[A comfortable Message from the King concerning us.] But this our

trouble and dejection (thanks be to God) lasted but a day. For the

King seemed to apprehend into what a fit of Fear and Sorrow this our

Remove would cast us, and to be sensible, how sadly we must needs take

it to change a sweet and pleasant Countrey, such as Handapondown and

the Countrey adjacent was, for this most sad and dismal Mountain. And

therefore the next day came a comfortable Message from the King's

own mouth, sent by no less Man than he, who had the chief Power

and Command over those People who were appointed to give us our

Victuals, where we were. This Message, which as he said himself,

he was ordered by the King to deliver to the People in our hearing,

was this, That they should not think that we were Malefactors, that

is, such who having incurred the King's displeasure were sent to be

kept Prisoners there, but men whom his Majesty did highly esteem,

and meant to promote to great Honour in his Service, and that they

should respect us as such, and entertain us accordingly. And if their

ability would not reach thereunto, it was the King's Order, he said,

to bid them sell their Cattel and Goods, and when that was done their

Wives and Children, rather than we should want of our due allowance:

which he ordered, should be as formerly we used to have: and if we

had not Houses thatched, and sufficient for us to dwell in, he said,

We should change, and take theirs.

[Placed there to punish the People for Crime.] This kind Order from

the King coming so suddenly, did not a little comfort and encourage

us. For then we did perceive the King's purpose and intent in placing

us in those remote Parts, was not to punish us, but them: that we

might be his Instruments to Plague and take revenge of that People;

who it seems had Plundred the King's Palace in the time of the late

Rebellion, when he left it and fled; for this Town lies near unto

the same: and their Office lying about the Court they had the fairer

opportunity of Plundering it. For the Service they are to perform to

the King, is to carry his Pallenkine when he pleaseth to ride therein,

and also to bring Milk every Morning to the Court, being Keepers of

the King's Cattel.

[Weary of this place.] In this Town we remained some three years;

by which time we were grown quite weary of the place, and the place

and People also grown weary of us, who were but troublesom Guests to

them; for having such great Authority given us over them, we would

not lose it; and being four of us in call one of another, we would not

permit or suffer them to domineer over us. Being thus tired with one

anothers Company, and the King's Order being of an old Date, we used

all means we could to clear our selves of one another: often repairing

unto the Court to seek to obtain a Licence that we might be removed

and placed any where else. But there was none that durst grant it,

because it was the King's peculiar Command, and special Appointment

that we must abide in that very Town.

During the time of our stay here, we had our Victuals brought us

in good order and due season: the Inhabitants having such a charge

given them by their Governour and he from the King, durst not do

otherwise. So that we had but little to do, only to dress and eat,

and sit down to knit.

[By a piece of Craft he gets down to his old Quarters.] I had used

the utmost of my skill and endeavour to get a Licence to go down to

my former Quarters, all things being now pretty well settled, hoping

that I might recover some of my old Debts: but by no means could I

obtain it. The denial of so reasonable a desire, put me upon taking

leave. I was well acquainted with the way, but yet I hired a man to

go with me, without which I could not get thro the Watches. For altho

I was the Master and he the Man, yet when we came into the Watches,

he was the Keeper and I the Prisoner. And by this means we passed

without being suspected.

[Began the world anew the third time.] Being come into my old Quarters,

by pretending that this man was sent down from the Magistrate to

see that my Debts and Demands might be duely paid and discharged,

I chanced to recover some of them, and the rest gave over for lost;

for I never more looked after them. And so I began the world anew,

and by the Blessing of God was again pretty well recruited before I

left this Town.

[Plots to remove himself.] In the time of my residence here, I chanced

to hear of a small piece of Land that was to be sold. About which I

made very diligent inquiry. For altho I was sore a weary of living

in this Town, yet I could not get out of it, not having other new

Quarters appointed me, unless I could provide a place for my self

to remove to: which now God had put into my hand. As for the King's

Command I dreaded it not much, having found by observation, that the

King's Orders wear away by time, and the neglect of them comes at

last to be unregarded. However I was resolved to put it to a hazard,

come what will.

[Is incouraged to buy a piece of Land.] Altho I had been now some seven

or eight years in this Land, and by this time came to know pretty well

the Customs and Constitutions of the Nation, yet I would not trust

my own knowledge, but to prevent the worst, I went to the Governor of

that same Countrey where the Land lay, to desire his advice, whether

or no I might lawfully buy that small piece of Land. He inquired,

Whose and what Land it was, I informed him, That it had been formerly

dedicated to a Priest, and he at his death had left it to his Grandson:

who for want was forced to sell it. Understanding this, the Governor

approved of the business, and encouraged me to buy it: saying, That

such kind of Lands only were lawful here to be bought and sold,

and that this was not in the least litigious.

[The Situation and condition of it.] Having gotten both his consent and

advice, I went on chearfully with my purchase. The place also liked me

wondrous well; it being a point of Land, standing into a Corn Field,

so that Corn Fields were on three sides of it, and just before my Door

a little Corn ground belonging thereto, and very well watered. In

the Ground besides eight Coker-nut Trees, there were all sorts of

Fruit Trees the Countrey afforded. But it had been so long desolate,

that it was all overgrown with Bushes, and no sign of a House therein.

[Buys it.] The price of this Land was five and twenty Larees, that is

five Dollars, a great Sum of Money in the account of this Countrey;

yet thanks be to God, who had so far inabled me after my late and

great loss, that I was strong enough to lay this down. The terms of

Purchase being concluded on between us, a Writing was made upon a leaf

after that Countrey manner, witnessed by seven or eight Men of the

best Quality in the Town: which was delivered to me, and I paid the

Money, and then took Possession of the Land. It lyes some ten Miles

to the Southward of the City of Cande in the County of Oudaneur,

in the Town of Elledat.

[Builds an House on it.] Now I went about Building an House upon my

Land, and was assisted by three of my Countreymen that dwelt near

by, Roger Gold, Ralph Knight, and Stephen Rutland, and in short time

we finished it. The Countrey People were all well pleased to see us

thus busie our selves about buying of Land and Building of Houses,

thinking it would ty our Minds the faster to their Countrey, and make

us think the less upon our own.

[Leaves Laggendenny.] Tho I had built my new House, yet durst I not yet

leave my old Quarters in Laggendenny, but wait until a more convenient

time fell out for that purpose. I went away therefore to my old home,

and left my aforesaid three English Neighbours to inhabit in it in

my absence. Not long after I found a fit season to be gone to my

Estate at Elledat. And upon my going, the rest left the Town also,

and went and dwelt elsewhere, each one where he best liked. But by

this means we all lost a Privilege which we had before: which was

that our Victuals were brought unto us, and now we were forced to go

and fetch them our selves; the People alledging (true enough) that

they were not bound to carry our Provisions about the Country after us.

[Settled at his new purchase, with three more living with him.] Being

settled in my new House, I began to plant my ground full of all sorts

of Fruit Trees; and by the Blessing of God all grew and prospered,

and yielded me great Plenty, and good increase, sufficient both for

me, and for those that dwelt with me. For the three English men I

left at my House when I departed back to Laggendenny, still lived

with me. We were all single men; and we agreed very well together,

and were helpful to one another. And for their help and assistance

of me, I freely granted them Liberty to use and enjoy Whatsoever the

ground afforded, as much as my self. And with a joynt consent it was

concluded amongst us, That only single Men and Batchellors should dwell

there, and such as would not he conformable to this present agreement

should depart and absent himself from our Society, and also forfeit

his right and claim to the forementioned Privilege, that is, to be

cut off from all benefit of whatsoever the Trees and Ground afforded.

I thought fit to make such a Covenant, to exclude women from coming

in among us, to prevent all strife and dissention, and to make

all possible Provision for the keeping up love and quietness among

our selves.

In this manner we four lived together some two years very lovingly and

contentedly, not an ill word passing between us. We used to take turns

in keeping at home, while the rest went forth about their Business. For

our house stood alone and no Neighbour near it. Therefore we always

left one within. The rest of the English men lived round about us,

some four or five miles distant, some more. So that we were, as it

were, within reach one of another; which made us like our present

Situation the more.

[Their freedom and Trade.] Thus we lived upon the Mountains, being

round about us beset with watches, most of our People being now

married: so that now all talk and suspition of our running away was

laid aside. Neither indeed was it scarce possible. The effect of

which was, that now we could walk from one to the other, or where we

would upon the Mountains, no man molesting or disturbing us in the

least. So that we began to go about a Pedling, and Trading in the

Country farther towards the Northward, carrying our Caps about to sell.

[His Family reduced to two.] By this time two of our Company seeing

but little hopes of Liberty, thought it too hard a task thus to lead

a single life, and married. Which when they had done according to

the former agreement departed from us. So that our Company was now

reduced to two, viz. my Self and Stephen Rutland; whose inclination

and resolution was as stedfast as mine against Marriage. And we parted

not to the last, but came away together.

CHAP. VII.

