_Bayam, 20 leagues from St. Jago._
I know your heart, my dear Mary! On the affection which glows for me
in that heart, I have counted for the pardon of my errors, and your
letter convinces me that I have not been deceived. You know, for you
witnessed, my domestic infelicity; yet, how many of my pains did I not
conceal, to spare you the anguish of lamenting sorrows which you could
not alleviate!
St. Louis, after his arrival at St. Jago, had connected himself with
a company of gamesters, and with them passed all his time.--Often
returning at a late hour from the gaming table, he has treated me
with the most brutal violence,--this you never knew; nor many things
which passed in the loneliness of my chamber, where, wholly in his
power, I could only oppose to his brutality my tears and my sighs. To
his intolerable and groundless jealousy at Cape Francois you were no
stranger: it embittered my days. Since our arrival in this island it
increased. In every man that approached me he saw a rival! and the more
amiable the object, the more terrible were his apprehensions.
He became acquainted, at some of the haunts of gaming, with Don Alonzo
de P---- and brought him to our house, but, when his visits had been
repeated two or three times, all the tortures of jealousy were awakened
in the breast of St. Louis.
If I received this young stranger with pleasure, it was because I found
him interesting. If I avoided him it was an acknowledgement of his
power!
He had insisted on my learning the Spanish language, yet if I spoke in
that language it was to express sentiments I sought to conceal from
him. How often, in the bitterness of anguish, have I thought that the
direst poverty would be preferable to the ease I had purchased at the
expence of my peace! but alas! the colour of my fate was fixed,--I
was united to St. Louis by bonds which I had been taught to consider
sacred, and, though my heart shuddered at the life-long tie, yet I
always recoiled with horror from the idea of breaking it.--That tie
however is broken; those bonds are dissolved! and there is no fate so
dreadful to which I would not submit, rather than have them renewed.
Believe me when I assure you that my flight was not premeditated. It is
true, the eloquent eyes of Don Alonzo often spoke volumes, but I never
appeared to understand their language, nor did a look of encouragement
ever escape me. For some days previous to my elopement the ill humour
of St. Louis had been intolerable. My wearied soul sunk beneath the
torments I endured and death would have been preferable to such a state
of existence. The night before I left him he came home in a transport
of fury, dragged me from my bed, said it was his intention to destroy
me, and swore that he would render me horrible by rubbing aqua-fortis
in my face. This last menace deprived me of the power of utterance;
to kill me would have been a trifling evil, but to live disfigured,
perhaps blind, was an insufferable idea and roused me to madness. I
passed the night in speechless agony. The only thought I dwelt on was,
how to escape from this monster, and, at break of day, I was still
sitting, as if rendered motionless by his threats. From this stupor I
was roused by his caresses, or rather by his brutal approaches, for
he always finds my person provoking, and often, whilst pouring on my
head abuse which would seem dictated by the most violent hatred, he
has sought in my arms gratifications which should be solicited with
affection, and granted to love alone.
You must recollect my unusual sadness that day; for well do I remember
the kind efforts you made to divert me.
I awaited the approach of night with gloomy impatience, determined that
the dawn of day should not find me beneath that hated roof. When I
left you in the evening it was with difficulty I restrained my tears.
My heart was breaking at the idea of being separated from you, if not
forever at least for a considerable time, and the thought of the pain
my flight would occasion you almost determined me to relinquish it.
But St. Louis was in my chamber, and his presence dispelled every idea,
except that of avoiding it forever. After seeing me undressed, he
left me, as usual, to pass the greatest part of the night abroad. His
vigilant guard, the faithful Madelaine, lay down near the door of my
apartment, and I, taking a book, appeared to read. At eleven o'clock I
knew by her breathing that she was asleep.
Taking off my shoes, I passed her softly--opened the door that leads
into the garden, and was instantly in the street.
The moments were precious, for I had the whole town to pass, in order
to gain the road to _Cobre_, where I intended to request an asylum of
Madame V----.
I flew with the rapidity of lightning, nor stopped to breathe till I
had passed the town. Beginning to ascend the mountain, I paused, and
leaning against a tree, reflected for a moment on the singularity of
my situation.--Alone, at midnight, on the road to an obscure village,
whose inhabitants are regarded as little better than a horde of
banditti!--Flying from a husband, whose pursuit I dreaded more than
death; leaving behind me a sister, for whom my heart bled, but whom I
could never think of involving in my precarious fate!
