Page:History and adventures of Jack Mansong.pdf/16

16 Mountains ; he had become the terror of the whole island, and rendered himself so obnoxious by his daily depredations, that Governor Dalling found it necessary to apply to his Majesty, to issue his royal proclamation, offering a reward for apprehending this daring robber. Accordingly, two proclamations were issued, dated the 12th December, 1780, and 15th January, 1781, offering a Reward of two hundred pounds, for killing Jack, or taking him alive.

The House of Assembly, of the Island of Jamaica, also came to the resolution of giving their freedom to any slave, for whom they were to indemnify his owner, and also freedom and pardon to any of his accomplices, who should kill and bring in the head and three finger'd hand of Jack, which was issued immediately after the first proclamation.

In consequence of these offers, two resolute and bold negroes, named Quashee and Sam, both of Scots-Hall, Maroon-Town, with a party of their townsmen, resolved to go in search of Jack. Quashee, before he set out, was christened, and his name changed to James Reeder. The expedition commenced, and while this party are on their pursuit, we shall return to Rosa, who had left her father's house, in search of her lover.

The night was extremely dark when she took the resolution of descending from her chamber, to go in search of her beloved Orford : She dressed herself as a sailor-boy, to secure her from violence ; and thus equipped she defied the inclemency of the weather. The passion which preyed on her heart dispelled her fear ; and unintimidated she proceeded to the woods.

Rosa had repeatedly heard it said, that Jack’s cave was near mount Lebanus, somewhere among the chain of the Blue Mountains. Thither she