I have not attempted to describe Port Royal Harbour. It is large enough
to hold 1000 sail. The entrance is on the left side. A strip of sand,
known as the Palisades, runs east and west with the town of Port Royal,
surrounded with heavy batteries at the further end. Here are the
dockyard and naval arsenal, and forts with heavy guns completely
commanding the entrance.
At the eastern end stands Kingston, the commercial town, before which
the merchantmen bring up, while the men-of-war ride at anchor nearer the
mouth. A lofty range of hills, with valleys between them, rise beyond
the northern shore. Altogether, it is a grand place, and especially
grand it looked just now, filled with a fleet of ships and smaller
men-of-war.
Our captain, with the second lieutenant, the captain of the _Amethyst_,
and the commander of the corvette, went on shore, and were warmly
welcomed by the merchants, who said that they had rendered them signal
service in so gallantly protecting the convoy. They presented each of
the commanders with a piece of plate and a sum of money, to show their
gratitude.
"I told you so," said Nettleship when we heard of it; "we did our duty
on that occasion, though it was a hard trial to have to let the enemy
escape," As we were likely to be detained a week to replace our fore-top
mast, to repair other damages, and to get stores and fresh provisions on
board, most of our mess by turns got leave to go on shore, where, down
to Tom Pim, we were all made a great deal of by the planters and
merchants. We were invited to breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, and
dances every night. Most of our fellows lost their hearts to the
dark-eyed Creoles, and Tom Pim confided to me that a lovely little
damsel of fifteen had captured his.
"I didn't intend to strike to her, but I couldn't help it, for she
blazed away at me with her smiles, and glances of her dark eyes, and her
musical laughter, till I could stand them no longer, and I promised that
when I become a commander I will return and marry her forthwith, if she
will remain faithful to me."
"And what did she say?" I asked.
"She laughed more than ever, and inquired how long it was likely to be
before I could get my promotion. When I said that it might be in five
or six, or perhaps eight years, she remarked that that was a terrible
long time to wait, and that though constancy was a very fine thing, it
didn't do to try it too much."
Irishmen have susceptible hearts, I've heard, but I can't say that I
lost mine to any one in particular.
We had altogether a very jolly time of it, which we enjoyed all the more
because we knew that it must soon come to an end.
Tom Pim and I, who were inseparable, were at a party one evening, when a
good-natured looking gentleman came up to us. "I see that you have been
dancing with my little daughter Lucy," he said, addressing Tom. "May I
ask your names, and the ship to which you belong?" We told him.
"She's not likely, I understand, to sail for some days, and if you can
obtain leave I shall be very happy to see you at my country house, some
few miles away from this," he said. "My name is Talboys, and as I'm
well known to Captain Macnamara I'll write a note, which you can take on
board, asking him or his first lieutenant to give you leave for a couple
or three days,--the longer the better,--and to allow any other
midshipmen who can be spared to accompany you."
"Thank you very much, sir," I answered; "but we have to return on board
to-morrow morning by daylight, and I'm afraid that Mr Saunders won't be
inclined to let us go ashore again."
"There's nothing like asking," he observed; "and I think that he'll not
refuse my request, so you had better try."
Taking us into an ante-room, he wrote the promised note, of which Tom
Pim took charge. He told us, if we could obtain leave, to meet him at
Mammy Custard's boarding-house, an establishment much frequented by
midshipmen and other junior officers of the service. We had hitherto
not slept on shore, but we knew the house well.
The ball was kept up to a late hour. As soon as it was over we repaired
to the quay, where several boats were waiting to take off those who had
to return to their ships.
Tom and I agreed that we had very little chance of getting leave, but
that we should not refuse it if we did. The sky was clear as Nora
Creina's eye; every star was reflected on the calm surface of the water
in the harbour. We were all inclined to be jolly--officers and men.
Our tongues went rattling merrily on. Now and then there came a peal of
laughter, now snatches of songs. We had got more than half-way down the
harbour when the officer in command sang out, "Mind your helm. Where
are you coming to?"
