THE WESTERN COAST. 
ver, in a situation where no species of authority 
could be legally enforced. They had arrived at 
the most improper season of the year, just before 
the commencement of the rains ; and, as they had 
brought no materials for building, the timber was 
then growing in the ground, of which their houses 
were to be formed. By exposure to the rains, and to 
the vertical rays of the sun, great sickness and mor- 
tality were produced, before any buildings could be 
erected. As the situation of Mr Beaver precluded 
every idea of selection, the character of the gru- 
mettas, or free blacks, engaged as labourers, was 
equally execrable with that of the white colonists : 
about one-fourth had committed murder at Bissao, 
and numbers were discharged for attempting to 
stab or assassinate others. This motley and vicious 
group, not all the fortitude and heroic perseverance 
of a Beaver, aided by the exertions of some virtu- 
ous and respectable colonists, could inspire with a 
spirit of industry, order, and firmness. Notwith- 
standing the general sickness and despondency, the 
blockhouse, for the defence and accommodation of 
the settlers, was completed in November, and con- 
siderable progress made in clearing the ground for 
plantations. Immediately afterwards, they were a- 
larmed by the visit of an armed body of the Canabacs, 
commanded by one of their chiefs, notorious for his 
treachery, and famous for his exploits. He was 
heard by one of the grumettas declaring to his men, 
