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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fc927ab --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #69156 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/69156) diff --git a/old/69156-0.txt b/old/69156-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index ad8fe55..0000000 --- a/old/69156-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,1942 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Observations on the slave trade and a -description of some part of the coast of Guinea, during a voyage, made -in 1787, and 1788, in company with Doctor A. Sparrman and Captain -Arrehenius, by Carl Bernhard Wadstrom - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Observations on the slave trade and a description of some part of - the coast of Guinea, during a voyage, made in 1787, and 1788, in - company with Doctor A. Sparrman and Captain Arrehenius - -Author: Carl Bernhard Wadstrom - -Release Date: October 14, 2022 [eBook #69156] - -Language: English - -Produced by: John Campbell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team - at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images - generously made available by The Internet Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OBSERVATIONS ON THE SLAVE -TRADE AND A DESCRIPTION OF SOME PART OF THE COAST OF GUINEA, DURING A -VOYAGE, MADE IN 1787, AND 1788, IN COMPANY WITH DOCTOR A. SPARRMAN AND -CAPTAIN ARREHENIUS *** - - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE - - Italic text is denoted by _underscores_. - - The original text used the character ſ (long-form s); these have been - replaced by the normal s in this etext. - - Footnote anchors are denoted by [number], and the footnotes have been - placed at the end of the book. - - Some minor changes to the text are noted at the end of the book. - - - - - _OBSERVATIONS_ - - ON THE - - SLAVE TRADE, - - AND A - - DESCRIPTION - - Of some Part of the - - _COAST of GUINEA_, - - DURING - - A VOYAGE, - - Made in 1787, and 1788, in Company with - - _Doctor A. SPARRMAN and Captain ARREHENIUS_, - - BY - - C. B. WADSTROM, - - - _Chief Director of the Royal Assay and Refining Office; Member of the - Royal Chamber of Commerce, and of the Royal Patriotic Society, for - Improving Agriculture, Manufactures, and Commerce in Sweden._ - - - LONDON: - Printed and Sold by JAMES PHILLIPS, George-Yard, Lombard-Street, - 1789. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -In communicating to the publick the result of my observations lately -made in a voyage to the Coast of Guinea, with two of my countrymen, it -is not my intention, without sufficient reason, to add to the number -of publications which have lately enlightened Europe, on a subject so -deserving her attention, and in the impartial investigation of which -she is so zealously employed. - -Animated with a desire of defending the cause of suffering humanity, -I have no other end in view, than that of contributing some small -assistance to the well concerted plans of others, by making known what -my own experience has dictated; in a word, to relate what I have seen, -and to shew, without vain pretences, what my ideas are, on a plan so -well calculated to expand every heart that is now cherishing a hope for -its success. - -As the subject has been so amply treated, my readers will not expect -to find novelty in every part of this tract; but having been so -fortunately situated, as to be enabled fully to inform myself of the -nature of the slave trade; of the manner in which the negroes are -treated by the Europeans; but more particularly of the possibility of -improving, by cultivation, the fruitful soil of Africa, it shall be my -endeavour to treat these important subjects in a manner interesting and -new. - -In the presence of the two most respectable nations of Europe, would I -were endowed with powers to represent in colours sufficiently striking, -the frightful picture I have formed to myself, of the above-mentioned -traffick, and thereby to prove, that these detestable markets for human -flesh, constitute the last stage of all false principles; the greatest -of all abuses; the inversion of all order; and originate solely in -that corrupted system of commerce, which pervades every civilized -nation at this day. In fact, when the principles of commerce had been -once diverted from the noble _end_ of its institution, an institution -which promoted the free circulation of commodities, the increase of -knowledge, and the wealth and prosperity of nations, and when the -spirit of self-interest and monopoly first perverted it from this -universal end, which ought ever to have been kept in view, and confined -it to particular nations, following insensibly the steps of its -degradation, it became the mercenary object of individuals, separate -from the general good; could it then be a matter of surprize, that it -should ultimately become so debased, as to regard man himself as a -merchandise? This detestable abuse may be considered as proceeding from -a degenerate love of _dominion_, and of _possessing_ the property of -others; which, instead of diffusing the genial influence of benevolence -and liberty, produces, in their state of inversion, all the horrors of -tyranny and slavery. - -Persuaded that the moment is now arrived, when mankind will begin to -make a real use of their great scientific acquirements, and of the -multiplicity of their discoveries; persuaded that the evil, which -begins to infect mankind, has no other basis than the execrable -traffic, which is at this day so generally carried on at the expence of -human liberty; and convinced at the same time, of the existence of a -Providence, which directs all things according to the universal end it -proposes in its impenetrable