Synopses & Reviews
Born in Jamaica, Robert Charles Dallas (1754-1824) was prolific author in a variety of genres, dedicating all of his work to 'the defence of society and reason against Jacobinism and confusion', having been forced to leave his residence in France by the Revolution. Despite 'an ardent tendency in my heart to disapprove the slave-trade', The History of the Maroons, published in 1803, offered a qualified acceptance of the institution of slavery in a fallen world, and addressed criticisms of planters' behaviour and the government's conduct against the rebellious Jamaican Maroons - runaway slaves who formed their own communities in the West Indies. They settled the mountainous inland areas of Jamaica and resisted assimilation by the British; two Maroon Wars were fought in the eighteenth century. They were deported by the British to Canada and then to Sierra Leone, but many returned to Jamaica, where they remain.
Synopsis
This 1803 work outlines the background to, and conduct of, the war between the British and Maroon rebels in Jamaica.
Synopsis
This 1803 work outlined the background to, and conduct of, the Second Maroon War of 1795-6 between the British and settlements of runaway slaves in Jamaica. Confronting guerilla tactics by the rebels, General Walpole used fierce bloodhounds to force their surrender, and many were captured and deported.
Table of Contents
Volume 1: Preface; A succinct history of Jamaica; 1. Subjects proposed; 2. Jamaica relinquished by the Spaniards; 3. Party sent to discover the Windward Maroon town under Quao; 4. Maroon towns; 5. Causes of the Maroon war; 6. The Maroon captains set out for the capital; 7. Plan of operations; 8. General Walpole appointed to the command; Appendix. Volume 2: 9. Melancholy situation of the colony; 10. News of peace between France and Spain; 11. A respectable interpreter unacquainted with any language; 12. State of the war in Jamaica; 13. Contrary opinions, respecting General Walpole's treaty with the Maroons; 14. Transportation of the Trelawney Maroons; 15. Severity of the winter; 16. Situation of the Maroons; 17. Influx of foreigners in Jamaica; 18. Culture of new canes; 19. An account of several modes of agency; 20. State of opinions respecting the slave-trade; 21. The subject of religion continued.