adventures to reduce them to a compliance; and in order thereto,
mustered up an army of a thousand men, and was resolutely bent to come
to deaan Mevarrow first. Now deaan Crindo could not on these occasions
raise any considerable army, because there was a dispute always
subsisting between him and his nephew Murnanzack, whose father was deaan
Crindo’s elder brother; who dying when his son was an infant, and his
country invaded, this uncle took upon him the charge of the government;
and when possessed of it would never resign it. Deaan Murnanzack was not
only an intrepid warrior, but a prince as well accomplished as ever
appeared in this illiterate country. He was just, honourable, generous,
and of a courteous disposition; he had three brothers, who were lords,
judges, and chiefs of towns, who together could raise an army not much
inferior to their uncle’s; besides, he was universally beloved. Now, in
case of a foreign war, all were ready to oppose the common enemy, as we
have seen them withstand the kings of Merfaughla and Antenosa; but they
were ever jealous and watchful of each other. For which reason deaan
Crindo could bring no greater an army against us than was consistent
with the safety of his own town, and those belonging to his sons.
Deaan Mevarrow had notice of this design against him, by a particular
friend of his in Fennoarevo, who ran from thence to our town by night,
and returned before daylight undiscovered. My master had a cousin with
whom he had contracted an intimate friendship, and whose father was as
powerful a lord as any in deaan Crindo’s dominions; to this uncle, whose
name was Mephontey, he fled with his people for protection. We soon
packed up our little all which we had left. My whole stock of provision
and household furniture consisted of no more than about a gallon of
carravances, a mat to lie upon, a hatchet, and a little spade to dig up
wild yams. We wanted no hoes now, for that work was put an end to in
this country. All our plantations, and most of the produce which was
laid up in little storehouses, were now left to the enemy’s disposal. In
half a day we arrived at deaan Mephontey’s town, who treated my master
with all due respect, and assured him, that he would defend both him and
his people to the utmost of his power. The chiefs had houses given them,
but we common people were obliged to build huts for ourselves in any
part of the town where we could find room. As for my own part, I erected
but a small one, not knowing how soon it might be burnt.
Deaan Crindo, in three days’ time, encamped before the town. He sent to
deaan Mephontey, desiring him to deliver up deaan Mevarrow, and all his
people, and bid him detain them at his peril. To this deaan Mephontey
sent a resolute answer, that he would protect any strangers, who were in
his opinion honest people, and fled to him for succour in distress; and
much more should he be sanguine for the interest of his friends and
relations; and if deaan Crindo would have them, he must take them away
by force, for he would defend them to the last extremity.
Deaan Crindo prepared to attack the town the next morning, and we to
defend it. In order thereto, the women and children were that night sent
away into the woods, not all into one place, but at proper distances,
and in small companies. I was ordered with a guard to take care of my
mistress, and some other women and slaves who were with her, which I
accordingly did. After I had marked the place, in order to find it again
with ease, I returned to the town, where we lived as well as we could
wish that night, dressing and eating beef in plenty, &c. for we had some
cattle of our own, such as I was sent to keep at first, which were at a
great distance, when deaan Frukey seized the milch cows; but we wanted
water, which was a great misfortune to us, since our enemies were so
near that we could fetch none all the day before.