decrees, and that we are but instruments, -by whom it executes its great designs; convinced, I say, of all these -important truths, and inflamed with an ardent desire of assisting in -the execution of this great and noble attempt, I am not only ready to -devote my own person in this cause, but also to excite all those in -whose breast there still remains a spark of humanity, to unite with -prudence and activity, to accomplish this grand work, which has for its -end the extermination of every _evil_ and _false_ principle, preparing -the way for the reception of _Goodness_ and _Truth_, in every human -society. - -When I reflect on the importance, the extent, and the grandeur of -this subject, it gives me pain in being obliged to treat it in so -hasty and incorrect a manner; but pressed for time, I trust my candid -readers will receive these few hints in good part, allowing for the -necessity of their appearing at this critical moment, when all the -great societies of Europe are so strongly interesting themselves in the -tender cause of humanity, laudably vying with each other in the honour -of pleading at the bar of human sensibility, in favour of the most -oppressed nations in the universe. - -It may be expedient here to inform my readers, that I intend to publish -a more circumstantial account of my voyage to the Coast of Guinea, -when opportunity is afforded to prepare it for publick inspection; -wherein I propose to treat more fully on the geographical description -of the country, on the manners, laws, and customs of the different -nations which inhabit those shores; moreover, to treat concerning the -commerce now carried on, but more particularly, on that which may -hereafter be established with very great advantage. I also reserve to -myself the satisfaction then of informing the publick, who was the -august promoter of the enterprise I undertook, in concert with my two -respectable countrymen, and with what humanity France concurred with -him in assisting us to perform the voyage. How providentially I was led -to make observations on a subject (I mean the abolition of the slave -trade) which could only have been undertaken by a nation of such a -character and power as that which I have now the honour to address! - -In exposing to the world the atrocious acts committed in that part -of the globe to which I have been eye-witness, it is not improbable, -that both the nations and individuals who have countenanced them, may -consider the writer in the light of a spy, and a divulger of those -things which ought, in honour, to have been buried in silence. But if -they can find no other appellation for the just and pure intentions of -a friend to mankind, who dares to expose crimes and cruelties which -the abusers of human right are guilty of, he then accounts it an honour -in discharging the duty he owes to society, to be esteemed as such. But -let it be well observed, that herein he speaks from a respect due only -to truth, with a view to expose _Wickedness_ and _Falsehood_, but not -_Nations_ or _Individuals_. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - SECT. I. - - _On the Mode of procuring Slaves._ - - Chap. I. WAR Page 1 - Chap. II. PILLAGE 7 - Chap. III. Of ROBBERY 17 - Chap. IV. TREACHERY or STRATAGEM 22 - - - SECT. II. - - _Of the Manner in which the Negroes are treated - by the Europeans._ - - Chap. I. Negroes considered as TRADERS 26 - Chap. II. Negroes considered as SLAVES 28 - - - SECT. III. - - _Whether the Negroes are naturally inclined to - Industry._ - - Chap. I. In FOREIGN COUNTRIES 31 - Chap. II. In THEIR OWN COUNTRY 31 - - - SECT. IV. - - _Description of the Coast._ - - Chap. I. CLIMATE 36 - Chap. II. Of the SOIL 39 - Chap. III. The PRODUCTIONS 40 - _Animal_ 40 - _Vegetable_ 42 - _Mineral_ 45 - - - SECT. V. - - _Of the Impediments which will oppose the European - Settlements on the Coast of Guinea._ - - Chap. I. FALSE OPINIONS 46 - Chap. II. Of the DISEASES 50 - Chap. III. Of MUSKETOES 51 - Chap. IV. Of THORNS and THISTLES 52 - - - SECT. VI. - - REFLECTIONS 53 - - - - -[Illustration: (Decorative banner)] - - - - -OBSERVATIONS - -ON THE - -SLAVE TRADE, &c. - - - - -SECT. I. - -_On the Mode of procuring Slaves._ - - - - -CHAP. I. - -_WAR._ - - -Among the various sources, from whence the Europeans are supplied with -slaves on the coast of Africa, I shall first reckon that of _War_. - -The _Wars_ which the inhabitants of the interior parts of the country, -beyond Senegal, Gambia, and Sierra Leona, carry on with each other, -are chiefly of a predatory nature, and owe their origin to the yearly -number of slaves, which the Mandingoes, or the inland traders suppose -will be wanted by the vessels that will arrive on their coast. Indeed -these predatory incursions depend so much on the demand for slaves, -that if in any one year there be a greater concourse of European ships -than usual, it is observed that a much greater number of captives from -the interior parts of the country is brought to market the next. - -The unhappy captives, many of whom are people of distinction, such as -princes, priests, and persons high in office, are conducted by the -Mandingoes in droves of twenty, thirty, or forty, chained together, -either to Fort St. Joseph on the river Senegal, or Niger, in the -country of Gallam, or to places near the river Gambia. But when the -trade with the French on the river Senegal happens to be stopped, -(which was the case in 1787) they bring all their captives to the mouth -of the Gambia, Sierra Leona, and other places down the coast. These -Mandingoes perform the whole journey, except at certain seasons of -the year, when they are met by the traders belonging to the coast, -who receive the slaves from them, and give them the usual articles of -merchandize in exchange. - -What I have hitherto