POWER OF THE PLANTERS. 



355 



some away, and threatened others that I would 

 aid the law rather than evade it, should their 

 proceedings be irregular, I know not what evil 

 deeds might not have followed. * 



* The following anecdote exemplifies the feudal state of 

 the planters a few years ago. It was related to me by a 

 gentleman, upon whose veracity I have every reason to rely. 

 Some fifteen years ago, the Governor of Pernambuco sent 

 for a sergeant of the only regiment of the line which existed 

 at that time, whose courage was well known and much 

 dreaded. He received orders from the Governor to proceed 

 with all expedition possible to the sugar-plantation of Mon- 

 jope, distant from Recife four leagues, for the purpose of 

 taking the owner of that place into custody ; or if he found 

 that his apprehension alive was impracticable, he was then 

 to bring his head to the Governor. The sergeant was desired 

 to pick out as many soldiers as he thought fit to accompany 

 him ; but he said that he should go alone, and consequently 

 the following morning he set forth. On his arrival at Mon- 

 jope, he was received by the owner of the plantation, who 

 was a colonel of militia, or a capitam-mor. Being seated," 

 he quietly made his errand known, showing to the great man 

 the order for his apprehension, and mentioning the additional 

 instructions in case of disobedience. The colonel left the 

 room, but soon returned with a bag containing about the 

 value of 100/. in gold coins, and, presenting this to the ser- 

 geant, told him to return and tell the Governor that he would 

 visit him as soon as possible, and explain to him the circum- 

 stances which had given rise to this mission. The sergeant 

 took the money, and set out on his return ; and by the way 

 bought a sheep, killed it, and then cutting off its head, put 

 this into a bag. On arriving at the palace, he placed his 

 bloody burthen upon the ground, and pointing to it, said to 

 the Governor, " I have executed your commands ; he would 

 not come, and therefore I have brought his head." The 

 Governor, all amazement, answered, " And have you really 



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