At that instant we ran slap into a shore-boat pulled by negroes, and
stove in her bows. Loud shrieks and cries arose from the black crew,
who began to scramble into our boat,--the wisest thing they could do,
considering that their own was sinking.
"Oh, we all drown! we all drown!" they cried in loud tones. "Jack shark
catch me!"
The four blacks had saved themselves, but there were two passengers in
the stern-sheets who appeared to be less in a hurry to get on board.
Presently, however, finding the boat settling down, one of them made a
spring and tumbled on board.
"Why, Tim Connor, where did you come from?" asked one of our men. At
that moment the other man, instead of trying to save himself, plunged
into the water, and began swimming towards the southern shore. Perhaps
he thought that he might escape in the confusion unperceived, but our
lieutenant caught sight of him.
"Never mind the boat," he exclaimed. "Out oars. We must get hold of
that fellow, whoever he is."
We were not long in coming up with the bold swimmer, who, speedily
caught by the hair of his head, was hauled on board, in spite of his
struggles to get free. As he was hauled aft by the orders of the
lieutenant, I recognised Dan Hoolan.
"Who gave you leave to go on shore, my men?" asked the lieutenant.
"Plaise yer honour," answered Tim Connor, "we were only going for a
spree, and intended being off again in the mornin'."
Dan Hoolan sat sulkily, with his hands between his knees, not deigning
to reply.
"You'll find that you'll have to pay somewhat heavily for your spree,"
remarked the lieutenant.
"Seeing as we've not had it," I heard Tim mutter.
By the time we had got back to the boat she had almost disappeared, and
we could only pick up a few of the remaining articles she had contained.
A sharp look-out was kept on the two men, who had evidently intended to
desert. No further words were exchanged with them. Both sat with
downcast looks, probably well aware of the punishment they had brought
on themselves.
On reaching the ship they were handcuffed, and placed under charge of a
sentry. Tom and I had to keep our watch, and got but little sleep that
night.
As soon as we could we presented our note to Mr Saunders.
"Why, you lads are always wanting to go on shore," he observed dryly;
"one would suppose you were born on shore. However, as you conduct
yourselves well, you may have the leave your friend asks for, and may
return by the first boat to Kingston."
"Thank you, sir," we answered, highly delighted. "And may Sinnet and
Chaffey go too?" I asked.
"Were they invited?" he inquired.
"We were desired to bring two more of our mess, and we thought that they
could be best spared, sir."
"Yes, they may go," said Mr Saunders.
Without delay we conveyed the pleasant intelligence to them. Before
long we were again pulling up the harbour, and thus escaped seeing the
punishment inflicted on my unfortunate countrymen. I knew that they
deserved it, and therefore didn't trouble my head much about the matter.
We repaired at once to Mammy Custard's, and had not been there long
before Mr Talboys made his appearance.
"Glad you have got leave, my young friends," he said, shaking us all by
the hands, as we introduced Sinnet and Chaffey. "The carriages will
soon be at the door; but you must take some refreshment before we start,
to fortify the inner man for the fatigues of the journey."
Having told Mammy Custard to place luncheon on the table, and desired us
to commence operations without waiting for him, he went out, and left us
to discuss the viands and refreshing beverages.
We had just finished when Mr Talboys returned, with his daughter, in
one buggy, into which he invited me to mount, while he told Tom, Sinnet,
and Chaffey to get into the other, which was driven by a black boy. As
soon as we had taken our seats, the carriages dashed off, and away we
went in a fine style out of Kingston. I'm no hand at describing
scenery, nor can I remember the names of the tropical trees which grew
in rich profusion on both sides of the road, the climbing plants, the
gaily-coloured flowers, and other vegetable wonders. Miss Lucy and I
chatted away right merrily. I couldn't help thinking how jealous Tom
would be, and I would very gladly for his sake have changed places with
him.
"And what do you think of Jamaica?" asked her papa after we had gone
some distance.
"It's a wonderfully fine country, sir," I answered. "And if it were not
that I love Ballinahone more than any other place on earth, I shouldn't
be sorry to take up my abode here when I become a post-captain or an
admiral, and wish to settle down for life, should peace be established,
and my country not be requiring my services."