said, was taken from the best accounts I could -collect both from the black and white traders, during my residence upon -the coast. It is proper, however, that I should state something on this -head, that has come within my own knowledge. - -The Moors, who inhabit the countries on the north of the River Senegal, -are particularly infamous for these predatory _Wars_. They cross the -river, and attacking the negroes, bring many of them off. There are -not a few who subsist by means of these unprovoked excursions. The -French, to encourage them in it, make annual presents to the Moorish -kings. These are given them under certain conditions, first, that their -subjects shall not carry any of their gum to the English at Portendic; -and, secondly, that they shall be ready, on all occasions, to furnish -slaves. To enable them to fulfil this last article, they never fail to -supply them with ammunition, guns, and other instruments of _War_. - -To confirm what I have now said, I shall put down the following example: - -The king of Almammy had, in the year 1787, very much to his honour, -enacted a law, that no slave whatever should be marched through his -territories. At this time several French vessels lay at anchor in -the Senegal, waiting for slaves. The route of the black traders in -consequence of this edict of the king, was stopped, and the slaves -carried to other parts. The French, unable on this account to complete -their cargoes, remonstrated with the king. He was, however, very -unpropitious to their representations, for he returned the presents -which had been sent him by the Senegal company, of which I myself was -a witness; declaring, at the same time, that all the riches of that -company should not divert him from his design. In this situation of -affairs, the French were obliged to have recourse to their old friends, -the Moors. These, who had before shewn themselves so ready on such -occasions, were no less ready and active on this. They set off in -parties to surprise the unoffending negroes, and to carry among them -all the calamities of _War_. Many unfortunate prisoners were sent, -and for some time continued to be sent in. I was once curious enough -to wish to see some of those that had just arrived. I applied to the -Director of the company, who conducted me to the slave-prisons. I there -saw the unfortunate captives, chained two and two together, by the -foot. The mangled bodies of several of them, whose wounds were still -bleeding, exhibited a most shocking spectacle; and their situation may -be much easier conceived than described. The Director of the company, -however, used his best endeavors to console them. - -This is a specifick instance, clearly shewing that _one War at least_ -was undertaken for the sole purpose of procuring slaves. I cannot, -however, help observing, that if no such instance as this had come -within my knowledge during my stay in those parts, I should yet have -thought myself justifiable in supposing, that the _Wars_ among the -negroes originated in the slave trade. For in all the observations I -have been able to make (and I went to the coast of Africa, not with any -commercial views, but for the sole purpose of inquiry and observation) -I have ever considered the negroes as a quiet, inoffensive people, -happy in themselves, and in one another, enjoying the comforts of life, -without the intervention of toil and trouble. If, therefore, I had -found _Wars_ among a people of such dispositions, and so situated as -to have no motive for them, I should certainly have set them down, as -having been excited for some diabolical purpose, and for none so likely -as for the prosecution of the slave trade. - - - - -CHAP. II. - -_PILLAGE._ - - -A second source, from whence the Europeans are supplied with slaves on -the coast of Africa, is _Pillage_, which is of two kinds; publick or -private. It is publick, when practiced by the direction of the kings, -private, when practiced by individuals. I must also make a further -distinction, namely, as it is practiced by the blacks and the whites. -This last I call Robbery, which will be the subject of the next article. - -The publick _Pillage_ is, of all others, the most plentiful source, -from which the slave trade derives its continuance and support. -The kings of Africa (I mean in that part of the country which I -have visited) incited by the merchandize shewn them, which consists -principally of strong liquors, give orders to their military to attack -their own villages in the night. Saturday night is particularly fixed -upon for this purpose, being esteemed the most lucky for expeditions -of this kind. However, when slaves are wanted in haste, no night is -deemed so inauspicious as to prevent an attempt. - -As I have been myself an eye-witness to several of these nocturnal -expeditions, it will, perhaps, be better to illustrate this kind of -_Pillage_ by some examples. - -The French make presents to the negro as well as the Moorish kings. It -happened when I was at Goree, that an ambassador was to be sent from -thence to the king of Barbesin on this errand. I obtained leave with my -fellow-travellers to accompany the embassy. We accordingly set out, and -arrived at Joal, a place where the king resides at particular times of -the year, viz. when the trading vessels arrive there. - -It is usual, on the receipt of these presents, to send back a number of -slaves in return. It so happened, however, that the king of Barbesin -had no slaves in his possession at that time. This circumstance it -was, that afforded me an opportunity of seeing the expeditions before -mentioned. - -We resided, I believe, about a week at Joal. During our residence -there, the _Pillage_, of which I have been speaking, was attempted -almost every night. The following is a