NARRATIVE OF AN 



ftill extremely weak ; and with thele cheering hopes re- 

 tired at ten o'clock, at night to my hammock ; but this 

 tranquillity was again of Ihort duration, for having 

 fcarcely clofed my eyes I was awaked by my ferjeant, 

 and the following letter put into my hand, fent by an 

 exprefs from the captain of the militia, or bargers in 

 Cottica. 



" Sir, 



This is to acquaint you, that the rebels have burnt 

 three eftates by your fide, Suyingheyd, Peru, and L'Ef^ 

 perance, the ruins of which are ftill fmoking ; and 

 that they have cut the throats of all the white inhabi- 

 " tants that fell in their way. As on their retreat they 

 " muft pafs clofe by where you are polled, be on your 

 " guard. — I am in hafte. 



« Your's, &c. 

 ( Signed ) " Stoeleman.* 



Confcious of my defencelefs fituation, I immediately 

 ftarted up ; and the exprefs who brought the letter hav- 

 ing fpread the news the moment of his landing, there 

 was no neceffity for beating to arms, fince not only the 

 few foldiers who were well, but the whole hofpital burft 

 out; and feveral of them, in fpite of my oppofition, 

 crawling on their hands and feet to their arms, dropped 

 dead upon thefpot.— May I neverbeholdfuch anotherfcene 

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