"We have our little drawbacks, however," observed Mr Talboys. "You
have not been here in the hot season yet. We now and then have an
outbreak of the blacks, for the rascals--strange to say--are not
contented with their lot. Occasionally too, we are attacked by foreign
foes, but we Jamaica men are right loyal, and are prepared to defend our
shores against all comers."
"I thought that the blacks were merry peaceable fellows, who never think
of rebellion," I observed.
"Nor would they, if they were not put up to it by designing knaves. But
in different parts of the island we have had half a dozen outbreaks
within my recollection, and not a few before it. Some have been
instigated by the enemies of our country; others by newly imported
slaves, who have been chiefs, or kings, as they call themselves, in
Africa; and on some occasions the Maroons have taken it into their
foolish heads to rebel. They are, as you're doubtless aware, free
blacks, who live an independent vagabond life on the mountains, and are
too ignorant and savage to know that they have no chance of success."
"But I hope, sir, that they're quiet now, or it can't be very pleasant
for you to live so far away from the city."
Mr Talboys laughed. "My negroes are quiet and obedient, and I should
get information in good time were anything likely to happen," he
answered.
"No one would think of attacking our house," put in Miss Lucy. "We are
well prepared, and they would gain nothing by the attempt."
We drove on through fine and wild romantic scenery, each turn of the
road bringing us to some new point of view. We passed a beautiful
waterfall, the bottom and sides of which appeared as if composed of
glass or porcelain; it consisted of a number of steps rising up the
sides of the hill. These, my friend told me, were incrustations which
had formed themselves over the roots of trees growing on either side.
The water came flowing down over them, transparent as crystal, and as
the rays of sunlight played between the waving branches of the trees,
the water glittered with a thousand variegated tints. We descended from
our carriages to enjoy a more perfect view. Tom and Charley took it
into their heads to attempt walking across some of the steps. Tom ran
lightly over them; but Chaffey, while following in his wake, being twice
as heavy, broke through the incrustation, and in he soused. He quickly
managed, however, to scramble out again, though not until he was wet
through nearly up to his middle.
"Why, I thought it was all hard stone," he exclaimed as he reached dry
ground.
We all had a hearty laugh at his expense. In that climate a ducking
doesn't much matter, and he was dry again before we had proceeded much
further on our journey.
Late in the evening we caught sight of a long low building, with a broad
verandah, surrounded with plantations, and a garden of fruit-trees on
the gentle slope of a hill. As we got near, a shout from the master
brought out several black boys, accompanied by a number of barking dogs,
who welcomed us by leaping round the horses' heads, and yelping and
frisking about with delight.
Mr Talboys jumped out, and Lucy leapt into his arms, while I descended
on the other side. A stout lady in a sky-blue dress, accompanied by
three small damsels in low white frocks, and a little boy in scanty
clothing, appeared at the top of the steps. Lucy, running up, kissed
them all round, and then Mr Talboys introduced us in due form to his
wife and younger daughters.
After a little conversation Madam Talboys led us into a handsome hall,
with a table in the centre, on which ample preparations for supper were
spread, the light from a dozen wax candles falling on the cut glass, the
silver forks and glittering steel, and an epergne filled with fragrant
flowers, surrounded by dishes containing salads, fruits of every
description, and other cold viands.
"The young gentlemen would like to wash their hands before they commence
operations," said Mr Talboys; and he ushered us into a room off the
great hall, in which were four snow-white beds, with muslin curtains
closely drawn round them, and wash-hand basins filled with deliciously
cool water.
We lost no time in plunging our faces into them, arranging our hair, and
making ourselves neat and comfortable.
"I say, we have fallen into pleasant quarters," exclaimed Chaffey. "We
owe it all to you, Tom. If you hadn't paid attention to Miss Lucy, we
should not have been here."
"Belay the slack of that," cried Tom. "Our host might overhear you, and
he wouldn't be pleased; nor would Miss Lucy herself."