The night was calm. The town, which lies at the foot of the mountain,
was buried in profound repose. The moon-beams glittered on the waves
that were rolling in the bay, and shed their silvery lustre on the
moving branches of the palm trees. The silence was broken by the
melodious voice of a bird, who sings only at this hour, and whose
notes are said to be sweeter than those of the European nightingale.
As I ascended the mountain, the air became purer. Every tree in this
delightful region is aromatic; every breeze wafts perfumes! I had six
miles to walk, and wished to reach the village before day, yet I could
not avoid frequently stopping to enjoy the delightful calm that reigned
around me!
I knew that, as soon as I was missed, the town would be diligently
searched for me, but of the retreat I had chosen St. Louis could have
no idea, for he was totally unacquainted with the residence of Madame
V----. To this lady I had rendered some essential services at the Cape,
which gave me a claim on her friendship. She left that place before
us, and on her arrival here, bought a little plantation in _Cobre_,
where she lives in the greatest retirement. I had heard of her by
accident, and thought it the surest retreat I could find. As the day
broke I perceived the straggling huts which compose this village, and,
approaching the most comfortable one of the group, found to my great
satisfaction, that it was inhabited by the lady I sought. She had just
risen, and was opening the door as I drew near it. Her surprise at
seeing me was so great, that she doubted for a moment the evidence of
her senses; but, seizing my hand, she led me to her chamber, where,
pressed in her arms, I felt that I had found a friend, and the tears
that flowed on her bosom were proofs of my gratefulness.
I began to explain to her my situation. "I know it all!" she cried,
"you have escaped from your husband. My predictions are verified,
though a little later than I expected.--But where" continued she, "is
your sister?" I replied that my flight had not been premeditated, and
that you had not been apprised of it. There was no necessity for giving
her a reason for having left my husband. She had always been at a loss
to find one for my staying with him so long. The next consideration
was my toilette. I was bare-headed, without stockings:--my shoes were
torn to pieces by the ruggedness of the road, and I had no other
covering than a thin muslin morning gown. The kind friend, who received
me, supplied me with clothes, and checked her eagerness to learn the
particulars of my story till I had taken the repose I so much required.
Towards evening she seated herself by my bedside, and I related to her
all that I had suffered since she left me at the Cape.
But when I spoke of the threat which had determined me to the step I
had taken, she made an exclamation of horror.
I told her that my intention was to remain concealed till the search
after me was over, and then to embark for the continent.
She approved the project, and said, that I could be no where in greater
security than with her; for, though the village is only six miles from
town, it is as much secluded as if it was in the midst of a desert,
except at the feast of the holy Virgin which is celebrated once a year.
The festival lasts nine days, and all the inhabitants of St. Jago come
to assist at its celebration. Unfortunately the season of the feast
was approaching, during which it would have been impossible for me to
remain concealed in the village. However, as there was still time to
consider, she bade me be tranquil, and promised to find me a retreat.
Two days after she went to town and at her return I learned that
nothing was talked of but my elopement.
St. Louis, in the first transports of his rage, has entered a complaint
against Don Alonzo and, declaring that he had carried me off, had him
imprisoned!
It was feared this step would be attended with ill consequences, for
this young Spaniard, being related to the bishop and some of the
most distinguished families, it was supposed the indignity of his
imprisonment would be resented by them all!
Besides, he was entirely innocent of the charge exhibited against him,
not having had the slightest idea of my flight.
This information filled me with alarm. I felt insecure so near the town
and entreated madame V---- to indicate a more remote and safe asylum.
She told me that she had a friend, twenty leagues from town, to whom
she had often promised a visit; that the inconvenience of travelling
in this barbarous country, had hitherto prevented her going, but that
these considerations vanished before the idea of obliging me, and that
the pleasure of making the journey in my company would be a sufficient
inducement.
Two days were past in procuring horses and making preparations for our
departure. In the evening we walked among the rocks, which surround the
village, and, had my heart been at ease, I should have wandered with
delight in these romantic regions.
The place was once famous for its valuable copper mines, from which it
takes its name, but they have been long abandoned. The inhabitants,
almost all mulattos, are in the last grade of poverty, and too indolent
to make an exertion to procure themselves even the most necessary
comforts. Yet, in this abode of wretchedness, there is a magnificent
temple, dedicated to the blessed Virgin. Its ornaments and decorations
are superb. The image of the Virgin, preserved in the temple, is
said to be miraculous and performs often wonderful things. The faith
of these people in her power is implicit. The site of the temple is
picturesque, and the scenery, that surrounds it, beautiful beyond
description, standing near the summit of a mountain, at the foot of
which lies the village. You ascend to it by a winding road, and see its
white turrets, at a great distance, glittering beneath the palm trees
that gracefully wave over it.
