362 HISTORY OF [BOOK n. 



on the attack, the whole body of them had thrown 

 themselves flat on the ground and continued in that 

 position until the rebels retreated, without firing or 

 receiving a shot. 



A party of them, indeed, had afterwards the merit 

 (a merit of which they budly boasted) of killing the 

 leader of the rebels. He was a young negro of the 

 Koromantyn nation, named Taekey, and it was said,, 

 had been of free condition, and even a chieftain, in 

 Africa. This unfortunate man, having seen most of 

 his companions slaughtered, was discovered wander- 

 ing in the woods without arms or cloathing, and w r as 

 immediately pursued by the Maroons, in full cry, 

 The chase was of no long duration ; he was shot 

 through the head ; and it was painful to relate,, but 

 unquestionably true, that his savage pursuers, having 

 decollated the body, in order to preserve the head as 

 the trophy of victory, roasted and actually devoured 

 the heart and entrails of the wretched victim /* 



The misconduct of these people in this rebellion, 

 whether proceeding from cowardice or treachery, 

 was, however, overlooked. Living secluded from 

 the rest of the community, they w r ere supposed to 



* The circumstances that I have related concerning the conduct of the 

 Maroons, in the rebellion of 1760, are partly founded on my own know- 

 ledge and personal observation at the time, (having been myself present), or 

 fiom the testimony of eye witnesses, men of character and probity. The 

 shocking fact last mentioned was attested by several white people, and 

 was not attempted to be denied or concealed by the Maroons themselves.- 

 They seemed indeed to make it a subject of boasting and triumph.- 