A return to the rest of the English, with some further accounts of

them. And some further discourse of the Authors course of life.

[Confer together about the lawfulness of Marrying with the Native

Women.] Let us now make a Visit to the rest of our Country-men,

and see how they do. They reckoning themselves in for their Lives,

in order to their future settlement, were generally disposed to

Marry. Concerning which we have had many and sundry disputes among

ourselves; as particularly concerning the lawfulness of matching

with Heathens and Idolaters, and whether the Chingulays Marriages

were any better than living in Whoredome: there being no Christian

Priests to join them together, and it being allowed by their Laws to

change their Wives and take others as often as they pleased. But these

cases we solved for our own advantage after this manner, That we were

but Flesh and Blood, and that it is said, It is better to Marry than

to burn, and that as far as we could see, we were cut off from all

Marriages any where else, even for our Life time, and therefore that

we must marry with these or with none at all. And when the People in

Scripture were forbidden to take Wives of Strangers, it was then when

they might intermarry with their own People, and so no necessity lay

upon them. And that when they could not, there are examples in the Old

Testament upon Record, that they took Wives of the Daughters of the

Lands, wherein they dwelt. These reasons being urged, there was none

among us, that could object ought against them, especially if those

that were minded to marry Women here, did take them for their Wives

during their lives, as some of them say, they do: and most of the

Women they marry are such as do profess themselves to be Christians.

[He resolves upon a single life.] As for mine own part, however lawful

these Marriages might be, yet I judged it far more convenient for me

to abstain, and that it more redounded to my good, having always a

reviving hope in me, that my God had not forsaken me, but according to

his gracious promise to the Jews in the XXX Chapter of Deuteronomy,

and the beginning, would turn my Captivity and bring me into the

Land of my Fathers. These and such like meditations, together with my

Prayers to God, kept me from that unequal Yoke of Unbeleivers, which

several of my Countrey men and fellow Prisoners put themselves under.

[What employments they follow.] By this time our People having

plyed their Business hard, had almost knit themselves out of work;

and now Caps were become a very dead Commodity, which was the chief

stay they had heretofore to trust to. So that now most of them betook

themselves to other employments; some to Husbandry, Plowing Ground,

and sowing Rice, and keeping Cattle, others stilled Rack to sell,

others went about the Country a Trading. For that which one part of

the Land affords is a good Commodity to carry to another that wants

it. And thus with the help of a little allowance, they make a shift

to subsist. Most of their Wives spin Cotton yarn, which is a great

help to them for cloathing, and at spare times also knit.

[The respect and credit they live in.] After this manner by the

blessing of God our Nation hath lived and still doth, in as good

fashion as any other People or Nation whatsoever, that are Strangers

here, or as any of the Natives themselves, only the Grandees and

Courtiers excepted. This I speak to the Praise and Glory of our God;

who loves the Stranger in giving him Food and Raiment; and that hath

been pleased to give us Favour and a good Repute in the sight of our

Enemies. We cannot complain for want of justice in any wrongs we have

sustained by the People; or that our cause hath been discountenanced;

but rather we have been favoured above the Natives themselves.

[A Chingulay punished for beating an English man.] One of our men

happened to be beaten by his Neighbour. At which we were all very

much concerned, taking it as a reproach to our Nation, and fearing

it might embolden others to do the like by the rest of us. Therefore

with joint consent we all concluded to go to the Court to complain,

and to desire satisfaction from the Adigar. Which we did. Upon this

the man who had beat the English man was summoned in to appear before

him. Who seeing so many of us there, and fearing the cause will go

very hard with him, to make the Judg his friend, gave him a bribe. He

having received it would have shifted off the Punishment of the

Malefactor. But we day after day followed him from house to Court,

and from place to place, where-ever he went, demanding Justice and

Satisfaction for the wrong we received, shewing the black and blew

blows upon the English mans shoulders to all the rest of the Noble men

at Court. He fearing therefore lest the King might be made acquainted

herewith was forced tho much against his will to clap the Chingulay

in Chains. In which condition after he got him, he released him not

till besides the former fee he had given him another.

[An English man preferred at Court.] Lately was Richard Varnham

taken into the Kings service, and held as Honourable an employment as

ever any Christian had in my time, being Commander of Nine Hundred

and Seventy Soldiers, and set over all the great Guns, and besides

this, several Towns were under him. A place of no less Profit than

Honour. The King gave him an excellent Silver Sword and Halberd, the

like to which the King never gave to any White man in my time. But he

had the good luck to die a natural Death. For had not that prevented,

in all probability he should have followed the two English men that

served him, spoken of before.

[The English serve the King in his Wars.] Some years since some of

our Nation took up Arms under the King. Which happened upon this

occasion. The Hollanders had a small Fort in the Kings Countrey,

called Bibligom Fort. This the King minded to take and demolish, sent

his Army to beseige it. But being pretty strong; for there were about

Ninety Dutch men in it, besides a good number of Black Soldiers, and

four Guns on each point one, being in this condition it held out. Some

of the great men informed the King of several Dutch runnaways in his

Land, that might be trusted, not daring to turn again for fear of

the Gallows, who might help to reduce the Fort. And that also there

were white men of other Nations that had Wives and Children, from

whom they would not run: and these might do him good service. Unto

this advice the King inclined.

Whereupon the King made a Declaration to invite the forrain Nations

into his Service against Bibligom Fort, that he would compel none,

but such as were willing of their own free accord, the King would

take it kindly, and they should be well rewarded. Now there entred

into the Kings Service upon this Expedition some of all Nations; both

Portugueze, Dutch and English, about the number of Thirty. To all that

took Arms he gave to the value of Twenty shillings in money, and three

pieces of Callico for Cloaths, and commanded them to wear Breeches,

Hats and Doublets, a great honour there. The King intended a Dutch-man,

who had been an old Servant to him, to be Captain over them all. But

the Portuguese not caring to be under the Command of a Dutch-man,

desired a Captain of their own Nation, which the King granted,

studying to please them at this time. But the English being but six,

were too few to have a Captain over them, and so were forced some to

serve under the Dutch and some under the Portugueze Captain. There

were no more of the English, because being left at their liberty they

thought it safest to dwell at home, and cared not much to take Arms

under a Heathen against Christians.

[Who now live miserably.] They were all ready to go, their Arms and

Ammunition ready with Guns prepared to send down, but before they went,

Tydings came that the Fort yeilded at the Kings Mercy. After this the

Whites thought they had got an advantage of the King in having these

gifts for nothing, but the King did not intend to part with them so;

but kept them to watch at his Gate. And now they are reduced to great

Poverty and Necessity. For since the Kings first Gift they have never

received any Pay or Allowance; tho they have often made their Addresses

to him to supply their wants, signifying their forwardness to serve

him faithfully. He speaks them fair, and tells them he will consider

them, but does not in the least regard them. Many of them since,

after three or four years service, have been glad to get other Poor

run away Dutch men to serve in their steads, giving them as much mony

and cloths as they received of the King before; that so they might

get free, to come home to their Wives and Children.

The Dutch Captain would afterwards have forced the rest of the English

to have come under him, and called them Traytors because they would

not, and threatned them. But they scorned him, and bid him do his

worst, but would never be persuaded to be Soldiers under him, saying,

that it was not so much his zeal to the Kings Service as his own

Pride to make himself greater by having more men under him.

[He returns to speak of himself. Plots and Consults about an Escape.] I

will now turn to the Progress of my own Story. It was now about the

year MDCLXXII. I related before, that my family was reduced to two,

my self and one honest man more, we lived solitarily and contentedly

being well setled in a good House of my own. Now we fell to breeding

up Goats: we began with two, but by the blessing of God they soon came

to a good many; and their Flesh served us instead of Mutton. We kept

Hens and Hogs also: And seeing no sudden likelihood of Liberty, we

went about to make all things handsome and convenient about us: which

might be serviceable to us, while we lived there, and might farther

our Liberty whensoever we should see an occasion to attempt it: which

it did, in taking away all suspition from the People concerning us:

who not having Wives as the others had, they might well think, lay the

readier to take any advantage to make an escape. Which indeed we two

did Plot and Consult about, between our selves with all imaginable

Privacy, long before we go away: and therefore we laboured by all

means to hide our designs; and to free them from so much as suspition.

[A description of his House.] We had now brought our House and Ground

to such a perfection that few Noble mens Seats in the Land did excel

us. On each side was a great Thorn Gate for entrance, which is the

manner in that Countrey: the Gates of the City are of the same. We

built also another House in the Yard all open for Air, for our selves

to sit in, or any Neighbours that came to talk with us. For seldome

should we be alone, our Neighbours oftner frequenting our House than

we desired; out of whom to be sure we could pick no Profit. For

their coming is always either to beg or borrow. For altho we were

Strangers and Prisoners in their Land, yet they would confess that

Almighty God had dealt far more bountifully with us than with them,

in that we had a far greater plenty of all things than they.

