerous, as, if such a
- circumstance were to come to the ears of the buckras, it might bring her
- into trouble, women being seldom known to walk and talk without their
- heads, indeed, if ever, except by the assistance of Obeah. ‘Bad child!’
- cried the old woman; ‘bad child! and bad will come to you!’ Matters were
- no better managed near the cocoa-tree; and even when she reached the
- mahogany, although she saw that the old woman had not only got her head
- on, but had a red docker besides, she could not prevail on herself to say
- more than a short ‘How day?’ without calling her ‘grannie.’ [Among negroes
- it is almost tantamount to an affront to address by the name, without
- affixing some term of relationship, such as ‘grannie,’ or ‘uncle,’ or
- ‘cousin.‘] My Cornwall boy, George, told me one day, that ‘Uncle Sully
- wanted to speak to massa.’ ‘Why, is Sully your uncle, George?’ ‘No, massa;
- me only call him so for honour.’ However, she received the permission to
- eat rice at the cottage, coupled with the injunction of giving a share to
- the black puss; an injunction, however, which she totally disregarded,
- although she scrupled not to assure her hostess that she had suffered puss
- to eat till she could eat no more. The old lady in the red petticoat
- seemed to swallow the lie very glibly, and despatched the girl to the
- fowl-house for three eggs, as she had before done her cousin; but having
- been cautioned against taking the talking eggs, she conceived that these
- must needs be the most valuable; and, therefore, made a point of selecting
- those three which seemed to be the greatest gossips of the whole poultry
- yard. Then, lest their chattering should betray her disobedience, she
- thought it best not to return into the hut, and, accordingly, set forward
- on her return home; but she had not yet reached the mahogany tree, when
- curiosity induced her to break one of the eggs. To her infinite
- disappointment it proved to be empty; and she soon found cause to wish
- that the second had been empty too; for, on her dashing it against the
- ground, out came an enormous yellow snake, which flew at her with dreadful
- hissings. Away ran the girl; a fallen bamboo lay in her path; she stumbled
- over it, and fell. In her fall the third egg was broken; and the old woman
- without the head immediately popping out of it, told her, that if she had
- treated her as civilly, and had adhered as closely to the truth as her
- cousin had done, she would have obtained the same good fortune; but that
- as she had shown her nothing but rudeness, and told her nothing but lies,
- she must be contented to carry nothing home but the empty egg-shells. The
- old woman then jumped upon the yellow snake, galloped away with incredible
- speed, and never showed her red docker in that part of the island any
- more.”
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 8.
- </h3>
- <p>
- At breakfast the captain was explaining to me the dangerous consequences
- of breaking the wheel-rope: two hours afterwards the wheel-rope broke, and
- round swung the vessel. However, as the accident fortunately took place in
- the day time, and when the sea was perfectly calm, it was speedily
- remedied: but this was “talking of the devil and his imps” with a
- vengeance.
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 10.
- </h3>
- <p>
- During the early part of my outward-bound voyage I was extremely afflicted
- with sea-sickness; and between eight o’clock on a Monday morning, and
- twelve on the following Thursday, I actually brought up almost a thousand
- lines, with rhymes at the end of them. Having nothing better to do at
- present, I may as well copy them into this book. Composed with such speed,
- and under such circumstances, I take it for granted that the verses cannot
- be very good; but let them be ever so bad, I defy any one to be more sick
- while reading them than the author himself was while writing them. This
- strange story was found by me in an old Italian book, called “II Palagio
- degli Incanti,” in which it was related as a fact, and stated to be taken
- from the “Annals of Portugal,” an historical work. I will not vouch for
- the truth of it myself; and, at all events, I earnestly request that no
- person who may read these verses will ask me “who the hero really was?” If
- he does, I shall only return the same answer which the lady gave her
- husband when, being on the point of shipwreck, he requested her to tell
- him whether she had really ever wronged his bed? “My dear,” said she,
- “sink or swim, that secret shall go to the grave with me.”
- </p>
- <h3>
- THE ISLE OF DEVILS.
- </h3>
- <h3>
- A METRICAL TALE.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Should I report this now, would they believe me?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- If I should say, I saw such islanders,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Who, though they were of monstrous shape, yet, note,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Their manners were more gentle-kind, than of
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Our human generation you shall find
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Many; nay, almost any!”—
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- <i>Tempest</i>, Act 3.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- I.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- Speed, Halcyon, speed, and here construct thy nest:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Brood on these waves, and charm the winds to rest!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No wave should dare to rage, no wind to roar,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Till lands yon blooming maid on Lisbon’s shore.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That maid, as Venus fair and chaste is she,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- When first to dazzled sky and glorying sea
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The bursting conch Love’s new-born queen exposed,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The fairest pearl that ever shell inclosed.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- While love’s fantastic hand had joyed to braid
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her locks with weeds and shells like some sea-maid,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- High seated at the stern was Irza seen,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And seemed to rule the tide, as ocean’s queen.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Smooth sailed the bark; the sun shone clear and bright
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The glittering billows danced along in light;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- While Irza, free from fear, from sorrow free,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Bright as the sun, and buoyant as the sea,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Bade o’er the lute her flying fingers move,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And sang a Spanish lay of Moorish love.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- ZAYDE AND ZAYDA.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- (From Las Guerras Civiles de Granada.’)
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Lo! beneath yon haughty towers,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Where the young and gallant Zayde
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Fondly chides the lingering hours,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Till they bring his lovely maid.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Evening shades are gathering round him;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Doubting fear his heart alarms;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But nor doubt nor fear can wound him,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- If he views his lady’s charms.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Hark! the window softly telling,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Zayda comes to bless his sight;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Bright as sun-beams clouds dispelling,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Mild as Cynthia’s trembling light.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Dearest, say, to what I’m fated!”
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Cried the Moor, as near he drew:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Is the tale my page related,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Loveliest lady, is it true?
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “To an ancient lord thy beauty
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Does thy tyrant father doom?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Must my love, the slave of duty,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Waste in age’s arms her bloom?
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “If my lot be still to languish,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Thine, another’s bride to be,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Let thy lips pronounce my anguish;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- ‘Twill be bliss to die by thee!”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Rising sighs her grief discover;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Fast her tears, while speaking, pour—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Zayde, my Zayde, our loves are over!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Zayde, my Zayde, we meet no more!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Allah knows, I cherished dearly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Fondest hopes of being thine!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Allah knows, I grieve sincerely,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- When I those fond hopes resign!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “May some lady, happier, fairer,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Blest with every charm and grace,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Whose kind friends would grieve to tear her
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- From all comfort, fill my place:
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “May all pleasures greet your bridal;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- May she give you heart for heart!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Never be she from her idol
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Forced, as I am now, to part!”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Rumour did not then deceive me!”
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Wild the Moor in anguish cries:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Then <i>’</i>tis true! for wealth you leave me!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Wealth has charms for Zayda’s eyes!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Blind to beauty, cold to pleasure,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Ozmyn shall my hopes destroy!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Yes; though worthless such a treasure,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- He shall Zayda’s charms enjoy!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Fare thee well! so soon to sever
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Little thought I, when you said,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Thine it is, and thine for ever
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- ‘Shall be Zayda’s heart, my Zayde!’”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- II.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- Scarce moved the zephyr’s wings, while breathed the song,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And waves in silence bore the bark along.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- <i>’</i>Twas Irza sang! Rosalvo at her side
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Gazed on his cherub-love, his destined bride,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Felt at each look his soul in softness melt,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor wished to feel more bliss than then he felt.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Gainst the high mast, intent on book and beads,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A reverend abbot leans, and prays, and reads:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Yet oft with secret glance the pair surveys,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Marks how she looks, and listens what he says.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- An idle task! The terms which speak their love
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Had served for prayer, and passed unblamed above.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He finds each tender phrase so free from harm,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- So pure each thought, each look so chaste though warm,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Still to his book and beads he turns again,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Pleased to have found his guardian care so vain;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- While oft a blush of shame his pale cheek wears,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To find his thoughts so much less pure than theirs.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Oh! they <i>were</i> pure! pure as the moon, whose ray
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Loves on the shrines of virgin-saints to play;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Pure as the falling snow, ere yet its shower
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Bends with its weight its own pale fragile flower.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Not fourteen years were Irza’s; nay, ’tis true,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Most maids at twelve know more than Irza knew:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And scarce two more had spread with silken down
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her youthful cousin’s cheek of glowing brown.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His tutor sage (in fact, not show, a saint)
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Had kept his heart and mind secure from taint.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In liberal arts, in healthful manly sports,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In studies fit for councils, camps, and courts,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His moments found their full and best employ,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor left one leisure hour for guilty joy.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Since her blue dove-like eyes six springs had seen,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Immured in cloistered shades had Irza been,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- From duties done her sole delight deriven,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And her sole care to please the queen of heaven.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- None e’er approached her, save the pure and good:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her promised spouse; that monk who near them stood;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her viceroy uncle, and some guardian nun
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Were all she e’er had seen by moon or sun.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No amorous forms, by wanton art designed,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Had e’er inflamed her blood, or stained her mind;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No hint in books, no coarse or doubtful phrase
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- E’er bade her curious thought explore the maze
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No glowing dream by memory’s pencil drawn
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Had e’er profaned her sleep, and made her blush at dawn.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With flowers she decked the virgin mother’s shrine,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor guessed a wonder made that name divine.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The very love, which lent her looks such fire,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Ne’er raised one blameful thought, nor loose desire;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Like streams of gold, which in alembic roll,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The flames she suffered but refined her soul;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Made it more free from stain, more light from dross,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With brighter lustre, and with softer gloss.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That, which she bore her bridegroom, well might claim
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A brother’s love, and bear a sister’s name:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And e’en where now her lips in playful bliss
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sealed on Rosalvo’s eyes a balmy kiss,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Love’s highest, dearest grace she meant to show,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor thought he more could ask, nor she bestow.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- III
- </h3>
- <p class="indent20">
- From Goa’s precious sands to Lisbon’s shore.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The viceroy’s countless wealth that vessel bore:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In heaps there jewels lay of various dyes,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Ingots of gold, and pearls of wondrous size;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And there (two gems worth all that Cortez won)
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He placed his angel niece and only son.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sebastian sought the Moors! With loyal zeal
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Rosalvo cased his youthful limbs in steel;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To die or conquer by his sovereign’s side
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He came; and with him came his destined bride.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- E’en now in Lisbon’s court for Irza’s hair
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Virgins the myrtle’s nuptial crown prepare,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And Hymen waves his torch from Cintra’s towers,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Hails the dull bark, and chides the slow-winged hours.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Seldom in this bad world two hearts we see
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- So blest, and meriting so blest to be;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then oh! ye winds, gently your pinions move,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And speed in safety home the bark of love.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Brood, Halcyon, brood: thy sea-spell chaunt again,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And keep the mirror of the enchanted main,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Where his white wing the exulting tropic dips,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Calm as their hearts, and smiling as their lips.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The charm prevails! Hushed are the waves and still;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The expanded sails light favouring zephyrs fill.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Wafting with motion scarce perceived; and now
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In rapture Irza from the vessel’s prow
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Gazed on an isle with verdure gay and bright,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Which seemed (so green it shone in solar light)
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- An emerald set in silver. Long her eyes
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Dwelt on its rocks; and “Oh! dear friend,” she cries,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And clasps Rosalvo’s hand,—“admire with me
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Yon isle, which rising crowns the silent sea!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- How bold those mossy cliffs, which guard the strand,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Like spires, and domes, and towers in fairy-land!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- How green the plains! how balsam-fraught the breeze!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- How bend with golden fruit the loaded trees;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- While, fluttering midst their boughs in joyful notes,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Myriads of birds attune their warbling throats!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Blooms all the ground with flowers! and mark, oh! mark
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That giant palm, whose foliage broad and dark
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Plays on the sun-clad rock!—Beneath, a cave
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Spreads wide its sparry mouth: while loosely wave
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A thousand creepers, dyed with thousand stains,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Whose wreaths enrich the trees, and cloathe the plains.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Dear friend, how blest, if passed my life could be
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In that fair isle, with God alone and thee,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Far from the world, from man and fiend secure,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No guilt to harm us, and no vice to lure!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Bright round the virgin’s shrine would blush and bloom
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That world of flowers, which pour such rich perfume;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And sweet yon caves repeat with mellowing swell
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Eve’s closing hymn, when chimed the vesper-bell.”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The pilot heard—“Oh! spring of life,” he cried,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “How bright and beauteous seems the world untried!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I too, like you, in youth’s romantic bowers
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Dreamt not of wasps in fruit, nor thorns in flowers;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And when on banks of sand the sunbeams shone,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I deemed each sparkling flint a precious stone.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Ah! noble lady, learn, that isle so fair,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The fields all roses, and all balm the air,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That isle is one, where every leaf’s a spell,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Where no good thing e’er dwelt, nor e’er shall dwell.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No fisher, forced from home by adverse breeze,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Would slake his thirst from yon infernal trees:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No shipwrecked sailor from the following waves
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Would seek a shelter in those haunted caves.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- There flock the damned! there Satan reigns, and revels!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And thence yon isle is called (( The Isle of Devils!”
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor think, on rumour’s faith this tale is given:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Once, hot in youthful blood, when hell nor heaven
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Much claimed my thoughts, (the truth with shame I tell;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Holy St. Francis, guard thy votary well! )
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In quest of water near that isle I drew:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- When lo! such monstrous forms appalled my view,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Such shrieks I heard, sounds all so strange and dread,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That from the strand with shuddering haste I fled,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Plyed as for life my oars, nor backward bent my head.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And though since then hath flown full many a year,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Still sinks my heart, still shake my limbs with fear,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Soon as yon awful island meets mine eye!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Cross we our breasts! say, ‘Ave!’ and pass by!”
- </p>
- <h3>
- IV.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent20">
- The isle is past. And still in tranquil pride
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Bears the rich bark its treasures o’er the tide.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And now the sun, ere yet his lamp he shrouds,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Stains the pure western sky with crimson clouds:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Now from the sea’s last verge he sheds his rays,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And sinks triumphant in a golden blaze.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Still o’er the heavens reflected splendours flow,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Which make the world of waters gleam and glow:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Wide and more wide each billow shines more bright,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Till all the empurpled ocean floats in light.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Soon as fair Irza marked the evening’s close,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Grave from her seat the young enthusiast rose,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Told o’er her beads, and when the string was said,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Ave Maria!” sang the enraptured maid;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her look so humble, so devout her air,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Each worldly wish appeared so lost in prayer,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- All felt, no thought could to her mind be near,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That man her form could see, her voice could hear:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Hushed all the ship!—Each sailor checked his glee,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Clasped his hard hands, and bent his trembling knee;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And each (as rose that soft mysterious strain,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Best help in trouble, and sweet balm in pain)
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Gazed on the maid with mingled awe and fear,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Damp on his cheek perceived the unwonted tear,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then raised to Heaven his eyes in earnest prayer,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And half believed himself already there.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Low too Rosalvo knelt, nor knew, if now
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- For Mary’s grace, or Irza’s, rose his vow.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Scarce e’en the monk forbore to kneel; his child
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Fondly he viewed, and sweetly, gravely smiled,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And blessed that God, as swelled each melting note,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Who gave such heavenly powers to human throat!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Melodious strains, oh! speed your flight above
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- On Neptune’s wings, and reach the ear of Love!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Oh! spread thy starry robe, celestial queen,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- (For much thine aid she needs!) from ills to screen
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Thy virgin-votaress!—Silence holds the deep,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And e’en the helmsman’s eyes are sealed by sleep:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Yet mark yon gathering clouds!—the moon is fled!—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Mark too that deathlike stillness, deep and dread!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And hark!—from yon black cloud an awful voice
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Pours the wild chaunt, and bids the winds rejoice!
- </p>
- <h3>
- SONG OF THE TEMPEST-FIEND.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- I marked her!—the pennants, how gaily they streamed!—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- How well was she armed for resistance!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The waves that sustained her, how brightly they beamed
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In the sun’s setting rays, and the sailors all seemed
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To forget the storm-spirit’s existence.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But I marked her!—and now from the clouds I descend!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- My spells to the billows I mutter!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I clap my black pinions! my wand I extend,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In darkness the sky and the ocean to blend,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And the winds mark the charms which I utter.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Now more and more rapid in eddies I whirl,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In my voice while the thunder-clap rumbles:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And now the white mountainous waves, as they curl,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I joy o’er the deck of the vessel to hurl,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And laugh, as she tosses and tumbles.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The crew is alarmed; but the tempest prevails,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No care from my fury delivers!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Ere there’s time for their furling the canvass, the sails
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- From the top to the bottom I split with my nails,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And they stream in the blast, rent in shivers!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The sky and the ocean, fierce battle they wage;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The elements all are in action!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No sailor the storm longer hopes to assuage:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- What clamours, what hurry, what oaths, and what rage!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Oh, brave! what despair, what distraction!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Their heart-strings, they ache, while my ravage they view;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Each knee <i>’</i>gainst its fellow is knocking!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- My eyes, darting lightnings to dazzle the crew,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Burn and blaze; and those lightnings so forked and so blue
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Make the darkness of midnight more shocking.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The morn to that vessel no succour shall bring!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Now high o’er the main-mast I hover;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Now I plunge from the sky to the deck with a spring,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And I shatter the mast with one flap of my wing;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- It cracks! and it breaks! and goes over!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Hew away, gallant seamen! fatigue never dread;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- You shall all rest to-night from your labours!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The ocean’s wide mantle shall o’er you be spread,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The white bones of mariners pillow your head,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And the whale and the shark be your neighbours.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- For I swoop from aloft, and I blaze, and I burn,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- While my spouts the salt billows are drinking:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And I drive <i>’</i>gainst the vessel, and beat down the stern,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And pour in a flood, which shall never return,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And all cry—66 She’s sinking! she’s sinking!”—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The barge?—well remembered!—<i>’</i>tis strong, and <i>’</i>tis
- large,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And will live in the billows’ commotion;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But now all my spouts from the clouds I discharge,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And down goes the vessel, and down goes the barge!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Hurrah! I reign lord of the ocean!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- How their shrieks rose in chorus! Now all is at rest;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The tempest no longer is brewing!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- My dreams by the harm newly done will be blest,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- So I’ll sleep for a while on a thunder-cloud’s breast,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then rouze to hurl round me fresh ruin.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Hushed is the storm: the heavens no longer frown;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And o’er that spot, where late the bark went down,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- All bright and smiling flows the treacherous wave,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Like sunshine playing on a new-made grave.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Full rose the watery moon: it showed a plank,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To which, all deadly pale, with tresses dank,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And robes of white, on which the sea had flung
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Loose wreaths of ocean-flowers, unconscious clung
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A fair frail form:—‘twas Irza!—to the shore
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Each following wave the virgin nearer bore;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And now the mountain surge overwhelmed the land,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then flying left her on the wished-for strand.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Soon hope and love of life her powers renew;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Swift towards a cliff she speeds, which towers in view,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor waits the wave’s return’; and now again
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Safe on the shore, and rescued from the main,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Prostrate she falls, and thanks the Sire of life,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Whose arm hath snatched her from the billowy strife.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That duty done, she rose, and gazed around:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Mossed are the rocks, and flowers bestrew the ground.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Not distant far, a group of fragrant trees
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Bend with their golden fruit. The ocean-breeze
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Shakes a gigantic palm, which o’er a cave
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Its dark green foliage spreads, and wildly wave
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Their blooming wreaths, all starred with midnight dews,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A thousand creeping plants of thousand hues.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then flashed the dreadful truth on Irza’s view!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That cave—those trees—that giant palm she knew!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then from her lips for ever fled the smile:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- —“Mother of God!” she shrieked, “the Demon-Isle!”—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Long on a broken crag she knelt, and prayed,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And wearied every saint for strength and aid;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then speechless, heedless, senseless lay; when, lo!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Strange mutterings near her roused from torpid woe
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her soul to fresh alarms. Her head she reared,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And near her face an hideous face appeared;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But straight <i>’</i>twas gone!—In trembling haste she rose,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And saw a ring of monstrous dwarfs inclose
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her rugged couch. Not Teniers’ hand could paint
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Forms more grotesque to scare the tempted saint,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Than here, as on they pressed in circling throng,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With gnashing teeth seemed for her blood to long,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And grinned, and glared, and gloated! Quicker grew
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her breath! Death hemmed her round! As yet, ’tis true,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Far off they kept; but soon, more daring grown,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- More near they crept, oft sharpening on some stone
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Their long crookt claws; and still, as on they came,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- They screeched and chattered; and their eyes of flame,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Twinkling and goggling, told, what pleasure grim
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- ‘Twould give to rack and rend her limb from limb:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- —“Heaven take my soul!” she cried,—when, hark! a
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- moan,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- So full, so sad, so strange—not shriek—not groan—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Something scarce earthly—breathed above her head—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- ‘Twas heard, and instant every imp was fled.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- What was that sound? What pitying saint from high
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Had stooped to save her? Now to heaven her eye
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Grateful she raised. Almighty powers!—a form,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Gigantic as the palm, black as the storm,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- All shagged with hair, wild, strange in shape and show,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Towered on the loftiest cliff, and gazed below.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- On her he gazed, and gazed so fixed, so hard,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Like knights of bronze some hero’s tomb who guard.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Bright wreaths of scarlet plumes his temples crowned,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And round his ankles, arms, and wrists were wound
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Unnumbered glassy strings of crystals bright,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Corals, and shells, and berries red and white.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- On her he gazed, and floods of sable fires
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Rolled his huge eyes, and spoke his fierce desires,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- As on his club, a torn-up lime, he leaned.—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Help, Heaven!” thought Irza, “‘tis the master-fiend!”