description of the persons -concerned in it, and of their various success. - -There were several parties of the military, assembled at six in the -evening, or about dusk. Each party consisted of about ten or twelve. -A large horseman’s musket was rested on each of their saddles, in the -same manner as those of the English heavy cavalry. On their shoulders -were suspended a bow, and a quiver full of arrows. Thus equipped, they -went to different villages belonging to the king, and returned usually -about five in the morning, or a little before day-light. - -In some of their attempts they returned without a single slave. In -others they were more successful. At one time in particular they -came back with but one captive. This was a beautiful young negress, -from one of the king’s own villages. She was immediately delivered, -notwithstanding her tears and cries, to the French ambassador, whom we -accompanied, and, by his order, was carried on board. - -It was fortunate however for her, that she belonged to one of those -families, which, in consequence of their birth, are exempted by the -laws of the country from slavery. This occasioned a commotion; for -the auction appeared to the minds of the people, to be so unjust -and repugnant to the established laws, that they were nearly on the -point of rebelling. The king, when he came to his senses (for he -had given his orders respecting the seizure of this girl in a state -of intoxication) saw in so lively a manner the consequences of this -rash proceeding, that with the most abject submission, he descended -to prayers and intreaties with the owner, to return the innocent and -unfortunate girl. The Frenchman, though surrounded by more than two -thousand negroes at the time, and though the embassy, including myself -and fellow-travellers, consisted but of five white people, was so madly -obstinate, as for a long time to refuse his request; I say madly, -because in all the adventures of my life, I had never so much reason to -be alarmed for the preservation of it. At length, after much intreaty, -the king promised him two others in exchange, whom he expected to seize -on a future expedition; and thus was the unhappy girl restored to her -disconsolate family. - -At another time, the military, who had been sent out to _Pillage_, -returned with several captives. These consisted of men, women, and -children. The men, as they were brought in, exhibited marks of great -dejection. One of them, however, appeared to be quite frantick with -grief. He beseeched his captors, with great fervency, that they would -not tear him from his wife and children. The women, on the other hand, -vented their sorrow in shrieks and lamentations. The children, in a -state of palpitation, clung to their mother’s breasts. Their little -eyes were so swelled with crying, that they could cry no more. During -all this time, the captors, to shew their joy on the occasion, and to -drown the cries of their unfortunate fellow-subjects, were beating -large drums. To this was added, all the noise that could be collected -from the blowing of horns, and the human voice. Taking in the shrieks -and agony of the one, and the shouts and joy of the other, with the -concomitant instruments of noise, I was never before witness to such an -infernal scene. - -What I have said of the king of Barbesin’s conduct with respect to -the mode of procuring slaves, is equally applicable to those other -kings of the country, of whom I have any knowledge. King Damel, whose -dominions lie between Portudal and Senegal, wanting a slave to deliver -in exchange for some goods he had bargained for with a Goree trader, -ordered his soldiers to seize on one of his own subjects. Finding a -woman (whose husband was absent) in a hut with her children, they -seized her, bound her, and tore her from her babes, who were rejected, -as not being able to perform the journey down to the shore. - -The king of Sallum, though he never tastes any spirituous liquors, -has recourse to the same practice, as if by the common consent of the -kings of Africa, these were the measures to be invariably pursued. -The articles, most in demand with this king, are Spanish dollars, and -Dutch gourds. Both these he causes to be melted down, and then to be -worked into chains, bracelets, and other ornaments for himself and his -favourites. Having fixed an extraordinary value upon these, he will at -any time depopulate a village to obtain them. Such are the effects of -avarice, when it has the power of gratification. - -The vessels employed in the trade to Sallum, by the mulattoes of Goree, -are generally sloops. With these they go up the river, and arrive -in about three days. Their stay there is very uncertain. It is in -general from one to four weeks, according as the king is successful or -not in those _Pillages_ which he attempts for the sake of procuring -slaves. When the traders have completed their cargoes, they return to -Goree, where they deliver them, in about eight days. The slaves, so -delivered, are shipped off, by the first opportunity, to the French -colonies. - -In speaking of these sloops, I cannot refrain from mentioning an -instance which came under my own eye. A trading mulattoe of Goree, -whose name was Martin, had obtained from the king of Sallum, by means -of the publick _Pillage_ before described, a sloop full of captives. -The greater part of them were women and children. Notwithstanding -this, they had been thrown into the sloop as if they had been articles -of lumber, and devoid of feeling. Obliged, moreover, from too close -a stowage, to lie on the inequalities and protuberances of the bare -planks, without being able to change their position, they had in the -course only of eight days (which I stated to be the time of the passage -from Sallum to Goree) been