I could not help thinking that, if they expected an invasion of their enemies, they had left an ample supply of forage for their use.  In the evening I arrived at Horeke, or Deptford Dock-yard (of which I made mention in my first journey).  I here found my countrymen in a state of considerable embarrassment.  The various chiefs of that district had encamped all round them; so near to them had they taken up their position, that, whatever might be the result of their battles, the European settlement would be in danger.  The settlers had fortified their place of refuge in the best manner they could; and all were determined to defend themselves and property to the last.  They had four nine-pounders mounted on a hill, and a tolerable battery made of three-inch pine stuff.

Before the English erected their fortifications, there was a great difference of opinion amongst them as to the propriety and utility of adopting so strong a measure, and the affair was finally put to the vote, when the majority proved to be in favour of a strong resistance.  I opposed the measure all I could, for I felt convinced that in the event of our allies being worsted we all should be involved in one common massacre; whereas, if no resistance was made, plunder alone would have been the extent of the injury we should suffer; and even of that taking place I had strong doubts.  However, as my opinion was overruled, I had to submit, which I did unhesitatingly; and, like a good soldier, I held myself in readiness in case of an attack.

The proprietor and manager of the Dock-yard possessed certainly a “satisfying reason” for striving to defend himself at all hazards.  The vessel I had left here, on my former visit, in frame, was now nearly completed, and a most beautiful one she was.  He told me he would much rather part with life than see her destroyed; and I confess I could fully enter into his feelings on the subject; but as I had no such object at stake, and was not quite enthusiastic enough to fight for a vessel I had no share in, I felt very much inclined to let the natives war among themselves without interference; but as we Europeans had agreed to assist each other, I would not be behind-hand.

I discharged Rivers’ two slaves, and rewarded them liberally for conducting me with safety through such a wild and perilous country; they departed (after expressing the heartiest wishes for my reaching my own home in safety, and thanks for my generosity) to join their master at the great meeting of the chiefs in the interior.  These men, while assisting me, were performing a great service to their master, by acting as spies.  When we started from the Kirikiri each was armed with a musket; but when we had accomplished about half the journey, they concealed these in a hollow tree, under pretence of extreme fatigue.  I felt convinced at the time that was not their real reason for so doing; and afterwards I learned the true motive.  Had they been found armed when returning