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Not long he paused: he now with one quick bound
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sprang from the cliff, and lighted on the ground.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Back fled the maid in terror; but her fear
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Was needless. Humbly, slowly crept he near,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then kissed the earth, his club before her laid,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And of his neck her footstool would have made:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But from his touch she shrank. He raised his head,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And saw her limbs convulsed, her face all dread,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And felt the cause his presence! Sad and slow
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He rose, resumed his club, and turn’d to go.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Reproachful was his look, but still <i>’</i>twas kind;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He climb’d the rock, but oft he gazed behind;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He reach’d the cave; one look below he threw;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Plaintive again he moan’d, and with slow steps withdrew.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She is alone; she breathes again!—Fly, fly!—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Ah! wretched girl, too late! with frenzied eye,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- (Scarce gone the master-fiend) his imps she sees,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Pour from the rocks, and drop from all the trees
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With yell, and squeak, and many a horrid sound,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And form a living fence to hedge her round:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- —“Now then,” she cried, 4 c all’s over!—oh! farewell,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Farewell, Rosalvo!” On her knee she fell,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And told her beads with trembling hands. Yet still
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- On came the throng; and soon, with wanton skill
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- (Lured by its coral glow and cross of gold),
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- One snatch’d her chaplet, nor forsook his hold,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Though hard she struggled: while more bold, more fierce
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Another seized her arm, and dared to pierce
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With his sharp teeth its snow. The pure blood stream’d
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Fast from the wound, and loud the virgin scream’d;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And strait again was heard that sad strange moan,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And instant all the dwarfs again were flown.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Scarce conscious that she lived, scarce knowing why,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Half grieved, half grateful, Irza raised her eye:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Still on the rock (not dared he down to spring)
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Dark and majestic stood the demon-king;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then lowly knelt, and raised his arm to wave
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- An orange bough, and court her to his cave.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Lost are her friends; no help, no hope is nigh;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- What can she do, and whither can she fly?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To him already twice her life she owes,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And but his presence now restrains her foes.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- On wings of flame the sun had left the main;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And peeping from the trees, the imps too plain
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Shot darts of rage from their green orbs of sight:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She heard their gibberings, and she mark’d their spite;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And, while they eyed her form, their care she saw
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To grind their teeth, and whet each cruel claw.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Demons alike, the monarch-demon’s breast
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Appear’d least fierce; of ills she chose the best,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sought, where profaned her coral rosary lay,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then slowly mounted where he show’d the way.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Cautious he led her tow’rds his lone abode,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And clear’d each stone that might impede her road.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With pain she trod: she reach’d the cave; but there
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No more their weight her wearied limbs could bear.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Exhausted, fainting, anguish, terror, thirst,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Fatigue o’erpower’d her frame: her heart must burst,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her eyes grow dim! Sunk on the rock she lies,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And sinking, prays she never more may rise.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Long in this deathlike swoon she lay: at length
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Exhausted nature show’d forth all its strength,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And call’d her back to life. Her opening eyes
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Beheld a grotto vast in depth and size,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Whose high straight sides forbade all hopes of flight:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The fractured roof gave ample space for light,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Through which in gorgeous guise the day-star shone
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- On many a lucid shell and brilliant stone.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Through pendent spars and crystals as it falls,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Each beam with rainbow hues adorns the walls,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Gilds all the roof, emblazes all the ground,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And scatters light, and warmth, and splendour round.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Gently on pillowing furs reposed her head;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With many a verdant rush her couch was spread;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A gourd with blushing fruits was near her placed,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Whose scent and colour woo’d alike her taste;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And round her strewn there bloom’d unnumber’d flowers
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Charming her sense with aromatic powers.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- One only object chill’d her blood with ear:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Far off removed (but still, alas! too near),
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Scarce breathing, lest a breath her sleep might break,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- There stood the fiend, and watch’d to see her wake.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In sooth, if credit outward show might crave,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Than Irza, ne’er had nymph an humbler slave.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He watched her every glance; her frown he fear’d;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And if his pains to meet her wish appear’d,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- All pains seem’d far o’er-paid, all cares appeased,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And so she found but pleasure, he was pleased.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- One power he claim’d, but claim’d that power alone:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Still, when he left her side, a mass of stone
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Barr’d up the grotto, nor allow’d her feet
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To pass the limits of her bright retreat.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But when in quest of food not forced to stray,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In Irza’s sight he wore the livelong day,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And show’d her living springs and noontide shades,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Spice-breathing groves, and flower-enamell’d glades.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- For her he still selects the sweetest roots,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The coolest waters, and the loveliest fruits;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To deck her charms the softest furs he brings,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And plucks their plumage from flamingo wings;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Bids blooming shrubs, to shade her, bend in bowers,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And strews her couch with fragrant herbs and flowers
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- While many an ivy-twisted grate restrains
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The splendid tenants of the etherial plains.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then, when she sought her lonesome grot at eve,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And waved her hand, and warn’d him take his leave,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her will was his: he breathed his plaintive moan,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Gazed one last look, then gently roll’d the stone.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Perhaps, such constant care and worship paid,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- More fit for angel than for mortal maid,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- At length had won her, with more grateful mind
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To view his gifts, and pay respect so kind;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But, as her giant-gaoler she esteem’d
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Some prince of subterraneous fire, she deem’d
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His favours snares, his presents only given
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To shake her faith, and steal her soul from heaven.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Still then her loathing heart remain’d the same,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Joy’d when he went, and shudder’d when he came;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And when to share his fruits by hunger press’d,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Ever she bless’d them first, and cross’d her breast.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Days creep—months roll—no change! no hope! and oh!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Rosalvo lost, what hope can life bestow?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Death, only death, she feels, can end her woes;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor doubts death soon will bring that wish’d-for close;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- For now her frame, her mind, confess disease;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Painful and faint she moves; her tottering knees
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Scarce bear her weight; and oft, by humour moved,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her sickening soul now loathes what late it loved.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- It comes! the moment comes! Her frame is rent
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- By sharper pangs; her nerves, too strongly bent,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Seem on the point to break; her forehead burns;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her curdling blood is fire, is ice by turns;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her heart-strings crack!—“This hour is sure her last!’
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Fainting she sinks, and hopes “that hour is pass’d!”
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Wake, Irza, wake to grief most strange and deep!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Still must thou live, and only live to weep!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Oh, lift thine aching head, thy languid eyes,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And mark what hideous stranger near thee lies.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Guard me, all blessed saints!”—A monster child
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Press’d her green couch; and, as it grimly smiled,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Its shaggy limbs, and eyes of sable fire,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Betray’d the crime, and claim’d its hellish sire!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Lost! lost! My soul is lost!” the affrighted maid,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- (Ah, now a maid no more!) distracted, said,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And wrung her hands. Those words she scarce could say;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Yet would have pray’d, but fear’d’t was sin to pray!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That only veil which ne’er admits a stain,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The veil of ignorance, was rent in twain:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In spite of virtue, cloisters, horror, youth,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She knows, and feels, and shudders at the truth.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That night accursed!—In death-like swoon she slept—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then near her couch if that dark demon crept—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Oh! where was then her guardian angel’s aid?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And would not heavenly Mary save her maid?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Deprived of sense—betray’d by place and time—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then was she doom’d to share the unconscious crime?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Debased, deflower’d, and stamp’d a wretch for life,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A monster’s mother, and a demon’s wife?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Oh! at that thought her soul what passions tear!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- How then she beats her breast, how rends her hair,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And bids, with golden ringlets scatter’d round,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Stream all the air, and glitter all the ground!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sighs, sobs, and shrieks the place of words supply;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And still she mourns to live, and prays to die,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Till heart denies to groan, and eyes to flow;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then, on her couch of rushes sinking low,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Languid and lost she lies, in silent, senseless woe.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- What lifts her burning head? why opes her eye?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- What makes her blood run back? A faint shrill cry!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Too well, alas! that cry was understood:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The monster pined for want, and claim’d its food.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then in her heart what rival passions strove!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- How shrinks disgust, how yearns maternal love!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Now to its life her feelings she prefers;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Now Nature wakes, and makes her own—“<i>’</i>Tis hers!”
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Loathing its sight, she melts to hear its cries,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And, while she yields the breast, averts her eyes.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Not so the demon-sire: the child he raised,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He kiss’d it—danced it—nursed it—knelt, and gazed,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Till joyful tears gush’d forth, and dimm’d his sight:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Scarce Irza’s self was view’d with more delight.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He held it tow’rds her—horror seem’d to thrill
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her frame. He sigh’d, and clasp’d it closer still.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Once, and but once, his features wrath express’d:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He saw her shudder, as it drain’d her breast;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And, while reproach half mingled with his moan,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Snatch’d it from her’s, and press’d it to his own.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Three months had pass’d; still lived the monster-brat:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Its sire had sought the wood; alone she sat:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She sheds no tears—no tears are left to shed;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Unmoisten’d burn her eyes—her heart seems dead—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her form seems marble. Lo! from far the sound
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Of music steals, and fills the caves around.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She starts!—scarce breathing—trembling;—“Oh! for
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- wings!”—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But hark! for nearer now the minstrel sings. .
- </p>
- <h3>
- SONG.
- </h3>
- <h3>
- 1.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- When summer smiled on Goa’s bowers
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- They seem’d so fair;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- All light the skies, all bloom the flowers,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- All balm the air!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The mock-bird swell’d his amorous lay,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Soft, sweet, and clear; .
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And all was beauteous, all was gay,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- For she was near.
- </p>
- <h3>
- 2.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- But now the skies in vain are bright
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With Summer’s glow;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The pea-dove’s call to Love’s delight
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Augments my woé;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And blushing roses vainly bloom;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Their charms are fled,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And all is sadness, all is gloom,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- For she is dead!
- </p>
- <h3>
- 3.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- Now o’er thy head, my virgin love,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Rolls Ocean’s wave;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But fond regret, in myrtle grove,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Hath dug thy grave.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sweet flowers, around her vacant urn
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Your wreaths I’ll twine,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And pray such flowers, ere Spring’s return,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- May garland mine!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “He! he!”—That love-lorn dirge—that heavenly
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- tongue—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That air, she taught him; ’t was Rosalvo sung!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Rosalvo, whom the waves, which wreck’d their bark,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Had borne, like her, for purpose sad and dark,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To that strange isle; though far remote the beach
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- From Irza’s grot, which Fate ordain’d him reach;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But now at length his curious search explores
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- These rude and slippery crags and distant shores;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And while he treads his dangerous path, the strains
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Which Irza taught him soothe her lover’s pains.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She hears his steps, and hears them soon more near;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And loud she cries—“Rosalvo! Hear! oh, hear!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- ‘Tis Irza calls!” and now more quick, more nigh,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Down the steep rock she hears those footsteps fly.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Again she calls. He comes! He searches round;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He seeks the gate, and soon the gate is found.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Alas! ’t is found in vain! the marble guard
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Seem’d rooted as the rock, whose mouth it barr’d.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Yet still, with labouring nerves, to move the stone
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He struggles. Now he stops; and, hark! A groan!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But one; then all was hush’d! A sickening chill
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Seized Irza’s heart, and seem’d her veins to thrill.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Fain had she call’d her youthful bridegroom’s name;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her tongue Fear’s numbing fingers seem’d to lame.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Footsteps!—more near they drew:—slow rolled the
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- stone—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The infernal gaoler came, but came alone.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With anxious glance his eye explored the cell;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But when it fix’d on her’s, abash’d it fell.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He knelt, and seem’d to fear her frown. He bore
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His club.‘T was splash’d with brains! ’t was wet with
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- gore!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She fear’d—she guess’d—she rush’d—she ran—she
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- flew,—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor dared the fiend her frantic course pursue.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Rosalvo! speak! Rosalvo!” Shrill, yet sweet,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She wakes the echoes. What obstructs her feet?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- ‘T is he, the young, the good, the kind, the fair!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- As some frail lily, which the passing share *
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Or wanton boy hath wounded, droops its head,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Its whiteness wither’d, and its fragrance fled,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Low lay the youth, and from his temple’s wound
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With precious streams bedew’d the ensanguin’d ground.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then reason fled its seat! She shrieks! she raves!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And fills with hideous yells the ocean caves;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Rends her bright locks, and laughs to see them fly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And bids them seek Rosalvo in the sky.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To dig his grave she fiercely ploughs the ground,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Loud shrieks his name, nor feels the flints that wound
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her bosom’s globes, and stain their snow with gore,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- As wild she dashes down, and beats in rage the floor.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Now fail her strength, her spirits; mute she sits,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Silent and sad; then laughs and sings by fits.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A statue now she seems, or one just dead,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her looks all gloom, her eyes two balls of lead:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then simply smiles, and chaunts, with idiot glee,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Ave Maria! Benedicite!”
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Till, Nature’s powers revived by rest, again
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The fury passions riot in her brain,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And all is rage, revenge, and helpless, hopeless pain.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Days, weeks, months pass. Time came with slow relief;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But still at length it came. No more her grief
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Disturbs her brain: she knows “that groan was his!”
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And fully feels herself the wretch she is.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She rises: towards the grotto’s mouth she goes,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor dares the fiend her wandering steps oppose.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She seeks the spot on which Rosalvo fell,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- On which he died! She knows that spot too well!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But, lo! no corse was there! All smooth and green
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A velvet turf o’erstrewn with flowers was seen,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And fenced with roses. “Oh! whose pious care
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Hath deck’d this grave? Hear, gracious Heaven, his
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- prayer,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- When most he needs!” While thus in doubt she stands,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She marks the fiend’s approach. His ebon hands
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sustain’d a gourd of flowers of various hue;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He pour’d them, kiss’d the turf, and straight withdrew
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Hither each morn his blooming gifts he bore,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Smooth’d the green sod, and strew’d it o’er and o’er.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Hither, each morn, came Irza; on those flowers
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She wept, she pray’d, she sang away her hours.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- So mourns the nightingale on poplar spray *,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her callow brood by shepherds borne away,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Weeps all the night, and from her green retreat
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Fills the wide groves with warblings sad as sweet.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And still fresh woes succeed. She feels again
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Mysterious pangs, nor doubts her cause of pain.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Too sure, while lost in maniac state she lay,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her sense, her wits, her feeling all away,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The fiend once more had seized the unguarded hour
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To force her weakness, and abuse his ower.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Qualis populeâ,” &c.—Virgil.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Again Lucina came. That new-born cry,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Shuddering, again she heard; her fearful eye
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Wander’d around awhile, nor dared to stay.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “There, there he lies! my child!” With fresh essay
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Once more she turn’d. But when at length her sight
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Dwelt on its face, her wonder—her delight—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Can ne’er by tongue be told, by fancy guess’d!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Frantic she caught, she kiss’d, and lull’d him on her breast.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Oh! who can paint how Irza loved that child!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Grieved when he moan’d, and smiled whene’er he smiled!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His dimpled arm soft on the rushes lay;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Through his fine skin the blood was seen to play;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That skin than down of swans more smooth and white;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor e’er shone summer sky so blue and bright,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- As shone the eyes of that same cherub elf;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In small the model of her beauteous self.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The scant gold locks which gilt his ivory brow,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Were sun-beams gleaming on a globe of snow;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And on his coral lips the red which stood,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Shamed the first rose, whose milk was Paphia’s blood.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- By fairy-thefts since nurses were beguiled,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Never stole fairy yet a lovelier child!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In Nature’s costlier charms no babe array’d,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- At length a mother’s fears and throes repaid:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Not when Lucina first in myrtle grove,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To Beauty’s kiss presented new-born Love;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And while, with wond’ring eyes, the immortal boy
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Imbibed new light, and pour’d ecstatic joy:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He kiss’d and drain’d by turns her fragrant breast,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Till amorous ring-doves coo’d the god to rest.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Mothers may love as much, but never more,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor e’er did mother love so well before,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- As Irza loved that child! Her sable lord
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Mark’d well that love; and now, to health restored,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He felt her child to home would chain her feet,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor roll’d the stone to close her lone retreat.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Still, when he went, he with him bore away
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That fav’rite babe, nor fear’d she far would stray.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Arm’d with his club, she now might safely rove
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Through verdant vale, or weep in shadowy grove;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- For soon the dwarfs were used to bear her sight,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Knew that dread club, nor dared indulge their spite.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Still from afar off looks of rage they cast,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And shrilly squeal’d and clamour’d as she pass’d;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But by their flight when near she came, ’t was seen,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- They own’d allegiance, and confess’d their queen.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- One morn her savage lord, in quest of food,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Forsook tho cave, and sought th’ adjacent wood;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And as her darling boy he with him bore,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Irza, unwatch’d, might pace the sounding shore.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Listless and slow she moved, and climb’d with pain
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A tow’ring cliff, which beetled o’er the main.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Now three full years had flown, since Irza’s eye
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Had dwelt on human form, and since reply
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- From human tongue had blest her ear.‘Tis true,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Throned on a rock, which spread before her view
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The sea’s wide-stretching plains, she once descried
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A gallant vessel plough the neighbouring tide.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- By cries to draw it near she long essay’d,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And oft a palm-bough waved in sign for aid:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But all her cries and all her signs were vain;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- On sail’d the bark, nor e’er return’d again!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- On that same rock she sat, and eyed the wave,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And wish’d she there had found her wat’ry grave!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Fain had she sought one then, plunged from the steep.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And buried all her sufferings in the deep;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But faith alike and reason bade her shun
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That wish, nor break a thread which God had spun.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Hark!—was it fancy?—hark again!—the shores
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Echo the sound of fast approaching oars.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Oh! how she gazed!—a barge (by friars <i>’</i>twas mann’d)
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Cut the smooth waves, and sought the rocky strand.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Soon (while his wither’d hands a crosier hold,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- All rich with gems, and rough with sculptured gold),
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Landing alone, a reverend monk appear’d:—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His jewell’d cross—his flowing silver beard—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “‘Tis he!—‘tis he!”—swift down the steep she flies,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Falls at the stranger’s feet, and frantic cries,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Down her pale cheek while tears imploring roll,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Help, father abbot! save me! save my soul!”
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- ‘Twas he indeed! that bark which ne’er return’d,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Well on the cliff* her fair wild form discern’d,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But deem’d some island-fiend had spread a snare
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To lure them with a form so wild and fair.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Yet oft in Lisbon would those seamen tell,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- How angled for their souls the prince of hell;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And warmly paint, their leisure to beguile,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The fallen angel of th’ enchanted isle.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- At length this wonder reach’d the abbot’s ear,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And prompt affection made the wonder clear:—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “<i>’</i>Twas Irza! shipwreck’d Irza! none but she
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- So heav’nly fair, so lonely lost could be!”
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Straight he prepares anew that sea to brave,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Which once already seem’d to yawn his grave;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor ask, how chanced it that he reach’d the shore:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- It was through a miracle and nothing more.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Whether on monkish frock as safe rode he,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- As night-hags skim in sieves o’er Norway’s sea;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Or like Arion plough’d the wat’ry plain,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Horsed on some monster of the astonish’d main,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Some shark, some whale, some kraken, some sea-cow—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- St. Francis saved him, and it boots not how.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And now again the saint his priest survey’d,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- From waves and winds imploring heavenly aid;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Resolved for Irza’s sake to brave the worst
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Which fate could offer on that isle accurst.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Far off his ship was anchor’d; on that strand
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Not India’s wealth could make a layman land!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Therefore with none but monks he mann’d his barge,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Which bore of beads and bells a sacred charge;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Whole heaps of relics lent by Cintra’s nuns,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And holy water (blest at Rome) by tons!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His toils were all o’erpaid! he saw again
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His fav’rite child, and kindly soothed her pain;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And while her tale he heard, oft dropp’d a tear,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And sign’d his beard-swept breast in awe and fear:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then bade her speed the friendly bark to gain,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And fly the infernal monarch’s green domain;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor yield her tyrant time to cast a spell,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And rouse to cross her flight the powers of hell.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then first from Irza’s cheek the glow of red,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- By hope of rescue raised, grew faint, and fled;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Trembling she nam’d her cherub-boy, confess’d
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A mother’s fondness fill’d his mother’s breast;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Described how fair he look’d, how sweet he smiled,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And fear’d her flight might quite destroy her child.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then rose the abbot’s ire—ee Oh, guilty care!”
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Frowning, he cried, and shook his hoary hair:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Fair is the imp? and shall he therefore breathe
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To win new subjects for the realms beneath?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The fiends most dangerous are those spirits bright,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Who toil for hell, and show like sons of light;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And still when Satan spreads his subtlest snares,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The baits are azure eyes, the lines are golden hairs.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Name thou the brat no more! To Cintra’s walls
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Fly, where thy footsteps mild repentance calls.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I’ll hear no plaint! kneel not! I’m deaf to prayer!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Swift, brethren, to the barge this maniac bear;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Speed! speed!—no tears!—no struggling!—no delay
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Row, brethren, row, and waft us swift away!”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The monks obeyed. Then, then in Irza’s soul
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- What various passions raged, and mock’d control!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Now how she mourn’d, now how she wept for joy,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- How loathed the sire, and how adored the boy!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The barge is gain’d; they row. When, lo! from high
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her ear again receives that well-known cry,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That sad, strange moan! she starts, and lifts her eye.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- There, on a rock which fenced the strand, once more
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She saw her demon-husband stand: he bore
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her beauteous babe; and, while he view’d the barge,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Keen anguish seem’d each feature to enlarge,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And shake each giant limb. With piteous air
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His arms he spread, his hands he clasp’d in prayer;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Knelt, wept, and while his eye-balls seem’d to burn,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Oft show’d the child, and woo’d her to return.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His suit the monks disdain; the barge recedes;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- More humbly now he kneels, more earnest pleads.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But when he found no tears their course delay,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And still the boat pursued its watery way;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then, ’gainst his grief and rage no longer proof,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He gnash’d his teeth, he stamp’d his iron hoof,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Whirl’d the boy wildly round and round his head,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Hash’d it against the rocks, and howling fled.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Loud shrieks the mother! changed to stone she stands,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And silent lifts to heav’n her clay-cold hands:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then, sinking down, stretch’d on the deck she lies,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Hid her pale face, and closed her aching eyes.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But hark! why shout the monks?—C£ Again,” they said,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Again the demon comes!” with desperate dread
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Starts the poor wretch, and lifts her anguish’d head.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Yes! there the infant-murderer stood once more,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But now far different were the looks he wore.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No bending knee, no suppliant glance was seen,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Proud was his port, and stern and fierce his mien.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His blood-stain’d eye-balls glared with vengeful ire;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His spreading nostrils seem’d to snort out fire.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Swiftly from crag to crag he following sprung,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- While round his neck his shaggy offspring clung;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And now, like some dark tow’r, erect he stood,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Where the last rock hung frowning o’er the flood:—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Look! look!” he seem’d to say, with action wild,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Look, mother, look! this babe is still your child!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With him as me all social bonds you break,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Scorn’d and detested for his father’s sake:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- My love, my service only wrought disdain,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And nature fed his heart from yours in vain!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then go, Ingrate, far o’er the ocean go,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Consign your friend, your child to endless woe!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Renounce us! hate us! pleased, your course pursue,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And break their hearts who lived alone for you!”
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His eyes, which flash’d red fire—his arms spread wide,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her child raised high to heaven—too plain implied,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Such were his thoughts, though nature speech denied.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And now with eager glance the deep he view’d,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And now the barge with savage howl pursued;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then to his lips his infant wildly press’d,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And fondly, fiercely, clasp’d it to his breast:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Three piteous moans, three hideous yells he gave,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Plunged headlong from the rock, and made the sea his
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- grave.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Where, screen’d by orange groves and myrtle bowers,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Saint-favour’d Cintra rears her gothic towers;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A nun there dwells, most holy, sad, and fair,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her only business penance, fasts, and prayer;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her only joy with flowers the shrines to dress,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Weep with the suff’ring, and relieve distress.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A poor lay-sister she; yet golden rain
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Showers from her hand to glad each barren plain:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In other eyes she lights up joy, but ne’er
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Those eyes of hers were seen a smile to wear:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- From other breasts she plucks the thorn of grief,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But feels, her own admits of no relief.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Where age and sickness count the hours by groans,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Uncalled, she comes to hear and hush their moans.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- There, ever humble, watchful, patient, kind,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No nauseous task, no servile care declined,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- O’er the sick couch, all day, all night she hangs,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Till health or death relieves the sufferer’s pangs.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No thanks she takes, no praise from man receives,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her duty done, the rest to God she leaves;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But only when her care redeems a life,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Parting she says—“Pray for a demon’s wife!”
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With blessings still, whene’er that nun they view,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The young, the aged her sainted steps pursue,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And cry, with bended knee and suppliant air,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- ee Sister of mercy, name us in thy prayer!”
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With beads the night, in gracious acts the day,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- So wore her youth, so wears her age away.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Now cease, my lay! thy mournful task is o’er;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Irza, farewell! I wake thy lute no more.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Was such her fate? and did her days thus creep
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- So sad, so slow, till came the long last sleep?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And did for this her hands with roses twine
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The Saviour’s altars and the Virgin’s shrine?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Pure, beauteous, rich, did all these blessings tend,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But from the world in prime of life to send
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- This gifted maid, in prayer to waste her hours,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And weep a fancied crime in cloister’d bowers?”