[He takes up a new Trade and Thrives on it.] I now began to set

up a new Trade. For the Trade of Knitting was grown dead, and

Husbandry I could not follow, not having a Wife to help and assist

me therein, a great part of Husbandry properly belonging to the

woman to manage. Whereupon I perceived a Trade in use among them,

which was to lend out Corn. The benefit of which is fifty per cent,

per annum. This I saw to be the easiest and most profitable way of

Living, whereupon I took in hand to follow it: and what stock I had,

I converted into Corn or Rice in the Husk. And now as customers came

for Corn, I let them have it, to receive their next Harvest, when their

own Corn was ripe, the same quantity I lent them, and half as much

more. But as the Profit is great, so is the trouble of getting it in

also. For he that useth this Trade must watch when the Debtors Field

is ripe, and claim his due in time, otherwise other Creditors coming

before will seize all upon the account of their Debts, and leave no

Corn at all for those that carrie later. For these that come thus a

borrowing, generally carry none of their Corn home when it is ripe,

for their Creditors ease them of that Labour by coming into their

Fields and taking it, and commonly they have not half enough to pay

what they ow. So that they that miss getting ther Debts this year

must stay till the next when it will be double, two measures for one:

but the Interest never runs up higher, tho the Debt lye seven years

unpaid. By means hereof I was put to a great deal of trouble, and was

forced to watch early and late to get my Debts, and many times miss

of them after all my Pains. Howbeit when my Stock did encrease that

I had dealings with many, I mattered not if I lost in some places,

the profit of the rest was sufficient to bear that out.

And thus by the Blessing of God my little was encreased to a great

deal. For he had blessed me so; that I was able to lend to my Enemies,

and had no need to borrow of them. So that I might use the words of

Jacob, not out of Pride of my self, but thankfulness to God, That he

brought me hither with my Staff and blessed me so here, that I became

two Bands.

[His Allowance paid him out of the King's Store-houses.] For some

years together after I removed to my own House from Laggen denny,

the People from whence I came continued my allowance that I had when I

lived among them. But now in plain Terms they told me they could give

it me no more, and that I was better able to live without it than

they to give it me. Which tho I knew to be true, yet I thought not

fit to loose that Portion of Allowance, which the King was pleased to

allot me. Therefore I went to Court and appealed to the Adigar to whom

such matters did belong. Who upon consideration of the Peoples poor

condition, appointed me monthly to come to him at the Kings Palace

for a Ticket to receive my Allowance out of the King's Store-houses.

Hereby I was brought into a great danger, out of which I had much ado

to escape, and that with the loss of my Allowance for ever after. I

shall relate the manner of it in the next Chapter.

CHAP. VIII.

How the Author had like to have been received into the Kings Service,

and what means he used to avoid it. He meditates and attempts an

escape, but is often prevented.

[He voluntarily forgoes his pension.] This frequent Appearance at the

Court, and waiting there for my Tickets, brought me to be taken notice

of by the Great men: insomuch that they wondered I had been all this

while forgotten, and never been brought before the King, being so fit,

as they would suppose me, for his use and service, saying, That from

henceforward I should fare better than that Allowance amounted to, as

soon as the King was made acquainted with me. Which words of theirs

served instead of a Ticket, Whereupon fearing I mould suddainly

be brought in to the King, which thing I most of all feared, and

least desired, and hoping that out of sight might prove out of mind,

I resolved to forsake the Court, and never more to ask for Tickets,

especially seeing God had dealt so bountifully with me as to give me

ability to live well enough without them. As when Israel had eaten

of the Corn of the Land of Canaan, the Manna ceased; so when I was

driven to forego my Allowance that had all this while sustained me

in this wilderness, God otherways provided for me.

[Summoned before the King.] From this time forward to the time of

my Flight out of the Land, which was five years. I neither had nor

demanded any more Allowance, and glad I was that I could escape

so. But I must have more trouble first. For some four or five days

after my last coming from Court, there came a Soldier to me, sent

from the Adigar, with an Order in writing under his hand, that upon

sight thereof I should immediatly dispatch and come to the Court to

make my personal appearance before the King and in case of any delay,

the Officers of the Countrey, were thereby Authorized and Commanded

to assist the Bearer, and to see the same Order speedily performed.

The chief occasion of this had been a Person, not long before my near

Neighbour and Acquaintance, Oua Matteral by name, who knew my manner

of Life, and had often been at my House; but now was taken in and

employed at Court; and he out of friendship and good will to me was

one of the chief Actors in this business, that he might bring me to

Preferment at Court.

[He is informed that he is to be preferred at Court.] Upon the

abovesaid summons there was no Remedy, but to Court I must go. Where I

first applyed my self to my said old Neighbour, Oua Motteral, who was

the occasion of sending for me. I signified to him that I was come in

obedience to the Warrant, and I desired to know the reason why I was

sent for? To which he answered, Here is good news for you; you are to

appear in the Kings Presence, where you will find great Favour, and

Honourable entertainment, far more than any of your Countrey men yet

here found. Which the great man thought would be a strong Inducement to

persuade me joyfully to accept of the Kings Employments. But this was

the thing I always most dreaded, and endeavoured to shun, knowing that

being taken into Court would be a means to cut of all hopes of Liberty

from me, which was the thing I esteemed equal unto life it self.

[But resolves to refuse it.] Seeing my self brought unto this pass,

wherein I had no earthly helper, I recommended my cause to God,

desiring him in whose hands are the hearts of Kings and Princes to

divert the business. And my cause being just and right I was resolved

to persist in a denial. My case seemed to me to be like that of the

four Lepers at the Gate of Samaria. No avoiding of Death for me: If

out of Ambition and Honour, I should have embraced the Kings Service,

besides the depriving my self of all hopes of Liberty, in the end I

must be put to death, as happens to all that serve him; and to deny

his service could be but Death. And it seemed to me to be the better

Death of the two. For if I should be put to Death only because I

refused his service, I should be pitied as one that dyed innocently;

but if I should be executed in his Service, however innocent I was,

I should be certainly reckon'd a Rebel and a Traytor, as they all

are whom he commands to be cut off.

[The answer he makes to the Great man.] Upon these confederations

having thus set my resolutions, as God enabled me, I returned him

this answer: First, That the English Nation to whom I belonged had

never done any violence or wrong to their King either in word or

deed. Secondly, That the causes of my coming on their Land was not

like to that of other Nations, who were either Enemies taken in War,

or such as by reason of poverty or distress, were driven to sue for

relief out of the Kings bountiful liberality, or such as fled for the

fear of deserved punishment; Whereas, as they all well knew, I came

not upon any of these causes, but upon account of Trade, and came

ashore to receive the Kings Orders, which by notice we understood

were come concerning us, and to render an account to the Dissauva

of the Reasons and Occasions of our coming into the Kings Port. And

that by the grief and sorrow I had undergone by being so long detained

from my Native Countrey, (but, for which I thanked the Kings Majesty,

without want of any thing) I scarcely enjoyed my self. For my heart

was alwayes absent from my body. Hereunto adding my insufficiency

and inability for such honourable Employment, being subject to many

Infirmities and Diseases of Body.

To this he replied, Cannot you read and write English? Servile Labour

the King requireth not of you. I answered, When I came ashore I was

but young, and that which then I knew, now I had forgot for want of

practice, having had neither ink nor paper ever since I came ashore. I

urged moreover, That it was contrary to the Custome and Practice of

all Kings and Princes upon the Earth to keep and detain men that

came into their Countreys upon such peaceable accounts as we did;

much less to compel them to serve them beyond their power and ability.

[He is sent to another great Officer.] At my first coming before him

he looked very pleasingly, and spake with a smiling countenance to me:

but now his smiles were turned into frowns, and his pleasing looks

into bended brows, and in rough Language, he bad me be gone and tell

my tale to the Adigar. Which immediatly I did; but he being busie did

not much regard me, and I was glad of it, that I might absent the

Court. But I durst not go out of the City. Sore afraid I was that

evil would befall me and the best I could expect was to be put in

Chains. All my refuge was Prayer to God, whose hand was not shortned

that it could not save, and would make all things work together for

good to them that trust in him. From him only did I expect help and

deliverance in this time of need.

[He stays in the City expecting his doom.] In this manner I lodged

in an English mans house that dwelt in the City about ten days,

maintaining my self at my own charge, waiting with a sorrowful heart,

and daily expecting to hear my Doom. In the mean time my Countrey

men and Acquaintance, some of them blamed me for refusing so fair a

Profer; whereby I might not only have lived well my self, but also

have been helpful unto my Poor Country-men and friends: others of

them pittying me, expecting, as I did, nothing but a wrathful sentence

from so cruel a Tyrant, if God did not prevent. And Richard Varnham,

who was at this time a great man about the King, was not a little

scared to see me run the hazard of what might ensue, rather than be

Partaker with him in the felicities of the Court.