The next morning we were all up by break of day, and every man at his
station, according to appointment the day before. I was posted behind my
master, who had two guns, one of which I was to load, while he fired
with the other. It was broad day before the enemy began the attack; they
fired so briskly upon us, that for nearly a quarter of an hour together
we could not see them for smoke; but as soon as their fire abated, we
returned it as hotly upon them. On the second onset they drew nearer,
and the lances flew briskly at one another; one of which went through my
lamber, and scratched me. I was a little surprised at first, but soon
recovering my spirits, I returned them the lance over the fortification,
in the same manner as it came to me. The cattle were very troublesome to
us; for several of them being wounded, they ran up and down and put the
rest into confusion. We fought thus for four hours successively, with
great warmth on both sides, till deaan Crindo perceiving he could not
enter the town, recalled his forces and withdrew to his camp. Deaan
Mephontey and deaan Mevarrow were for sallying out; but deaan
Mephontey’s son, Batoengha, with much difficulty persuaded them to
desist, suspecting an ambuscade. Several were killed on both sides, and
some wounded, whom we conveyed out of the town when the engagement was
over to their wives. We buried our dead under the fortification, and
sent out spies to observe the motions of the enemy, who brought us
intelligence that they were very quiet, and that their whole time was
spent in killing cattle, and fetching wood to dress provisions. When
this news was confirmed, and we were well assured that they would give
us no more trouble for that day, our people killed and dressed beef
likewise, but we were parched up with thirst. You might here have seen
men with their tongues lolling out of their mouths through excessive
heat. This want of water is the most intolerable of all calamities, and
a misery too great for words to express. I have before observed, that
when I first came into this country, I felt the anguish of it for almost
four days; and found by woful experience, that there was no comparison
between hunger and thirst. I had relief, however, sooner than my
neighbours; for my master sent me and two slaves with provisions for our
mistress, and those who accompanied her, where, by the way, we found a
little water.
I had some difficulty, notwithstanding all my precaution, to find the
place where I left her the night before; however, I got there at last.
She seemed in great concern for our welfare, and drowned in tears; for
hearing the guns firing, and, at length, ceasing all at once, she
imagined the town was taken and her husband killed; but the sight of me
dispelled all those melancholy clouds. I cut down several boughs with
large leaves upon them, which served very well for dishes and plates;
and cutting the roast meat I brought with me into pieces, I served it up
to my mistress: and though she had not, as some may probably remark, so
much delicacy as some of our fine ladies of her birth and distinction in
Europe, yet she enjoyed as grateful a repast, and I may venture to say
was as well satisfied as they would have been in her then circumstances.
When she was served, I divided the remainder amongst my fellow-servants,
her women, who were her attendants. My orders being to stay with her, I
sent the two men away who had brought a very considerable quantity of
raw meat; and in the night I made a fire to dress it, which could not be
discerned through so thick a wood; whereas, in the daytime, the smoke
might have discovered us. I went at some distance and dug up several
wild yams; these were very agreeable on account of their moisture, this
place being destitute of water; but none of them, how much soever they
might long for them, would venture to dig for themselves till I came,
lest the noise might betray them to the enemy.
At night we sat very sociably round the fire, whilst I entertained them
with the story of the engagement, and the dangers I had escaped. I also
roasted the meat, and hung part of it up in one tree and part in
another, out of the reach of the wild dogs and foxes, with which this
country abounds. When it grew late, I told them I had no bed to lie on,
having forgot my mat in the hurry. They laughed at this, and my mistress
said, “Sure, Robin, you do not think but we will make room for one man
amongst us?” and then bid me make choice of my place. Now I could be
free and jocose enough with the young women slaves, though not with
herself; yet I laid myself down close by them all night, and I can
assure my reader we were very innocent.
I must here confess, I could not but wonder at first, why my master
trusted me so readily with his wife, contrary to his care of her in
regard to other men, and to the custom of the country; but when I began
to reflect how dangerous it was for any woman, who was liable to be
called to an account for all her actions, to carry on an amour with a
white man, the wonder ceased; for, should a woman prove with child, the
colour of the offspring would betray its mother, if not point out the
father. But I must not let this pass with any thing which may be
misconstrued to this lady’s prejudice; for I solemnly declare, I never
once discovered in her the least criminal inclination; notwithstanding
what may be said here or elsewhere, of some such freedoms as would
appear too condescending, and be censured as too forward in our European
women.
We arose by daybreak, and listened very attentively to hear, if we
could, the noise of guns, but none were discharged; and in a short time
the two men came again to us, and brought us more provisions. They
informed us that deaan Crindo had sent a menacing message to deaan
Mephontey, to let him know, that unless he obliged deaan Mevarrow to
come to him, and submit to his determination of the quarrel between him
and deaan Frukey, that he would humble their pride, and remain there
with his army till he starved them; and moreover, he would guard the
watering place so strongly, that they should not dare to approach it.