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Oh, blind to fate! perhaps that fancied crime
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Which bade her quit the world in youthful prime,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Snatch’d her from paths, where beauty, wealth, and fame
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Had proved but snares to load her soul with shame,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And spared her pangs from wilful guilt which flow,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The only serious ills that man can know!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Ah! what avails it, since they ne’er can last,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- If gay or sad our span of days be past?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Pray, mortals, pray, in sickness or in pain,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Not long nor blest to live, but pure from stain.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A life of pleasure, and a life of woe,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- When both are past, the difference who can show?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But all can tell, how wide apart in price
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A life of virtue, and a life of vice.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then still, sad Irza, tread your thorny way,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Since life must end, and merits ne’er decay.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Wounded past hope, still prize the pleasure pure,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To heal those hearts which yet can hope a cure;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor doubt, the soul which joys in noble deeds
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Shall reap a rich reward when most it needs.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- When comes that day to conscious guilt so dread,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Angels unseen shall bathe your burning head:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The prayers of orphans fan with balmy breath,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And widow’s blessings drown the threats of death;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Each sigh your pity hush’d shall swelling rise
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In loud hosannas when you mount the skies;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And every tear on earth to sorrow given,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Be precious pearls to wreathe your brows in heaven!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 17.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent20">
- Piansi i riposi di quest’ umil vita,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- E sospirai la mia perduta pace!”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- I regret the loss of our dead calm and our crawling pace of a knot and a
- half an hour; for during the last four days we have had nothing but gales
- and squalls, mountainous waves, the vessel rolling and pitching
- incessantly, and the sea perpetually pouring in at the windows and down
- through the hatchway. Into the bargain, we are now sufficiently towards
- the north to find the weather perishingly cold, and we have neither wood
- nor coals enough on board to allow a fire for the cabin.
- </p>
- <p>
- But, among all our inconveniences, that which is the most intolerable
- undoubtedly arises from the sick apothecary. It seems that his complaint
- is the consequence of dram-drinking, which has affected his liver. Since
- his coming on board, he has continued to indulge his taste; and growing
- worse (as might be expected), he has now thought proper to put himself in
- a state of salivation: the consequence is, that what with the mercury and
- what with the man, aided by the concomitant effluvia of our cargo of
- sugar, rum, and coffee, for a combination of villanous smells, Falstaff’s
- buck-basket was nothing to the cabin of the Sir Godfrey Webster. I could
- almost fancy myself Slawken-bergius’s Don Diego just returned from the
- Promontory of Noses, and that I had exchanged my snub for a proboscis; so
- much do all my other senses appear to be absorbed in that of smelling, and
- so completely do I seem to myself to be nose all over. As to the poor
- apothecary, his mercury annoys us without any signs as yet of its
- benefiting himself. He grows worse daily, and I greatly doubt his ever
- reaching England.
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 19. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- I have not been able to ascertain exactly the negro notions concerning the
- <i>Duppy</i>; indeed, I believe that his character and qualities vary in
- different parts of the country. At first, I thought that the term Duppy
- meant neither more nor less than a ghost; but sometimes he is spoken of as
- “the Duppy,” as if there were but one, and then he seems to answer to the
- devil. Sometimes he is a kind of malicious spirit, who haunts
- burying-grounds (like the Arabian gouls), and delights in playing tricks
- to those who may pass that way. On other occasions, he seems to be a
- supernatural attendant on the practitioners of Obeah, in the shape of some
- animal, as familiar imps are supposed to belong to our English witches;
- and this latter is the part assigned to him in the following
- “Nancy-story:”—
- </p>
- <p>
- “Sarah Winyan was scarcely ten years old, when her mother died, and
- bequeathed to her considerable property. Her father was already dead; and
- the guardianship of the child devolved upon his sister, who had always
- resided in the same house, and who was her only surviving relation. Her
- mother, indeed, had left two sons by a former husband, but they lived at
- some distance in the wood, and seldom came to see their mother; chiefly
- from a rooted aversion to this aunt; who, although from interested motives
- she stooped to flatter her sister-in-law, was haughty, ill-natured, and
- even suspected of Obeahism, from the occasional visits of an enormous
- black dog, whom she called Tiger, and whom she never failed to feed and
- caress with marked distinction. In case of Sarah’s death, the aunt, in
- right of her brother, was the heiress of his property. She was determined
- to remove this obstacle to her wishes; and after treating her for some
- time with harshness and even cruelty, she one night took occasion to
- quarrel with her for some trifling fault, and fairly turned her out of
- doors. The poor girl seated herself on a stone near the house, and
- endeavoured to beguile the time by singing—
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- ‘Ho-day, poor me, O!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Poor me, Sarah Winyan, O!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- They call me neger, neger!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- They call me Sarah Winyan, O!’
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- “But her song was soon interrupted by a loud rushing among the bushes; and
- the growling which accompanied it announced the approach of the dreaded
- Tiger. She endeavoured to secure herself against his attacks by climbing a
- tree: but it seems that Tiger had not been suspected of Obeahism without
- reason; for he immediately growled out an assurance to the girl, that come
- down she must and should! Her aunt, he said, had made her over to him by
- contract, and had turned her out of doors that night for the express
- purpose of giving him an opportunity of carrying her away. If she would
- descend from the tree, and follow him willingly to his own den to wait
- upon him, he engaged to do her no harm; but if she refused to do this, he
- threatened to gnaw down the tree without loss of time, and tear her into a
- thousand pieces. His long sharp teeth, which he gnashed occasionally
- during the above speech, appeared perfectly adequate to the execution of
- his menaces, and Sarah judged it most prudent to obey his commands. But as
- she followed Tiger into the wood, she took care to resume her song of
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- ‘Ho-day, poor me, O!’
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- in hopes that some one passing near them might hear her name, and come to
- her rescue. Tiger, however, was aware of this, and positively forbad her
- singing. However, she contrived every now and then to loiter behind; and
- when she thought him out of hearing, her
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- ‘Ho-day! poor me, O!’
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- began again; although she was compelled to sing in so low a voice, through
- fear of her four-footed master, that she had but faint hopes of its
- reaching any ear but her own. Such was, indeed, the event, and Tiger
- conveyed her to his den without molestation. In the meanwhile, her two
- half-brothers had heard of their mother’s death, and soon arrived at the
- house to enquire what was become of Sarah. The aunt received them with
- every appearance of welcome; told them that grief for the loss of her only
- surviving parent had already carried her niece to the grave, which she
- showed them in her garden; and acted her part so well, that the youths
- departed perfectly satisfied of the decease of their sister. But while
- passing through the wood on their return, they heard some one singing, but
- in so low a tone that it was impossible to distinguish the words. As this
- part of the wood was the most unfrequented, they were surprised to find
- any one concealed there. Curiosity induced them to draw nearer, and they
- soon could make out the
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- ‘Ho-day! poor me, O!
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Poor me, Sarah Winyan, O!’
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- “There needed no more to induce them to hasten onwards; and upon advancing
- deeper into the thicket, they found themselves at the mouth of a large
- cavern in a rock. A fire was burning within it; and by its light they
- perceived their sister seated on a heap of stones, and weeping, while she
- chanted her melancholy ditty in a low voice, and supported on her lap the
- head of the formidable Tiger. This was a precaution which he always took
- when inclined to sleep, lest she should escape; and she had taken
- advantage of his slumbers to resume her song in as low a tone as her fears
- of waking him would allow. She saw her brothers at the mouth of the cave:
- the youngest fortunately had a gun with him, and he made signs that Sarah
- should disengage herself from Tiger if possible. It was long before she
- could summon up courage enough to make the attempt; but at length, with
- fear and trembling, and moving with the utmost caution, she managed to
- slip a log of wood between her knees and the frightful head, and at length
- drew herself away without waking him. She then crept softly out of the
- cavern, while the youngest brother crept as softly into it: the monster’s
- head still reposed upon the block of wood; in a moment it was blown into a
- thousand pieces; and the brothers, afterwards cutting the body into four
- parts, laid one in each quarter of the wood.”
- </p>
- <p>
- From that time only were dogs brought into subjection to men; and the
- inhabitants of Jamaica would never have been able to subdue those
- ferocious animals, if Tiger had not been killed and quartered by Sarah
- Winyan’s brothers. As to the aunt, she received the punishment which she
- merited, but I cannot remember what it was exactly. Probably, the brothers
- killed and quartered <i>her</i> as well as her four-footed ally; or,
- perhaps, she was turned into a wild beast, and supplied the vacancy left
- by Tiger, as was the case with the celebrated Zingha, queen of Angola;
- who, although she embraced Christianity on her death-bed, and died
- according to the most orthodox forms of the Romish religion, still had
- conducted herself in such a manner while alive, that shortly after her
- decease, the kingdom being ravaged by a hyena, her subjects could not be
- persuaded but that the soul of this most Christian queen had transmigrated
- into the body of the hyena. Yet this was surely doing the hyena great
- injustice; for she, at least, had never been in the habit of composing
- ointments by pounding little children in a mortar with her own hands; an
- amusement which Zingha had introduced at the court of Angola. It took
- surprisingly; shortly, no woman thought her toilette completed, unless she
- had used some of this ointment. Pounding children became all the rage; and
- ladies who aspired to be the leaders of fashion, pounded their own.
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 20.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent20">
- EPIGRAM.—(From the French.)
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Whose can that little monster be?
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Its parents really claim one’s pity!”
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Madam, that child belongs to me.”—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- “Well, I protest, she’s vastly pretty!”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 21.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The weather gets no better, the apothecary gets no worse, and both are as
- foul and as disagreeable as they can well be. As to the man, it is
- wonderful that he is still alive, for he has swallowed nothing for the
- last three weeks except drams and laudanum. He drinks, and he stinks, and
- he does nothing else earthly or celestial. The quantity of spirits which
- he pours down his throat incessantly should, of itself, be sufficient to
- finish him; but he seems to have accustomed himself to drams, as
- Mithridates used himself to poisons, till his stomach is completely proof
- against them; or like the Scythian princess, who was fed upon ratsbane pap
- from her infancy, for the express purpose of one day or other poisoning
- Alexander in her embraces; and who arrived at such perfection, that
- although the venom did no harm to her own constitution, she killed a
- condemned criminal with a single kiss. The consequence was, that hemp fell
- fifty per cent, and Jack Ketch’s nose was put out of joint completely; for
- the devil a culprit of any pretensions to taste could be found in all
- Scythia, who could be prevailed upon to be executed except by her royal
- highness’s own lips. I am afraid this story is not strictly historical,
- and that we should look for it in vain in Quintus Curtius.
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 23.
- </h3>
- <p>
- A gale of wind began to show itself on Monday night; it has continued to
- blow ever since with increasing violence, and is now become very serious.
- The captain says that he never experienced weather so severe at this
- season: this is only my usual luck. Certainly nothing can be more
- disagreeable than a ship on these occasions. The sea breaks over the
- vessel every minute, and it is really something awful to see the waves
- raised into the air by the force of the gale, hovering for a while over
- the ship, and then coming down upon us swop, to inundate every thing below
- deck as well as upon it. The wind is piercingly cold; the floors and walls
- are perpetually streaming. But a fire is quite out of the question; and,
- indeed, at one time to-day, our eating appeared to be out of the question
- too; for at four o’clock the cook sent us word, that the sea put the
- kitchen-fire out as fast as he could light it; that he was almost frozen,
- having been for the last eight hours up to his waist in water; and that we
- must make up our minds to get no dinner to-day. However, the steward
- coaxed him, and encouraged him, and poured spirits down his throat, and at
- last a dinner of some kind was put upon the table; but it had not been
- there ten minutes, before a tremendous sea poured itself down the
- companion stairs and through the hatchway, set every thing on the table
- afloat, deluged the cabin, ducked most of the company, and drove us all
- into the other room. I was lucky enough to escape with only a sprinkling;
- but Mrs. Walker was soaked through from head to foot. We can only cross
- the cabin by creeping along by the sides as if we were so many cats.
- Walking the deck, even for the sailors, is absolutely out of the question;
- and the little cabin-boy has so fairly given up the attempt, that he goes
- crawling about upon all fours. Even our Spanish mastiff, Flora, finds it
- impossible to keep her four legs upon deck. Every five minutes up they all
- go, away rolls the dog over and over; and when she gets up again, shakes
- her ears, and howls in a tone of the most piteous astonishment.
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 24.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Though the gale was itself sufficiently serious, its effects at first were
- ludicrous enough; but yesterday it produced a consequence truly shocking
- and alarming. Edward Sadler, the second mate, was at breakfast in the
- steerage: the boatswain had been cutting some beef with a large
- case-knife, which he had afterwards put down upon the chest on which they
- were sitting: a sudden heel of the ship threw them all to the other side
- of the cabin: the knife fell with its haft against the ladder; and poor
- Edward falling against it, at least three inches of the blade were forced
- into his right side. The wound was dressed without the loss of a moment;
- but, from its depth, the jaggedness of the weapon with which it was made,
- and from a pain which immediately afterwards seized the poor fellow in his
- chest, the apothecary thinks that his recovery is very improbable: he says
- that the liver is certainly perforated, and so probably are the lungs. If
- the latter have escaped, it must have been only by the breadth of a hair.
- Every one in the ship is distressed beyond measure at this accident, for
- the young man is a universal favourite. He is but just one and twenty,
- good-looking, with manners much superior to his station; and so unusually
- steady, as well as active, that if Providence grants him life, he cannot
- fail to raise himself in his profession.
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 25.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Edward complains no longer of the pain in his chest; he sleeps well, eats
- enough, has no fever, and every symptom is so favourable, that Dr. Ashman
- encourages us to hope that he has received no material injury. Our
- ship-carpenter has always appeared to be the sulkiest and surliest of
- sea-bears: yet, on the day of Edward’s accident, he passed every minute
- that he could command by the side of his sofa, kneeling, and praying, and
- watching him as if he had been his son; and every now and then wiping away
- his “own tears” with the dirtiest of all possible pocket-handkerchiefs. So
- that what Goldsmith said of Dr. Johnson may be applied to this old man:
- “He has nothing of a bear but his skin.” After tearing every sail in the
- ship into shivers, and being as disagreeable as ever it could be, the gale
- has at length abated. Yesterday it was a storm, and we were going to
- Ireland, Lisbon, Brest—in short, every where except to England;
- to-day, it is a dead calm, and we are going nowhere at all.
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 26. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- The gale has returned with increased violence, and we are once more at our
- old trade of dead lights; however, for this time, the wind, at least, is
- in our favour.
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 28.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The wounded mate is so much recovered as to come upon deck for a few hours
- to-day, and may now be considered as completely out of danger; although
- Dr. Ashman is positive (from his difficulty of breathing at first, and the
- subsequent pain in his chest) that his lungs must actually have been
- wounded, however slightly. We are now nearly abreast of Scilly; we fell in
- with several Scilly boats to-day, from whom we obtained a very acceptable
- supply of fish, vegetables, and newspapers.
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 29.
- </h3>
- <p>
- <i>An African Nancy-Story</i>.—The headman (i. e. the king) of a
- large district in Africa, in one of his tours, visited a young nobleman,
- to whom he lost a considerable sum at play. On his departure he loaded his
- host with caresses, and insisted on his coming in person to receive
- payment at court; but his pretended kindness had not deceived the nurse of
- the young man. She told him, that the headman was certainly incensed
- against him for having conquered him at play, and meant to do him some
- injury; that having been so positively ordered to come to court, he could
- not avoid obeying; but she advised him to take the river-road, where, at a
- particular hour, he would find the king’s youngest and favourite daughter
- bathing; and she instructed him how to behave. The youth reached the
- river, and concealed himself, till he saw the princess enter the stream
- alone; but when she thought fit to regain the bank, she found herself
- extremely embarrassed.—‘Ho-day! what is become of my clothes?
- ho-day! who has stolen my clothes? ho-day! if any one will bring me back
- my clothes, I promise that no harm shall happen to him this day—O!’—This
- was the cue for which the youth had been instructed to wait. ‘Here are
- your clothes, missy!’ said he, stepping from his concealment: ‘a rogue had
- stolen them, while you were bathing; but I took them from him, and have
- brought them back.’—‘Well, young man, I will keep my promise to you.
- You are going to court, I know; and I know also, that the headman will
- chop off your head, unless at first sight you can tell him which of his
- three daughters is the youngest. Now I am she; and in order that you may
- not mistake, I will take care to make a sign; and then do not you fail to
- pitch upon me.’ The young man assured her, that, having once seen her, he
- never could possibly mistake her for any other, and then set forwards with
- a lightened heart. The headman received him very graciously, feasted him
- with magnificence, and told him that he would present him to his three
- daughters, only that there was a slight rule respecting them to which he
- must conform. Whoever could not point out which was the youngest, must
- immediately lose his head. The young man kissed the ground in obedience,
- the door opened, and in walked three little black dogs. Now, then, the
- necessity of the precaution taken by the princess was evident; the youth
- looked at the dogs earnestly; something induced the headman to turn away
- his eyes for a moment, and in that moment one of the dogs lifted up its
- fore paw.
- </p>
- <p>
- ‘This,’ cried the youth—‘this is your youngest daughter;’—and
- instantly the dogs vanished, and three young women appeared in their
- stead. The headman was equally surprised and incensed; but concealing his
- rage, he professed the more pleasure at that discovery; because, in
- consequence, the law of that country obliged him to give his youngest
- daughter in marriage to the person who should recognise her; and he
- charged his future son-in-law to return in a week, when he should receive
- his bride. But his feigned caresses could no longer deceive the young man:
- as it was evident that the headman practised Obeah, he did not dare to
- disobey him; and knew that to escape by flight would be unavailing. It
- was, therefore, with melancholy forebodings that he set out for court on
- the appointed day; and (according to the advice of his old nurse) he
- failed not to take the road which led by the river. The princess came
- again to bathe; her clothes again vanished; she had again recourse to her
- ‘Ho-day! what is become of my clothes?’ and on hearing the same promise of
- protection, the youth again made his appearance. ‘Here are your clothes,
- missy,’ said he; ‘the wind had blown them away to a great distance; I
- found them hanging upon the bushes, and have brought them back to you.’
- Probably the princess thought it rather singular, that whenever her
- petticoats were missing, the same person should always happen to be in the
- way to find them: however, as she was remarkably handsome, she kept her
- thoughts to herself, swallowed the story like so much butter, and assured
- him of her protection. ‘My father,’ said she, ‘will again ask you which is
- the youngest daughter; and as he suspects me of having assisted you
- before, he threatens to chop off <i>my</i> head instead of yours, should I
- disobey him a second time. He will, therefore, watch me too closely to
- allow of my making any sign to you; but still I will contrive something to
- distinguish me from my sisters; and do you examine us narrowly till you
- find it.’ As she had foretold, the headman no sooner saw his destined
- son-in-law enter, than he told him that he should immediately receive his
- bride; but that if he did not immediately point her out, the laws of the
- kingdom sentenced him to lose his head. Upon which the door opened, and in
- walked three large black cats, so exactly similar in every respect, that
- it was utterly impossible to distinguish one from the other. The youth was
- at length on the point of giving up the attempt in despair, when it struck
- him, that each of the cats had a slight thread passed round its neck; and
- that while the threads of two were scarlet, that of the third was blue. ‘<i>This</i>
- is your youngest daughter;’ cried he, snatching up the cat with the blue
- thread. The headman was utterly at a loss to conceive by what means he had
- made the discovery; but could not deny the fact, for there stood the
- princesses in their own shape. He therefore affected to be greatly
- pleased, gave him his bride, and made a great feast, which was followed by
- a ball; but in the midst of it the princess whispered her lover to follow
- her silently into the garden. Here she told him, that an old Obeah woman,
- who had been her father’s nurse, had warned him, that if his youngest
- daughter should live to see the day after her wedding, he would lose his
- power and his life together; that she, therefore, was sure of his
- intending to destroy both herself and her bridegroom that night in their
- sleep; but that, being aware of all these circumstances, she had watched
- him so narrowly as to get possession of some of his magical secrets, which
- might possibly enable her to counteract his cruel designs. She then
- gathered a rose, picked up a pebble, filled a small phial with water from
- a rivulet; and thus provided, she and her lover betook themselves to
- flight upon a couple of the swiftest steeds in her father’s stables. It
- was midnight before the headman missed them: his rage was excessive; and
- immediately mounting his great horse, Dandy, he set forwards in pursuit of
- the lovers. Now Dandy galloped at the rate of ten miles a minute. The
- princess was soon aware of her pursuer: without loss of time she pulled
- the rose to pieces, scattered the leaves behind her, and had the
- satisfaction of seeing them instantly grow up into a wood of briars, so
- strong and so thickly planted, that Dandy vainly attempted to force his
- way through them. But, alas! this fence was but of a very perishable
- nature. In the time that it would have taken to wither its parent
- rose-leaves, the briars withered away; and Dandy was soon able to trample
- them down, while he continued his pursuit. Now, then, the pebble was
- thrown in his passage; it burst into forty pieces, and every piece in a
- minute became a rock as lofty as the Andes. But the Andes themselves would
- have offered no insurmountable obstacles to Dandy, who bounded from
- precipice to precipice; and the lovers and the headman could once more
- clearly distinguish each other by the first beams of the rising sun. The
- headman roared, and threatened, and brandished a monstrous sabre; Dandy
- tore up the ground as he ran, neighed louder than thunder, and gained upon
- the fugitives every moment. Despair left the princess no choice, and she
- violently dashed her phial upon the ground. Instantly the water which it
- contained swelled itself into a tremendous torrent, which carried away
- every thing before it,—rocks, trees, and houses; and ‘the horse and
- his rider’ were carried away among the rest.—‘Hic finis Priami
- fatorum!’ There was an end of the headman and Dandy! The princess then
- returned to court, where she raised a strong party for herself; seized her
- two sisters, who were no better than their father, and had assisted him in
- his witchcraft; and having put them and all their partisans to death by a
- summary mode of proceeding, she established herself and her husband on the
- throne as headman and head-woman. It was from this time that <i>all</i>
- the kings of Africa have been uniformly mild and benevolent sovereigns.
- Till then they were all tyrants, and tyrants they would all still have
- continued, if this virtuous princess had not changed the face of things by
- drowning her father, strangling her two sisters, and chopping off the
- heads of two or three dozen of her nearest and dearest relations.
- </p>
- <p>
- It seems to be an indispensable requisite for a Nancy-story, that it
- should contain a witch, or a duppy, or, in short, some marvellous
- personage or other. It is a kind of “pièce à machines” But the creole
- slaves are very fond of another species of tale, which they call
- “Neger-tricks,” and which bear the same relation to a Nancy-story which a
- farce does to a tragedy. The following is a specimen:—<i>A
- Neger-trick</i>.—“A man who had two wives divided his
- provision-grounds into two parts, and proposed that each of the women
- should cultivate one half. They were ready to do their proper share, but
- insisted that the husband should at least take his third of the work.