After passing through the miserable village and following the winding
path through craggy cliffs, over barren rocks and precipices which
the eye dares not measure, the mind almost involuntarily yields to the
belief of supernatural agency. On entering the church the image of the
Virgin, fancifully adorned and reposing on a bed of roses, appears
like the presiding genius of the place. The waxen tapers, continually
burning, the obscurity that reigns within, occasioned by the
impenetrable branches of the trees which overshadow it, and the slow
solemn tone of the organ, re-echoed by the surrounding rocks, fill the
mind with awe; and we pardon the superstitious faith of the ignorant
votaries of this holy lady, cherished as it is by every circumstance
that can tend to make it indelible!
At the appointed time, before the dawn of day, our little cavalcade set
out. Madame V---- and myself on horseback, preceded by a guide, and
followed by a boy, leading two mules charged with provisions, and every
thing requisite for the journey. We wore large straw hats, to defend us
from the sun, with thick veils, according to the custom of the country.
Leaving Cobre behind us, we ascended the mountain. The road passed
through groves of majestic trees, intermingled with the orange and the
lime, which being in blossom, the senses were almost overpowered by
the odours which filled the air. We proceeded slowly and silently.--I
thought of you my dear sister!--My tears flowed at the idea of your
pain, and I trembled to think that I was not out of danger of being
discovered.
About eight o'clock our guide said it was time to breakfast, and, tying
our horses, he struck a light, kindled a fire, and made chocolate. The
repast finished, we continued on our way through the same delightful
country; still breathing the purest air, but without discovering any
vestige of a human habitation.
About noon we saw a little hut. The guide, alighting, half opened the
door, saying "May the holy virgin bless this house!" This salutation
brought out a tall sallow man, who gravely taking his segar from his
mouth, bowed ceremoniously, and bid us enter. We followed him, and saw,
sitting on an ox hide, stretched on the ground, a woman, whose ragged
garments scarcely answered the first purposes of decency. She was
suckling a squalid naked child, and two or three dirty children were
lolling about, without being disturbed by the appearance of strangers.
A hammock, suspended from the roof, was the only article of furniture
in the house. Whilst the guide was unloading the mules to prepare our
dinner, I went out to seek a seat beneath some trees; for the filth of
the house, and the appearance of its inhabitants filled me with disgust.
To my infinite astonishment, the plains which extended behind the
house, as far as the eye could reach, were covered with innumerable
herds of cattle, and on enquiring of the guide to whom they belonged,
I learned, with no less surprise, that our host was their master.
Incredible as it may appear, this miserable looking being, whose abode
resembled the den of poverty, is the owner of countless multitudes
of cattle, and yet it was with the greatest difficulty that we could
procure a little milk.
A small piece of ground, where he raised tobacco enough for his own
use, was the only vestige of cultivation we could discover. Nothing
like vegetables or fruit could be seen. When they kill a beef, they
skin it, and, cutting the flesh into long pieces about the thickness
of a finger, they hang it on poles to dry in the sun; and on this they
live till it is gone, and then kill another.
Sometimes they collect a number of cattle and drive them to town, in
order to procure some of the most absolute necessaries of life. But
this seldom happens, and never till urged by the most pressing want. As
for bread, it is a luxury with which they are entirely unacquainted.
After dinner the guide, and the host, and all the family, lay down on
the ground to sleep the siesta, which, you know no consideration would
tempt a Spaniard to forget. Madame V---- walked with me under the
trees, near the house, and remarked the striking difference between
this country and St. Domingo. There, every inch of ground was in the
highest state of cultivation, and everybody was rich, here, the owners
of vast territories are in the most abject poverty.
This she ascribed to the different genius of the people, but I
think unjustly, believing that it is entirely owing to their vicious
government.
After our guide had taken his nap he led up the horses, and bidding
adieu to our hosts, we continued our journey.
We passed during the afternoon several habitations similar to the one
where we dined. The same wretchedness; the same poverty exhibited
itself, surrounded by troops of cattle, who bathed in plains of the
most luxuriant pasturage.
As the sun declined our guide began to sing a litany to the Virgin, in
which he was joined by the boy who followed us. The strain was sweet.
"And round a holy calm diffusing
In melancholy murmurs died away."
