The planters found that no depredations took place, and that the desertions among their slaves were no more numerous than before; and had it depended solely upon them, no further measures would have been taken.
The case, however, was different among the military party in the island.

To them, the failure of the expedition into the forest, and the burning of the governor's house, were matters which seriously affected their pride.

Defeat by English buccaneers they were accustomed to; and regarding the English, at sea, as a species of demon against whom human bravery availed little.

They were slightly touched by it; but that they should be defied by a set of runaway slaves; and of natives, whom they had formerly regarded with contempt; was a blow to their pride.
Quietly, and without ostentation, troops were drafted into the island from the neighboring posts, until a formidable force had been gathered there.

The foresters had now plenty of means of communication with the negroes, who regarded them as saviors, to whom they could look for rescue and shelter, in case of their masters' cruelty; and were always ready to send messengers up into the forest, with news of every occurrence which took place under their observation.