very materially hurt: for, when I saw them -brought out of the sloop, they had several contusions on various parts -of their bodies, and in others their flesh was severely cut. A poor -child in particular, about two years old, had a very deep wound in his -side, made in the manner above stated. He lay afterwards, upon being -landed, with the wound contiguous to the ground, so that the sand -getting into it, put him to exquisite pain. I mention this instance, -only to give an idea of what are thought to be rooms of accommodation -for slaves, and of that inhumanity, which naturally springs out of the -prosecution of this trade. - -Before I close my account of the publick _Pillage_, I must not forget -to mention, that the kings of those parts, (except the king of Sallum) -never openly profess the right, which they thus unjustly usurp over -the lives and liberties of their subjects. For this reason they plan -their expeditions in such a manner, that they must arrive at the place -they intend to _Pillage_, in the dead of the night. It is impossible, -therefore, for their subjects, in such a case, to discover who are the -instruments of those acts of violence; and they may with greater reason -suppose, that they were perpetrated by a roving banditti, than by the -direction of their own kings. - -I come now to the private _Pillage_. This is practiced by individuals, -who, tempted by the merchandize brought by the Europeans, lie in wait -for one another. For this purpose they beset the roads, and other -places, so that a travelling negro can hardly ever escape them. To -enumerate the many instances of this private depredation that happen, -would be an endless task. I shall therefore select but one, which, on -account of the circumstances that followed, may strike the reader as -singular. - -A Moor had seized a free negro, and, having secured him, he brought -him to Senegal, and sold him to the company. A few days afterwards -this moor was taken by some negroes in the same manner, and brought to -be sold in his turn. The company seldom buy moors: but as they were -obliged, in consequence of their privileges, to supply the colony of -Cayenne with a certain number of slaves, and as several ships then in -the road, in consequence of the king of Almammy’s edict, as before -related, could not complete their cargoes, they made the less scruple -to buy him on this occasion. Chance so directed, that the moor, after -he had been purchased, was carried on board the same ship, in which -the negro lay. They no sooner met, than a quarrel took place between -them, which occasioned, for some days, a great tumult in the vessel. -Such rencounters frequently happen in the slave-ships, and the uproars, -occasioned by them, are seldom or never quieted, till some mischief has -been done. - - - - -CHAP. III. - -_Of ROBBERY._ - - -I have been hitherto describing the _Pillage_, as it is either publick -or private. I have also considered it as practiced by the blacks upon -one another. I come now to speak of it, as it is practiced upon these -by the whites; and this I call _Robbery_. - -It is too well known, at least on some parts of the coast, that the -Europeans have not failed, when opportunity presented itself, to seize -the unsuspicious natives of Africa, and to carry them by force to their -own colonies. - -This is usually practiced by the Europeans, where they have no -settlements; so that the fact generally escapes the notice of their -countrymen; I mean principally up the rivers, where they have ventured -to penetrate for the purpose of a more advantageous trade. At such -places, they compel the negroes to deliver them hostages, whom they -keep on board. The truce being concluded, the unsuspicious natives -embark with confidence, and repeatedly visit the vessel without -any kind of suspicion or fear. But, if the wind should be at all -favourable, none of the European monsters, who are engaged in this -trade, scruple to set sail, and to carry away not only the free -negroes, who have come on board to trade, but the hostages also, in -defiance of the law of nations and common honesty. - -These transactions are not only iniquitous in themselves, and therefore -derogatory from the character of a civilized nation, but are often so -fatal in their consequences, that those, who perpetrate them, have a -claim to the appellation of devils rather than men. For it may easily -be supposed, that the relations and friends of those, who have been -thus fraudulently carried off, will spare no pains to retaliate. This -is generally the case. The next ship that visits the coast, is perhaps -cut off. Thus, to a villainous action, is superadded the guilt of -becoming instrumental to the murder perhaps of their own countrymen, -and at any rate of occasioning the innocent to undergo the punishment -of the guilty. - -When I was at Goree, in the year 1787, accounts came down by some -French merchantmen from the Gambia of the following particulars. - -The captain of an English ship, which had been some time in that -river, had enticed several of the natives on board, and, finding a -favourable opportunity, sailed away with them. His vessel however was, -by the direction of Providence, driven back to the coast from whence -it had set sail, and was obliged to cast anchor on the very spot where -this act of treachery had been committed. At this time two other -English vessels were lying in the same river. The natives, ever since -the transaction, had determined to retaliate. They happened, at this -juncture, to be prepared. They accordingly boarded the three vessels, -and, having made themselves masters of them, they killed most of their -crews. The few who escaped to tell the tale, were obliged to take -refuge in a neighbouring French factory. Thus did the innocent suffer -the