[He goes home but is sent for again.] It being chargable thus to

lye at the City, and hearing nothing more of my business, I took

leave without asking, and went home to my House; which was but a

Days distance, to get some Victuals to carry with me and to return

again. But soon after I came home I was sent for again. So I took

my load of Victuals with me, and arrived at the City, but went not

to the Court, but to my former Lodging, where I staid as formerly,

until I had spent all my Provisions: and by the good hand of my God

upon me, I never heard any more of that matter. Neither came I any

more into the Presence of the Great-men at Court, but dwelt in my own

Plantation, upon what God provided for me by my Labour and Industry.

[Having escaped the Court service, falls to his former course of

life.] For now I returned to my former course of life, dressing my

Victuals daily with mine own hands, fetching both Wood and Water upon

mine own back. And this, for ought I could see to the contrary, I was

like to continue for my life time. This I could do for the Present,

but I began to consider how helpless I should be, if it should

please God I should live till I grew old and feeble. So I entred

upon a Consultation with myself for the providing against this. One

way was the getting of me a Wife, but that I was resolved never to

do. Then I began to enquire for some poor body to live with me, to

dress my Victuals for me, that I might live at a little more ease,

but could not find any to my mind. Whereupon I considered, that there

was no better way, than to take one of my poor Country-mens Children,

whom I might bring up to learn both my own Language and Religion. And

this might be not only Charity to the Child, but a kindness to my

self also afterwards. And several there were that would be glad so to

be eased of their charge, having more than they could well maintain,

a Child therefore I took, by whose aptness, ingenuity and company as

I was much delighted at present, so afterwards I hoped to be served.

It was now about the year M DC LXXIII. Altho I had now lived many

years in this Land, and God be praised, I wanted for nothing the

Land afforded, yet could I not forget my native Countrey England,

and lamented under the Famine of Gods Word and Sacraments, the want

whereof I found greater than all earthly wants: and my dayly and

fervent Prayers to God were, in his good time to restore me to the

enjoyment of them.

[Their pedling forwarded their escape.] I and my Companion were

still meditating upon our escape and the means to compass it. Which

our pedling about the Countrey did greatly forward and promote. For

speaking well the Language and going with our Commodities from place

to place, we used often to entertain discourse with the Countrey

people; viz. concerning the ways and the Countreys, and where there

were most and fewest inhabitants, and where and how the Watches laid

from one Countrey to another; and what Commodities were proper to

carry from one part to the other, pretending we would from time to

time go from one place to another, to furnish our selves with ware

that the respective places afforded. None doubted but we had made

these inquiries for the sake of our Trade, but our selves had other

designs in them. Neither was there the least suspition of us for

these our questions: all supposing I would never run away and leave

such an estate as in their accounts and esteem I had.

[The most probable course to take, was Northwards.] By diligent inquiry

I had come to understand, that the easiest and most probable way to

make an escape was by travailing to the Northward, that part of the

Land being least inhabited. Therefore we furnished our selves with such

wares as were vendible in those parts, as Tobacco, Pepper, Garlick,

Combs, all sorts of Iron Ware, &c. and being laden with these things,

we two set forth, bending our course towards the Northern Parts of

the Island, knowing very little of the way; and the ways of this

Countrey generally are intricate and difficult: here being no great

High-ways that run thro the Land, but a multitude of little Paths,

some from one Town to another, some into the Fields, and some into

the Woods where they sow their Corn; and the whole Countrey covered

with Woods, that a man cannot see any thing but just before him. And

that which makes them most difficult of all, is, that the ways shift

and alter, new ways often made and old ways stopped up. For they cut

down Woods, and sow the ground, and having got one Crop off from it,

they leave it, and Wood soon grows over it again: and in case a Road

went thro those Woods, they stop it, and contrive another way; neither

do they regard tho it goes two or three miles about: and to ask and

inquire the way for us white men is very dangerous, it occasioning the

People to suspect us. And the Chingulays themselves never Travail in

Countreys where they are not experienced in the ways without a guide,

it being so difficult. And there was no getting a guide to conduct

us down to the Sea.

[They get three days journey Northward.] But we made a shift to

travail from Cande Uda downwards towards the North from Town to Town;

happening at a place at last which I knew before, having been brought

up formerly from Cooswat that way, to descend the Hill called Bocaul,

where there is no Watch, but in time of great disturbance. Thus by

the Providence of God we passed all difficulties until we came into

the County of Neurecalava, which are the lowest parts that belong to

this King; and some three days journey from the place whence we came.

[But return back again.] We were not a little glad that we were

gotten so far onwards in our way, but yet at this time we could go

no farther; for our ware was all sold, and we could pretend no more

excuses; and also we had been out so long, that it might cause our

Towns-men to come and look after us, it being the first time that we

had been so long absent from home.

[They attempted often to fly this way, but still hindred.] In this

manner we went into these Northern Parts eight or ten times, and once

got as far as Hourly a Town in the extremities of the Kings Dominions,

but yet we could not attain our purpose. For this Northern Countrey

being much subject to dry weather and having no springs, we were fain

to drink of Ponds of Rain water, wherein the Cattel lie and tumble,

which would be so thick and muddy, that the very filth would hang

in our Beards when we drank. This did not agree with our Bodies,

being used to drink pure Spring water only. By which means when we

first used those parts we used often to be Sick of violent Favors and

Agues, when we came home. Which Diseases happened not only to us,

but to all other People that dwelt upon the Mountains, as we did,

whensoever they went down into those places; and commonly the major

part of those that fall sick, dyes. At which the Chingulays are so

feared, that it is very seldom they do adventure their Bodies down

thither: neither truly would I have done it, were it not for those

future hopes, which God of his mercy did at length accomplish. For

both of us smarted sufficiently by those severe Favors we got,

when we should both lay Sick together and one not able to help the

other. Insomuch that our Countrymen and Neighbours used to ask us, if

we went thither purposing to destroy our selves, they little thinking,

and we not daring to tell them our intent and design.

[In those parts is bad Water, but they had an Antidote against it.] At

length we learned an Antidote and Counter-Poyson against the filthy

venomous water, which so operated by the blessing of God, that after

the use thereof we had no more Sickness. It is only a dry leaf;

they call it in Portugueze Banga, beaten to Powder with some of the

Countrey Jaggory: and this we eat Morning and Evening upon an empty

Stomach. It intoxicates the Brain, and makes one giddy, without any

other operation either by Stool or Vomit.

[They still improve in the knowledge of their Way.] Thus every Voyage

we gathered more experience, and got lower down, for this is a large

and spacious Countrey. We travailed to and fro where the ways led us,

according to their own Proverb, The Beggar and the Merchant is never

out of his way; because the one begs and the other trades wherever

they go. Thus we used to ramble until we had sold all our ware, and

then went home for more. And by these means we grew acquainted both

with the People and the Paths.

[Meets with his black Boy in these parts, who was to guide him to the

Dutch.] In these parts I met with my black Boy, whom I had divers years

before turned away, who had now Wife and Children. He proved a great

help to me in directing me in the ways; for he had lived many years

in these parts. Perceiving him to be able, and also in a very poor

and sad condition, not able to maintain his Family, I adventured once

to ask him if a good reward would not be welcome to him, for guiding

us two down to the Dutch. Which having done he might return again and

no Body the wiser. At which Proposition he seemed to be very joyful,

and promised to undertake the same: only at this time for reasons he

alledged, which to me seemed probable, as that it was Harvest time

and many People about it, it could not so safely and conveniently be

done now, as it might be some two Months after.

The Business was concluded upon, and the time appointed between us. But

it so fell out, that at the very precise time, all things being ready

to depart on the morrow, it pleased God, whose time was not yet come,

to strike me with a most grievous pain in the hollow on my right side,

that for five days together I was not able to stir from the fire side,

but by warming it, and fomenting and chafing it I got a a little ease.

[But disapointed.] Afterward as soon as I was recovered, and got

strength, we went down and carried one English man more with us for

company, for our better security, seeing we must travail in the Night

upon our Flight: but tho we took him with us, we dared not to tell him

of our design, because he had a Wife, intending not to acquaint him

with it, till the Business was just ready to be put into action. But

when he came expecting to meet with our guide, he was gone into another

Countrey; and we knew not where to find him, and we knew not how to

run away without him. Thus we were disapointed that time.

But as formerly, we went to and fro until we had sold our ware; and

so returned home again and delivered the man to his wife; but never

told him any thing of our intended design, fearing lest, if he knew

it, he might acquaint her with it, and so all our purposes coming

to be revealed might be overthrown for ever afterwards. For we were

resolved by Gods help still to persevere in our design.

[An extraordinary drought for three or four years together.] Some eight

or nine years one after another we followed this Trade, going down

into this Countrey on purpose to seek to get beyond the Inhabitants,

and so to run away thro the Woods to the Hollanders. Three or Four

years together the dry weather prevented us; when the Countrey was

almost starved for want of Rain: all which time they never tilled the

Ground. The Wells also were almost all dry; so that in the Towns we

could scarcely get Water to drink, or Victuals to eat. Which affrighted

us at those times from running into the Woods, lest we might perish

for Thirst. All this while upon the Mountains, where our dwelling was,

there was no want of Rain.

