^8^ THE WESTERN COAST. 
ers, was equally execrable with that of the white 
colonists : about one-fourth had committed mur- 
der 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 virtuous and respectable 
colonists, could inspire with a spirit of industry, 
order, and firmness. Notwithstanding the gene- 
ral sickness and despondency, the blockhouse, 
for the defence and accommodation of the set- 
tlers, was completed in November, and consider- 
able progress made in clearing the ground for 
plantations. Immediately afterwards, they were 
alarmed by the visit of an armed body of the 
Canabacs, commanded by one of their chiefs, no- 
torious for his treachery, and famous for his ex- 
ploits. He was heard by one of the grumettas 
declaring to his men, ** That the whites were all 
" dead, or sick, except the captain ; that they 
were his people whenever he pleased ; that he 
had put them there, and, whenever he chose, 
*' could take them away ; that they were his 
** chickens,''^ an expression which he commonly 
applied to the Biafaras, to denote the facility 
with which they are made prisoners. Though 
the active force of Mr Beaver at this period only 
amounted to four colonists and six grumettas^ 
his activity and vigilance so much disconcerted 