- However, when they were to set out, the man was taken so ill, that he
- found it impossible to move; he quite roared with pain, and complained
- bitterly of a large lump which had formed itself on his cheek during the
- night. The wives did what they could to relieve him, but in vain they
- boiled a negro-pot for him, but he was too ill to swallow a morsel: and at
- length they were obliged to leave him, and go to take care of the
- provision-grounds. As soon as they were gone, the husband became perfectly
- well, emptied the contents of the pot with great appetite, and enjoyed
- himself in ease and indolence till evening, when he saw his wives
- returning; and immediately he became worse than ever. One of the women was
- quite shocked to see the size to which the lump had increased during her
- absence: she begged to examine it; but although she barely touched it with
- the tip of her finger as gingerly as possible, it was so tender that the
- fellow screamed with agony. Unluckily, the other woman’s manners were by
- no means so delicate; and seizing him forcibly by the head to examine it,
- she undesignedly happened to hit him a great knock on the jaw, and, lo and
- behold! out flew a large lime, which he had crammed into it. Upon which
- both his wives fell upon him like two furies; beat him out of the house;
- and whenever afterwards he begged them to go to the provision-grounds,
- they told him that he had got no lime in his mouth <i>then</i>, and
- obliged him from that time forwards to do the whole work himself.”
- </p>
- <p>
- A negro was brought to England; and the first point shown him being the
- chalky cliffs of Dover, “O ki!” he said; “me know now what makes the
- buckras all so white!”
- </p>
- <h3>
- MAY 29.
- </h3>
- <p>
- We once more saw the “Lizard,” the first point of England; and, indeed, it
- was full time that we should. Besides that our provisions were nearly
- exhausted by the length of the voyage, our crew was in a great measure
- composed of fellows of the most worthless description; and the captain
- lately discovered that some of them had contrived to break a secret
- passage into the hold, where they had broached the rum-casks, and had
- already passed several nights in drinking, with lighted candles: a single
- spark would have been sufficient to blow us all up to the moon!
- </p>
- <h3>
- JUNE 1. (Saturday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- We took our river pilot on board; and on Wednesday, the 5th, we reached
- Gravesend. I went on shore at nine in the morning; and here I conclude my
- <i>Jamaica Journal</i>.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- 1817.
- </h2>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 5. (WEDNESDAY.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- I left London, and embarked for Jamaica on board the same vessel,
- commanded by the same captain, which conveyed me thither in 1815. We did
- not reach the Downs till Sunday, the 9th, after experiencing in our
- passage a severe gale of wind, which broke the bowsprit of a vessel in our
- sight, but did no mischief to ourselves. On arriving in the Downs, we
- found all the flags lowered half way down the masts, which is a signal of
- mourning; and we now learnt, that, in a few hours after giving birth to a
- still-born son, the Princess Charlotte of Wales had expired at half-past
- two on Thursday morning.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 16. (SUNDAY.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- “Peaceful slumbering on the ocean.” Here we are still in the Downs, and no
- symptoms of a probable removal. Indeed, when we weighed our anchor at
- Gravesend, it gave us a broad hint that there was no occasion as yet for
- giving ourselves the trouble; for, before it could be got on board, the
- cable was suffered to slip, and down again went the anchor, carrying along
- with it one of the men who happened to be standing upon it at the moment,
- and who in consequence went plump to the bottom. Luckily, the fellow could
- swim; so in a few minutes he was on board again, and no harm done.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 19.
- </h3>
- <p>
- We resumed our voyage with fine weather, but wind so perverse, that we did
- not arrive in sight of Portsmouth till the evening of the 21st. A pilot
- came on board, and conveyed us into Spithead.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 22.
- </h3>
- <p>
- This morning we quitted Portsmouth, and this evening we returned to it.
- The Needle rocks were already in sight, when the wind failed completely.
- There was no getting through the passage, and the dread of a gale would
- not admit of our remaining in so dangerous a roadstead. So we had nothing
- for it but to follow Mad Bess’s example, and “return to the place whence
- we came.” We are now anchored upon the Motherbank, about two miles from
- Ryde in the Isle of Wight.
- </p>
- <h3>
- NOVEMBER 30. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- Edward, the young man who was so dangerously wounded on our return from my
- former voyage to Jamaica, is now chief mate of the vessel, and feels no
- other inconvenience from his accident, except a slight difficulty in
- raising his left arm above his head.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 1. (Monday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- Here we are, still riding at anchor, with no better consolation than that
- of Klopstock’s halfdevil Abadonna; the consciousness that others are
- deeper damned than ourselves. Another ship belonging to the same
- proprietor left the West India Docks three weeks before us, and here she
- is still rocking cheek by jowl alongside of us,
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “One writ with us in sour misfortune’s book.”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 3.
- </h3>
- <p>
- A tolerably fair breeze at length enabled us to set sail once more.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 24. (Wednesday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- I had often heard talk of “a hell upon earth,” and now I have a perfect
- idea of “a hell upon water.” It must be precisely our vessel during the
- last three weeks. At twelve at noon upon the 4th, we passed Plymouth, and
- were actually in sight of the Lizard point, when the wind suddenly became
- completely foul, and drove us back into the Channel. It continued to
- strengthen gradually but rapidly; and by the time that night arrived, we
- had a violent gale, which blew incessantly till the middle of Sunday, the
- 7th, when we were glad to find ourselves once more in sight of Plymouth,
- and took advantage of a temporary abatement of the wind to seek refuge in
- the Sound. Here, however, we soon found that we had but little reason to
- rejoice at the change of our situation. The Sound was already crowded with
- vessels of all descriptions; and as we arrived so late, the only mooring
- still unoccupied, placed us so near the rocks on one side, and another
- vessel astern, that the captain confessed that he should feel considerable
- anxiety if the gale should return with its former violence. So, of course,
- about eleven at night, the gale <i>did</i> return; not, indeed, with its
- former violence, but with its violence increased tenfold; and once we were
- in very imminent danger from our ship’s swinging round by a sudden squall,
- and narrowly escaping coming in contact with the ship astern, which had
- not, it seems, allowed itself sufficient cable. Luckily, we just missed
- her; and our cables (for both our anchors were down) being new and good,
- we rode out the storm without driving, or meeting with any accident
- whatever. The next day was squally; and in spite of the Breakwater, the
- rocking of the ship from the violent agitation of the waves by the late
- stormy weather was almost insupportable. However, on the 9th, the wind
- took a more favourable turn, though in so slight a degree, that the pilot
- expressed great doubts whether it would last long to do us any service.
- But the captain felt his situation in Plymouth Sound so uneasy, that he
- resolved at least to make the attempt; and so we crept once more into the
- Channel. In a few hours the breeze strengthened; about midnight we passed
- the lights upon the Lizard, and the next morning England was at length out
- of sight. This cessation of ill luck soon proved to be only “<i>reculer
- ‘pour mieux sauter</i>” The gale, it seems, had only stopped to take
- breath: about four in the afternoon of Wednesday, the wind began to rise
- again; and from that time till the middle of the 23d it blew a complete
- storm day and night, with only an occasional intermission of two or three
- hours at a time. Every one in the ship declared that they had never before
- experienced so obstinate a persecution of severe weather: every rag of
- sail was obliged to be taken down; the sea was blown up into mountains,
- and poured itself over the deck repeatedly. The noise was dreadful; and as
- it lasted incessantly, to sleep was impossible; and I passed ten nights,
- one after another, without closing my eyes; so that the pain in the nerves
- of them at length became almost intolerable, and I began to be seriously
- afraid of going blind. In truth, the captain could not well have pitched
- upon a set of passengers worse calculated to undergo the trial of a
- passage so rough. As for myself, my brain is so weak, that the
- continuation of any violent noise makes me absolutely light-headed; and a
- pop-gun going off suddenly is quite sufficient at any time to set every
- nerve shaking, from the crown of my head to the sole of my foot. Then we
- had a young lady who was ready to die of seasickness, and an old one who
- was little better through fright; and I had an Italian servant into the
- bargain, who was as sick as the young lady, and as frightened as the old
- one. The poor fellow had never been on board a ship before; and with every
- crack which the vessel gave, he thought that to be sure, she was splitting
- right in half. The sailors, too, appeared to be quite knocked up from the
- unremitting fatigue to which they were subjected by the perseverance of
- this dreadful weather. Several of them were ill; and one poor fellow
- actually died, and was committed to the ocean. To make matters still
- worse, during the first week the wind was as foul as it could blow; and we
- passed it in running backwards and forwards, without advancing a step
- towards our object; till at length every drop of my very small stock of
- patience was exhausted, and I could no longer resist suggesting our
- returning to port, rather than continue buffeting about in the chops of
- the Channel, so much to the damage of the ship, and all contained in her.
- A change of wind, however, gave a complete answer to this proposal. On
- Thursday it became favourable as to the prosecution of our voyage, but its
- fury continued unabated till the evening of the 23d. It then gradually
- died away, and left us becalmed before the island of Madeira; where we are
- now rolling backwards and forwards, in sight of its capital, Funchal, on
- the 24th of December, being seven immortal weeks since my departure from
- Gravesend. The evening sun is now very brilliant, and shines full upon the
- island, the rocks of which are finely broken; the height of the mountains
- cause their tops to be lost in the clouds; the sides are covered with
- plantations of vines and forests of cedars; and the white edifices of
- Funchal, built upon the very edge of the shore, have a truly picturesque
- appearance. We are now riding between the island and an isolated group of
- inaccessible rocks called “the Deserters;” * and the effect of the scene
- altogether is beautiful in the extreme.
- </p>
- <p>
- * The Dezertas.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 25. (Christmas-day.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- A light breeze sprang up in the night, and this morning Madeira was no
- longer visible.
- </p>
- <h3>
- DECEMBER 31. (Wednesday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- We are now in the latitudes commonly known by the name of “the Horse
- Latitudes.” During the union of America and Great Britain, great numbers
- of horses used to be exported from the latter; and the winds in these
- latitudes are so capricious, squally, and troublesome in every respect,—now
- a gale, and then a dead calm—now a fair wind, and the next moment a
- foul one,—that more horses used to die in this portion of the
- passage than during all the remainder of it. These latitudes from thence
- obtained their present appellation, and extend from 29° to 25° or 24 1/2°.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- 1818.—JANUARY 1.
- </h2>
- <h3>
- (Thursday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- On this day, on my former voyage, I landed at Black River. Now we are
- still at some distance from the line, and are told that we cannot expect
- to reach Jamaica in less than three weeks, even with favourable breezes;
- and our breezes at present are <i>not</i> favourable. Nothing but light
- winds, or else dead calms; two knots an hour, and obliged to be thankful
- even for that! A-weel! this is weary work!
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 17. (Saturday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- On Saturday, the 3d, we managed to crawl over the line, and had no sooner
- got to the other side of it, than we were completely becalmed; and even
- when we resumed our progress, it was at such a pace that a careless
- observer might have been pardoned for mistaking our manner of moving for a
- downright standing still. Day after day produced nothing better for us
- than baffling winds, so light that we scarcely made two miles an hour, and
- so variable that the sails could be scarcely set in one direction before
- it became necessary to shift them to another; while the monotony of our
- voyage was only broken by an occasional thunderstorm, the catching a stray
- dolphin now and then, watching a shoal of flying fish, or guessing at the
- complexion of the corsairs on board some vessel in the offing: for the
- Caribbean Sea is now dabbed all over like a painter’s pallette with
- corsairs of all colours,—black from St. Domingo, brown from
- Carthagena, white from North America, and pea-green from the Cape de Verd
- Islands. On the afternoon of the 4th, one of them was at no very great
- distance from us; she hoisted English colours on seeing ours; but there
- was little doubt, from her peculiar construction and general appearance,
- that she was a privateer from Carthagena. She set her head towards us, and
- seemed to be doing her best to come to a nearer acquaintance; but the same
- calm which hindered us from bravely running away from her, hindered her
- also from reaching us, although at nightfall she seemed to have gained
- upon us. In the night we had a violent thunder-storm, and the next morning
- she was not to be seen. Still we continued to creep and to crawl,
- grumbling and growling, till on Sunday, the 11th, the long-looked-for wind
- came at last. The trade wind began to blow with all its might and main
- right in the vessel’s poop, and sent us forward at the rate of 200 miles a
- day. We passed between Deseada and Antigua in the night of the 15th; and,
- on the 16th, the rising sun showed us the island mountain of Montserrat;
- the sight of which was scarcely less agreeable to our eyes from its
- romantic beauty, than welcome from its giving us the assurance that our
- long-winded voyage is at length drawing towards its termination.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 19.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Yesterday morning a miniature shark chose to swallow the bait laid for
- dolphins, and in consequence soon made his appearance upon deck. It was a
- very young one, not above three feet long. I ordered a slice of him to be
- broiled at dinner, but he was by no means so good as a dolphin; but still
- there was nothing in the taste so unpalatable as to prevent the flesh from
- being very acceptable in the absence of more delicate food. In the
- evening, a bird, about the size of a large pigeon, flew on board, and was
- knocked down by the mate with his hat. It was sulky, and would not be
- persuaded to eat any thing that was offered, so he was suffered to escape
- this morning. It was beautifully shaped, with a swallow-tail, wings of an
- extraordinary spread in comparison with the smallness of the body, a long
- sharp bill, black and polished like a piece of jet, and eyes remarkably
- large and brilliant. The head, back, and outside of the wings were of a
- brownish slate colour, and the rest of his feathers of the most dazzling
- whiteness. It is called a crab-catcher.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 24. (Saturday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- Our favourable breeze lasted till Tuesday, the 20th; when, having brought
- us half way between St. Domingo and Jamaica, it died away, and we dragged
- on at the rate of two or three miles an hour till Thursday afternoon,
- which placed us at the mouth of Black River. If we had arrived one hour
- earlier, we could have immediately entered the harbour; but, with our
- usual good fortune, we were just too late for the daylight. We therefore
- did not drop anchor till two o’clock on Friday, before the town of Black
- River; and on Saturday morning, at four o’clock, I embarked in the ship’s
- cutter for Savannah la Mar. Every one assured us that we could not fail to
- have a favourable seabreeze the whole way, and that we should be on land
- by eight: instead of which, what little wind there was veered round from
- one point of the compass to the other with the most indefatigable caprice;
- and we were not on shore till eleven. Here I found Mr. T. Hill, who
- luckily had his phaëton ready, in which he immediately conveyed me once
- more to my own estate. The accounts of the general behaviour of my negroes
- is reasonably good, and they all express themselves satisfied with their
- situation and their superintendents. Yet, among upwards of three hundred
- and thirty negroes, and with a greater number of females than men, in
- spite of all indulgences and inducements, not more than twelve or thirteen
- children have been added annually to the list of the births. On the other
- hand, this last season has been generally unhealthy all over the island,
- and more particularly so in my parish; so that I have lost several
- negroes, some of them young, strong, and valuable labourers in every
- respect; and in consequence, my sum total is rather diminished than
- increased since my last visit. I had been so positively assured that the
- custom of plunging negro infants, immediately upon their being born, into
- a tub of cold water, infallibly preserved them from the danger of tetanus,
- that, on leaving Jamaica, I had ordered this practice to be adopted
- uniformly. The negro mothers, however, took a prejudice against it into
- their heads, and have been so obstinate in their opposition, that it was
- thought unadvisable to attempt the enforcing this regulation. From this
- and other causes I have lost several infants; but I am told, that on other
- estates in the neighbourhood they have been still more unfortunate in
- regard to their children; and one was named to me, on which sixteen were
- carried off in the course of three days.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 26. (Monday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- The joy of the negroes on my return was quite sufficiently vociferous, and
- they were allowed today for a holiday. They set themselves to singing and
- dancing yesterday, in order to lose no time; and to show their gratitude
- for the indulgence, not one of the five pen-keepers chose to go to their
- watch last night; the consequence was that the cattle made their escape,
- and got into one of my very best cane-pieces. The alarm was given; my own
- servants and some of the head people had grace enough to run down to the
- scene of action; but the greatest part remained quietly in the
- negro-houses, beating the gumby-drum, and singing their joy for my arrival
- with the whole strength of their lungs, but without thinking it in the
- least necessary to move so much as a finger-joint in my service. The
- cattle were at length replaced in their pen, but not till the cane-piece
- had been ruined irretrievably. Such is negro gratitude, and such my reward
- for all that I have suffered on ship-board. To be sure, as yet there could
- not be a more ill-starred expedition than my present one.
- </p>
- <p>
- I only learned, yesterday, that before making the island of Madeira an
- Algerine corsair was actually in sight, and near enough to discern the
- turbans of the crew; but we lost each other through the violence of the
- gale.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 29.
- </h3>
- <p>
- There is a popular negro song, the burden of which is,—
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Take him to the Gulley! Take him to the Gulley!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But bringee back the frock and board.”—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Oh! massa, massa! me no deadee yet!”—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Take him to the Gulley! Take him to the Gulley!”
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “Carry him along!”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- This alludes to a transaction which took place some thirty years ago, on
- an estate in this neighbourhood, called Spring-Garden; the owner of which
- (I think the name was Bedward) is quoted as the cruellest proprietor that
- ever disgraced Jamaica. It was his constant practice, whenever a sick
- negro was pronounced incurable, to order the poor wretch to be carried to
- a solitary vale upon his estate, called the Gulley, where he was thrown
- down, and abandoned to his fate; which fate was generally to be half
- devoured by the john-crows, before death had put an end to his sufferings.
- By this proceeding the avaricious owner avoided the expence of maintaining
- the slave during his last illness; and in order that he might be as little
- a loser as possible, he always enjoined the negro bearers of the dying man
- to strip him naked before leaving the Gulley, and not to forget to bring
- back his frock and the board on which he had been carried down. One poor
- creature, while in the act of being removed, screamed out most piteously
- “that he was not dead yet;” and implored not to be left to perish in the
- Gulley in a manner so horrible. His cries had no effect upon his master,
- but operated so forcibly on the less marble hearts of his fellow-slaves,
- that in the night some of them removed him back to the negro village
- privately, and nursed him there with so much care, that he recovered, and
- left the estate unquestioned and undiscovered. Unluckily, one day the
- master was passing through Kingston, when, on turning the corner of a
- street suddenly, he found himself face to face with the negro, whom he had
- supposed long ago to have been picked to the bones in the Gulley of
- Spring-Garden. He immediately seized him, claimed him as his slave, and
- ordered his attendants to convey him to his house; but the fellow’s cries
- attracted a crowd round them, before he could be dragged away. He related
- his melancholy story, and the singular manner in which he had recovered
- his life and liberty; and the public indignation was so forcibly excited
- by the shocking tale, that Mr. Bedward was glad to save himself from being
- torn to pieces by a precipitate retreat from Kingston, and never ventured
- to advance his claim to the negro a second time.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 30.
- </h3>
- <p>
- A man has been tried, at Kingston, for cruel treatment of a Sambo female
- slave, called Amey. She had no friends to support her cause, nor any other
- evidence to prove her assertions, than the apparent truth of her
- statement, and the marks of having been branded in five different places.
- The result was, that the master received a most severe reprimand for his
- inhuman conduct, and was sentenced to close confinement for six months,
- while the slave, in consequence of her sufferings, was restored to the
- full enjoyment of her freedom.
- </p>
- <p>
- It appears to me that nothing could afford so much relief to the negroes,
- under the existing system of Jamaica, as the substituting the labour of
- animals for that of slaves in agriculture, whereever such a measure is
- practicable. On leaving the island, I impressed this wish of mine upon the
- minds of my agents with all my power; but the only result has been the
- creating a very considerable additional expense in the purchase of
- ploughs, oxen, and farming implements; the awkwardness, and still more the
- obstinacy, of the few negroes, whose services were indispensable, was not
- to be overcome: they broke plough after plough, and ruined beast after
- beast, till the attempt was abandoned in despair. However, it was made
- without the most essential ingredient for success, the superintendence of
- an English ploughman; and such of the ploughs as were of cast-iron could
- not be repaired when once broken, and therefore ought not to have been
- adopted; but I am told, that in several other parts of the island the
- plough has been introduced, and completely successful. Another of my
- farming speculations answered no better: this was to improve the breed of
- cattle in the county, for which purpose Lord Holland and myself sent over
- four of the finest bulls that could be procured in England. One of them
- got a trifling hurt in its passage from the vessel to land; but the
- remaining three were deposited in their respective pens without the least
- apparent damage. They were taken all possible care of, houses appropriated
- to shelter them from the sun and rain, and, in short, no means of
- preserving their health was neglected. Yet, shortly after their arrival in
- Jamaica, they evidently began to decline; their blood was converted into
- urine; they paid no sort of attention to the cows, who were confined in
- the same paddock; and at the end of a fortnight not one was in existence,
- two having died upon the same day. The injured one, having been bled the
- most copiously in consequence of its hurt, was that which survived the
- longest.
- </p>
- <h3>
- JANUARY 31.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Some days ago, a negro woman, who has lost four children, and has always
- been a most affectionate mother, brought the fifth, a remarkably fine
- infant, into the hospital. She complained of its having caught cold, a
- fever, and so on; but nothing administered was of use, and its manner of
- breathing made the doctor enquire, whether the child had not had a fall?
- The mother denied this most positively, and her fondness for the infant
- admitted no doubt of her veracity. Still the child grew worse and worse;
- still the question about the fall was repeated, and as constantly denied;
- until luckily being made in the presence of a new-comer, the latter
- immediately exclaimed, “that to her certain knowledge the infant had
- really had a fall, for that the mother having fastened it behind her back,
- the knot of the handkerchief had slipped, and the baby had fallen upon the
- floor.”—“It is false,” answered the mother: “the child did not fall;
- for when the knot slipped, I had time to catch it by the foot, and so I
- saved it from falling, just as its head struck against the ground.” Fear
- of being blamed as having occasioned the baby’s illness through her own
- carelessness had induced her to adopt this equivocation, and its life had
- nearly been the sacrifice of her duplicity. A proper mode of treatment was
- now adopted without loss of time; their beneficial effect was immediately
- visible, and the poor little negro is now recovering rapidly. But
- certainly there is no folly and imprudence like unto negro folly and
- imprudence. One of my best disposed and most sensible Eboes has had a
- violent fever lately, but was so nearly well as to be put upon a course of
- bark. On Wednesday morning a son of his died of dirt-eating,—a
- practice which neither severity nor indulgence could induce him to
- discontinue. The boy was buried that night according to African customs,
- accompanied with dancing, singing, drinking, eating, and riot of all
- kinds; and the father, although the kindest-hearted negro on my estate,
- and remarkably fond of his children, danced and drank to such an excess,
- that I found him on the following morning in a raging fever, and worse
- than he was when he first entered the hospital. I had warned him against
- the consequences of the funeral, reminded him of the dangerous malady from
- which he was but just recovering, and he had promised solemnly to be upon
- his guard; and such was the manner in which he performed his promise.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 1. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- During my former visit to Jamaica I had interceded in behalf of a negro
- belonging to Greenwich estate, named Aberdeen, who had run away
- repeatedly, but who attributed his misconduct to the decay of his health,
- which rendered him unable to work as well as formerly, and to the fear of
- consequent punishment for not having performed the tasks assigned to him.