Deaan Mephontey, on the other hand, returned as resolute an answer; that
he was under no apprehensions of starving, having provisions enough of
all kinds; a great number of cattle, and other conveniences for them to
live on for three months; but besides, he had strength sufficient to
force his way out of the town whenever he thought proper; and advised
deaan Crindo, for that reason, not to put it to the hazard of a trial,
but to move off, and rest contented with the repulse he had already met
with.
After the men had told their tale they returned home, and we all went to
digging of yams; even my mistress condescended to make one amongst us:
so I sharpened sticks for them, and they pulled off their lambers to
keep them clean; notwithstanding some of them were such worthless
things, that a rag woman in England would scarce have picked them up. My
mistress’s, indeed, was a fine silk one of various colours, and very
large, hanging almost down to her feet, with a handsome fringe at the
bottom. They made more free with me than they would with some others;
saying, with a smile, that they did not look upon me as a man, since I
discovered no warm or amorous inclinations. My reader, perhaps, will
scarcely believe me when I assure him, there were amongst them such
beauties, as were not much inferior to our European ladies, except their
colour; but my behaviour and resolution were actually such at that time,
and long after, that I told them, I resolved never to entertain any
thoughts of women, till I returned to England my native country. They
replied, they were sure I should be mistaken. However, I lived very
idly, indeed, but merrily enough, during the few days I continued here;
there being about a dozen women besides my mistress. And for my part, I
did not care how long the war lasted, for my provision was given me all
the time, and I had no work to do. As to the dangers that attended war,
I did not concern myself about them; I had nothing to lose but my life,
which, considering the circumstances I was in, and the small hopes I had
of ever getting home, was but a burthen to me; but we had not yet seen
all the miseries of a civil war. Every morning we used to listen to hear
if possible the noise of guns; when, at length, one of the slaves came
to us alone without any meat; and having seated himself (as slaves in
particular always do before they speak) he told us, that deaan Crindo
was gone away, and that my master had sent for us home. This was very
agreeable news; so we sat down to breakfast together, sang, and were as
jovial as so many beggars. My mistress was in a hurry to be gone; for
she was uneasy till she paid her respects to her husband. As soon as
ever she saw him she fell upon her knees, and licked his feet; and he
returned her compliment, after the manner of the country, by touching
her nose.
Now the reason of deaan Crindo’s sudden departure was, an information
that deaan Murnanzack had seized six hundred of his cattle; he might
have taken them all indeed, if he would, but he did this only to begin
the dispute. We stayed, however, a week longer at deaan Mephontey’s
town, till we were better informed how the matter stood between them;
and that there was nothing to fear on that side. Deaan Crindo, it seems,
had sent to deaan Murnanzack, to know the reason why he seized those
cattle, and whether he was determined to take deaan Mevarrow’s part? The
answer he received was, that he did it to show him his right of
dominion; notwithstanding he doubted not, but that he would dispute his
title with him, as unjustly as he had usurped it.
This was a mortifying stroke, and happened at a very unlucky juncture:
deaan Murnanzack was always a formidable competitor, and was looked on
as such, whenever he thought proper to maintain his right; and he,
doubtless, embraced this opportunity on purpose, when deaan Crindo had
weakened his interest, by affronting deaan Mevarrow, deaan Sambo, and
their friend deaan Mephontey. Crindo was soon convinced of his error,
and endeavoured to soften matters, by sending messengers to all of them,
to tell them that what he did, was with no other view than to chastise
his grandsons; and what was highly requisite to restore that peace and
tranquillity, which they and his son Frukey had disturbed; though he
began with the former, yet Frukey, had he proved refractory, should have
felt the weight of his resentment as well as others: he hoped,
therefore, that they would consider his good intention, and not break
friendship with him.
Three or four days after this, we departed from deaan Mephontey’s; but
first returned him many thanks for these generous testimonies of his
friendship and hospitality. We went home, (or rather homeward only,) for
though we found our way and the place of our late abode, yet not a house
was left to put our heads in. Our plantations too were totally
demolished, and the very barns and storehouses reduced to ashes; so that
we had nothing to live on but what the woods afforded, and a few cattle
among the richest and chiefest men; who were in fact very good, and
communicated to their poor neighbours.
