This supposed their whole number to have been about twelve thousand.

But in the year 1782, after a real muster by himself, he found, to his great astonishment, that the fighting men did not then amount to three hundred.

Now the fact was, that Sir Archibald Campbell's first position was founded upon rumour only; and was not true.
For according to Mr.Long, the Maroons were actually numbered in 1749; when they amounted to about six hundred and sixty in all, having only a hundred and fifty men fit to carry arms.

Hence, if when mustered by Sir Archibald Campbell he found three hundred fighting men, they must from 1749 to 1782 have actually doubled their population.
Was it possible, after these instances, to suppose that the Negros could not keep up their numbers, if their natural increase were made a subject of attention?
The reverse was proved by sound reasoning.

It had been confirmed by unquestionable facts.