- The fellow while he spoke to me had tears running down his cheeks, looked
- feeble and ill, and indeed seemed to be quite heart-broken. On my speaking
- to the attorney, he readily promised to enquire into the truth of the
- man’s statement, and to take care that he should be only allotted such
- labour as his strength might be fully equal to. This morning he came over
- to see me, and so altered, that I could scarcely believe him to be the
- same man. He was cleanly dressed, walked with his head erect, and his eyes
- sparkled, and his mouth grinned from ear to ear, while he told me, that
- during my absence every thing had gone well with him, nobody had “put upon
- him;” he had been tasked no more than suited his strength; as much as he
- was able to do, he had done willingly, and had never run away. Even his
- asthma was better in consequence of the depression being removed from his
- spirits. So, he said, as soon as he heard of my return, he thought it his
- duty to come over and show himself to me, and tell me that he was well,
- and contented, and behaving properly; for that “to be sure, if massa no
- speak that good word for me to trustee, me no livee now; me good, massa!”
- Gratitude made him absolutely eloquent: his whole manner, and the strong
- expression of his countenance, put his sincerity out of all doubt, and I
- never saw a man seem to feel more truly thankful. All negroes, therefore,
- are not absolutely without some remembrance of kindness shown them; and
- indeed I ought not in justice to my own people to allow myself to forget,
- that when I sent a reward to those who had roused themselves to drive the
- cattle out of my canes the other night, there was considerable difficulty
- in persuading them to accept the money: they sent me word, “that as they
- were all well treated on the estate, it was their business to take care
- that no mischief was done to it, and that they did not deserve to be
- rewarded for having merely done their duty by me.” Nor was it till after
- they had received repeated orders from me, that their delicacy could be
- overcome, and themselves persuaded to pocket the affront and the <i>maccaroni</i>.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 2.
- </h3>
- <p>
- One of the deadliest poisons used by the negroes (and a great variety is
- perfectly well known to most of them) is prepared from the root of the
- cassava.
- </p>
- <p>
- Its juice being expressed and allowed to ferment, a small worm is
- generated, the substance of which being received into the stomach is of a
- nature the most pernicious. A small portion of this worm is concealed
- under one of the thumb-nails, which are suffered to grow long for this
- purpose; then when the negro has contrived to persuade his intended victim
- to eat or drink with him, he takes an opportunity, while handing to him a
- dish or cup, to let the worm fall, which never fails to destroy the person
- who swallows it. Another means of destruction is to be found (as I am
- assured) in almost every negro garden throughout the island: it is the
- arsenic bean, neither useful for food nor ornamental in its appearance;
- nor can the negroes, when questioned, give any reason for affording it a
- place in their gardens; yet there it is always to be seen. The alligator’s
- liver also possesses deleterious properties; and the gall is said to be
- still more dangerous.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 3.
- </h3>
- <p>
- On Friday I was made to observe, in the hospital, a remarkably fine young
- negro, about twenty-two years of age, stout and strong, and whom every one
- praised for his numerous good qualities, and particularly for his
- affection for his mother, and the services which he rendered her. He
- complained of a little fever, and a slight pain in his side. On Saturday
- he left the hospital, and intended to go to his provision grounds, among
- the mountains, on Sunday morning; but, as he complained of a pain in his
- head, his mother prevented his going, and obliged him to return to the
- hospital in the evening. On Monday he was seized with fainting fits, lost
- his speech and power of motion, and this morning I was awaked by the
- shrieks and lamentations of the poor mother, who, on coming to the
- hospital to enquire for her son, found, that in spite of all possible care
- and exertions on the part of his medical attendants, he had just expired.
- Whether it be the climate not agreeing with their African blood (genuine
- or inherited), or whether it be from some defect in their general
- formation, certainly negroes seem to hold their lives upon a very
- precarious tenure. Nicholas, John Fuller, and others of my best and most
- favoured workmen, the very servants, too, in my own house, are perpetually
- falling ill with little fevers, or colds, or pains in the head or limbs.
- However, the season is universally allowed to have been peculiarly
- unhealthy for negroes; and, indeed, even for white people, the deaths on
- board the shipping having been unusually numerous this year. As to the
- barracks, which are scarcely a couple of miles distant from my estate,
- there the yellow fever has established itself, and, as I hear, is
- committing terrible ravages, particularly among the wives of the soldiers.—This
- morning several negro-mothers, belonging to Friendship and Greenwich, came
- to complain to their attorney (who happened to be at my house) that the
- overseer obliged them to wean their children too soon. Some of these
- children were above twenty-two months old, and none under eighteen; but,
- in order to retain the leisure and other indulgences annexed to the
- condition of nursing-mothers, the female negroes, by their own good-will,
- would never wean their offspring at all. Of course their demands were
- rejected, and they went home in high discontent; one of them, indeed, not
- scrupling to declare aloud, and with a peculiar emphasis and manner, that
- if the child should be put into the weaning-house against her will, the
- attorney would see it dead in less than a week.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 4.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The violent gale of wind which persecuted us with so much pertinacity on
- our leaving the English Channel is supposed to have been the tail of a
- tremendous hurricane, which has utterly laid waste Barbados and several
- other islands. No less than sixteen of the ships which sailed at the same
- time with us are reported to have perished upon the passage; so that I
- ought to consider it at least as a negative piece of good luck to have
- reached Jamaica myself, no bones broke, though sore peppered but I am
- still trembling in uncertainty for the fate of the vessel which is
- bringing out all my Irish supplies, and the non-arrival of which would be
- a misfortune to me of serious magnitude.
- </p>
- <p>
- The negroes are so obstinate and so wilful in their general character,
- that if they do not receive the precise articles to which they have been
- accustomed, and which they expect as their right, no compensation, however
- ample, can satisfy them. Thus, at every Christmas it would go near to
- create a rebellion if they did not receive a certain proportion of salt
- fish; but if, in the intervening months, accident should prevent their
- receiving their usual allowance of herrings, the giving them salt fish to
- the amount of double the value would be considered by them as an act of
- the grossest injustice.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 5.
- </h3>
- <p>
- On Saturday, about eight in the evening, a large centipede dropped from
- the ceiling upon my dinner-table, and was immediately cut in two exact
- halves by one of the guests. As it is reported in Jamaica that these
- reptiles, when thus divided, will re-unite again, or if separated will
- reproduce their missing members, and continue to live as stoutly as ever,
- I put both parts into a plate, under a glass cover. On Sunday they
- continued to move about their prison with considerable agility, although
- the tail was evidently much more lively and full of motion than the head:
- perhaps the centipede was a female. On Monday the head was dead, but the
- tail continued to run about, and evidently endeavoured to to make its
- escape, although it appeared not to know very well how to set about it,
- nor to be perfectly determined as to which way it wanted to go: it only
- seemed to have Cymon’s reason for wishing to take a walk, and “would
- rather go any where, than stay with any body.” On Wednesday, at twelve
- o’clock, its vivacity was a little abated, but only a little; the wound
- was skinned over, and I was waiting anxiously to know whether it would
- subsist without its numskull till a good old age, or would put forth an
- entirely spick and span new head and shoulders; when, on going to look at
- the plate on Thursday morning, lo and behold! the dead head and the living
- tail had disappeared together. I suppose some of the negro servants had
- thrown them away through ignorance, but they deny, one and all, having so
- much as touched the plate, most stoutly; and as a paper case, pierced in
- several places, had been substituted for the glass cover, some persons are
- of opinion that the tail made its escape through one of these air-holes,
- and carried its head away with it in its forceps. Be this as it may, gone
- they both are, and I am disappointed beyond measure at being deprived of
- this opportunity of reading the last volume of “The Life and Adventures of
- a Centipede’s Tail.” I have proclaimed a reward for the bringing me
- another, but I am told that these reptiles are only found by accident; and
- that, very possibly, one may not be procured previous to my leaving the
- island.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 6.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Mr. Lutford, the proprietor of a considerable estate in the parish of
- Clarendon, had frequently accused a particular negro of purloining coffee.
- About six months ago the slave was sent for, and charged with a fresh
- offence of the same nature, when he confessed the having taken a small
- quantity; upon which his master ordered him to fix his eyes on a
- particular cotton tree, and then, without any further ceremony, shot him
- through the head. His mistress was the coroner’s natural daughter, and the
- coroner himself was similarly connected with the custos of Clarendon. In
- consequence of this family compact, no inquest was held, no enquiry was
- made; the whole business was allowed to be slurred over, and the murder
- would have remained unpunished if accident had not brought some rumours
- respecting it to the governor’s ear. An investigation was ordered to take
- place without delay; but Mr. Lutford received sufficient warning to get on
- shipboard, and escape to America; and the displacing of the custos of
- Clarendon, for neglecting his official duty, was the only means by which
- the governor could express his abhorrence of the act.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 8. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- My estate is greatly plagued by a negress named Catalina; she is either
- mad, or has long pretended to be so, never works, and always steals. About
- a week before my arrival she was found in the trash-house, which she had
- pitched upon as the very fittest place possible for her kitchen; and there
- she was sitting, very quietly and comfortably, boiling her pot over an
- immense fire, and surrounded on all sides by dry canes, inflammable as
- tinder. This vagary was of too dangerous a nature to allow of her being
- longer left at liberty, and she was put into the hospital. But her husband
- was by no means pleased with her detention, as he never failed to
- appropriate to himself a share of her plunder, and when discovered, the
- blame of the robbery was laid upon his wife, in a fit of insanity. So,
- while the general joy at my first arrival drew the hospital attendants
- from their post, he took the opportunity to carry off his wife, and
- conceal her. The consequence was, that this morning complaints poured upon
- me of gardens robbed by Catalina, who had carried off as much as she
- could, dug up and destroyed the rest, and had shown as little conscience
- in providing herself with poultry as in helping herself to vegetables. I
- immediately despatched one of the negro-governors with a party in pursuit
- of her, who succeeded in lodging her once more in the hospital; where she
- must remain till I can get her sent to the asylum at Kingston, the only
- hospital for lunatics in the whole island.
- </p>
- <p>
- FEBRUARY 12. (Thursday.)
- </p>
- <p>
- On my former visit to Jamaica, I found on my estate a poor woman nearly
- one hundred years old, and stone blind. She was too infirm to walk; but
- two young negroes brought her on their backs to the steps of my house, in
- order, as she said, that she might at least touch massa, although she
- could not see him. When she had kissed my hand, “that was enough,” she
- said; “now me hab once kiss a massa’s hand, me willing to die to-morrow,
- me no care.” She had a woman appropriated to her service, and was shown
- the greatest care and attention; however, she did not live many months
- after my departure. There was also a mulatto, about thirty years of age,
- named Bob, who had been almost deprived of the use of his limbs by the
- horrible cocoa-bay, and had never done the least work since he was
- fifteen. He was so gentle and humble, and so fearful, from the
- consciousness of his total inability of soliciting my notice, that I could
- not help pitying the poor fellow; and whenever he came in my way I always
- sought to encourage him by little presents, and other trifling marks of
- favour. His thus unexpectedly meeting with distinguishing kindness, where
- he expected to be treated as a worthless incumbrance, made a strong
- impression on his mind. Soon after my departure his malady assumed a more
- active appearance but during the last stages of its progress the only fear
- which he expressed was, that he should not live till last Christmas, when
- my return was expected to a certainty. In the mean while he endeavoured to
- find out a means of being of some little use to me, although his weak
- constitution would not allow of his being of much. Some of his relations
- being in opulent circumstances, they furnished him with a horse, for he
- was too weak to walk for more than a few minutes at a time; and, mounted
- upon this, he passed all his time in traversing the estate, watching the
- corn that it might not be stolen, warning the pen-keepers if any of the
- cattle had found their way into the cane-pieces, and doing many other such
- little pieces of service to the property; so that, as the negroes said,
- “if he had been a white man he might have been taken for an overseer.” At
- length Christmas arrived; it was known that I was on the sea; Bob, too,
- was still alive; but still there was nothing to be heard of me. His
- perpetual question to all who came to visit him was, How was the wind? and
- he was constantly praying to the wind and the ocean to bring massa’s
- vessel soon to Savanna la Mar, that he might but see him once more, and
- thank him, before he died. At length I landed; and when, on the day of my
- arrival on my estate, I expressed my surprise at the nonappearance of
- several of the negroes, who had appeared to be most attached to me, and I
- had expected to find most forward in greeting me, I was told that a
- messenger had been sent to call them, and that their absence was
- occasioned by their attendance at poor Bob’s funeral. Several of his
- relations, who nursed him on his death-bed, have assured me, that the last
- audible words which he uttered were—“Are there still no news of
- massa?”
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 13.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Talk of Lucretia! commend me to a she-turkey! The hawk of Jamaica is an
- absolute Don Giovanni; and he never loses an opportunity of being
- extremely rude indeed to these feathered fair ones; not even scrupling to
- use the last violence, and that without the least ceremony, not so much as
- saying, “With your leave,” or “By your leave,” or using any of the forms
- which common civility expects upon such occasions. The poor timid things
- are too much frightened by the sudden attack of this Tarquin with a beak
- and claws, to make any resistance; but they no sooner recover from their
- flutter sufficiently to be aware of what has happened, than they feel so
- extremely shocked, that they always make a point of dying; nor was a
- female turkey ever known to survive the loss of her honour above three
- days.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 14.
- </h3>
- <p>
- I think that I really may now venture to hope that my plans for the
- management of my estate have succeeded beyond even my most sanguine
- expectations. I have now passed three weeks with my negroes, the doors of
- my house open all day long, and full liberty allowed to every person to
- come and speak to me without witnesses or restraint; yet not one man or
- woman has come to me with a single complaint. On the contrary, all my
- enquiries have been answered by an assurance, that during the two years of
- my absence my regulations were adhered to most implicitly, and that,
- “except for the pleasure of seeing massa,” there was no more difference in
- treatment than if I had remained upon the estate. Many of them have come
- to tell me instances of kindness which they have received from one or
- other of their superintendents; others, to describe some severe fit of
- illness, in which they must have died but for the care taken of them in
- the hospital; some, who were weakly and low-spirited on my former visit,
- to show me how much they are improved in health, and tell me “how they
- keep up heart now, because since massa come upon the property nobody put
- upon them, and all go well;” and some, who had formerly complained of one
- trifle or other, to take back their complaints, and say, that they wanted
- no change, and were willing to be employed in any way that might be
- thought most for the good of the estate; but although I have now at least
- <i>seen</i> every one of them, and have conversed with numbers, I have not
- yet been able to find one person who had so much as even an imaginary
- grievance to lay before me. Yet I find, that it has been found necessary
- to punish with the lash, although only in a very few instances; but then
- this only took place on the commission of absolute <i>crimes</i>, and in
- cases where its necessity and justice were so universally felt, not only
- by others, but by the sufferers themselves, that instead of complaining,
- they seem only to be afraid of their offence coming to my knowledge; to
- prevent which, they affect to be more satisfied and happy than all the
- rest, and now when I see a mouth grinning from ear to ear with a more than
- ordinary expansion of jaw, I never fail to find, on enquiry, that its
- proprietor is one of those who have been punished during my absence. I
- then take care to give them an opportunity of making a complaint, if they
- should have any to make; but no, not a word comes; “every thing has gone
- on perfectly well, and just as it ought to have done.” Upon this, I drop a
- slight hint of the offence in question; and instantly away goes the grin,
- and down falls the negro to kiss my feet, confess his fault, and “beg
- massa forgib, and them never do so bad thing more to fret massa, and them
- beg massa pardon, hard, quite hard!” But not one of them has denied the
- justice of his punishment, or complained of undue severity on the part of
- his superintendents. On the other hand, although the lash has thus been in
- a manner utterly abolished, except in cases where a much severer
- punishment would have been inflicted by the police, and although they are
- aware of this unwillingness to chastise, my trustee acknowledges that
- during my absence the negroes have been quiet and tractable, and have not
- only laboured as well as they used to do, but have done much more work
- than the negroes on an adjoining property, where there are forty more
- negroes, and where, moreover, a considerable sum is paid for hired
- assistance. Having now waited three weeks to see how they would conduct
- themselves, and found no cause of dissatisfaction since the neglect of the
- watchman to guard the cattle (and which they one and all attributed to
- their joy at seeing me again), I thought it time to distribute the
- presents which I had brought with me for them from England. During my
- absence I had ordered a new and additional hospital to be built, intended
- entirely for the use of lying-in women, nursing mothers, and cases of a
- serious nature, for which purpose it is to be provided with every possible
- comfort; while the old hospital is to be reserved for those who have
- little or nothing the matter with them, but who obstinately insist upon
- their being too ill to work, in defiance of the opinion of all their
- medical attendants. The new hospital is not quite finished; but wishing to
- connect it as much as possible with pleasurable associations, I took
- occasion of the distribution of presents to open it for the first time.
- Accordingly, the negroes were summoned to the new hospital this morning;
- the rooms were sprinkled with Madeira for good luck; and the toast of
- “Health to the new hospital, and shame to the old lazy house!” was drunk
- by the trustee, the doctoresses, the governors, &c., and received by
- the whole congregation of negroes with loud cheering; after which, every
- man received a blue jacket lined with flannel, every woman a flaming red
- stuff petticoat, and every child a frock of white cotton. They then fell
- to dancing and singing, and drinking rum and sugar, which they kept up
- till a much later hour than would be at all approved of by the bench of
- bishops; for it is now Sunday morning, and they are still dancing and
- singing louder than ever.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 15. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- To-day divine service was performed at Savanna la Mar for the first time
- these five weeks. The rector has been indisposed lately with the lumbago:
- he has no curate; and thus during five whole weeks there was a total
- cessation of public worship. I had told several of my female acquaintance
- that it was long since they had been to church; that I was afraid of their
- forgetting “all about and about it,” and that if there should be no
- service for a week longer I should think it my duty to come and hear them
- say their Catechism myself. Luckily the rector recovered, and saved me the
- trouble of hearing them; but the long privation of public prayer did not
- seem to have created any very great demand for the article, as I have
- seldom witnessed a more meagre congregation. It was literally “two or
- three gathered together,” and it seemed as if five or six would be too
- many, and forfeit the promise. I cannot discover that the negroes have any
- external forms of worship, nor any priests in Jamaica, unless their Obeah
- men should be considered as such; but still I cannot think that they ought
- to be considered as totally devoid of all natural religion. There is no
- phrase so common on their lips as “God bless you!” and “God preserve you!”
- and “God will bless you wherever you go!” Phrases which they pronounce
- with every-appearance of sincerity, and as if they came from the very
- bottom of their hearts. “God-A’mity! God-A’mity!” is their constant
- exclamation in pain and in sorrow; and with this perpetual recurrence to
- the Supreme Being, it must be difficult to insist upon their being
- atheists. But they have even got a step further than the belief in a God;
- they also allow the existence of an evil principle. One of them complained
- to me the other day, that when he went to the field his companions had
- told him “that he might go to hell, for he was not worthy to work with
- them;” and one of his adversaries in return accused him of being so lazy,
- “that instead of being a slave upon Cornwall estate, he was only fit to be
- the slave of the devil.” Then surely they could not be afraid of duppies
- (or ghosts) without some idea of a future state; and indeed nothing is
- more firmly impressed upon the mind of the Africans, than that after death
- they shall go back to Africa, and pass an eternity in revelling and
- feasting with their ancestors. The proprietor of a neighbouring estate
- lately used all his influence to persuade his foster-sister to be
- christened; but it was all in vain: she had imbibed strong African
- prejudices from her mother, and frankly declared that she found nothing in
- the Christian system so alluring to her taste as the post-obit balls and
- banquets promised by the religion of Africa. I confess, that this
- prejudice appears to me to be so strongly rooted, that in spite of the
- curates expected from the hands of the bishop of London, I am sadly
- afraid, that “the pulpit drum ecclesiastic” will find it a hard matter to
- overpower the gumby; and that the joys of the Christian paradise will be
- seen to kick the beam, when they are weighed against the pleasures of
- eating fat hog, drinking raw rum, and dancing for centuries to the jam-jam
- and kitty-katty. In the negro festivals in this life, the chief point lies
- in making as much noise as possible, and the Africans and Creoles dispute
- it with the greatest pertinacity. I am just informed that at the dance
- last night the Eboes obtained a decided triumph, for they roared and
- screamed and shouted and thumped their drums with so much effect, that the
- Creoles were fairly rendered deaf with the noise of their rivals, and dumb
- with their own, and obliged to leave off singing altogether.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 16.
- </h3>
- <p>
- On my arrival I found that idle rogue Nato, as usual, an inmate of the
- hospital, where he regularly passes at least nine months out of the
- twelve. He was with infinite difficulty persuaded, at the end of a
- fortnight, to employ himself about the carriage-horses for a couple of
- days; but on the third he returned to the hospital, although the medical
- attendants, one and all, declared nothing to be the matter with him, and
- the doctors even refused to insert his name in the sick list. Still he
- persisted in declaring himself to be too ill to do a single stroke of
- work: so on Thursday I put him into one of the sick rooms by himself, and
- desired him to get well with the doors locked, which he would find to the
- full as easy as with the doors open; at the same time assuring him, that
- he should never come out, till he should be sufficiently recovered to cut
- canes in the field. He held good all Friday; but Saturday being a
- holy-day, he declared himself to be in a perfect state of health, and
- desired to be released. However, I was determined to make him suffer a
- little for his lying and obstinacy, and would not suffer the doors to be
- opened for him till this morning, when he quitted the hospital, saluted on
- all sides by loud huzzas in congratulation of his amended health, and
- which followed him during his whole progress to the cane-piece. I was
- informed that a lad, named Epsom, who used to be perpetually running away,
- had been stationary for the last two years. So on Wednesday last, as he
- happened to come in my way, I gave him all proper commendation for having
- got rid of his bad habits; and to make the praise better worth his having,
- I added a maccarony: he was gratified in the extreme, thanked me a
- thousand times, promised most solemnly never to behave ill again, and ran
- away that very night. However, he returned on Saturday morning, and was
- brought to me all rags, tears, and penitence, wondering “how he could have
- had such <i>bad manners</i> as to make massa fret.”
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 17.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Some of the free people of colour possess slaves, cattle, and other
- property left them by their fathers, and are in good circumstances; but
- few of them are industrious enough to increase their possessions by any
- honest exertions of their own. As to the free blacks, they are almost
- uniformly lazy and improvident, most of them half-starved, and only
- anxious to live from hand to mouth. Some lounge about the highways with
- pedlar-boxes, stocked with various worthless baubles; others keep
- miserable stalls provided with rancid butter, damaged salt-pork, and other
- such articles: and these they are always willing to exchange for stolen
- rum and sugar, which they secretly tempt the negroes to pilfer from their
- proprietors; but few of them ever make the exertion of earning their
- livelihood creditably. Even those who profess to be tailors, carpenters,
- or coopers, are for the most part careless, drunken, and dissipated, and
- never take pains sufficient to attain any dexterity in their trade. As to
- a free negro hiring himself out for plantation labour, no instance of such
- a thing was ever known in Jamaica, and probably no price, however great,
- would be considered by them as a sufficient temptation.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 18.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The Africans and Creoles certainly do hate each other with a cordiality
- which would have appeared highly gratifying to Dr. Johnson in his “Love of
- Good Haters.” Yesterday, in the field, a girl who had taken some slight
- offence at something said to her by a young boy, immediately struck him
- with the bill, with which she was cutting canes. Luckily, his loose
- wrapper saved him from the blow; and, on his running away, she threw the
- bill after him in his flight with all the fury and malice of a fiend. This
- same vixen, during my former visit, had been punished for fixing her teeth
- in the hand of one of the other girls, and nearly biting her thumb off;
- and on hearing of this fresh instance of devilism, I asked her mother,
- “how she came to have so bad a daughter, when all her sons were so mild
- and good?”—“Oh, massa,” answered she, “the girl’s father was a
- Guineaman.”
