It
is of most grave importance. It is urgent. What shall I say?"
"Say nothing. I am coming," said the governor. "I am coming now."
CHAPTER XX
OUT OF THE HANDS OF THE PHILISTINES
That night the Maroons broke loose upon Jamaica, and began murder and
depredation against which the governor's activities were no check.
Estates were invaded, and men, women and children killed, or carried into
the mountains and held as hostages. In the middle and western part of
the island the ruinous movements went on without being stayed; planters
and people generally railed at the governor, and said that through his
neglect these dark things were happening. It was said he had failed to
punish offences by the Maroons, and this had given them confidence,
filling them with defiance. They had one advantage not possessed by the
government troops and militia--they were masters of every square rod of
land in the middle and west of the island. Their plan was to raid, to
ambush, to kill and to excite the slaves to rebel.
The first assault and repulse took place not far from Enniskillen, Dyck
Calhoun's plantation, and Michael Clones captured a Maroon who was
slightly wounded.
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