The town being so absolutely demolished, as not to be repaired, deaan
Mevarrow determined to build a new one; and searching for a commodious
place, at length he found a wood so thick, that a dog could not creep
into it. This, therefore, was more than half fortified to his hand, and
pitched upon accordingly. A vacancy was soon made in it, the men cut
down the trees, bushes, and briars, and the women and children conveyed
them away; so that in about three days, we cleared a large space to
erect our houses on: however, as it was summer time, we were not in so
much haste for houses, as for fences against an enemy. We fortified it,
therefore, with bodies of trees, which we cut about sixteen or eighteen
feet in length; these we drove into the ground so close together, that
no creature whatever could possibly get between them. But as one row
only of these poles of trees was not thought a sufficient security, we
made three or four, one within another, round the whole circumference of
the town; leaving no other vacancy than a small and private passage for
the conveyance of our women, children, and slaves away with safety, in
case of an enemy’s approach; and this was so contrived, as not to be
discerned with ease or known by strangers. We made but one gateway or
entrance, and that not only narrow too, but defended with four
prodigiously thick and substantial doors, one within another.
The walls being completed, nothing more remained to do, but each man to
erect a house of what extent he thought proper for himself and his
family. We, who were slaves to deaan Mevarrow, took care to build his
first; some of us cut wood, others fetched grass in order to fill up the
sides; whilst I and about thirty more, went a tedious way, at least ten
miles, for annevoes, which are the leaves of a tree like those of a
cocoa-nut. These we split and covered the house with, for they make a
thatch much neater and stronger than any in England, but these trees
were so scarce, and at such a distance, that a single man could not go
often enough, in any reasonable time, to collect the leaves; and
notwithstanding we went in such a body, we were obliged to go twice for
a sufficient quantity to cover my master’s house.
When we had finished my master’s seat, we went about our lesser
apartments, and as at deaan Mephontey’s a small one served my turn, so
it did here in like manner; for, notwithstanding all our strong walls
and fortifications, I much questioned whether we should be able to keep
them long; neither did we, as it proved soon after: so I made my hut no
bigger than just to have room sufficient to stretch my self at full
length, and make a fire in, should I, by good fortune, find any victuals
to dress.
About a week after we were settled in our new town, a messenger, (or
rather, an ambassador,) arrived from deaan Murnanzack, with about twenty
in his retinue. His business was to sound deaan Mevarrow’s inclinations,
and (if they found a favourable opportunity) to desire his friendship
and assistance. He soon found there were good grounds to hope for
success, and for that reason delivered his message the first night he
came. To which deaan Mevarrow returned in answer, he would take it into
consideration, consult with his people, and give him his determinate
answer the next morning. In the mean time, he gave him a slave’s house
for his immediate accommodation, as is customary on such occasions; and
sent a bullock for the entertainment of him and his attendants. In the
next place, he sent out messengers to all the chiefs and freemen to come
and consult with him on an affair of the last importance. I was present,
and saw this assembly. As soon as deaan Mevarrow and his brother deaan
Sambo were seated, the principals placed themselves on either hand, and
the other freemen on each side of them.
Deaan Mevarrow opened the consultation, by telling them, that deaan
Murnanzack had sent a very honourable messenger to him to ask his
friendship and assistance. We must not forget, says he, that deaan
Murnanzack proved of singular service to us in the quarrel we once had
with deaan Termerre; therefore, consider we are much indebted to him
upon that score. Consider, moreover, that Chahary and Frukey will ever
be irreconcilable enemies, so long as we detain their wives and
families; and you concur with me not to deliver them without a due
return of all our cattle, which they obstinately refuse: then, as deaan
Crindo is their father, he, doubtless, will be partial, notwithstanding
his seeming pretensions to peace, and affected regard for justice; but
in what manner he has lately used us, is too fresh in all your memories
to need repetition. The justice of deaan Murnanzack’s claim to the
dominion, is, I presume, indisputable; whether deaan Crindo may not
justify himself as affairs now stand, in assuming the authority, is what
we shall not, at this juncture, take into consideration; but it is
highly requisite for us to consider, whether deaan Murnanzack has
strength enough to maintain the dispute, and protect us, and such other
friends as may be inclined to join him. This requires the most mature
deliberation: the chance of war is very precarious, and you have
families, slaves, and cattle to lose as well as I; weigh well,
therefore, the matter in hand, and let me have your resolution, with
which I shall readily concur.