We found it an inconvenience when we came three of us down together,

reckoning it might give occasion to the people to suspect our design,

and so prevent us from going thither again. Some of the English

that followed such a Trade as we, had been down that way with their

Commodities, but having felt the smart of that Countries Sickness,

would go there no more, finding as much profit in nearer and easier

Journeys. But we still persisted in our courses this way, having some

greater matter to do here than to sell Wares, viz. to find out this

Northern Discovery; which in Gods good time we did effect.

CHAP. IX.

How the Author began his Escape; and got onward of his Way about an

Hundred miles.

[Their last and successful attempt.] Having often gone this Way to

seek for Liberty, but could not yet find it; we again set forth to try

what Success God Almighty would now give us, in the Year MDCLXXIX,

on the Two and twentieth of September, furnished with such Arms as

we could well carry with safety and secrecy, which were Knives and

small Axes; we carried also several sorts of Ware to sell as formerly:

the Moon being seven and twenty dayes old. Which we had so contrived,

that we might have a light Moon, to see the better to run away by:

having left an Old Man at home, whom I had hired to live with me,

to look after my House and Goats.

[The way they went.] We went down at the Hill Bocawl, where there

was now no Watch, and but seldom any. From thence down to the Town

of Bonder Cooswat, where my Father dyed; and by the Town of Nicavar,

which is the last Town belonging to Hotcurly in that Road. From

thence forward the Towns stand thin. For it was sixteen miles to the

next Town called Parroah, which lay in the Country of Neure Cawlava,

and all the way thro a Wilderness called Parroah Mocolane, full of

wild Elephants, Tigres and Bears.

[They design for Anarodgburro.] Now we set our design for Anarodgburro,

which is the lowest place inhabited belonging to the King of Cande:

where there is a Watch alwayes kept: and nearer than twelve or fourteen

miles of this Town as yet we never had been.

[They turn out of the way to avoid the King's Officers.] When we came

into the midst of this Countrey, we heard that the Governor thereof had

sent Officers from the Court to dispatch away the Kings Revenues and

Duties to the City, and that they were now come into the Country. Which

put us into no small fear, lest if they saw us they should send us back

again. Wherefore we edged away into the Westernmost Parts of Ecpoulpot,

being a remote part of that Countrey wherein we now were. And there

we sate to knitting until we heard they were gone. But this caused

us to overshoot our time, the Moon spending so fast. But as soon as

we heard they were departed out of the Countrey, we went onwards of

our Journey, having kept most of our Ware for a pretence to have an

occasion to go further. And having bought a good parcel of Cotton

Tarn to knit Caps withal, the rest of our Ware we gave out, was to

buy dryed flesh with, which only in those lower Parts is to be sold.

[Forced to pass thro the Chief Governours yard.] Our way now lay

necessarily thro the chief Governors Yard at Colliwilla. Who dwells

there purposely to see and examine all that go and come. This greatly

distressed us. First, because he was a stranger to us, and one whom

we had never seen. And secondly, because there was no other way to

escape him: and plain reason would tell him, that we being prisoners

were without our bounds. Whereupon we concluded, that our best way

would be to go boldly and resolutely to his house, and not to seem

daunted in the least, or to look as if we did distrust him to disallow

of our Journey, but to shew such a behaviour, as if we had authority

to travail where we would.

[The Method they used to prevent his suspicion of them.] So we went

forward, and were forced to enquire and ask the way to his house,

having never been so far this way before. I brought from home with

me Knives with fine carved handles, and a red Tunis Cap purposely

to sell or give him, if occasion required, knowing before, that we

must pass by him. And all along as we went, that we might be the

less suspected, we sold Caps and other Ware, to be paid for at our

return homewards. There were many cross Paths to and fro to his

house, yet by Gods Providence we happened in the right Road. And

having reached his house, according to the Countrey manner we went

and sate down in the open house; which kind of Houses are built on

purpose for the reception of Strangers. Whither not long after the

Great Man himself came and sate down by us. To whom we presented

a small parcel of Tobacco, and some Betel. And before he asked us

the cause of our coming, we shewed him the Ware we brought for him,

and the Cotton Yarn which we had trucked about the Country; telling

him withall how the case stood with us: viz. That we had a Charge

greater than the Kings allowance would maintain; and that because

dryed Flesh was the chief Commodity of that Part, we told him, That

missing of the Lading which we used to carry back, we were glad to

come thither to see, if we could make it up with dryed Flesh. And

therefore if he would please to supply us either for such Ware as

we had brought, or else for our Money, it would he a great favour,

the which would oblige us for the future to bring him any necessaries

that he should name unto us, when we should come again unto those

Parts, as we used to do very often: and that we could furnish him,

having dealings and being acquainted with the best Artificers in Cande.

At which he replyed, That he was sorry we were come at such a dry

time, wherein they could not catch Deer, but if some Rain fell,

he would soon dispatch us with our Ladings of Flesh. But however,

he bade us go about the Towns, and see whether there might be any

or no, tho he thought there was none. This answer of his pleased us

wondrous well, both because by this we saw he suspected us not, and

because he told us there was no dryed Flesh to be got. For it was

one of our greatest fears that we should get our Lading too soon:

for then, we could not have had an excuse to go further. And as yet

we could not possibly fly: having still six miles further to the

Northward to go before we could attempt it, that is, to Anarodgburro.

[Their danger by reason of the ways they were to pass.] From

Anarodgburro it is two dayes Journey further thro a desolate Wilderness

before there is any more Inhabitants. And these Inhabitants are

neither under this King nor the Dutch, but are Malabars, and are under

a Prince of their own. This People we were sorely afraid of, lest they

might seize us and send us back, there being a correspondence between

this Prince and the King of Cande; wherefore it was our endeavour by

all means to shun them; lest according to the old Proverb, We might

leap out of the Frying pan into the Fire.

[They still remain at the Governours, to prevent suspition.] But we

must take care of that as well as we could when we came among them,

for as yet our care was to get to Anarodgburro. Where altho it was our

desire to get, yet we would not seem to be too hasty, lest it might

occasion suspition: but lay where we were two or three dayes: and one

stay'd at the Governors House a knitting, whilst the other went about

among the Towns to see for Flesh. The Ponds in the Country being now

dry, there was Fish every where in abundance, which they dry like red

Herrings over a fire. They offered to sell us store of them, but they,

we told them, would not turn to so good profit as Flesh. The which,

we said, we would have, tho we stayed ten dayes longer for it. For

here we could live as cheap, and earn as much as if we were at home,

by our knitting. So we seemed to them as if we were not in any hast.

[An accident that now created them great fear.] In the mean time

happened an Accident which put us to a great fright. For the King

having newly clapped up several Persons of Quality, whereof my old

Neighbour Ova Matteral, that sent for me to Court, was one, sent down

Souldiers to this High Sheriff or Governor, at whose house we now

were, to give him order to set a secure Guard at the Watches, that no

suspitious persons might pass. This he did to prevent the Relations of

these imprisoned persons from making an Escape, who thro fear of the

King might attempt it. This always is the Kings custome to do. But

it put us into an exceeding fear, lest it might beget an admiration

in these Soldiers to see White men so low down: which indeed is not

customary nor allowed of: and so they might send us up again. Which

doubtless they would have done, had it not been of God by this means

and after this manner to deliver us. Especially considering that

the King's Command came just at that time and so expresly to keep a

secure Guard at the Watches, and that in that very Way that alwayes we

purposed to go in: so that it seemed scarcely possible for us to pass

afterwards, tho we should get off fairly at present with the Soldiers.

[But get fairly rid of it.] Which we did. For they having delivered

their Message, departed, shewing themselves very kind and civil unto

us. And we seemed to lament for our hard fortune, that we were not

ready to go upwards with them in their good company: for we were

Neighbours dwelling in one and the same County. However we bid them

carry our commendations to our Countrymen the English, with whom they

were acquainted at the City, and so bad them farewel. And glad we

were when they were gone from us. And the next day in the morning we

resolved, God willing, to set forward. But we thought not fit to tell

our Host, the Governor, of it, till the very instant of our departing,

that he might not have any time to deliberate concerning us.

That Night he being disposed to be merry, sent for people whose trade

it is to dance and shew tricks, to come to his house to entertain

him with their Sports. The beholding them spent most part of the

Night. Which we merrily called our Old Host's Civility to us at our

last parting: as it proved indeed, tho he, honest man, then little

dreamed of any such thing.

