(Some of 'em were
afterwards hanged when the Dutch took possession of the place,
others sent off in chains). But calling these special rulers of the
nation together, and requiring their counsel in this weighty affair,
they all concluded that (damn 'em) it might be their own cases; and
that Caesar ought to be made an example to all the negroes, to
fright 'em from daring to threaten their betters, their lords and
masters: and at this rate no man was safe from his own slaves; and
concluded, nemine contradicente, that Caesar should be hanged.
Trefry then thought it time to use his authority, and told Byam
his command did not extend to his lord's plantation; and that Parham
was as much exempt from the law as Whitehall; and that they ought no
more to touch the servants of the lord (who there represented the
King's person) than they could those about the King himself; and
that Parham was a sanctuary; and though his lord were absent in
person, his power was still in being there, which he had entrusted
with him, as far as the dominions of his particular plantations
reached, and all that belonged to it: the rest of the country, as Byam
was lieutenant to his lord, he might exercise his tyranny upon. Trefry
had others as powerful, or more, that interested themselves in
Caesar's life, and absolutely said he should be defended. So turning
the Governor, and his wise council, out of doors (for they sat at
Parham-House), we set a guard upon our lodging-place, and would
admit none but those we called friends to us and Caesar.
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