same punishment as the guilty; for it did not appear that the crews -of the other two vessels had been at all concerned in this villainous -measure. - -These particulars, as I observed before, had found their way down to -us at Goree, and, from the channels through which they came, I had -no reason to question their truth. It is remarkable, however, that, -though I wanted no confirmation of them in my own mind, yet, since my -arrival in London, I have heard them fully substantiated: for I dined -lately by accident with a certain underwriter, to whom undesignedly -relating the time, place, and other circumstances of this transaction, -I found that I had only been describing the fate of certain vessels, -which, to his knowledge, had been cut off in the same part of the -world, and at the same season. - - - - -CHAP. IV. - -_Of TREACHERY or STRATAGEM._ - - -The various other ways in which slaves are obtained, may be included -under the words _Treachery_ or _Stratagem_, being only so many -different modes of the same practice. One or two instances will, I -hope, suffice, as I do not wish to take up the reader’s time more than -is necessary, and as he will be enabled by them to judge of the rest. -Besides, the stratagems which the traders daily practise to get slaves, -are so numerous, that it would take a volume to recount them. - -A French merchant of Goree landing at a village, observed an handsome -well-made negro. He immediately made application to the chief of -the village to seize him. On the proposal of the chief, the people -unanimously agreed to grant his request: for it is a law in those -parts, that if all the village consent, any visitor residing among -them may be made a slave. To gain the consent of a whole village on -such an occasion, is by no means difficult. The Africans in general, -like other people in the same unimproved state, are governed by their -passions, and the prince has only to distribute a sufficient quantity -of spirituous liquors among them to produce the effect he wishes for. -Such was the case in the present instance; and the unfortunate negro, -though he was their neighbour and visitor, was taken and sent into -slavery. His wife, having heard of his capture, came down bathed in -tears. She begged to be bought, that she might go with him, and share -his fate. But the dealer who bought him, had probably no goods at the -time, and her intreaties were ineffectual. - -The king of Sallum, under pretence of wanting millet, enticed from -a neighbouring village a negress, who had a quantity to dispose -of. Elated with the prospect of selling it to advantage, she did -not consider the imprudence of the step she was about to take. She -accordingly went to the king, who not only immediately deprived her of -her millet, but seized her, and sold her for a slave. - -I cannot close my account of the different methods daily practised to -obtain slaves, without giving an instance, that will shew, in a very -glaring light, the bad tendency of the slave trade, and the baneful -effects it produces on the human heart. - -One of the Moorish kings had received from the director of the -company of Senegal, the predecessor of him who now occupies that -post, the usual presents, in consequence of which he was bound to -procure slaves. Having been rather dilatory in the performance of his -engagement, he was applied to by the director, who represented to him -the pressing wants of the company. The king, thus urgently pressed, -offered him a certain negro on account. This negro was none other than -his own minister, who had been his confidential friend and faithful -adviser for many years. The director, shocked at the circumstance, -endeavoured to point out to him the impropriety of his conduct, but -his representations were ineffectual. The negro, in whose presence the -offer was made, finding that his unworthy master was obstinately bent -upon his design, ran up to him, drew his dagger, and plunging it into -his own breast, exclaimed, “Thou savage! I shall have the satisfaction -of expiring, before thou canst reap any advantage from thy base -ingratitude to the best of servants.” - -I have now finished my section on the mode of procuring slaves, and I -should have been made much happier by my visit to the coast of Africa, -if no such instances had occurred, as I have felt myself obliged to -communicate to the reader. - - - - -SECT. II. - -_Of the Manner in which the Negroes are treated by the Europeans._ - - - - -CHAP. I. - -_Of the Negroes considered as TRADERS._ - - -Self-interest, the principle of all commerce, appears in the very -basest point of view, when considered, with a reference to the -intercourse subsisting between the white and the black nations. The -fraud and violence which the stronger generally imagine they have a -right in trade to exercise towards the weaker, compel the latter in -their turn to have recourse to practices equally base and cruel. Such -is the true picture of the low cunning and barbarity which the whites -practice towards the negroes, and these last towards their own people. - -In such mysteries of iniquity, the Europeans have a decided advantage -over the untutored African nations; and thus practice their villainous -artifices with impunity. The most despicable juggling tricks are used -in measuring or reckoning the commodities bartered with the negroes. -Thus for example, instead of the bottles and barrels shewn and approved -of, others are substituted apparently of the same size, but containing -less perhaps by one half. Advantage is taken of the difficulty with -which the negroes reckon beyond ten, and thus the accounts are -confused, and they are deprived of the greater part of the commodities -bargained for. The wine and spirits, samples of which the negroes had -tasted pure, are