[They get away fairly from the Governour.] The morning being come,

we first took care to fill our Bellies; then we packed up those

things which were necessary for our Journey to carry with us, and

the rest of our Goods, Cotton Yarn, and Cloth and other things;

that we would not incumber our selves withall, we bound up in a

Bundle, intending to leave them behind us. This being done, I went

to the Governor, and carried him four or five charges of Gunpowder,

a thing somewhat scarce with them, intreating him rather than we

should be disappointed of Flesh, to make use of that and shoot some

Deer; which he was very willing to accept of, and to us it could

be no wayes profitable, not having a Gun. While we, we told him,

would make a step to Anarodgburro to see what Flesh we could procure

there. In the mean time, according as we had before layd the business,

came Stephen with the Bundle of Goods, desiring to leave them in his

house, till we came back. Which he was very ready to grant us leave

to do. And seeing us leave such a parcel of Goods, tho, God knowes,

but of little account in themselves, yet of considerable value in

that Land, he could not suppose otherwise but that we were intended

to return again. Thus we took our leaves, and immediately departed,

not giving him time to consider with himself, or consult with others

about us. And he like a good natured man bid us heartily farewel.

Altho we knew not the way to this Town, having never been there in

all our lives, and durst not ask, lest it might breed suspition;

yet we went on confidently thro a desolate Wood: and happened to go

very right, and came out directly at the place.

[In their way they meet with a River which they found for their

purpose.] But in our way before we arrived hither, we came up with a

small River, which ran thro the Woods, called by the Chingulayes Malwat

oyah: the which we viewed well, and judged it might be a probable guide

to carry us down to the Sea, if a better did not present. Howbeit we

thought good to try first the way we were taking, and to go onward

towards Anarodgburro, that being the shortest and easiest way to get

to the Coast: and this River being as under our Lee, ready to serve

and assist us, if other means failed.

[They come safely to Anarodgburro. This Place described.] To

Anarodgburro therefore we came, called also Neur Waug. Which is not

so much a particular single Town, as a Territory. It is a vast great

Plain, the like I never saw in all that Island: in the midst whereof

is a Lake, which may be a mile over, not natural, but made by art,

as other Ponds in the Country, to serve them to water their Corn

Grounds. This Plain is encompassed round with Woods, and small Towns

among them on every side, inhabited by Malabars, a distinct People

from the Chingulayes. But these Towns we could not see till we came

in among them. Being come out thro the Woods into this Plain, we stood

looking and staring round about us, but knew not where nor which way to

go. At length we heard a Cock crow, which was a sure sign to us that

there was a Town hard by; into which we were resolved to enter. For

standing thus amazed, was the ready way to be taken up for suspitious

persons; especially because White men never come down so low.

[The People stand amazed at them.] Being entred into this Town,

we sate our selves under a Tree, and proclaimed our Wares, for we

feared to rush into their Yards, as we used to do in other places,

lest we should scare them. The People stood amazed as soon as they

saw us, being originally Malabars, tho Subjects of Cande. Nor could

they understand the Chingulay Language in which we spake to them. And

we stood looking one upon another until there came one that could

speak the Chingulay Tongue: Who asked us, from whence we came? We

told him, From Cande Uda. But they believed us not, supposing that

we came up from the Dutch from Manaar. So they brought us before

their Governor. [They are examined by the Governour of the Place.] He

not speaking Chingulais, spake to us by an Interpreter. And to know

the truth, whether we came from the place we pretended, he inquired

about News at Court; demanded, Who were Governors of such and such

Countreys? and what was become of some certain Noble-men, whom the

King had lately cut off? and also What the common people were employed

about at Court, for it is seldom that they are idle. To all which we

gave satisfactory answers. Then he enquired of us, Who gave us leave

to come down so low? We told him That priviledg was given to us by

the King himself full Fifteen Years since at his Palace at Nellemby,

when he caused it to be declared unto us, that we were no longer

prisoners, and (which indeed was our own addition) that we were free

to enjoy the benefit of Trade in all his Dominions.

To prove and confirm the truth of which, we alledged the distance of

the Way that we were now come from home, being near an hundred miles,

passing thro several Counties, where we met with several Governors

and Officers in their respective Jurisdictions; who had they not been

well sensible of these Priviledges granted us, would not have allowed

us to pass thro their Countries. All which Officers we described to

him by name; and also that now we came from the High Sheriff's House

at Colliwilla, where we had been these three dayes, and there heard

of the Order that was come to secure the Watches; which was not for

fear of the running away of White men, but of the Chingulayes. These

Reasons gave him full satisfaction, that we were innocent Traders,

seeing also the Commodities that we had brought with us: this further

confirmed his opinion concerning us.

[Provide things necessary for their flight.] The People were very

glad of our coming, and gave us an end of an open house to ly in:

but at present they had no dryed Flesh, but desired us to stay two

or three days and we should not fail: which we were very ready to

consent to, hoping by that time to come to the knowledg of the way,

and to learn where about the watch was placed. To Prevent the least

surmise that we were Plotting to run away, we agreed, that Stephen

should stay in the house by the things, while I with some few went

abroad; pretending to enquire for dryed Flesh to carry back with us

to Cande, but intending to make discoveries of the way, and provide

necessaries for our Flight, as Rice, a Brass Pot to boil our Rice

in, a little dryed Flesh to eat and a Deers-skin to make us Shooes

of. And by the Providence of my gracious God, all these things I

happened upon and bought. But as our good hap was, Deers-Flesh we

could meet with none. So that we had time enough to fit our selves;

all People thinking that we stayed only to buy Flesh.

[They find it not safe to proceed further this way.] Here we stayed

three days; during which we had found the great Road that runs down

towards Jafnapatan, one of the Northern Ports belonging to the Dutch,

which Road we judged led also towards Manaar a Dutch Northern Port

also, which was the Place that we endeavoured to get to, lying above

two or three days Journey distant from us. But in this Road there

was a Watch lay, which must be passed. Where this Watch was placed,

it was necessary for us punctually to know, and to endeavour to get a

sight of it. And if we could do this, our intent was to go unseen by

Night, the people being then afraid to travayl, and being come up to

the Watch, to slip aside into the Woods and so go on untill we were

past it; and then strike into the Road again. But this Project came

to nothing, because I could not without suspition and danger go and

view this Watch; which layd some four or five miles below this Plain;

and so far I could not frame any business to go.

But several inconveniences we saw here, insomuch that we found it

would not be safe for us to go down in this Road. For if we should

have slipt away from them by Night, in the Morning we should be

missed, and then most surely they would go that way to chace us,

and ten to one overtake us, being but one Night before them. Also

we knew not whether or no, it might lead us into the Countrey of the

Malabar Prince, of whom we were much afraid.

[Resolve to go back to the River they lately passed.] Then resolving

to let the great Road alone, we thought of going right down thro the

Woods, and steer our course by the Sun and Moon: but the Ground being

so dry we feared we should not meet with Water. So we declined that

Counsel also. Thus being in doubt, we prayed God to direct us, and to

put it into our hearts which way to take. Then after a Consultation

between our selves, all things considered, we concluded it the best

course to go back to Malwat oyah, the River we had well viewed that lay

in our way as we came hither. And back thither we resolved to repair.

CHAP. X.

The Author's Progress in his Flight from Anarodgburro, into the Woods,

unto their arrival in the Malabars Countrey.

[They depart back again towards the River.] Now God of his Mercy

having prospered our Design hitherto, for which we blessed his Holy

Name, our next care was how to come off clear from the People of

Anarodgburro, that they might not presently miss us, and so pursue

after us. Which if they should do, there would have been no escaping

them. For from this Town to Colliwilla, where the Sheriff lived, with

whom we left our Goods, they are as well acquainted in the Woods as in

the Paths. And when we came away we must tell the People, that we were

going thither, because there is no other way but that. Now our fear

was, lest upon some occasion or other any Men might chance to Travel

that way soon after we were gone, and not finding us at Colliwilla,

might conclude, as they could do no otherwise, that we were run into

the Woods. Therefore to avoid this Danger, we stayed in the Town till

it was so late, that we knew none durst venture to Travel afterwards

for fear of wild Beasts. By which means we were sure to gain a Nights

Travel at least, if they should chance to pursue us.

[But first take their leave of the Governor here.] So we took our

leaves of the Governor, who kindly gave us a Pot of Milk to drink for

a farewel; we telling him, We were returning back to the Sheriff at

Colliwilla, to whom we had given some Gunpowder when we came from

him to shoot us some Deer, and we doubted not but by that time we

should get to him, he would have provided flesh enough for our lading

home. Thus bidding him and the rest of the Neighbours farewel, we

departed, they giving us the Civility of their accustomed Prayers,

Diabac, that is, God bless, or keep you.

[They begin their flight.] It was now the Twelfth day of October on

a Sunday, the Moon eighteen days old. We were well furnished with

all things needful, which we could get, Viz. Ten days Provision,

Rice, Flesh, Fish, Pepper, Salt, a Bason to boil our Victuals in, two

Calabasses to fetch Water, two great Tallipats for Tents, big enough

to sleep under if it should rain, Jaggory and Sweet-meats, which we

brought from home with us, Tobacco also and Betel, Tinder-Boxes two

or three for sailing, and a Deers Skin to make us Shooes, to prevent

any Thorns running into our feet as we travelled through the Woods;

for our greatest Trust under God was to our feet. Our Weapons were,

each man a small Axe fastned to a long Staff in our hands, and a good

Knife by our sides. Which were sufficient with God's help to defend us

from the Assaults of either Tiger or Bear; and as for Elephants there

is no standing against them, but the best defence is to flee from them.