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 19.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Neptune came this morning to request that the name of his son, Oscar,
- might be changed for that of Julius, which (it seems) had been that of his
- own father. The child, he said, had always been weakly, and he was
- persuaded, that its ill-health proceeded from his deceased grandfather’s
- being displeased, because it had not been called after him. The other day,
- too, a woman, who had a child sick in the hospital, begged me to change
- its name for any other which might please me best: she cared not what; but
- she was sure that it would never do well, so long as it should be called
- Lucia. Perhaps this prejudice respecting the power of names produces in
- some measure their unwillingness to be christened. They find no change
- produced in them, except the alteration of their name, and hence they
- conclude that this name contains in it some secret power; while, on the
- other hand, they conceive that the ghosts of their ancestors cannot fail
- to be offended at their abandoning an appellation, either hereditary in
- the family, or given by themselves. It is another negro-prejudice that the
- eructation of the breath of a sucking child has something in it venomous;
- and frequently nursing mothers, on showing the doctor a swelled breast,
- will very gravely and positively attribute it to the infant’s having
- broken wind while hanging at the nipple.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 20.
- </h3>
- <p>
- I asked one of my negro servants this morning whether old Luke was a
- relation of his. “Yes,” he said.—“Is he your uncle, or your cousin?”—“No,
- massa.”—“What then?”—“He and my father were shipmates, massa.”
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 23.
- </h3>
- <p>
- The law-charges in Jamaica have lately been regulated by the House of
- Assembly; and by all accounts (except that of the lawyers) it was full
- time that something should be done on the subject. A case was mentioned to
- me this morning of an estate litigated between several parties. At length
- a decision was given: the estate was sold for £16,000; but the lawyer’s
- claim must always be the first discharged, and as this amounted to more
- than £16,000 the lawyer found himself in possession of the estate. This
- was the fable of Æsop’s oyster put in action with a vengeance.
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEBRUARY 25.
- </h3>
- <p>
- A negro, named Adam, has long been the terror of my whole estate. He was
- accused of being an Obeah-man, and persons notorious for the practice of
- Obeah had been found concealed from justice in his house, who were
- afterwards convicted and transported. He was strongly suspected of having
- poisoned more than twelve negroes, men and women; and having been
- displaced by my former trustee from being principal governor, in revenge
- he put poison into his water jar. Luckily he was observed by one of the
- house servants, who impeached him, and prevented the intended mischief.
- For this offence he ought to have been given up to justice; but being
- brother of the trustee’s mistress she found means to get him off, after
- undergoing a long confinement in the stocks. I found him, on my arrival,
- living in a state of utter excommunication; I tried what reasoning with
- him could effect, reconciled him to his companions, treated him with
- marked kindness, and he promised solemnly to behave well during my
- absence. However, instead of attributing my lenity to a wish to reform
- him, his pride and confidence in his own talents and powers of deception
- made him attribute the indulgence shown him to his having obtained an
- influence over my mind. This he determined to employ to his own purposes
- upon my return; so he set about forming a conspiracy against Sully, the
- present chief governor, and boasted on various estates in the
- neighbourhood that on my arrival he would take care to get Sully broke,
- and himself substituted in his place. In the meanwhile he quarrelled and
- fought to the right and to the left; and on my arrival I found the whole
- estate in an uproar about Adam. No less than three charges of assault,
- with intent to kill, were preferred against him. In a fit of jealousy he
- had endeavoured to strangle Marlborough with the thong of a whip, and had
- nearly effected his purpose before he could be dragged away: he had
- knocked Nato down in some trifling dispute, and while the man was
- senseless had thrown him into the river to drown him; and having taken
- offence at a poor weak creature called Old Rachael, on meeting her by
- accident he struck her to the ground, beat her with a supplejack, stamped
- upon her belly, and begged her to be assured of his intention (as he
- eloquently worded it) “to kick her guts out.” The breeding mothers also
- accused him of having been the cause of the poisoning a particular spring,
- from which they were in the habit of fetching water for their children, as
- Adam on that morning had been seen near the spring without having any
- business there, and he had been heard to caution his little daughter
- against drinking water from it that day, although he stoutly denied both
- circumstances. Into the bargain, my head blacksmith being perfectly well
- at five o’clock, was found by his son dead in his bed at eight; and it was
- known that he had lately had a dispute with Adam, who on that day had made
- it up with him, and had invited him to drink, although it was not certain
- that his offer had been accepted. He had, moreover, threatened the lives
- of many of the best negroes. Two of the cooks declared, that he had
- severally directed them to dress Sully’s food apart, and had given them
- powders to mix with it. The first to whom he applied refused positively;
- the second he treated with liquor, and when she had drunk, he gave her the
- poison, with instructions how to use it. Being a timid creature, she did
- not dare to object, so threw away the powder privately, and pretended that
- it had been administered; but finding no effect produced by it, Adam gave
- her a second powder, at the same time bidding her remember the liquor
- which she had swallowed, and which he assured her would effect her own
- destruction through the force of Obeah, unless she prevented it by
- sacrificing his enemy in her stead. The poor creature still threw away the
- powder, but the strength of imagination brought upon her a serious malady,
- and it was not till after several weeks that she recovered from the
- effects of her fears. The terror thus produced was universal throughout
- the estate, and Sully and several other principal negroes requested me to
- remove them to my property in St. Thomas’s, as their lives were not safe
- while breathing the same air with Adam. However, it appeared a more
- salutary measure to remove Adam himself; but all the poisoning charges
- either went no further than strong suspicion, or (any more than the
- assaults) were not liable by the laws of Jamaica to be punished, except by
- flogging or temporary imprisonment, which would only have returned him to
- the estate with increased resentment against those to whom he should
- ascribe his sufferings, however deserved.
- </p>
- <p>
- However, on searching his house, a musket with a plentiful accompaniment
- of powder and ball was found concealed, as also a considerable quantity of
- materials for the practice of Obeah: the possession of either of the above
- articles (if the musket is without the consent of the proprietor)
- authorises the magistrates to pronounce a sentence of transportation. In
- consequence of this discovery, Adam was immediately committed to gaol; a
- slave court was summoned, and to-day a sentence of transportation from the
- island was pronounced, after a trial of three hours. As to the man’s
- guilt, of that the jury entertained no doubt after the first half hour’s
- evidence; and the only difficulty was to restrain the verdict to
- transportation. We produced nothing which could possibly affect the man’s
- life; for although perhaps no offender ever better de served hanging; yet
- I confess my being weak-minded enough to entertain doubts whether hanging
- or other capital punishment ought to be inflicted for any offence
- whatever: I am at least certain, that if offenders waited till they were
- hanged by me, they would remain unhanged till they were all so many old
- Parrs. However, although I did my best to prevent Adam from being hanged,
- it was no easy matter to prevent his hanging himself. The Obeah ceremonies
- always commence with what is called, by the negroes, “the Myal dance.”
- This is intended to remove any doubt of the chief Obeah-man’s supernatural
- powers; and in the course of it, he undertakes to show his art by killing
- one of the persons present, whom he pitches upon for that purpose. He
- sprinkles various powders over the devoted victim, blows upon him, and
- dances round him, obliges him to drink a liquor prepared for the occasion,
- and finally the sorcerer and his assistants seize him and whirl him
- rapidly round and round till the man loses his senses, and falls on the
- ground to all appearance and the belief of the spectators a perfect
- corpse. The chief Myal-man then utters loud shrieks, rushes out of the
- house with wild and frantic gestures, and conceals himself in some
- neighbouring wood. At the end of two or three hours he returns with a
- large bundle of herbs, from some of which he squeezes the juice into the
- mouth of the dead person; with others he anoints his eyes and stains the
- tips of his fingers, accompanying the ceremony with a great variety of
- grotesque actions, and chanting all the while something between a song and
- a howl, while the assistants hand in hand dance slowly round them in a
- circle, stamping the ground loudly with their feet to keep time with his
- chant. A considerable time elapses before the desired effect is produced,
- but at length the corpse gradually recovers animation, rises from the
- ground perfectly recovered, and the Myal dance concludes. After this proof
- of his power, those who wish to be revenged upon their enemies apply to
- the sorcerer for some of the same powder, which produced apparent death
- upon their companion, and as they never employ the means used for his
- recovery, of course the powder once administered never fails to be
- lastingly fatal. It must be superfluous to mention that the Myal-man on
- this second occasion substitutes a poison for a narcotic. Now, among other
- suspicious articles found in Adam’s hut, there was a string of beads of
- various sizes, shapes, and colours, arranged in a form peculiar to the
- performance of the Obeah-man in the Myal dance. Their use was so well
- known, that Adam on his trial did not even attempt to deny that they could
- serve for no purpose but the practice of Obeah; but he endeavoured to
- refute their being his own property, and with this view he began to
- narrate the means by which he had become possessed of them. He said that
- they belonged to Fox (a negro who was lately transported), from whom he
- had taken them at a Myal dance held on the estate of Dean’s Valley; but as
- the assistants at one of these dances are by law condemned to death
- equally with the principal performer, the court had the humanity to
- interrupt his confession of having been present on such an occasion, and
- thus saved him from criminating himself so deeply as to render a capital
- punishment inevitable. I understand that he was quite unabashed and at his
- ease the whole time; upon hearing his sentence, he only said very coolly,
- “Well! I ca’n’t help it!” turned himself round, and walked out of court.
- That nothing might be wanting, this fellow had even a decided talent for
- hypocrisy. When on my arrival he gave me a letter filled with the grossest
- lies respecting the trustee, and every creditable negro on the estate, he
- took care to sign it by the name which he had lately received in baptism;
- and in his defence at the bar to prove his probity of character and purity
- of manners, he informed the court that for some time past he had been
- learning to read, for the sole purpose of learning the Lord’s Prayer. The
- nick-name by which he was generally known among the negroes in this part
- of the country, was Buonaparte, and he always appeared to exult in the
- appellation. Once condemned, the marshal is bound under a heavy penalty to
- see him shipped from off the island before the expiration of six weeks,
- and probably he will be sent to Cuba. He is a fine-looking man between
- thirty and forty, square built, and of great bodily strength, and his
- countenance equally expresses intelligence and malignity. The sum allowed
- me for him is one hundred pounds currency, which is scarcely a third of
- his worth as a labourer, but which is the highest value which a jury is
- permitted to mention.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 1. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- Last night the negroes of Friendship took it into their ingenious heads to
- pay me a compliment of an extremely inconvenient nature. They thought,
- that it would be highly proper to treat me with a nightly serenade just by
- way of showing their <i>enjoyment</i> on my return; and accordingly a
- large body of them arrived at my doors about midnight, dressed out in
- their best clothes, and accompanied with drums, rattles, and their whole
- orchestra of abominable instruments, determined to pass the whole night in
- singing and dancing under my windows. Luckily, my negro-governors heard
- what was going forwards, and knowing my taste a little better than my
- visiters, they hastened to assure them of my being in bed and asleep, and
- with much difficulty persuaded them to remove into my village. Here they
- contented themselves with making a noise for the greatest part of the
- night; and the next morning, after coming up to see me at breakfast, they
- went away quietly. One of them only remained to enquire particularly after
- Lady H———-, as her mother had been her nurse, and she
- was very particular in her enquiries as to her health, her children, their
- ages and names. When she went away, I gave her a plentiful provision of
- bread, butter, plantains, and cold ham from the breakfast table; part of
- which she sat down to eat, intending, as she said, to carry the rest to
- her piccaninny at home. But in half an hour after she made her appearance
- again, saying she was come to take leave of me, and hoped I would give her
- a <i>bit</i> to buy tobacco. I gave her a maccaroni, which occasioned a
- great squall of delight. Oh! since I had given her so much, she would not
- buy tobacco but a fowl; and then, when I returned, she would bring me a
- chicken from it for my dinner; that is, if she could keep the other
- negroes from stealing it from her, a piece of extraordinary good luck of
- which she seemed to entertain but slender hopes. At length off she set;
- but she had scarcely gone above ten yards from the house, when she turned
- back, and was soon at my writing-table once more, with a “Well! here me
- come to massa again!” So then she said, that she had meant to eat part of
- the provisions which I had given her, and carry home the rest to her boy;
- but that really it was so good, she could not help going on eating and
- eating, till she had eaten the whole, and now she wanted another bit of
- cold ham to carry home to her child, and then she should go away perfectly
- contented. I ordered Cubina to give her a great hunch of it, and Mrs.
- Phillis at length took her departure for good and all.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 4. (Wednesday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- I set out to visit my estate in St. Thomas’s in the East, called Hordley.
- It is at the very furthest extremity of the island, and never was there a
- journey like unto my journey. Something disagreeable happened at every
- step; my accidents commenced before I had accomplished ten miles from my
- own house; for in passing along a narrow shelf of rock, which overhangs
- the sea near Bluefields, a pair of young blood-horses in my carriage took
- fright at the roaring of the waves which dashed violently against them,
- and twice nearly overturned me. On the second occasion one of them
- actually fell down into the water, while the off-wheel of the curricle
- flew up into the air, and thus it remained suspended, balancing backwards
- and forwards, like Mahomet’s coffin. Luckily, time was allowed the horse
- to recover his legs, down came the wheel once more on terra firma, and on
- we went again. We slept at Cashew (an estate near Lacovia), and the next
- morning at daylight proceeded to climb the Bogr, a mountain so difficult,
- that every one had pronounced the attempt to be hopeless with horses so
- young as mine; but those horses were my only ones, and therefore I was
- obliged to make the trial. The road is bordered by tremendous precipices
- for about twelve miles; the path is so narrow, that a servant must always
- be sent on before to make any carts which may be descending stop in
- recesses hollowed out for this express purpose; and the cartmen are
- obliged to sound their shells repeatedly, in order to give each other
- timely warning. The chief danger, however, proceeds from the steepness of
- the road, which in some places will not permit the waggons to stop,
- however well their conductors may be inclined; then down they come drawn
- by twelve or fourteen, or sometimes sixteen oxen, sweeping every thing
- before them, and any carriage unlucky enough to find itself in their
- course must infallibly be dashed over the precipice. To-day, it really
- appeared as if all the estates in the island had agreed to send their
- produce by this particular road; the shells formed a complete chorus, and
- sounded incessantly during our whole passage of the mountain; and at one
- time there was a very numerous accumulation of carts and oxen in
- consequence of my carriage coming to a complete stop. As we were
- ascending,—“It is very well,” said a gentleman who was travelling
- with me, (Mr. Hill) “that we did not come by this road three months
- sooner. I remember about that time travelling it on horseback, and an
- enormous tree had fallen over the path, which made me say to myself as I
- passed under it, ‘Now, how would a chaise with a canopy get along here?
- The tree hangs so low that the carriage never could pass, and it would
- certainly have to go all the way home again.’ Of course, the obstacle must
- now be removed; but if I remember right, this must have been the very
- spot.... and as I hope to live, yonder is the very tree still!”—And
- so it proved; although three months had elapsed, the impediment had been
- suffered to remain in unmolested possession of the road, and to pass my
- carriage under it proved an absolute impossibility. After much discussion,
- and many fruitless attempts, we at length succeeded in unscrewing the
- wheels, lifting off the body, which we carried along, and then built the
- curricle up again on the opposite side of the tree. However, by one means
- or other (after leaving a knocked-up saddle-horse at a coffee plantation,
- to the owner of which I was a perfect stranger, but who very obligingly
- offered to take charge of the animal) we found ourselves at the bottom of
- the mountain; but the fatal tree, and the delay occasioned by taking
- unavoidable shelter from tremendous storms of rain, had lost us so much
- time, that night surprised us when we were still eight miles distant from
- our destined inn. The night was dark as night could be; no moon, no stars,
- nor any light except the flashing of myriads of fire-flies, which,
- flapping in the faces of the young horses, frightened them, and made them
- rear. The road, too, was full of water-trenches, precipices, and deep and
- dangerous holes. As to the ground, it was quite invisible, and we had no
- means of proceeding with any chance of safety except by making some of the
- servants lead the horses, while others went before us to explore the way,
- while they cried out at every moment,—“Take care; a little to the
- left, or you will slip into that water-trench—a little to the right,
- or you will tumble over that precipice.”—Into the bargain there was
- neither inn nor gentleman’s house within reach; and thus we proceeded
- crawling along at a foot’s pace for five eternal miles, when we at length
- stopped to beg a shelter for the night at a small estate called Porous. By
- this time it was midnight; all the family was gone to bed; the gates were
- all locked; and before we could obtain admittance a full hour elapsed,
- during which I sat in an open carriage, perspiration streaming down from
- my head to my feet through vexation, impatience and fatigue, while the
- night-dew fell heavy and the night-breeze blew keen; which (as I had
- frequently been assured) was the very best recipe possible for getting a
- Jamaica fever. On such I counted both for myself and my white servant,
- when I at length laid myself down in a bed at Porous; but to my equal
- surprise and satisfaction we both rose the next morning without feeling
- the slightest inconvenience from our risks of the preceding day, and in
- the evening of Friday, the 5th, I reached Miss Cole’s hotel at the Spanish
- Town. One of my young horses, however, was so completely knocked up by the
- fatigue of crossing the mountain, that I could get no further than
- Kingston (only fourteen miles) this next day. In consequence of the delay,
- I was enabled to visit the Kingston theatre; the exterior is rather
- picturesque; within it has no particular recommendations; the scenery and
- dresses were shabby, the actors wretched, and the stage ill lighted; the
- performance was for the benefit of the chief actress, who had but little
- reason to be satisfied with the number of her audience; and I may reckon
- it among my other misfortunes on this ill-starred expedition, that it was
- my destiny to sit out the tragedy of “Adelgitha,” whom the author meant
- only to be killed in the last act, but whom the actors murdered in all
- five. The heroine was the only one who spoke tolerably, but she was old
- enough and fat enough for the Widow Cheshire; Guiscard did not know ten
- words of his part; the tyrant was really comical enough; and Lothair was
- played by a young Jamaica Jew about fifteen years of age, and who is
- dignified here with the name of “the Creole Roscius.” His voice was just
- breaking, which made him “pipe and whistle in the sound,” his action was
- awkward, and altogether he was but a sorry specimen of theatrical talent:
- however, his <i>forte</i> is said to lie in broad farce, which perhaps may
- account for his being no better in tragedy. On Sunday, the 8th, I resumed
- my journey, but my horses were so completely knocked up, that I was
- obliged to hire an additional pair to convey me to Miss Hetley’s inn on
- the other side of the Yallacks River, which is nineteen miles from
- Kingston. This river, as well as that of Morant (which I passed about ten
- miles further) both in breadth and strength sets all bridges at defiance,
- and in the rainy season it is sometimes impassable for several weeks. On
- this occasion there was but little water in either, and I arrived without
- difficulty at Port Morant, where I found horses sent by my trustee to
- convey me to Hordley. The road led up to the mountains, and was one of the
- steepest, roughest, and most fatiguing that I ever travelled, in spite of
- its picturesque beauties. At length I reached my estate, jaded and wearied
- to death; here I expected to find a perfect paradise, and I found a
- perfect hell. Report had assured me, that Hordley was the best managed
- estate in the island, and as far as the soil was concerned, report
- appeared to have said true; but my trustee had also assured me, that my
- negroes were the most contented and best disposed, and here there was a
- lamentable incorrectness in the account. I found them in a perfect uproar;
- complaints of all kinds stunned me from all quarters: all the blacks
- accused all the whites, and all the whites accused all the blacks, and as
- far as I could make out, both parties were extremely in the right. There
- was no attachment to the soil to be found <i>here</i>; the negroes
- declared, one and all, that if I went away and left them to groan under
- the same system of oppression without appeal or hope of redress, they
- would follow my carriage and establish themselves at Cornwall. I had soon
- discovered enough to be certain, that although they told me plenty of
- falsehoods, many of their complaints were but too well founded; and yet
- how to protect them for the future or satisfy them for the present was no
- easy matter to decide. Trusting to these fallacious reports of the
- Arcadian state of happiness upon Hordley, I supposed, that I should have
- nothing to do there but grant a few indulgences, and establish the
- regulations already adopted with success on Cornwall; distribute a little
- money, and allow a couple of play-days for dancing; and under this
- persuasion I had made it quite impossible for me to remain above a week at
- Hordley, which I conceived to be fully sufficient for the above purpose.
- As to grievances to be redressed, I was totally unprepared for any such
- necessity; yet now they poured in upon me incessantly, each more serious
- than the former; and before twenty-four hours were elapsed I had been
- assured, that in order to produce any sort of tranquillity upon the
- estate, I must begin by displacing the trustee, the physician, the four
- white book-keepers, and the four black governors, all of whom I was
- modestly required to remove and provide better substitutes in the space of
- five days and a morning. What with the general clamour, the assertions and
- denials, the tears and the passion, the odious falsehoods, and the still
- more odious truths, and (worst of all to me) my own vexation and
- disappointment at finding things so different from my expectations, at
- first nearly turned my brain; and I felt strongly tempted to set off as
- fast as I could, and leave all these black devils and white ones to tear
- one another to pieces, an amusement in which they appeared to be perfectly
- ready to indulge themselves. It was, however, considerable relief to me to
- find, upon examination, that no act of personal ill-treatment was alleged
- against the trustee himself, who was allowed to be sufficiently humane in
- his own nature, and was only complained of for allowing the negroes to be
- maltreated by the book-keepers, and other inferior agents, with absolute
- impunity. Being an excellent planter, he confined his attention entirely
- to the cultivation of the soil, and when the negroes came to complain of
- some act of cruelty or oppression committed by the book-keepers or the
- black governors, he refused to listen to them, and left their complaints
- unenquired into, and consequently unredressed. The result was, that the
- negroes were worse off, than if he had been a cruel man himself; for his
- cruelty would have given them only one tyrant, whereas his indolence left
- them at the mercy of eight. Still they said, that they would be well
- contented to have him continue their trustee, provided that I would
- appoint some protector, to whom they might appeal in cases of injustice
- and ill-usage. The trustee declaring himself well satisfied that some such
- appointment should take place, a neighbouring gentleman (whose humanity to
- his own negroes had established him in high favour with mine) was selected
- for this purpose. I next ordered one of the book-keepers (of the atrocious
- brutality of whose conduct the trustee himself upon examination allowed
- that there could be no doubt) to quit the estate in two hours under pain
- of prosecution; away went the man, and when I arose the next morning,
- another book-keeper had taken himself off of his own accord, and that in
- so much haste that he left all his clothes behind him. My next step was to
- displace the chief black governor, a man deservedly odious to the negroes,
- and whom a gross and insolent lie told to myself enabled me to punish
- without seeming to displace him in compliance with their complaints
- against him; and these sources of discontent being removed, I read to them
- my regulations for allowing them new holidays, additional allowances of
- salt-fish, rum, and sugar, with a variety of other indulgences and
- measures taken for protection, &c. All which, assisted by a couple of
- dances and distribution of money on the day of my departure had so good an
- effect upon their tempers, that I left them in as good humour apparently,
- as I found them in bad. But to leave them was no such easy matter; the
- weather had been bad from the moment of my commencing my journey, but from
- the moment of my reaching Hordley, it became abominable. The rain poured
- down in cataracts incessantly; the old crazy house stands on the top of a
- hill, and the north wind howled round it night and day, shaking it from
- top to bottom, and threatening to become a hurricane. The storm was
- provided with a very suitable accompaniment of thunder and lightning; and
- to complete the business, down came the mountain torrents, and swelled
- Plantain Garden River to such a degree, that it broke down the dam-head,
- stopped the mill, and all work was at a stand-still for two days and
- nights. But the worst of all was that this same river lay between me and
- Kingston; bridge there was none, and it soon became utterly impassable.
