A veil of obscurity is, however, drawn over the circumstances of this disgraceful transaction; & all we know is, that Moore instantly assembled the free negroes, put them under experienced officers, & while the militia in the distant parishes ran to arms, he headed the forty-ninth European regiment himself. In a partial engagement he gainetl some advantage; but as the agility of the barbarians saved them from slaughter, & their woods protected them from pursuit, his victory was neither bloody nor decisive. From the vale of Bagnals he advanced through the thick forests of Saint Mary, convinced himself of the extraordinary difficulties of the war, & was compelled again to retreat, during the rainy season, discontented with the country, with the troops, & with his own success. The power of the enemy was yet unknown; their strength was daily increased by a stream of deserters which flowed from every district of the island; & no sooner had the Governor dispersed his troops into quarters in the vale, than they descended upon the estates with barbarous impetuosity, massacred the whites, drove the cattle from the flaming cane-fields, and everywhere left deep & bloody traces of their progress. With a light and unencumbered band, Moore determined to pass the river, & surprize the enemy in their woods.

" The silent hour of r.Jdnight was chosen for the attempt; he marched five miles up the valley, &, favored by the darkness, Avould infallibly have succeeded in the enterprise, had not his bold and judicious plans been frustrated by the unrestrained impetuosity of his men. The negroes were alarmed by a premature shout, rushed to their arms, & fought with desperation. Being allowed no time to conceal themselves amongst the rocks in their usual mode of fighting, they repeatedly charged with fury, & were repulsed with loss.