In this Posture and Equipage we marched forward. When we were come

within a Mile of this River, it being about Four in the Evening, we

began to fear, lest any of the People of Anarodgburro from whence we

came, should follow us to Colliwella. Which place we never intended

to come at more: the River along which we intended to go, laying on

this side of it. That we might be secure therefore that no People came

after us, we sat down upon a Rock by a hole that was full of water

in the High-way; until it was so late, that we were sure no People

durst Travel. In case any had come after us, and seen us sitting

there and gotten no further, we intended to tell them, That one of

us was taken Sick by the way, and therefore not able to go. [They

come to the River along which they resolved to go.] But it was our

happy chance there came none. So about Sundown we took up our Sacks

of Provisions, and marched forward for the River, which under God we

had pitched upon to be our guide down to the Sea.

[Which they travel along by till it was dark.] Being come at the River,

we left the Road, and struck into the Woods by the River side. We

were exceeding careful not to tread on the Sand or soft Ground,

lest our footsteps should be seen; and where it could not be avoided,

we went backwards, so that by the print of our feet, it seemed as if

we had gone the contrary way. We were now gotten a good way into the

Wood; when it grew dark and began to Rain, so that we thought it best

to pitch our Tents, and get Wood for Firing before it was all wet,

and too dark to find it. Which we did, and kindled a fire.

[Now they fit themselves for their Journey.] Then we began to fit our

selves for our Journey against the Moon arose. All our Sale-wares

which we had left we cast away, (for we took care not to sell too

much) keeping only Provisions and what was very necessary for our

Journey. About our Feet we tied pieces of Deers-hide to prevent Thorns

and Stumps annoying our feet. We always used to Travel bare foot, but

now being to travel by Night and in the Woods, we feared so to do. For

if our feet should fail us now, we were quite undone. And by the time

we had well-fitted our selves, and were refreshed with a Morsel of

Portuguez Sweet-meats, the Moon began to shine. So having commended our

selves into the hands of the Almighty, we took up our Provisions upon

our shoulders, and set forward, and travelled some three or four hours,

but with a great deal of difficulty; for the Trees being thick, the

Moon gave but little light thro, but our resolution was to keep going.

[Meeting with an Elephant they took up for that night.] Now it

was our chance to meet with an Elephant in our way just before us:

which we tryed, but could not scare away: so he forced us to stay. We

kindled a Fire and sate down, and took a Pipe of tobacco, waiting till

Morning. Then we looked round about us, and it appeared all like a

Wilderness, and no sign that People ever had been there: which put us

in great hopes that we had gained our Passage, and Were past all the

Inhabitants. Whereupon we concluded that we were now in no danger of

being seen, and might Travel in the Day securely. There was only one

great Road in our way, which led to Portaloon from the Towns which by

and by we fell into; this Road therefore we were shy of, lest when

we passed it over, some Passengers travelling in it, might see us;

and this Road we were in expectance about this time to meet withal,

secure, as I said before, of all other danger of People. [They fall

in among Towns before they are aware.] But the River winding about to

the Northward brought us into the midst of a parcel of Towns called

Tissea Wava, before we were aware. For the Countrey being all Woods,

we could not discern where there were Towns, until we came within

the hearing of them. That which betrayed us into this danger was,

that meeting with a Path, which only led from one Town to another,

we concluded it to be that great Road above mentioned; and so having

past it over, we supposed the Danger we might encounter in being seen,

was also past over with it; but we were mistaken; for going further we

still met with other Paths, which we crossed over, still hoping one or

other of them was that great Road; but at last we perceived our Error;

viz. That they were only Paths that went from one Town to another.

And so while we were avoiding Men and Towns, we ran into the midst

of them. This was a great trouble to us, hearing the Noise of People

round about us, and knew not how to avoid them; into whose hands we

knew if we had fallen, they would have carried us up to the King,

besides Beating and Plundring us to boot.

We knew before that these Towns were here away, but had we known

that this River turned and run in among them, we should never have

undertaken the Enterprize. But now to go back, after we had newly

passed so many Paths, and Fields and places where People did resort, we

thought not advisable, and that the danger in so doing might be greater

than in going forward. And had we known so much then, as afterwards

did appear to us, it had been safer for us to have gone on, than to

have hid there as we did; which we then thought was the best course

we could take for the present extremity: viz. To secure our selves in

secret until Night, and then to run thro in the dark. All that we now

wanted was a hole to creep in to lye close, for the Woods thereabouts

were thin, and no shrubs or bushes, under which we might be concealed.

[Their fright lest they should be seen.] We heard the noise of

People on every side, and expected every moment to see some of them

to our great terror. And it is not easie to say in what Danger, and

in what apprehension of it we were; it was not safe for us to stir

backwards or forwards for fear of running among People, and it was

as unsafe to stand still where we were, lest some body might spy us:

and where to find Covert we could not tell. [Hid themselves in a hollow

Tree.] Looking about us in these straits we spyed a great Tree by us,

which for the bigness thereof 'tis probable might be hollow. To which

we went, and found it so. It was like a Tub, some three foot high. Into

it immediately we both crept, and made a shift to sit there for several

hours, tho very uneasily, and all in mud and wet. But however it did

greatly comfort us in the fright and amazement we were in.

[They get safely over this Danger.] So soon as it began to grow dark,

we came creeping out of our hollow Tree, and put for it as fast as our

Legs could carry us. And then we crossed that great Road, which all the

day before we did expect to come up with, keeping close by the River

side, and going so long till dark Night stopped us. We kept going the

longer, because we heard the Voice of Men hollowing towards Evening:

which created us a fresh disturbance, thinking them to be People that

were coming to chace us. But at length we heard Elephants behind us,

between us and the Voice, which we knew by the noise of cracking the

Boughs and small Trees, which they break down and eat. These Elephants

were a very good Guard behind us, and were methought like the Darkness

that came between Israel and the Egyptians. For the People we knew

would not dare to go forwards hearing Elephants before them.

[They dress Meat and lay down to sleep.] In this Security we pitched

our Tents by the River side, and boiled Rice and roasted flesh for our

Supper, for we were very hungry, and so commending our selves to God's

keeping laid down to sleep. The Voice which we heard still continued,

which lasting so long we knew what it meant; it was nothing but the

hollowing of People that lay to watch the Corn Fields, to scare away

the wild Beasts out of their Corn. Thus we past Monday.

[They fear wild Men, which these Woods abound with.] But nevertheless

next Morning so soon as the Moon shone out bright, to prevent the

worst we took up our Packs, and were gone: being past all the tame

Inhabitants with whom we had no more trouble. But the next day we

feared we should come among the wild ones; for these Woods are full of

them. Of these we were as much afraid as of the other. For they would

have carried us back to the King, where we should be kept Prisoners,

but these we feared would have shot us, not standing to hear us plead

for our selves.

[They meet with many of their Tents.] And indeed all along as we went,

by the sides of the River till we came to the Malabar Inhabitants,

had been the Tents of wild Men, made only of Boughs of Trees. But God

be praised, they were all gone, tho but very lately before we came:

as we perceived by the Bones of Cattle, and shells of Fruit, which

lay scattered about. We supposed that want of water had driven them

out of the Countrey down to the River side, but since it had rained a

shower or two they were gone again. Once about Noon sitting down upon

a Rock by the River side to take a Pipe of Tobacco and rest our selves;

[Very near falling upon the wild People.] we had almost been discovered

by the Women of these wild People, coming down, as I suppose, to wash

themselves in the River. Who being many of them, came talking and

laughing together. At the first hearing of the noise being a good

distance, we marvailed what it was; sitting still and listning, it

came nearer a little above where we sat; and at last we could plainly

distinguish it to be the Voices of Women and Children. Whereupon we

thought it no boot to sit longer, since we could escape undiscovered,

and so took up our Bags and fled as fast as we could.

[What kind of travelling they had.] Thus we kept travelling every day

from Morning till Night, still along the River side, which turned and

winded very crooked. In some places it would be pretty good Travelling,

and but few Bushes and Thorns, and in others a great many. So that

our Shoulders and Arms were all of a Gore, being grievously torn and

scratched. For we had nothing on us but a clout about our Middles, and

our Victuals on our Shoulders, and in our hands a Tallipat and an Ax.

