The Deputy-Governor, of whom I have
had no great occasion to speak, and who was the most fawning,
fair-tongued fellow in the world, and one that pretended the most
friendship to Caesar, was now the only violent man against him; and
though he had nothing, and so need fear nothing, yet talked and looked
bigger than any man. He was a fellow whose character is not fit to
be mentioned with the worst of the slaves. This fellow would lead
his army forth to meet Caesar, or rather to pursue him. Most of
their arms were of those sort of cruel whips they call cat with nine
tails; some had rusty useless guns for show; others old
basket-hilts, whose blades had never seen the light in this age; and
others had long staffs and clubs. Mr. Trefry went along, rather to
be a mediator than a conqueror in such a battle; for he foresaw and
knew, if by fighting they put the negroes into despair, they were a
sort of sullen fellows, that would drown or kill themselves before
they would yield: and he advised that fair means was best: but Byam
was one that abounded his own wit, and would take his own measures.
It was not hard to find these fugitives; for as they fled, they were
forced to fire and cut the woods before 'em: so that night or day they
pursued 'em by the light they made, and by the path they had
cleared. But as soon as Caesar found he was pursued, he put himself in
a posture of defense, placing all the women and children in the
rear; and himself, with Tuscan by his side, or next to him, all
promising to die or conquer.
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