- Thus it continued for four days; on the fifth (the day which I had
- appointed for my departure, and on which I gave the negroes a parting
- holiday) the water appeared to be somewhat abated at a ford about four
- miles distant; for as to crossing at my own, that was quite out of the
- question for a week at least. A negro was despatched on horseback to
- ascertain the height of the water; his report was very unfavourable.
- However, as at worst I could but return, and had no better means of
- employing my time, I resolved to make the experiment. About forty of the
- youngest and strongest negroes left their dancing and drinking, and ran on
- foot to see me safe over the water. The few hours which had elapsed since
- my messenger’s examination, had operated very favourably towards the
- reduction of the water, although it was still very high. But a servant
- going before to ascertain the least dangerous passage, and the negroes
- rushing all into the river to break the force of the stream, and support
- the carriage on both sides, we were enabled to struggle to the opposite
- bank, and were landed in safety with loud cheering from my sable
- attendants, who then left me, many with tears running down their cheeks,
- and all with thanks for the protection which I had shown them, and earnest
- entreaties that I would come to visit them another time. Whether my visit
- will have been productive of essential service to them must remain a
- doubt; the trustee at least promised me most solemnly that my regulations
- for their happiness and security should be obeyed, and that the slave-laws
- (of which I had detected beyond a doubt some very flagrant violations)
- should be carried into effect for the future with the most scrupulous
- exactness. If he breaks his promise, and I discover it, I have pledged
- myself most solemnly to remove him, however great may be his merits as a
- planter; if he contrives to keep me in ignorance of his proceedings
- (which, however, from the precautions which I have now taken, I trust,
- will be no easy matter), and the state of the negroes should continue
- after my departure to be what it was before my arrival, then I can only
- console myself with thinking, that the guilt is his, not mine; and that it
- is on <i>his</i> head that the curse of the sufferers and the vengeance of
- heaven will fall, not on my own. I have been told that this estate of mine
- is one of the most beautiful in the island. It may be so for anything that
- I can tell of the matter. The badness of the weather and the disquietude
- of my mind during the whole of my short stay, made every thing look gloomy
- and hideous; and when I once found myself again beyond my own limits, I
- felt my spirits lighter by a hundred weight. Of all the points which had
- displeased me at Hordley, none had made me more angry for the time, than
- the lie told me by the chief governor, which occasioned my displacing him.
- This fellow, who for the credit of our family (no doubt) had got himself
- christened by the name of John Lewis, had the impudence to walk into my
- parlour just as I was preparing to go to bed, and inform me, that he could
- not get the business of the estate done. Why not? He could get nobody to
- come to the night-work at the mill, which he supposed was the consequence
- of my indulging the negroes so much. Indeed! and where were the people who
- ought to come to their night-work? in the negro village? No; they were in
- the hospital, and refused to come out to work. Upon which I blazed up like
- a barrel of gunpowder, and volleying out in a breath all the curses that I
- ever heard in my life, I asked him, whether any person really had been
- insolent enough to select a whole night party from the sick people in the
- hospital, not one of whom ought to stir out of it till well? There stood
- the fellow, trembling and stammering, and unable to get out an answer,
- while I stamped up and down the piazza, storming and swearing, banging all
- the doors till the house seemed ready to tumble about our ears, and doing
- my best to out-herod Herod, till at last I ordered the man to begone that
- instant, and get the work done properly. He did not wait to be told twice,
- and was off in a twinkling. In a quarter of an hour I sent for him again,
- and enquired whether he had succeeded in getting the proper people to work
- at the mill? Upon which he had the assurance to answer, that all the
- people were there, and that it was not of their not being at the mill that
- he had meant to complain. Of what was it then? “Of their not being in the
- field.” When? “Yesterday. He could not get the negroes to come to work,
- and so there had been none done all day.” And who refused to come? “All
- the people.” But who? “All.” But who, who, who?—their names, their
- names, their names? “He could not remember them all.” Name one—well?—speak
- then, speak! “There was Beck.” And who else? “There was Sally, who used to
- be called Whan-ica.” And who else? “There was.... there was Beck.” But who
- else? “Beck... and Sally”... But who else? who else? “Little Edward had
- gone out of the hospital, and had not come to work.” Well! Beck and Sally,
- and little Edward; who else? “Beck, and little Edward, and Sally.”
- </p>
- <p>
- But who else: I say, who else? “He could not remember any body else.” Then
- to be sure I was in such an imperial passion, as would have done honour to
- “her majesty the queen Dolallolla.”
- </p>
- <p>
- Why, you most impudent of all impudent fellows that ever told a lie, have
- you really presumed to disturb me at this time of night, prevent my going
- to bed, tell me that you can’t get the business done, and that none of the
- people would come to work, and make such a disturbance, and all because
- two old women and a little boy missed coming into the field yesterday!
- Down dropped the fellow in a moment upon his marrow bones: “Oh, me good
- massa,” cried he (and out came the truth, which I knew well enough before
- he told me), “me no come of my own head; me <i>ordered</i> to come; but me
- never tell massa lie more, so me pray him forgib me!” But his obeying any
- person on my own estate in preference to me, and suffering himself to be
- converted into an instrument of my annoyance, was not to be easily
- overlooked; so I turned him out of the house with a flea in his ear as big
- as a camel; and the next morning degraded him to the rank of a common
- field negro. The trustee pleaded hard for his being permitted to return to
- the waggons, from whence he had been taken, and where he would be useful.
- But I was obdurate. Then came his wife to beg for him, and then his
- mother, and then his cousin, and then his cousin’s cousin: still I was
- firm; till on the day of my departure, the new chief governor came to me
- in the name of the whole estate, and bested me to allow John Lewis to
- return to the command of the waggons, “for that all the negroes said, that
- it would be <i>too sad a thing</i> for them to see a man who had held the
- highest place among them, degraded quite to be a common field negro.”
- There was something in this appeal which argued so good a feeling, that I
- did not think it right to resist any longer; so I hinted that if the
- trustee should ask it again as a favour to himself, I might perhaps
- relent; and the proper application being thus made, John Lewis was allowed
- to quit the field, but with a positive injunction against his ever being
- employed again in any office of authority over the negroes. I found
- baptism in high vogue upon Hordley, but I am sorry to say, that I could
- not discover much effect produced upon their minds by having been made
- Christians, except in one particular: whenever one of them told me a
- monstrous lie (and they told me whole dozens), he never failed to conclude
- his story by saying—“And now, massa, you know, I’ve been christened;
- and if you do not believe what I say, I’m ready to buss the booh to the
- truth of it.” The whole advantages to be derived by negroes from becoming
- Christians, seemed to consist with them in two points; being a superior
- species of magic itself, it preserved them from black Obeah; and by
- enabling them to take an oath upon the ‘Bible to the truth of any lie
- which it might suit them to tell, they believed that it would give them
- the power of humbugging the white people with perfect ease and
- convenience. They had observed the importance attached by the whites to
- such an attestation, and the conviction which it always appeared to carry
- with it; as to the crime or penalty of perjury, of that they were totally
- ignorant, or at least indifferent; therefore they were perfectly ready to
- “buss the book,” which they considered as a piece of buckra superstition,
- mighty useful to the negroes, and valued taking their oath upon the Bible
- to a lie, no more than Mrs. Mincing did the oath which she took in the
- Blue Garret “upon an odd volume of Messalina’s Poems.” Although I set out
- from Hordley at two o’clock, it was past seven before I reached an estate
- called “The Retreat,” which was only twelve miles off, so abominable was
- the road. Here I stopped for the night, which I passed at supper with the
- musquitoes,—“not where I ate, but where I was eaten.” Morant River
- had been swelled by the late heavy rains to a tremendous height, and its
- numerous quicksands render the passage in such a state extremely
- dangerous, However, a negro having been sent early to explore it, and
- having returned with a favourable report, we proceeded to encounter it. A
- Hordley negro, well acquainted with these perilous rivers, had accompanied
- me for the express purpose of pointing out the most practicable fords; but
- for some time his efforts to find a safe one were unavailing, his horse at
- the end of a minute or two plunging into a quicksand or some deep hole,
- among the waters thrown up from which he totally disappeared for a moment,
- and then was seen to struggle out again with such an effort and leap, as
- were quite beyond the capability of any carriage’s attempting. However, at
- the end of half an hour he was fortunate to find a place, where he could
- cross (up to his horse’s belly in the water, to be sure), but at least
- without tumbling into holes and quicksands; and here we set out, conscious
- that our whole chance of reaching the opposite shore consisted in keeping
- precisely the path which he had gone already, and determined to stick as
- close as possible to his horse’s tail. But no sooner were we fairly in the
- water, than my young horses found themselves unable to resist the strength
- and rapidity of the torrent, which was rolling down huge stones as big as
- rocks from the mountain; and to my utter consternation, I perceived the
- curricle carried down the stream, and the distance from my guide (who, by
- swimming his horse, had reached the destined landing-place in safety)
- growing wider and wider with every moment. We were now driving at all
- hazards; every moment I expected to see a horse or a wheel sink down into
- some deep hole, the chaise overturned, and ourselves either swallowed up
- in a quicksand, or dashed to pieces against the stones, which were rolling
- around us. I never remember to have felt myself so completely convinced of
- approaching destruction, and I roared out with all my might and main:—“We
- are carried away! all is over!” although, to be sure, I might as well have
- held my tongue, seeing that all my roaring could not do the least possible
- good. However, my horses, although too weak to resist the current, were
- fortunately strong enough to keep their legs; while they drifted down the
- stream, they struggled along in an oblique direction, which gradually
- (though but slowly) brought us nearer to the opposite shore; and after
- several minutes passed in most painful anxiety, a desperate plunge out of
- the water enabled them to <i>jump</i> the carriage upon terra firma on the
- same side with my guide, although at a considerable distance from the spot
- where he had landed. The Yallack’s River was less dangerous; but even this
- too had been sufficiently swelled to make the crossing it no easy matter;
- so that what with one obstacle and another, when I reached Kingston at six
- o’clock with my bones and my vehicle unbroken, I was almost as much
- surprised as satisfied. I dined with the curate of Kingston (Rev. G.
- Hill), where I met the admiral upon this station, Sir Home Popham, and a
- large party. At Kingston I was obliged to send back a horse, which had
- been lent me in aid of my own; another had been dropped at “the Retreat a
- third could get no farther than the mountains; and my companion’s three
- horses had found themselves unable even to reach Spanish Town, and I had
- thus been obliged to leave them and theirs behind upon the road. On the
- morning of our departure from Cornwall, when my Italian servant saw the
- quantity of horses, mules, servants, and carriages collected for the
- journey, he clapped his hands together in exultation, and exclaimed,—“They
- will certainly take us for the king of England!” But now when after
- leaving one horse in one place and another horse in another, on the
- morning of Monday the 16th, he beheld my whole caravan reduced to one pair
- of chaise horses and a couple of miserable mules, he cast a rueful look
- upon my diminished cavalry and sighed to himself,—“I verily believe,
- we shall return home on foot after all!” I reached Spanish Town in time to
- dine with the chief justice (Mr. Jackson), and intended to remain two or
- three days longer; but the fatality, which had persecuted me from the very
- commencement of this abominable journey, was not exhausted yet. On Tuesday
- morning, my landlady just hinted, that “she thought it right to let me
- know, that to be sure there <i>was</i> a gentleman unwell in the house;
- but she supposed, that I should not care about it: however, if I
- particularly disliked the neighbourhood of a sick person, she would
- procure me lodgings.” I asked, “What was the complaint?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Oh! he was a little sick, that was all.” To which I only could answer,
- that, “in that case I hoped he would get better,” and thought no more
- about it. However, when I went to visit the governor, I found, that this
- “little sickness” of my landlady’s was neither more nor less than the
- yellow fever; of which the gentleman in question was now dying, of which a
- lady had died only two days before, and of which another European, newly
- arrived, had fallen ill in this very same hotel only a fortnight before,
- and had died, after throwing himself out of an upper window in a fit of
- delirium. Under all these circumstances, I thought it to the full as
- prudent not to prolong my residence in Spanish Town; and accordingly, on
- Wednesday the 18th, I resumed my journey homewards. I travelled the north
- side of the island, which was the road used by me on my return two years
- ago. I have nothing to add to my former account of it, except that there
- need not be better inns anywhere than the Wellington hotel at Rio Bueno,
- and Judy James’s at Montego Bay, which latter is now, in my opinion, by
- far the prettiest town in Jamaica. Indeed, all the inns upon this road are
- excellent, with the solitary exception of the Black-heath Tavern, which I
- stopped at by a mistake instead of that of Montague. At this most
- miserable of all inns that ever entrapped an unwary traveller, there was
- literally nothing to be procured for love or money: no corn for the
- horses; no wine without sending six miles for a bottle; no food but a
- miserable starved fowl, so tough that the very negroes could not eat it;
- and a couple of eggs, one of which was addled: there was but one pair of
- sheets in the whole house, and neither candles, nor oranges, nor pepper,
- nor vinegar, nor bread, nor even so much as sugar, white or brown. Yams
- there were, which prevented my servants from going to bed quite empty, and
- I contented myself with the far-fetched bottle of wine and the solitary
- egg, which I eat by the light of a lamp filled with stinking oil. The one
- pair of sheets I seized upon to my own share, and my servants made
- themselves as good beds as they could upon the floor with great coats and
- travelling mantles. It was on Wednesday night, that after the fatigue of
- crossing Mount Diablo, “myself I unfatigued” in this delectable retreat,
- which seemed to have been established upon principles diametrically
- opposite to those of Shenstone’s. On Thursday I slept at Rio Bueno, on
- Friday at Montego Bay, passed Saturday at Anchovy estate (Mr. Plummer’s),
- and was very glad, on Sunday the 22d, to find myself once more quietly
- established at Cornwall, fully determined to leave it no more, till I
- leave it on my return to England. The lady, who had died so lately at
- Kingston, had arrived not long before in a vessel, both the crew and
- passengers of which landed (to all appearance) in perfect health after a
- favourable passage from England. Of course, they soon dispersed in
- different directions; yet almost all of them were attacked nearly at the
- same period by the fever, which seemed to have a particular commission to
- search out such persons as had arrived by that particular ship, at however
- remote a distance they might be from each other.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 29. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- This morning (without either fault or accident) a young, strong, healthy
- woman miscarried of an eight months’ child; and this is the third time
- that she has met with a similar misfortune. No other symptom of
- child-bearing has been given in the course of this year, nor are there
- above eight women upon the breeding list out of more than one hundred and
- fifty females. Yet they are all well clothed and well fed, contented in
- mind, even by their own account, over-worked at no time, and when upon the
- breeding list are exempted from labour of every kind. In spite of all
- this, and their being treated with all possible care and indulgence,
- rewarded for bringing children, and therefore anxious themselves to have
- them, how they manage it so ill I know not, but somehow or other certainly
- the children do not come.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MARCH 31.
- </h3>
- <p>
- During the whole three weeks of my absence, only two negroes have been
- complained of for committing fault. The first was a domestic quarrel
- between two Africans; Hazard stole Frank’s calabash of sugar, which Frank
- had previously stolen out of my boiling-house. So Frank broke Hazard’s
- head, which in my opinion settled the matter so properly, that I declined
- spoiling it by any interference of my own. The other complaint was more
- serious. Toby, being ordered to load the cart with canes, answered “I
- wo’nt”—and Toby was as good as his word; in consequence of which the
- mill stopped for want of canes, and the boilinghouse stopped for want of
- liquor. I found on my return that for this offence Toby had received six
- lashes, which Toby did not mind three straws. But as his fault amounted to
- an act of downright rebellion, I thought that it ought not by any means to
- be passed over so lightly, and that Toby ought to be <i>made</i> to mind.
- I took no notice for some days; but the Easter holidays had been deferred
- till my return, and only began here on Friday last. On that day, as soon
- as the head governor had blown the shell, and dismissed the negroes till
- Monday morning, he requested the pleasure of Mr. Toby’s company to the
- hospital, where he locked him up in a room by himself. All Saturday and
- Sunday the estate rang with laughing, dancing, singing, and huzzaing.
- Salt-fish was given away in the morning; the children played at ninepins
- for jackets and petticoats in the evening; rum and sugar was denied to no
- one. The gumbys thundered; the kitty-katties clattered; all was noise and
- festivity; and all this while, “<i>qualis morens Philomela</i>,” sat
- solitary Toby gazing at his four white walls! Toby had not minded the
- lashes; but the loss of his amusement, and the disgrace of his exclusion
- from the fête operated on his mind so forcibly, that when on the Monday
- morning his door was unlocked, and the chief governor called him to his
- work, not a word would he deign to utter; let who would speak, there he
- sat motionless, silent, and sulky. However, upon my going down to him
- myself, his voice thought proper to return, and he began at once to
- complain of his seclusion and justify his conduct. But he no sooner opened
- his lips than the whole hospital opened theirs to censure his folly,
- asking him how he could presume to justify himself when he knew that he
- had done wrong? and advising him to humble himself and beg my pardon; and
- their clamours were so loud and so general (Mrs. Sappho, his wife, being
- one of the loudest, who not only “gave it him on both sides of his ears,”
- but enforced her arguments by a knock on the pate now and then), that they
- fairly drove the evil spirit out of him; he confessed his fault with great
- penitence, engaged solemnly never to commit such another, and set off to
- his work full of gratitude for my granting him forgiveness. I am more and
- more convinced every day, that the best and easiest mode of governing
- negroes (and governed by some mode or other they must be) is not by the
- detestable lash, but by confinement, solitary or otherwise; they cannot
- bear it, and the memory of it seems to make a lasting impression upon
- their minds; while the lash makes none but upon their skins, and lasts no
- longer than the mark. The order at my hospital is, that no negro should be
- denied admittance; even if no symptoms of illness appear, he is allowed
- one day to rest, and take physic, if he choose it. On the second morning,
- if the physician declares the man to be shamming, and the plea of illness
- is still alleged against going to work, then the negro is locked up in a
- room with others similarly circumstanced, where care is taken to supply
- him with food, water, physic, &c., and no restraint is imposed except
- that of not going out. Here he is suffered to remain unmolested as long as
- he pleases, and he is only allowed to leave the hospital upon his own
- declaration that he is well enough to go to work; when the door is opened,
- and he walks away unreproached and unpunished, however evident his
- deception may have been. Before I adopted this regulation, the number of
- patients used to vary from thirty to forty-five, not more than a dozen of
- whom perhaps had anything the matter with them: the number at this moment
- is but fourteen, and all are sores, burns, or complaints the reality of
- which speaks for itself. Some few persevering tricksters will still submit
- to be locked up for a day or two; but their patience never fails to be
- wearied out by the fourth morning, and I have not yet met with an instance
- of a patient who had once been locked up with a fictitious illness,
- returning to the hospital except with a real one. In general, they offer
- to take a day’s rest and physic, promising to go out to work the next day,
- and on these occasions they have uniformly kept their word. Indeed, my
- hospital is now in such good order, that the physician told the trustee
- the other day that “mine gave him less trouble than any hospital in the
- parish.”
- </p>
- <p>
- My boilers, too, who used to make sugar the colour of mahogany, are now
- making excellent; and certainly, if appearances may be trusted, and things
- will but last, I may flatter myself with the complete success of my system
- of management, as far as the time elapsed is sufficient to warrant an
- opinion. I only wish from my soul that I were but half as certain of the
- good treatment and good behaviour of the negroes at Hordley.
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 1. (Wednesday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- Jug-Betty having had two leathern purses full of silver coin stolen out of
- her trunk, her cousin Punch told her to have patience till Sunday, and he
- thought that by that time he should be able to find it for her. Upon which
- she very naturally suspected her cousin Punch of having stolen the money
- himself, and brought him to day to make her charge against him. However,
- he stuck firmly to a denial, and as several days had been suffered to
- elapse since the theft, there could be no doubt of his having concealed
- the money, and therefore no utility in searching his person or his house.
- I found great fault with the persons in authority for not having taken
- such a measure without a moment’s delay; but the trustee informed me that
- it frequently produced very serious consequences, many instances having
- occurred of the disgrace of their house being searched having offended
- negroes so much to the heart, as to occasion their committing suicide: so
- that it was a proceeding which was seldom ventured upon without urgent
- necessity. It was now too late to take it, at all events; the man
- confessed, indeed, that he had quitted his work, and gone down to the
- negro-village on the day of the robbery, which rendered his guilt highly
- probable, but he could be brought to confess no more; and as to his saying
- that he thought he could find the money by Sunday, he explained <i>that</i>
- into an intention of “going to consult a brown woman at the bay, who was a
- fortune-teller, and who when any thing was stolen, could always point out
- the thief by <i>cutting the cards</i>.” This was all that we could extract
- from him, and we were obliged to dismiss him. However, the fright of his
- examination was not without good consequences: one of the stolen purses
- had belonged to a sister of Jug-Betty’s, not long deceased; and on her
- return home, <i>this</i> purse (with its contents untouched) was found
- lying on the sister’s grave in her garden. Perhaps, the thief had taken it
- without knowing the owner; and on finding that it had belonged to a dead
- person, he had surrendered it through apprehension of being haunted by her
- <i>duppy</i>.
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 5. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- Clearing their grounds by fire is a very expeditious proceeding,
- consequently in much practice among the negroes; but in this tindery
- country it is extremely dangerous, and forbidden by the law. As I returned
- home to-day from church, I observed a large smoke at no great distance,
- and Cubina told me, he supposed that the negroes of the neighbouring
- estate of Amity were clearing their grounds. “Then they are doing a very
- wrong thing,” said I; “I hope they will fire nothing else but their
- grounds, for with so strong a breeze a great deal of mischief might be
- done.” However, in half an hour it proved that the smoke in question arose
- from my own negro-grounds, that the fire had spread itself, and I could
- see from my window the flames and smoke pouring themselves upwards in
- large volumes, while the crackling of the dry bushes and brush-wood was
- something perfectly terrific. The alarm was instantly given, and whites
- and blacks all hurried to the scene of action. Luckily, the breeze set the
- contrary way from the plantations; a morass interposed itself between the
- blazing ground and one of my best cane-pieces: the flames were suffered to
- burn till they reached the brink of the water, and then the negroes
- managed to extinguish them without much difficulty. Thus we escaped
- without injury, but I own I was heartily frightened.
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 8.
- </h3>
- <p>
- This morning I was awaked by a violent coughing in the hospital; and as
- soon as I heard any of the servants moving, I despatched a negro to ask,
- “whether any body was bad in the hospital?” He returned and told me, “No,
- massa; nobody bad there; for Alick is better, and Nelson is dead.” Nelson
- was one of my best labourers, and had come into the hospital for a
- glandular swelling. Early this morning he was seized with a violent fit of
- coughing, burst a large artery, and was immediately suffocated in his
- blood! This is the sixth death in the course of the first three months of
- the year, and we have not as yet a single birth for a set-off. Say what
- one will to the negroes, and treat them as well as one can, obstinate
- devils, they will die!
