APPENDIX.] THE MAROONS. 371 



mander in chief, of their attempts to create a general 

 revolt of the enslaved negroes, and it was impossible 

 to foresee the result. The situation of the slaves, un- 

 der prevailing circumstances, required the most seri- 

 ous attention. With the recent example before their 

 eyes of the dreadful insurrection in St. Domingo, they 

 had been accustomed, for the preceding seven years, 

 to hear of nothing but Mr. Wilberforce, and his ef- 

 forts to serve them in Great Britain. Means of in- 

 formation were not wanting. Instructors were con- 

 stantly found among the black servants continually re- 

 turning from England: and I have not the smallest 



o o * 



doubt that the negroes on every plantation in the 

 West Indies, were taught to believe, that their mas- 

 ters were generally considered in the mother country, 

 as a set of odious and abominable miscreants, whom 

 it was laudable to massacre ! 



The wisdom, decision, and activity of the earl of 

 Balcarres, on the present occasion, defeated their 

 projects. The effect of his lordship's conduct thence- 

 forward, on the minds of the enslaved negroes 

 throughout the whole country, was wonderful. Sub- 

 mission, tranquillity, and good order prevailed univer- 

 sally among them. The circumstance attending the 

 return of the 83d regiment, induced them to believe, 

 that Heaven itself had declared in favour of the whites, 

 and that all attempts at resistance were unas r ailing and 

 impious. 



The Maroons themselves became divided in their 

 councils. Many of the old and experienced among 

 them, even in Trelawney town, the head quarters of 



