There was not much danger in the fire that was opened at first, there being so many trees.
The enemy probably expected that the sudden attack would make us forsake our goods, and allow them to plunder with ease.

The villagers were no doubt pleased with being allowed to retire unscathed, and we were also glad to get away without having shed a drop of blood, or having compromised ourselves for any future visit.

My men were delighted with their own bravery, and made the woods ring with telling each other how "brilliant their conduct before the enemy" would have been, had hostilities not been brought to a sudden close.
I do not mention this little skirmish as a very frightful affair.

The negro character in these parts, and in Angola, is essentially cowardly, except when influenced by success.

A partial triumph over any body of men would induce the whole country to rise in arms, and this is the chief danger to be feared.