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 9.
- </h3>
- <p>
- I had mentioned to Mr. Shand my having found a woman at Hordley, who had
- been crippled for life, in consequence of her having been kicked in the
- womb by one of the book-keepers. He writes to me on this subject:—“I
- trust that conduct so savage occurs rarely in <i>any</i> country. I can
- only say, that in my long experience nothing of the kind has ever fallen
- under my observation.” Mr. S. then ought to consider <i>me</i> as having
- been in high luck. I have not passed six months in Jamaica, and I have
- already found on one of my estates a woman who had been kicked in the womb
- by a white book-keeper, by which she was crippled herself, and on another
- of my estates another woman who had been kicked in the womb by another
- white book-keeper, by which he had crippled the child. The name of the
- first man and woman were Lory and Jeannette; those of the second were
- Full-wood and Martia: and thus, as my two estates are at the two
- extremities of the island, I am entitled to say, from my own knowledge
- (i.e, speaking <i>lite-rally</i>, observe), that “white book-keepers kick
- black women in the belly <i>from one end of Jamaica to the other</i>.”
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 15. (Wednesday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- About noon to-day a well-disposed healthy lad of seventeen years of age
- was employed in unhaltering the first pair of oxen of one of the waggons,
- in doing which he entangled his right leg in the rope. At that moment the
- oxen set off full gallop, and dragged the boy along with them round the
- whole inclosure, before the other negroes could succeed in stopping them.
- However, when the prisoner was extricated, although his flesh appeared to
- have been terribly lacerated, no bones were broken, and he was even able
- to walk to the hospital without support. He was blooded instantly, and two
- physicians were sent for by express. At two o’clock he was still in
- perfect possession of his senses, and only complained of the soreness of
- his wounds: but in half an hour after he became apoplectic; sank into a
- state of utter insensibility, during which a dreadful rattling in his
- throat was the only sign of still existing life, and before six in the
- evening all was over with him!
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 17.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Pickle had accused his brother-in-law, Edward the Eboe, of having given
- him a pleurisy by the practice of Obeah. During my last visit I had
- convinced him that the charge was unjust (or at least he had declared
- himself to be convinced), and about six weeks ago they came together to
- assure me, that ever since they had lived upon the best terms possible.
- Unluckily, Pickle’s wife miscarried lately, and for the third time;
- previously to which Edward had said, that his wife would remain sole
- heiress of the father’s property. This was enough to set the suspicious
- brains of these foolish people at work; and to-day Pickle and his
- father-in-law, old Damon, came to assure me, that in order to prevent a
- child coming to claim its share of the grandfather’s property, Edward had
- practised Obeah to make his sister-in-law miscarry; the only proof of
- which adduced was the above expression, and the woman’s having miscarried
- “just according to Edward’s very words!” To reason with such very absurd
- persons was out of the case. I found too, that the two sisters were
- quarrelling perpetually, and always on the point of tearing each other’s
- eyes out. Therefore, as domestic peace “in a house so disunited” was out
- of the question, I ordered the two families to separate instantly, and to
- live at the two extremities of the negro village; at the same time
- forbidding all intercourse between them whatsoever: a plan, which was
- received with approbation by all parties; and Edward moved his property
- out of the old man’s house into another without loss of time. Among other
- charges of Obeah, Pickle declared, that his house having been robbed,
- Edward had told him that Nato was the offender; and in order to prove it
- beyond the power of doubt, he had made him look at something round, “just
- like massa’s watch,” out of which he had taken a sentee (a something)
- which looked like an egg; this he gave to Pickle, at the same time
- instructing him to throw it at night against the door of Nato’s house;
- which he had no sooner done and broken the egg, than the very next day
- Nato’s wife Philippa “began to bawl, and halloo, and went mad.” Now that
- Philippa had bawled and hallooed enough was certainly true; but it was
- also true that she had confessed her madness to have been a trick for the
- purpose of exciting my compassion, and inducing me to feed her from my own
- table. Yet was this simple fellow persuaded that he had made her go mad by
- the help of his broken egg, and his old fool of a father-in-law was goose
- enough to encourage him in the persuasion.
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 19. (Sunday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- “And massa,” said Bridget, the doctoress, this morning, “my old mother a
- lilly so-so to-day; and him tank massa much for the good supper massa send
- last night; and him like it so well.—Laud! massa, the old lady was
- just thinking what him could yam (eat) and him no fancy nothing; and him
- could no yam salt, and him just wishing for something fresh, when at that
- very moment Cu-bina come to him from massa with a stewed pig’s head so
- fresh: it seemed just as if massa had got it from the Almighty’s hands
- himself.”
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 22.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Naturalists and physicians, philosophers and philanthropists, may argue
- and decide as they please; but certainly, as far as mere observation
- admits of my judging, there does seem to be a very great difference
- between the brain of a black person and a white one. I should think that
- Voltaire would call a negro’s reason “<i>une raison très particulière</i>.”
- Somehow or other, they never can manage to do anything <i>quite</i> as it
- should be done. If they correct themselves in one respect to-day they are
- sure of making a blunder in some other manner to-morrow. Cubina is now
- twenty-five, and has all his life been employed about the stable; he goes
- out with my carriage twice every day; yet he has never yet been able to
- succeed in putting on the harness properly. Before we get to one of the
- plantation gates we are certain of being obliged to stop, and put
- something or other to rights: and I once remember having laboured for more
- than half an hour to make him understand that the Christmas holidays came
- at Christmas; when asked the question, he always hesitated, and answered,
- at hap-hazard, “July” or “October.” Yet, Cubina is far superior in
- intellect to most of the negroes who have fallen under my observation. The
- girl too, whose business it is to open the house each morning, has in vain
- been desired to unclose all the jalousies: she never fails to leave three
- or four closed, and when she is scolded for doing so, she takes care to
- open those three the next morning, and leaves three shut on the opposite
- side. Indeed, the attempt to make them correct a fault is quite fruitless:
- they never can do the same thing a second time in the same manner; and if
- the cook having succeeded in dressing a dish well is desired to dress just
- such another, she is certain of doing something which makes it quite
- different. One day I desired, that there might be always a piece of salt
- meat at dinner, in order that I might be certain of always having enough
- to send to the sick in the hospital. In consequence, there was nothing at
- dinner but salt meat. I complained that there was not a single fresh dish,
- and the next day, there was nothing but fresh. Sometimes there is scarcely
- anything served up, and the cook seems to have forgotten the dinner
- altogether: she is told of it; and the next day she slaughters without
- mercy pigs, sheep, fowls, ducks, turkeys, and everything that she can lay
- her murderous hands upon, till the table absolutely groans under the load
- of her labours. For above a month Cubina and I had perpetual quarrels
- about the cats being shut into the gallery at nights, where they threw
- down plates, glasses, and crockery of all kinds, and made such a clatter
- that to get a wink of sleep was quite out of the question. Cubina, before
- he went to rest, hunted under all the beds and sofas, and laid about him
- with a long whip for half an hour together; but in half an hour after his
- departure the cats were at work again. He was then told, that although he
- had turned them out, he must certainly have left some window open: he
- promised to pay particular attention to this point, but that night the
- uproar was worse than ever; yet he protested that he had carefully turned
- out all the cats, locked all the doors, and shut all the windows. He was
- told, that if he had really turned out all the cats, the cats must have
- got in again, and therefore that he must have left some one window open at
- least. “No,” he said, “he had not left one; but a pane in one of the
- windows had been broken two months before, and it was there that the cats
- got in whenever they pleased.” Yet he had continued to turn the cats out
- of the door with the greatest care, although he was perfectly conscious
- that they could always walk in again at the window in five minutes after.
- But the most curious of Cubina’s modes of proceeding is, when it is
- necessary for him to attack the pigeon-house. He steals up the ladder as
- slily and as softly as foot can fall; he opens the door, and steals in his
- head with the utmost caution; on which, to his never-failing surprise and
- disappointment, all the pigeons make their escape through the open holes;
- he has now no resource but entering the dove-cot, and remaining there with
- unwearied patience for the accidental return of the birds, which nine
- times out of ten does not take place till too late for dinner, and Cubina
- returns empty-handed. Having observed this proceeding constantly repeated
- during a fortnight, I took pity upon his embarrassment, and ordered two
- wooden sliders to be fitted to the holes. Cubina was delighted with this
- exquisite invention, and failed not the next morning to close all the
- holes on the right with one of the sliders; he then stepped boldly into
- the dove-cot, when to his utter confusion the pigeons flew away through
- the holes on the left. Here then he discovered where the fault lay, so he
- lost no time in closing the remaining aperture with the second slider, and
- the pigeons were thus prevented from returning at all. Cubina waited long
- with exemplary patience, but without success, so he abandoned the new
- invention in despair, made no farther use of the sliders, and continues to
- steal up the ladder as he did before. A few days ago, Nicholas, a mulatto
- carpenter, was ordered to make a box for the conveyance of four jars of
- sweetmeats, of which he took previous measure; yet first he made a box so
- small that it would scarcely hold a single jar, and then another so large
- that it would have held twenty; and when at length he produced one of a
- proper size, he brought it nailed up for travelling (although it was
- completely empty), and nailed up so effectually too, that on being
- directed to open it that the jars might be packed, he split the cover to
- pieces in the attempt to take it off. Yet, among all my negroes, Nicholas
- and Cubina are not equalled for adroitness and intelligence by more than
- twenty. Judge then what must be the remaining three hundred!
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 23.
- </h3>
- <p>
- In my medical capacity, like a true quack I sometimes perform cures so
- unexpected, that I stand like Katterfelto, “with my hair standing on end
- at my own wonders.” Last night, Alexander, the second governor, who has
- been seriously ill for some days, sent me word, that he was suffering
- cruelly from a pain in his head, and could get no sleep. I knew not how to
- relieve him; but having frequently observed a violent passion for perfumes
- in the house negroes, for want of something else I gave the doctoress some
- oil of lavender, and told her to rub two or three drops upon his nostrils.
- This morning, he told me that “to be sure what I had sent him was a grand
- medicine indeed,” for it had no sooner touched his nose than he felt
- some-thing cold run up to his forehead, over his head, and all the way
- down his neck to the back-bone; instantly, the headach left him, he fell
- fast asleep, nor had the pain returned in the morning. But I am afraid,
- that even this wonderful oil would fail of curing a complaint which was
- made to me a few days ago. A poor old creature, named Quasheba, made her
- appearance at my breakfast table, and told me, “that she was almost
- eighty, had been rather weakly for some time past, and somehow she did not
- feel as she was by any means right.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Had she seen the doctor? Did she want physic?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “No, she had taken too much physic already, and the doctor would do her no
- good; she did not want to see the doctor.”
- </p>
- <p>
- “But what then was her complaint?”
- </p>
- <p>
- “Oh! she had no particular complaint; only she was old and weakly, and did
- not find herself by any means so well as she used to be, and so she came
- just to tell massa, and see what he could do to make her quite right
- again, that was all.” In short, she <i>only</i> wanted me to make her
- young again!
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 24.
- </h3>
- <p>
- Mr. Forbes is dead. When I was last in Jamaica, he had just been poisoned
- with corrosive sublimate by a female slave, who was executed in
- consequence. He never was well afterwards; but as he lived intemperately,
- the whole blame of his death must not be laid upon the poison.
- </p>
- <h3>
- APRIL 30.
- </h3>
- <p>
- A free mulatto of the name of Rolph had frequently been mentioned to me by
- different magistrates, as remarkable for the numerous complaints brought
- against him for cruel treatment of his negroes. He was described to me as
- the son of a white ploughman, who at his death left his son six or seven
- slaves, with whom he resides in the heart of the mountains, where the
- remoteness of the situation secures him from observation or control. His
- slaves, indeed, every now and then contrive to escape, and come down to
- Savannah la Mar to lodge their complaints; but the magistrates, hitherto,
- had never been able to get a legal hold upon him. However, a few days ago,
- he entered the house of a Mrs. Edgins, when she was from home, and
- behaving in an outrageous manner to her slaves, he was desired by the
- head-man to go away. Highly incensed, he answered, “that if the fellow
- dared to speak another word, it should be the last that he should ever
- utter.” The negro dared to make a rejoinder; upon which Rolph aimed a blow
- at him with a stick, which missed his intended victim, but struck another
- slave who was interposing to prevent a scuffle, and killed him upon the
- spot. The murder was committed in the presence of several negroes; but
- negroes are not allowed to give evidence, and as no free person was
- present, there are not only doubts whether the murderer will be punished,
- but whether he can even be put upon his trial.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MAY 1. (Friday.)
- </h3>
- <p>
- This morning I signed the manumission of Nicholas Cameron, the best of my
- mulatto carpenters. He had been so often on the very point of getting his
- liberty, and still the cup was dashed from his lips, that I had promised
- to set him free, whenever he could procure an able negro as his
- substitute; although being a good workman, a single negro was by no means
- an adequate price in exchange. On my arrival this year I found that he had
- agreed to pay £150 for a female negro, and the woman was approved of by my
- trustee. But on enquiry it appeared that she had a child, from which she
- was unwilling to separate, and that her owner refused to sell the child,
- except at a most unreasonable price. Here then was an insurmountable
- objection to my accepting her, and Nicholas was told to his great
- mortification, that he must look out for another substitute. The woman, on
- her part, was determined to belong to Cornwall estate and no other: so she
- told her owner, that if he attempted to sell her elsewhere she would make
- away with herself, and on his ordering her to prepare for a removal to a
- neighbouring proprietor’s, she disappeared, and concealed herself so well,
- that for some time she was believed to have put her threats of suicide
- into execution. The idea of losing his £150 frightened her master so
- completely, that he declared himself ready to let me have the child at a
- fair price, as well as the mother, if she ever should be found; and her
- friends having conveyed this assurance to her, she thought proper to
- emerge from her hiding-place, and the bargain was arranged finally. The
- titles, however, were not yet made out, and as the time of my departure
- for Hordley was arrived, these were ordered to be got ready against my
- return, when the negroes were to be delivered over to me, and Nicholas was
- to be set free. In the meanwhile, the child was sent by her mistress (a
- free mulatto) to hide some stolen ducks upon a distant property, and on
- her return blabbed out the errand: in consequence the mistress was
- committed to prison for theft; and no sooner was she released, than she
- revenged herself upon the poor girl by giving her thirty lashes with the
- cattle-whip, inflicted with all the severity of vindictive malice. This
- treatment of a child of such tender years reduced her to such a state, as
- made the magistrates think it right to send her for protection to the
- workhouse, until the conduct of the mistress should have been enquired
- into. In the meanwhile, as the result of the enquiry might be the setting
- the girl at liberty, the joint title for her and her mother could not be
- made out, and thus poor Nicholas’s manumission was at a stand-still again.
- The magistrates at length decided, that although the chastisement had been
- severe, yet (according to the medical report) it was not such as to
- authorise the sending the mistress to be tried at the assizes. She was
- accordingly dismissed from farther investigation, and the girl was once
- more considered as belonging to me, as soon as the title could be made
- out. But the fatality which had so often prevented Nicholas from obtaining
- his freedom, was not weary yet. On the very morning, when he was to sign
- the title, a person whose signature was indispensable, was thrown out of
- his chaise, the wheel of which passed over his head, and he was rendered
- incapable of transacting business for several weeks. Yesterday, the titles
- were at length brought to me complete, and this morning put Nicholas in
- possession of the object, in the pursuit of which he has experienced such
- repeated disappointments. The conduct of the poor child’s mulatto mistress
- in this case was most unpardonable, and is only one of numerous instances
- of a similar description, which have been mentioned to me. Indeed, I have
- every reason to believe, that nothing can be uniformly more wretched, than
- the life of the slaves of free people of colour in Jamaica; nor would any
- thing contribute more to the relief of the black population, than the
- prohibiting by law any mulatto to become the owner of a slave for the
- future. Why should not rich people of colour be served by poor people of
- colour, hiring them as domestics? It seldom happens that mulattoes are in
- possession of plantations; but when a white man dies, who happens to
- possess twenty negroes, he will divide them among his brown family,
- leaving (we may say) five to each of his four children. These are too few
- to be employed in plantation work; they are, therefore, ordered to
- maintain their owner by some means or other, and which means are
- frequently not the most honest, the most frequent being the travelling
- about as higglers, and exchanging the trumpery contents of their packs and
- boxes with plantation negroes for stolen rum and sugar. I confess I cannot
- see why, on such bequest being made, the law should not order the negroes
- to be sold, and the produce of the sale paid to the mulatto heirs, but
- absolutely prohibiting the mulattoes from becoming proprietors of the
- negroes themselves. Every man of humanity must wish that slavery, even in
- its best and most mitigated form, had never found a legal sanction, and
- must regret that its system is now so incorporated with the welfare of
- Great Britain as well as of Jamaica, as to make its extirpation an
- absolute impossibility, without the certainty of producing worse mischiefs
- than the one which we annihilate. But certainly there can be no sort of
- occasion for continuing in the colonies the existence of <i>do-mestic
- slavery</i>, which neither contributes to the security of the colonies
- themselves, nor to the opulence of the mother-country, the revenue of
- which derived from colonial duties would suffer no defalcation whatever,
- even if neither whites nor blacks in the West Indies were suffered to
- employ slaves, except in plantation labour.
- </p>
- <h3>
- MAY 2.
- </h3>
- <p>
- I gave my negroes a farewell holiday, on which occasion each grown person
- received a present of half-a-dollar, and every child a maccaroni. In
- return, they endeavoured to express their sorrow for my departure, by
- eating and drinking, dancing and singing, with more vehemence and
- perseverance than on any former occasion. As in all probability many years
- will elapse without my making them another visit, if indeed I should ever
- return at all, I have at least exerted myself while here to do everything
- which appeared likely to contribute to their welfare and security during
- my absence. In particular, my attorney has made out a list of all such
- offences as are most usually committed on plantations, to which
- proportionate punishments have been affixed by myself. From this code of
- internal regulations the overseer is not to be allowed to deviate, and the
- attorney has pledged himself in the most solemn manner to adhere strictly
- to the system laid down for him. By this scheme, the negroes will no
- longer be punished according to the momentary caprice of their
- superintendent, but by known and fixed laws, the one no more than the
- other, and without respect to partiality or prejudice. Hitherto, in
- everything which had not been previously deter mined by the public law,
- with a penalty attached to the breach of it, the negro has been left
- entirely at the mercy of the overseer, who if he was a humane man punished
- him slightly, and if a tyrant, heavily; nay, very often the quantity of
- punishment depended upon the time of day when the offence was made known.
- If accused in the morning, when the overseer was in cold blood and in good
- humour, a night’s confinement in the stocks might be deemed sufficient;
- whereas if the charge was brought when the superior had taken his full
- proportion of grog or sangaree, the very same offence would be visited
- with thirty-nine lashes. I have, moreover, taken care to settle all
- disputes respecting property, having caused all negroes having claims upon
- others to bring them before my tribunal previous to my departure, and
- determined that from that time forth no such claims should be enquired
- into, but considered as definitively settled by my authority. It would
- have done the Lord Chancellor’s heart good to see how many suits I
- determined in the course of a week, and with what expedition I made a
- clear court of chancery. But perhaps the most astonishing part of the
- whole business was, that after judgment was pronounced, the losers as well
- as the gainers declared themselves perfectly satisfied with the justice of
- the sentence. I must acknowledge, however, that the negro principle that
- “massa can do no wrong,” was of some little assistance to me on this
- occasion. “Oh! quite just, me good, massa! what massa say, quite just! me
- no say nothing more; me good, massa!” Then they thanked me “for massa’s
- goodness in giving them so long talk!” and went away to tell all the
- others “how just massa had been in taking away what they wanted to keep,
- or not giving them what they asked for.” It must be owned that this is not
- the usual mode of proceeding after the loss of a chancery suit in England.
- But to do the negroes mere justice, I must say, that I could not have
- wished to find a more tractable set of people on almost every occasion.
- Some lazy and obstinate persons, of course, there must inevitably be in so
- great a number; but in general I found them excellently disposed, and
- being once thoroughly convinced of my real good-will towards them, they
- were willing to take it for granted, that my regulations must be right and
- beneficial, even in cases where they were in opposition to individual
- interests and popular prejudices. My attorney had mentioned to me several
- points, which he thought it advisable to have altered, but which he had
- vainly endeavoured to accomplish. Thus the negroes were in the practice of
- bequeathing their houses and grounds, by which means some of them were
- become owners of several houses and numerous gardens in the village, while
- others with large families were either inadequately provided for, or not
- provided for at all. I made it public, that from henceforth no negro
- should possess more than one house, with a sufficient portion of ground
- for his family, and on the following Sunday the overseer by my order
- looked over the village, took from those who had too much to give to those
- who had too little, and made an entire new distribution according to the
- most strict Agrarian law. Those who lost by this measure, came the next
- day to complain to me; when I avowed its having been done by my order, and
- explained the propriety of the proceeding; after which they declared
- themselves contented, and I never heard another murmur on the subject.
- Again, mothers being allowed certain indulgences while suckling, persist
- in it for two years and upwards, to the great detriment both of themselves
- and their children: complaint of this being made to me, I sent for the
- mothers, and told them that every child must be sent to the weaning-house
- on the first day of the fifteenth month, but that their indulgences should
- be continued to the mothers for two months longer, although the children
- would be no longer with them. All who had children of that age immediately
- gave them up; the rest promised to do so, when they should be old enough $
- and they all thanked me for the continuance of their indulgences, which
- they considered as a boon newly granted them. On my return from Hordley, I
- was told that the negroes suffered their pigs to infest the works and
- grounds in the immediate vicinity of the house in such numbers, that they
- were become a perfect nuisance; nor could any remonstrance prevail on them
- to confine the animals within the village. An order was in consequence
- issued on a Saturday, that the first four pigs found rambling at large
- after two days should be put to death without mercy; and accordingly on
- Monday morning, at the negro breakfast hour, the head governor made his
- appearance before the house, armed cap-a-pee, with a lance in his hand,
- and an enormous cutlass by his side. The news of this tremendous
- apparition spread through the estate like wildfire. Instantly all was in
- an uproar; the negroes came pouring down from all quarters; in an instant
- the whole air was rent with noises of all kinds and creatures; men, women,
- and children shouting and bellowing, geese cackling, dogs barking, turkeys
- gobbling; and, look where you would, there was a negro running along as
- fast as he could, and dragging a pig along with him by one of the hind
- legs, while the pigs were all astonishment at this sudden attack, and
- called upon heaven and earth for commiseration and protection,—
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- “With many a doleful grunt and piteous squeak,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Poor pigs! as if their pretty hearts would break!”
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- From thenceforth not a pig except my own was to be seen about the place;
- yet instead of complaining of this restraint, several of the negroes came
- to assure me, that I might depend on the animals not being suffered to
- stray beyond the village for the future, and to thank me for having given
- them the warning two days before. What other negroes may be, I will not
- pretend to guess; but I am certain that there cannot be more tractable or
- better disposed persons (take them for all in all) than my negroes of
- Cornwall. I only wish, that in my future dealings with white persons,
- whether <i>in</i> Jamaica or out of it, I could but meet with half so much
- gratitude, affection, and good-will.
- </p>
- <h3>
- THE END.
- </h3>
- <div style="height: 6em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-<pre>
-
-
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-
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