y
consented, and came and built it for me: but before it was finished,
their occasions called them away, but my Boy and I made an end of
it, and whitened the Walls with Lime, according to my own Countrey
fashion. But in doing this I committed a Capital Offence: for none may
white their Houses with Lime, that being peculiar to Royal Houses and
Temples. But being a Stranger nothing was made of it, because I did
it in ignorance: had it been a Native that had so done, it is most
probable it would have cost him his Head, or at the least a great Fine.

[He follows business and thrives.] Being settled in my new House,
I began to keep Hogs and Hens; which by God's Blessing thrived very
well with me, and were a great help unto me. I had also a great benefit
by living in this Garden. For all the Coker-nuts that fell down they
gave me, which afforded me Oyl to burn in the Lamp, and also to fry my
meat in. Which Oyl being new is but little inferior to this Countrey
Butter. Now I learned to knit Caps, which Skill I quickly attained
unto, and by God's Blessing upon the same, I obtained great help and
relief thereby.

[Some attempted running away, but were catched.] In this manner we
all lived, seeing but very little sign that we might build upon, to
look for Liberty. The chief of our hopes of it was that in process of
time when we were better acquainted we might run away. Which some of
our People attempted to do too soon, before they knew well which way
to go, and were taken by the Inhabitants. For it is the custom of the
Chingulays to suspect all white People, they meet travailing in the
Countrey, to be Runaways; and to examine them: and if they cannot give
satisfactory answers, they will lay hold of them and carry them back
unto the City. Where they will keep them Prisoners under a guard of
Soldiers in an open House like a Barn with a little Victuals sometimes,
and sometimes with none at all. Where they have no other remedy to
help themselves but Begging. And in this Condition they may lye perhaps
for their Lifetime, being so kept for a Spectacle unto the People.

[Little incouragement for those that bring back Runnaways.] Tho the
common way whereby the King gratifies such as catch Runawayes and
bring them up, is not over acceptable. For they are appointed to
feed and watch them until he calls for them to be brought before
him. At which time his promise is bountifully to reward them. But
these Promises I never knew performed. Ne