Note 5 — Chapter II
Reading edition
This terrible slaughter took place on the night of the 16th June, 1816, under the advice, and with the participation of the women of Mompox, a beautiful city on an island in the River Magdalena. The event has enlisted the muse of many a native patriot and poet, who grew wild when they recalled the courage of
"Those dames of Magdalena, Who, in one fearful night, Slew full four hundred tyrants, Nor shrunk from blood in fright."
Such women deserve the apostrophe of Macbeth to his wife:
"Bring forth men children only."