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The Popular Encyclopedia 1836 |
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A decidedly 'potted' version of Maroon history!
THE POPULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA; BEING A GENERAL DICTIONARY OF ARTS, SCIENCES, LITERATURE, BIOGRAPHY, HISTORY, AND POLITICAL ECONOMY.
1836
The most important event in the recent of Jamaica, is the final overthrow and exile of formidable band of fugitive negroes, who, under the name of Maroons, had formed an independent hostile community in the island, for the greater part of a century. On the conquest of the island the Spaniards, a multitude of African slaves fled the mountains, beyond the reach of the invaders, maintained themselves in these fastnesses in spite all their efforts. Their numbers were increased by the accession of deserting slaves, and a harassing conflict was kept up with the whites, which the latter were the principal sufferers. In 1738, an accommodation was effected, and a species independence guaranteed to these hardy outlaws; but at length, in 1795, hostilities broke out again. The activity and skill of the Maroons rendered an overmatch for the great force brought them. In this state of things, the British resorted to the use of blood hounds, 100 of which were imported from Cuba, and under the direction of experienced huntsmen, were let loose upon the mountaineers, to seize and tear the unhappy fugitives. Thus hunted down like wild beasts, and hemmed by a force too powerful to be overcome, they had no alternative but submission. The expulsion of brave and unhappy race was determined upon, finally carried into effect. About six hundred were transported to the cold and bleak shores of Nova Scotia, where many of them perished miserably.
1836
The most important event in the recent of Jamaica, is the final overthrow and exile of formidable band of fugitive negroes, who, under the name of Maroons, had formed an independent hostile community in the island, for the greater part of a century. On the conquest of the island the Spaniards, a multitude of African slaves fled the mountains, beyond the reach of the invaders, maintained themselves in these fastnesses in spite all their efforts. Their numbers were increased by the accession of deserting slaves, and a harassing conflict was kept up with the whites, which the latter were the principal sufferers. In 1738, an accommodation was effected, and a species independence guaranteed to these hardy outlaws; but at length, in 1795, hostilities broke out again. The activity and skill of the Maroons rendered an overmatch for the great force brought them. In this state of things, the British resorted to the use of blood hounds, 100 of which were imported from Cuba, and under the direction of experienced huntsmen, were let loose upon the mountaineers, to seize and tear the unhappy fugitives. Thus hunted down like wild beasts, and hemmed by a force too powerful to be overcome, they had no alternative but submission. The expulsion of brave and unhappy race was determined upon, finally carried into effect. About six hundred were transported to the cold and bleak shores of Nova Scotia, where many of them perished miserably.