afterwards adulterated with water. They are defrauded -in all sorts of weights and measures; and, that the European adepts -in villainy may play off their tricks with success, they previously -take care to intoxicate the unsuspecting negroes, and by this means -fascinate their senses in such a manner, as to multiply or magnify -every article set before them. These ways of trading are esteemed the -most modest that can be practiced, and there is not a single European -who scruples in the least to have recourse to them on all occasions. I -have repeatedly been an eye-witness of such villainy. - - - - -CHAP. II. - -_Of the Negroes considered as SLAVES._ - - -On the coast of Africa there are two descriptions of slaves, namely, -the immediate descendants of slaves, and those who are reduced to -slavery in the different ways I have described. The former are seldom -sold, except for theft, but the most trivial transgression of this -kind is often made a pretext for selling them. At Goree I was present -at several publick sales of young women,[1] who were sold for acts -of petty larceny, which scarcely deserved the name of crimes. The -treatment these last experience is mild, when compared to that of the -wretches, who are enslaved by force or fraud, and who are treated -exactly like wild beasts. They are confined in prisons or dungeons, -resembling dens, where they lie naked on the sand, crowded together and -loaded with irons. In consequence of this cruel mode of confinement, -they are frequently covered with cutaneous eruptions. Ten or twelve of -them feed together out of a trough, precisely like so many hogs. There -is even less care taken of them than of brutes, while they are confined -in these horrid receptacles, and, till they are stowed away in the -slave vessels, to be sent from the coast; nor are they worse treated on -board, if we may credit some accounts. - -I am very sorry that humanity obliges me here to divulge a most -barbarous practice, frequently used by the French traders in the -Middle Passage. I have been assured by several of their merchants and -captains, that when detained by calms, or contrary winds, occasioning a -shortness of provisions and water; or when some fatal disease happens -to break out among the slaves, they never fail to mix corrosive -sublimate, or some other active poison with their visuals, and thus -coolly dispatch the wretches committed to their charge. They affirm -that it would be an act of imprudence to undertake such a voyage -unprovided with poisonous drugs, and they boast of being less cruel -than the Dutch and the English, who in similar circumstances throw the -innocent victims over-board without ceremony.[2] - -Of the above cruel practice, my journal furnishes a melancholy -instance, communicated to me by Capt. L. of Havre de Grace. About two -years ago, a slave vessel belonging to Brest, having been becalmed in -the Middle Passage, fell short of provisions and water. The Captain -on this occasion had recourse to poison, by which so great a number -was daily dispatched, that of _five hundred_ slaves, only _twenty-one_ -arrived at Cape François. - - - - -SECT. III. - -_Whether the Negroes are naturally inclined to Industry._ - - - - -CHAP. I. - -_In FOREIGN COUNTRIES._ - - -From several experiments made on different plantations in the -West-Indies, it appears, that negroes, when working, not by the -day, but by task, have given convincing proofs both of ability and -industry.[3] - - - - -CHAP. II. - -_In THEIR OWN COUNTRY._ - - -As liberty and reason, the two grand springs of all human action, are -not yet developed in these people, who have long remained in a state -of infancy, solely because their faculties have not been cultivated, in -consequence of which their wants have been but few, it may perhaps be -concluded, that these raw nations are incapable of civilization, but -this opinion will soon vanish on reflecting, that the effects produced -must entirely depend on the manner of forming their intellect. New -objects ought to be presented to them, in order to excite new desires, -and to call forth those faculties, which have hitherto lain dormant, -merely for want of exercise. Thus in the progress of their improvement -it will be necessary to introduce among them a proportionable degree of -what we generally call luxury, by which I do not mean the abuse of the -conveniences of life, which enervates mankind, but such moderate use of -those conveniences, as will rouse them to action. - -The behaviour of the king of Barbesin convinced me, that this useful -degree of luxury might easily be introduced among the people of the -coast. I gave him a pair of common enamelled slave buttons, with -which, though ignorant of their use, he was infinitely delighted. On -my shewing him for what purpose they were intended, he appeared much -mortified that his shirt had no button-holes; but observed that it -differed in this respect from that of a mulatto from Goree, with whom -he insisted on exchanging shirts in our presence, a demand with which -the man was forced to comply. Transported with his new ornaments, the -king held up his hands to display them to the people. His courtiers -soon surrounded my hut, intreating me to furnish them also with -buttons, which I did with pleasure. This fondness of the natives -for European baubles, proves that an advantageous commerce might be -established among them with very little trouble and expense. - -The conduct of the present king (late grand marabou[4]) of Almammy, -is more interesting to humanity, and evinces the firm manly character -of the negroes when enlightened. His understanding having been more -cultivated in his youth than that of the other black princes, he has -rendered himself intirely independent of the whites. He has not only -prohibited