e tops of
the different hills which we rode over to listen if we could not
hear the blowing of shells or any shouting. But all was hushed,
and we heard only the rustling of the cocoa-nut palm leaves moved
by the trade wind. As soon as we arrived in town, messages were
sent to Major v Falbe, who was Chief of the Fort in Bassin, Major
v Geillerup, who lived in the barracks, Oberst de Nully, Major
Keutsch and others. We now spoke of what was to be done. I still
maintained that action should be taken immediately and that if
the cavalry force which I had asked for could not be got, which I
could by no means admit, other military must immediately be sent
to West End. I furthermore said to the General that I would go on
board to let the men that could be dispensed with get ready to
land, and, at the same time, get the brig ready for sea so as to
be able to leave for West End by daybreak, if ordered. The
General requested me to remain a little longer in the Government
House so as to avoid making any disturbance in town where all was
still and quiet. The conference ended, I believe, in Major
Keutsch's coachman being sent towards West End for more
information as to how it stood with the island. It was now nearly
five o'clock in the morning. The time passed and nothing was
done. I believed I knew the negro character, and that the riot
could have been smothered at the beginning by decisive action.
Seeing that my presence at Government House was of no further
use, I told the General that I would now go on board, so that I
could get the brig ready for sea, and to send armed men on shore,
if required. This I did, and awaited the General's order.

To my surprise I received none whatsoever, and about eight
o'clock a.m. I again went on shore. There I was informed that
Oberst de Nully and Lieutenant v Meincke had been sent to West
End. I also found some soldiers drawn up and ready to set out,
though I afterwards learned, with orders not to go further than
King's Hill (an estate in the middle of the island.)
Interrogating the General as to whether the brig should not sail
to West End, I received the answer that she might be possibly
required in Bassin, and I would receive further orders.

In Bassin, everything was quiet, and I began to believe that the
who