At the close of day we stopped at a hut, where the guide told us we
must pass the night, and I learned that we had come ten leagues, though
we had advanced at a snail's pace. The hut we entered was inhabited
by an old man who, retiring with the guide to an adjoining shed, left
us the house to ourselves. The couch, which invited us to repose,
was a hide laid on the ground. Madame V---- had brought sheets, and,
spreading them on the hide, I soon sunk to rest. But my slumbers were
interrupted by a most unaccountable noise, which seemed to issue from
all parts of the room, not unlike the clashing of swords; and, as I
listened to discover what it was, a shriek from Madame V---- increased
my terror. In sounds scarcely articulate, she said a large cold animal
had crept into her bosom, and in getting it out, it had seized her hand.
Frightened to death I opened the door and called the guide, who
discovered by his laughing that he had foreseen our misfortune, and
guarded against it by suspending his hammock from the branches of a
tree. When I asked for a light to search for what had disturbed us, he
said it was nothing but land crabs, which, at this season, descend in
countless multitudes from the mountain, in order to lay their eggs on
the sea shore.
The ground was covered with them, and paths were worn by them down the
sides of the mountain. They strike their claws together as they move
with a strange noise, and no obstacle turns them from their course. Had
they not found a passage through the house they would have gone over
it; and one finding madame V---- in his way, had crept into her bosom.
The master of the house gave his hammock to madame V----. I mounted in
that of the guide; but the curiosity excited by our visitors, rendered
it impossible for us to sleep. I asked the guide if it was common to
see them in such numbers. He said that it was; and told me that the
English having some years ago made a descent on the island, had seized
a Spaniard whom they found in a hut, and threatened to kill him if he
would not shew them the way to St. Jago, which they had always wished
to possess, but which they could not approach by sea. The terrified
Spaniard promised to comply. In the night, as they were encamped on
the mountain, waiting for daylight in order to proceed, they heard a
noise stealing through the thickets, like that of an approaching host.
They asked their prisoner what it meant? he replied, that it could
be nothing but a body of Spaniards who, apprized of their descent,
were preparing to attack them. The noise increasing on all sides, the
English, fearful of being surrounded, embarked, and in their haste
suffered the prisoner to escape, who by his address probably prevented
them from becoming masters of the island, for the pretended host was
nothing more than an army of these crabs.
The man, I understand, received no reward; but the anniversary of this
event is still celebrated; and if the crabs have not been canonized,
they are at least spoken of with as much reverence as the sacred geese,
to which Rome owed its preservation.
During the night their noise prevented me effectually from sleeping.
They appeared like a brown stream rolling over the surface of the
earth. Towards morning they gradually disappeared, hiding themselves in
holes during the day.
At the first peep of dawn we set out, and arrived in the evening at
Bayam. The friend of madame V---- received us with great cordiality.
She lost her husband soon after her arrival in this country. She is
very handsome, and has an air of sadness which renders her highly
interesting. She was informed of my story, and requested me to think
myself at home in her house.
It was determined that I should pass for a relation of her husband; and
soothed by her kindness and attentions I began to hope that beneath her
roof I should find repose.
Madame V----, after staying with us eight days, returned to Cobre,
promising to inform herself of you, and to write me all that was
passing. She wrote me immediately that you had sailed for Jamaica: that
Don Alonzo was out of prison; that he had commenced a suit against
St. Louis for false imprisonment, and that the latter was actually
confined. Don Alonzo is powerfully supported by the bishop and all his
family, who have long been at variance with the governor, and gladly
seek this opportunity of revenging themselves. She finally told me, my
dear Mary, that she had discovered a young man who owned a small vessel
in which he goes constantly to Jamaica, and that she had entreated
him to find you, to tell you that I am well, and to charge himself
with your letter, not doubting but you would write. That kind letter I
received yesterday, and it has given me the first agreeable sensation
I have known since we parted. I am convinced of your affection for
me, but do not let that affection hurry you into imprudencies which
may perhaps betray me. Do not think of returning to St. Jago; and,
may I add, do not think of leaving Jamaica till I can join you. We
will return to the continent together, and I hope together we shall
be happy. Two or three doubloons, which I brought with me, prevent my
being dependant on the lady in whose house I am, for any thing but her
friendship.
I was struck with the resemblance of a Spanish lady who lives near us
to Don Alonzo, and found, on enquiring, that she is his sister. She
spoke to me of her brother, but is as ignorant of his affairs as if he
dwelt in the moon.
This place is the abode of poverty and dullness, yet the people are so
hospitable that from the little they possess they can always spare
something to offer to a stranger. And they are content with their
lot--how many reasons have I not to be so with mine!