orrect memory, or
extraordinary powers of invention would be requisite, the Governor might
have easily detected imposition. The man stated that fright cured him of
rheumatism; his rags were consistent with his story. It is, however, the
only clear testimony to the presence of white men with the blacks at
that period.

On the 26th of November, it was announced by the Governor, that the
first series of operations was brought to a close; and except a few,
requisite to protect the country, the colonists and their servants were
released, and the town guards replaced.[17]

Those who had condemned the plan, now censured its precipitate
abandonment: they said that hundreds of blacks were enclosed when the
troops were withdrawn. It is not likely, however, that the Governor was
deceived on this point. It is certain that many blacks were in the rear,
and the dispersion of the force was equal to a confession, that the
object was impracticable--that it had failed.

Thus closed the Black War. This campaign of a month, supplied many
adventures, and many an amusing tale; and, notwithstanding the gravity
of his Excellency, much fun and folly. The settler soldiers returned
to their homes, their shoes worn out, their garments tattered, their
hair long and shaggy, with beards unshaven, their arms tarnished;
but neither blood-stained nor disgraced. They had seen much and dreaded
more; but, in general, they met no other enemies than scrub and thorns,
and they sat down on their own hearths, happy in having escaped the
ramrods of their friends. The odd tactics, awkward movements--the
skulking and the foraging, and all the various small accomplishments of
a bivouac, were long topics of conversation and laughter. The accidents
were few, though of these some were fatal: two aborigines only were
captured, and one soldier was wounded. Yet though not very glorious,
perhaps no evening in the year passes, but some settler's fireside is
enlivened by a story of the fatigues and frolics of the Black War.

When the last movement was completing, the _Science_ sailed for England
with despatches from Colonel Arthur: they indicate his expectation of a
failure, and scarcely conceal his mortification. Either the original
impossibility of the plan, or the indolence or incaution of those who
carried it out, had exposed the government to more than ridicule. Five
thousand men had taken the field, beside the town guard. Nearly L30,000
had been expended, and prob