About the year 1822 or 1823 the first ship was seen by the natives in Rivoli Bay. Some of them thought it was a drifting island, and all that saw it became alarmed, and began to think of a hiding place. Mothers with their children secured themselves in some safe retreat, while others courageously watched the movements of this strange visitor. One morning some of the women went along the beach for shellfish, and returning were surprised by two white men. In running away one of the women dropped her child and on stopping to pick it up was captured and taken away to the ship. About three months after the ship put into Guichen Bay and the woman took opportunity to escape, taking with her some clothing. She reached the Narrow Neck, and she came across a posse of her countrywomen lamenting her loss. She did not give a favorable account of he treatment she received from the crew. Even as late as 1846 the black women, in speaking of this event, made all sorts of grimaces signifying disgust! The woman's son (Panchy, brother of John Ball ) related the story to me, adding I do not know the truth myself, but just what I was told by the "drual". (men)
I've just been reading that book online. Several hours later ... guess that's what rainy Sundays are for. It's another good resource for me. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised that the first sighting of ships would have been that late.