al Consequences
oftentimes, in many Colonies: But they had a Respect for _Caesar_, and
all Hands were against the _Parhamites_ (as they called those of
_Parham-Plantation_) because they did not in the first Place love the
Lord-Governor; and secondly, they would have it that _Caesar_ was ill
used, and baffled with: and 'tis not impossible but some of the best in
the Country was of his Council in this Flight, and depriving us of all
the Slaves; so that they of the better sort would not meddle in the
Matter. The Deputy-Governor, of whom I have had no great Occasion to
speak, and who was the most fawning fair-tongu'd 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 Shew; 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 advis'd that fair Means was best: But _Byam_ was one that
abounded in 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
pursu'd 'em by the Light they made, and by the Path they had cleared.
But as soon as _Caesar_ found that he was pursu'd, he put himself in a
Posture of Defence, placing all the Woman and Children in the Rear; and
himself, with _Tuscan_ by his Side, or next to him, all promising to die
or conquer. Encouraged thus, they never stood to parley, but fell on
pell-mell upon the _English_, and killed some, and wounded a great many;
they having Recourse to their Whips, as the best of their Weapons. And
as they observed no Order, they perplexed the Enemy so sorely, with
lashing 'em in the Eyes; and the Women and Children seeing their
Husbands so treated, being of fearful and cowardly Dispositions,