I believe that they were, when the Spaniards landed, peaceable people; quiet and gentle.

So at least they are described.

But those who take to the mountains must be either escaped slaves, or fugitives from the cruelty of the Spaniards; and even the gentlest man, when driven to desperation, becomes savage and cruel.

To these men our white skins would be like a red rag to a bull.

They can never have heard of any white people, save the Spaniards; and we need expect little mercy if we fall into their hands.