[Some account of this River.] The lower we came down this River, the

less Water, so that sometimes we could go a Mile or two upon the Sand,

and in some places three or four Rivers would all meet together. When

it happened so, and was Noon, the Sun over our head, and the Water

not running, we could not tell which to follow, but were forced to

stay till the Sun was fallen, thereby to judge of our course. We

often met with Bears, Hogs, Deer, and wild Buffaloes, but all ran so

soon as they saw us. But Elephants we met with no more than that I

mentioned before. The River is exceeding full of Aligators all a long

as we went; the upper part of it nothing but Rocks. Here and there

by the side of this River is a World of [Ruins.] hewn Stone Pillars,

standing upright, and other heaps of hewn Stones, which I suppose

formerly were Buildings. And in three or four places are the ruins

of Bridges built of Stone; some Remains of them yet standing upon

Stone Pillars. In many places are Points built out into the River like

Wharfs, all of hewn Stone; which I suppose have been built for Kings

to sit upon for Pleasure. For I cannot think they ever were employed

for Traffick by Water; the River being so full of Rocks that Boats

could never come up into it.

[The Woods hereabouts.] The Woods in all these Northern Parts are

short and shrubbed, and so they are by the River side, and the lower

the worse; and the Grounds so also.

[How they secured themselves a nights against wild Beasts.] In the

Evenings we used to pitch our Tent, and make a great Fire both before

and behind us, that the wild Beasts might have notice where we lay;

and we used to hear the Voices of all sorts of them, but, thanks be

to God, none ever came near to hurt us. Yet we were the more wary

of them, because once a Tiger shewed us a cheat. For having bought

a Deer, and having nothing to salt it up in, we packed it up in the

Hide thereof salted, and laid it under a Bench in an open House, on

which I lay that Night, and Stephen layd just by it on the Ground,

and some three People more lay then in the same House; and in the

said House a great Fire, and another in the Yard. Yet a Tiger came

in the Night, and carried Deer and Hide and all away. But we missing

it, concluded it was a Thief. We called up the People that lay by

us, and told them what had happened. Who informed us that it was

a Tiger, and with a Torch they went to see which way he had gone,

and presently found some of it, which he let drop by the way. When

it was day we went further, and pickt up more which was scattered,

till we came to the Hide it self, which remained uneaten.

[They pass the River that divides the King's Countrey from the

Malabars.] We had now Travelled till Thursday Afternoon, when we

crossed the River called Coronda oyah which was then quite dry;

this parts the King's Countrey from the Maladars. We saw no sign

of Inhabitants here. The Woods began to be very full of Thorns,

and shrubby Bushes with Clifts and broken Land; so that we could not

possibly go in the Woods; but now the River grew better being clear

of Rocks, and dry, water only standing in holes. So we marched along

in the River upon the Sand. Hereabouts are far more Elephants than

higher up: by Day we saw none, but by Night the River is full of them.

[After four or five days travel they come among Inhabitants.] Friday

about Nine or Ten in the Morning we came among the Inhabitants. For

then we saw the footing of People on the Sand, and tame Cattel with

Bells about their Necks. Yet we kept on our way right down the River,

knowing no other course to take to shun the People. And as we went

still forwards we saw Coracan Corn, sowed in the Woods, but neither

Towns nor People; nor so much as the Voice of Man. But yet we were

somewhat dismayed, knowing that we were now in a Countrey inhabited

by Malabars. The Wanniounay or Prince of this People for fear pay

Tribute to the Dutch, but stands far more affected towards the King

of Cande. [But do what they can to avoid them.] Which made our care

the greater to keep our selves out of his hands; fearing lest if he

did not keep us himself, he might send us up to our old Master. So

that great was our terror again, lest meeting with People we might be

discovered. Yet there was no means now left us how to avoid the Danger

of being seen. The Woods were so bad, that we could not possibly

Travel in them for Thorns; and to Travel by Night was impossible,

it being a dark Moon, and the River a Nights so full of Elephants

and other wild Beasts coming to drink; as we did both hear and see

laying upon the Banks with a Fire by us. They came in such Numbers

because there was Water for them no where else to be had, the Ponds

and holes of Water, nay the River it self in many places being dry.

[As yet undiscovered.] There was therefore no other way to be taken

but to Travel on in the River. So down we went into the Sand, and put

on as fast as we could set our Legs to the ground, seeing no People

(nor I think no body us), only Buffaloes in abundance in the Water.

CHAP. XI.

Being in the Malabar Territories, how they encountred two Men,

and what passed between them. And of their getting safe unto the

Dutch Fort. And their Reception there, and at the Island Manaar,

until their Embarking for Columbo.

[They met with two Malabars. To whom they relate their Condition.] Thus

we went on till about three of the Clock afternoon. At which time

coming about a Point, we came up with two Bramins on a sudden, who were

sitting under a Tree boyling Rice. We were within forty paces of them;

when they saw us they were amazed at us, and as much afraid of us as we

were of them. Now we thought it better Policy to treat with them than

to flee from them; fearing they might have Bows and Arrows, whereas

we were armed only with Axes in our hands, and Knives by our sides;

or else that they might raise the Countrey and pursue us. So we made

a stand, and in the Chingulay Language asked their leave to come near

to treat with them, but they did not understand it. But being risen up

spake to us in the Malabar Tongue, which we could not understand. Then

still standing at a distance we intimated our minds to them by signs,

beckoning with our hand: which they answered in the same Language. Then

offering to go towards them, and seeing them to be naked men and no

Arms near them, we laid our Axes upon the ground with our Bags, lest

we might scare them, if we had come up to them with those weapons in

our hands, and so went towards them with only our Knives by our sides:

by signs with our hands shewing them our bloody Backs we made them

understand whence we came, and whither we were going. Which when they

perceived they seemed to commiserate our condition, and greatly to

admire at such a Miracle which God had brought to pass: and as they

talked one to another they lifted up their hands and faces towards

Heaven, often repeating Tombrane which is God in the Malabar Tongue.

[They are courteous to them.] And by their signs we understood they

would have us bring our Bags and Axes nearer; which we had no sooner

done, but they brought the Rice and Herbs which they had boiled for

themselves to us, and bad us eat; which we were not fitted to do,

having not long before eaten a hearty Dinner of better fare; yet

could not but thankfully accept of their compassion and kindness,

and eat as much as we could; and in requital of their courtesie,

we gave them some of our Tobacco. Which after much entreating they

did receive, and it pleased them exceedingly.

[But loathe to conduct them to the Hollander.] After these civilities

passed on either side, we began by signs to desire them to go

with us and shew us the way to the Dutch Fort: which they were very

unwilling to do, saying, as by signs and some few words which we could

understand, that our greatest danger was past, and that by Night we

might get into the Hollanders Dominions. Yet we being weary with our

tedious journey, and desirous to have a guide, shewed them Money to

the value of five Shillings, being all I had; and offered it them to go

with us. Which together with our great importunity so prevailed, that

one of them took it; and leaving his fellow to carry their Baggage he

went with us about one Mile, and then began to take his leave of us and

to return. Which we supposed was to get more from us. Having therefore

no more Money, we gave him a red Tunis Cap and a Knife, for which he

went a Mile farther, and then as before would leave us, signifying

to us, that we were cut of danger, and he could go no further.

Now we had no more left to give him, but began to perceive, that what

we had parted withall to him, was but flung away; and altho we might

have taken all from him again being alone in the Wood, yet we feared

to do it, left thereby we might exasperate him, and so he might give

notice of us to the People, but bad him farewel, after he had conducted

us about four or five Miles. And we kept on our journey down the River

as before, until it was Night, and lodged upon a Bank under a Tree:

[In danger of Elephants.] but were in the way of the Elephants; for

in the Night they came and had like to have disturbed us, so that

for our preservation we were forced to fling Fire brands at them to

scare them away.

The next Morning being Saturday as soon as it was light, having eaten

to strengthen us, as Horses do Oats before they Travail, we set forth

going still down the River; the Sand was dry and loose, and so very

tedious to go upon: by the side we could not go, being all overgrown

with Bushes. The Land hereabouts was as smooth as a bowling-green,

but the Grass clean burt up for want of Rain.

[They overtake another man, who tells them they were in the Dutch

Dominions.] Having Travailed about two hours, we saw a Man walking in

the River before, whom we would gladly have shunned, but well could

not, for he walked down the River as we did, but at a very slow rate,

which much hindred us. But we considering upon the distance we had

come, since we left the Bramin, and comparing with what he told us,

we concluded we were in the Hollanders jurisdiction: and so amended

our pace to overtake the Man before us. Whom we perceiving to he free

from timerousness at the sight of us, concluded he had used to see

White-men. Whereupon we asked him, to whom he belonged. He speaking

the Chingulay Language answered, To the Dutch; and also that all the

Country was under their Command, and that we were out of all danger,

and that the Fort of Arrepa was but some six miles off. Which did

not a little rejoyce us, we told him, we were of that Nation, and

had made our escape from Cande, where we had been many years kept in

Captivity; and having nothing to give him our selves, we told him,

that it was not to be doubted, but the Chief Commander at the Fort

would bountifully reward him, if he would go with us and direct us

thither. But whether he doubted of that, or no, or whether he expected

something in hand, he excused himself pretending earnest and urgent

occasions that he could not defer: but advised us to leave the River,

because it winds so much about, and turn up without fear to the Towns,

where the People would direct us the way to the Fort.