We were quickly ready; and just as we returned to the hall several black
boys entered, each carrying a steaming dish, on which we fell to, when
helped, with keen appetites. Two other gentlemen came in,--an overseer
and a head clerk on the estate. We all laughed and talked at a great
rate. The overseer, Mr Rabbitts, at the request of our host, sang a
good song. The clerk followed with another. Then Miss Lucy got her
guitar, and warbled very sweetly. Altogether we were merry as crickets.
At length our host remarked that we must be tired, and led us to our
sleeping-room. We soon had our heads upon the pillows, with the
mosquito curtains drawn close around us.
Though midshipmen are rightly supposed to sleep soundly, I was awakened
by fancying that the doctor was running his lancet into me, and was
about to assure him that he was operating by mistake on me instead of on
some other patient, when I heard a loud whizzing, buzzing sound. I
hadn't been careful enough in closing the curtains, and a big mosquito
had got in, and was revelling in my fresh blood. I tried in vain to
catch the active creature, who was soon joined by others of his
abominable race. The humming concert was increased by countless other
sounds, which came through the open window,--the croaking of frogs and
tree-toads, the chirping and whistling of insects and reptiles, while I
could see a party of fireflies glistening among the curtains of the bed.
Now and then a huge beetle would make its way into the room, and go
buzzing about round and round, till to my infinite relief it darted out
of the window! But the noises and the stings of the mosquitoes drove
sleep from my eyelids. Presently I heard some one talking outside; it
was a nigger's voice, deep and husky.
"If de picaroons cum, den dey cum soon, and cut all our troats."
"Garramarcy, you don't say so!" exclaimed another. "Better tell massa;
he know what do."
"Me tink better run away and hide," said the first speaker. "Massa want
to stop and fight, and den we hab to fight too, and get killed."
"But if we run away and don't tell massa, he get killed, and Missy Lucy,
and missus, and de piccaninnies. Me tink tell massa fust and den run
away."
"But if um tell massa, he make um stop and fight. No, no, Cato; you one
fool. Wiser to run away, and not say where um go."
The arguments of the first speaker appeared to prevail with his
companion. They probably were not aware that any one was sleeping in
the room overhead.
As far as I could judge, the matter appeared serious. I recollected the
conversation I had had in the morning about the Maroons and the rebel
blacks.
Without further thought I jumped from my bed, and rushing to the window,
sang out, "Stop, you cowardly rascals. If you move I'll fire at you.
Tell your master what you have heard, and he'll act as he considers
necessary."
The sound of my voice awakened my companions, who fancied that the house
was attacked by thieves.
As the blacks, notwithstanding my threats, seemed inclined to be off, I
jumped out of the window, which was of no great height from the ground,
followed by Sinnet and Tom. The niggers fancied, I believe, that we
were spirits of another world, as we appeared in our night-shirts, which
were fluttering in the breeze, and came back trembling and humble
enough. We made them show us the window of Mr Talboys' room, as we
could not get into the house. Shouting loudly, we awoke him, and I then
told him what I had heard.
"You have acted judiciously, young gentleman, whether there is anything
in it or not; but I'll be dressed directly, and come out to hear what
account the black boys have to give. Take care they don't run off in
the meantime."
Presently I heard a bolt withdraw; the door opened, and Mr Talboys made
his appearance, a red night-cap on his head and wrapped in a flowered
dressing-gown, a candle in one hand, and a thick whip in the other.
"I must examine these fellows," he said as he came out. "They're less
liable to prevaricate if they see the whip. Come, now, young gentlemen,
you may wish to put on your garments, and while you do so I'll hear what
my negroes have to say."
As he was speaking, however, Chaffey came out of our room, bringing our
breeches, having first got into his own, lest, as he said, the ladies
might inconveniently make their appearance.
"What's this you were talking about, Cato?" asked Mr Talboys, looking
sternly at the blacks, who stood trembling before him.
"Caesar cum just now, and say dat Cudjoe, with great number ob niggers,
just come down from de mountains, and dey march dis way with muskets,
and bayonets, and big swords, and spears, and swear dey kill all de
whites dey cum across."