1~]0 
HISTORY OF THE [book. iw 
the overseet’s house about four in the morning, in 
which finding all the white servants in bed, they 
butchered every one of them in the most savage 
manner, and literally drank their blood mixed with 
rum. At Esher, and other estates, they exhibited 
the same tragedy; and then set fire to the build¬ 
ings and canes. In one morning they murdered 
between thirty and forty whites and mulattoes, not 
sparing even infants at the breast, before their pro¬ 
gress was stopped. Tacky, the chief, was killed 
in the woods by one of the parties that went in 
rode round to all the different plantations in the neighbourhood, giving 
them notice of their danger, and sending ali the whites to the place 
of rendezvous. By this measure he had collected before noon about 
130 whites and trusty blacks, tolerably armed ; whom he then led in 
pursuit of the rebels. They were found at Haywood-hall, roasting 
an ox by the flames of the buildings, which they had set on fire. The 
whites attacked them with great fury, killed eight or nine on the spot, 
took several of them prisoners, and drove the rest into the woods, 
where they acted afterwards wholly on the defensive, and were soon 
exterminated. Thus a timely check was given to a conspiracy, which 
was found to have been general among the Koromantjn negroes 
throughout the island, and the country was probably saved from utter- 
destruction by the prudence and promptitude of an individual.—I have 
related these cirsumstances concerning my deceased relation’s conduct 
on this occasion for two reasons; first, because it presents an example 
to be imitated in similar emergencies; and secondly, because I have 
thus an opportunity given me of paying a just tribute to the memory 
of one, whom I loved and honour.d when living, and lamented when 
dead, with more than filial affection and piety; for he possessed the 
clearest head, the most enlarged and comprehensive mind, the sweetest 
temper, and the kindest and most benevolent disposition, of any man 
that it has been my fortune to meet with, in my diversified journey 
through lift!—See volume i. page 260. 