They argued the point for some considerable time, and consulted not only
what would be most conducive to their interest, but reflected on the
dangerous situation they were in; and that it was most probable they
should be safest in joining with deaan Murnanzack. Thereupon they
agreed, that one of them should declare the result of their consultation
to the deaan. In the name of the rest, therefore, he desired him, if he
approved of their opinion, to contract and enter into a solemn
friendship with deaan Murnanzack; and if so, they would faithfully
observe and support him to the utmost of their power.
After I had seen the manner and formality of this grand assembly, our
parliament in Great Britain ran strangely in my head: I imagined this
the very image of it: and though I was but a lad when I went from home,
yet as my father kept a public house, to which the best of gentlemen
resorted, I remember, I have heard them often disputing with one another
about the power of the prince, to oblige the people to do what he
pleased without consulting them; whilst others insisted that a king had
no power without a parliament. Then they would dispute about the origin
of parliaments and their power, and by whose means the use of them was
brought first into England; in this too they seldom agreed. Some said
the Saxons introduced it; others maintained that it was of a more modern
date; whilst many were of different opinions from both. Now methinks
this article might be adjusted without any reference to authors and
historians; that parliaments were established long before the Saxons or
Romans either: for I imagine, that not only England, but several other
countries besides, were once like Madagascar, without the knowledge of
letters and coined money; and if that be the case, it was then
impossible for princes to exert that authority over the people, or to
dispose of them contrary to their interest, or inclinations: for I look
upon those princes to be like my master, who neither had, nor could have
any separate army or interest; but when any neighbour desired their
assistance, or any enemy had injured them, they assembled before the
house of their chief; and there debated what measures were most proper
to be taken for the good of their country. If war were agreed on, the
same men took their arms, and the sovereign or chief headed them, as my
master did here; and when they returned, each man went home to his own
family. Thus the people are their own army and defence; and the lord
could never oblige them to do what the majority did not think convenient
to be done, because he had no army to compel them. This was, doubtless,
the condition of all other countries once, and must have continued so,
had not people subjected themselves unwarily to the power of one man, by
giving him wealth and authority, not only sufficient to raise an army,
but to keep it in pay himself, and use it at discretion for their
defence; with which he most shamefully insulted and abused them.
However, in the state of nature, and the first establishment of
societies, this was the form of government; and with due submission to
the learned, I am of opinion we need not turn over many volumes to find
the original of British parliaments, for they are of much earlier date
than all their histories, or than letters themselves—and as to their
power, it is grounded on the strongest basis, reason and nature. But to
return to our story.
The alliance being unanimously resolved upon, deaan Mevarrow sent for
the messenger the next morning; and told him that he and his people,
after mature deliberation, were agreed to assist deaan Murnanzack; and
desired that their friendship might be ratified, and confirmed with the
usual solemnity. Hereupon an ox was immediately brought and killed, the
liver roasted, and stuck on lances, and deaan Murnanzack’s ambassador,
and a deputy of deaan Mevarrow’s, eat the liver between them, repeating
the imprecation we have mentioned before; that they wished it might
prove poison, and a farther curse might be sent by God upon that party
who first broke the alliance.
After this solemn ratification, the ox was divided between the
ambassador’s people and ours, who were present, and both eat it
together; after which, he and his attendants departed. And now deaan
Mevarrow repented that he had built this new town, for he would have
gone and lived near deaan Murnanzack, whose country bordered on
Merfaughla on one side, and was within ten or a dozen miles on the other
side of Fennoarevo. He had three brethren; deaan Mussecorrow, who lived
near him; deaan Afferrer, who lived on the mountains of Yong-gorvo, of
whom we shall have occasion to give a large account hereafter; and Rer
Mimebolambo, the youngest, who lived but about five miles from us to the
eastward; and this last being so very near us, we were ready at hand to
join in any enterprise, or to aid and assist one another. However, we
did not think ourselves safe, and, therefore, we took care not to let
deaan Crindo know our resolution, till we had made one expedition; and
after that, we made ourselves more secure.