Among these Slaves, were ten of a fierce, and warlike nation,
the Corramantees. They appeared to acknowledge one of their
countrymen, named Cudjoe, as their Chief. Two or three days
after this event, Cudjoes behaviour made me very sensible of
the risk I had ran during my confinement in the Shed. |
The Overseer was giving some directions about felling a particular
tree, when Cudjoe snatched off his hat, and threw it away with
every mark of contempt; making a sign to him with one hand,
to quit the place, and at the same time drawing the edge of
the other, across his own throat, a very significant intimation
of what he would do if he were not obeyed. |
The alarmed overseer immediately ran off to an estate in the
neighbourhood (that of Mr A. Steward) where I was at dinner;
and bursting into the room, pale, and breathelss, related what
had passed. |
I was much at a loss how to act. Were the slave to be given
up to the law, his life might have been forfeited; and yet it
was evident that the poor fellow had only committed an offence
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