Each carried a club, the leaders being armed with the swords taken from the Spaniards; while there were also eight arquebuses, which had been gained from the same source.

All the natives bore bows and arrows, with which they were able to shoot with great accuracy.

The negroes were not skilled with these weapons; but were more useful, from their greater strength, for hurling down rocks and missiles upon the Spaniards, when below.
A consultation had been previously held, as to the course to be taken in case of the approach of the enemy.

It was determined as far as possible to avoid fighting, to allow the Spaniards to tramp from place to place, and then to harass them by falling upon them in the night, disturbing their sleep, cutting down sentries; and harassing them until they were forced, by pure exhaustion, to leave the forest.
These tactics were admirably adapted to the nature of the contest.
The only thing which threatened to render them nugatory was the presence of the fierce dogs of the Spaniards.

Preparations had already been made for checking the bloodhounds in pursuit of fugitive slaves.