the slave trade throughout his dominions, but (in the year -1787) would not suffer the French to march their captives from Gallam, -through his country. He redeems his own subjects when seized by the -Moors, and encourages them to raise cattle, to cultivate the land, -and to practice all kinds of industry. As grand marabou, he abstains -from strong liquor, which, however, is not the general rule among that -order; for some who travel with the whites are not scrupulous in this -respect. His subjects, imitating his example, are much more sober than -their neighbours. - -This proves to what degree of civilization these people might be -brought, if with prudence and patience this great and noble enterprize -was once undertaken; but without introducing some degree of what we -generally call Luxury, this cultivation would, in my opinion, be -intirely impracticable. To what purpose would the human understanding -be cultivated, if Luxury, by which I mean nothing more than the -improvement of the conveniences and comforts of life, did not keep pace -with it? The former indeed could not take place without the latter. -Uncivilized nations in general are led merely by animal instinct to -procure their subsistence, but as soon as the understanding begins to -be enlightened, by means of reflection upon what is agreeable to life, -above mere necessaries, Luxury must of course be introduced.[5] - - - - -SECT. IV. - -_DESCRIPTION of the COAST._ - - - - -CHAP. I. - -_CLIMATE._ - - -The climate of the coast of Guinea, as of other countries, varies with -the nature of the soil, its elevation or depression, the comparative -state of its improvement, and other circumstances, perhaps not yet -sufficiently investigated. The latitude of the place is by no means a -certain criterion of its climate, since even in the midst of the torrid -zone, we meet with all possible gradations of climate. The high lands -of Camaroons in particular, though only between three and four degrees -distant from the line, are covered with everlasting snow. - -It is the general opinion, that the most unhealthy climates on the -coast, are those of Senegal and Juda, or, as it is called by the -English, Whidah. The neighbourhood of the banks of the River Gambia, -however, which has lately been much frequented, hath been found to -be as unhealthy as those just mentioned, especially during the great -rains, and immediately after their cessation. In general it may be -concluded, that low and marshy situations are very unfavourable to the -health of the Europeans, who may expect the most fatal consequences -from irregularity, or excess of any kind. But a due regard to -temperance, and such moderate exercise as would not induce too violent -a perspiration, would doubtless be the best means of guarding against -the effects of a sudden change of climate. Thus the body would -gradually accommodate itself to its new situation, as is actually -experienced by every one who duly attends to these precautions; and -this happy effect takes place sooner or later, according to the -weakness or strength of the stranger’s constitution, as well as to the -more or less manly education he may have received, and the habits he -may have formed in the earlier part of his life. The intemperature of -those climates may also be in some degree resisted, by fixing one’s -habitation on an elevated spot during the unhealthy season of the year. -For my own part, although I arrived on the coast during that season, -I escaped all the diseases of the country. This I ascribe entirely to -the cautious temperance I observed. During a mortality which raged at -Senegal while I was there, not a single gentleman or officer on shore -was attacked, but out of eleven sailors belonging to the vessel in -which I returned to Europe, six were taken off in the space of a month. -It must be observed, however, that seamen, by the tyranny or neglect -of the captains, by a bad or scanty diet, and by the other hardships -they undergo, are often exposed to many causes of disease, which do -not affect persons living regularly on shore, and which will ever more -or less attend the service of monopolizing Companies, or individual -merchants, who, _regardless of the lives of men_, make gain the sole -object of their speculations.[6] It is remarked, that Europeans of a -slender habit are generally found to be the most healthy on the coast -of Guinea. - -From what I have been able to collect, it appears, that the rainy -seasons follow the passage of the sun from the equator to either -tropic, so as always to prevail in those places where the sun is -vertical. East of Cape Palmas I am told they seldom set in before June, -when the sun returns from the northern tropic; but to the westward of -that Cape, and up the whole country, those seasons generally commence -within the month of May, and continue for three or four months. In the -beginning of this season, the earth being softened with the rain, the -negroes till and sow their ground, and after the return of dry weather, -they gather in their crops, an occupation they seldom abandon, even -though allured by the most advantageous commerce. I have sufficient -reason to believe, that were the coast cultivated to the extent of -which the soil in general is susceptible, the climate would be much -meliorated. - - - - -CHAP. II. - -_Of the Soil._ - - -The soil all along the coast is very unequal. From Cape Blanco down -the coast, to the River Gambia, it is in general very sandy, but as -the sand consists of broken shells, covered in many places with a rich -black mould, it must be favourable to vegetation. The most barren -places of this part of the country, except just on the sea shore, are -covered with grass and bushes; and where the black mould is found, -the vegetation is luxuriant, and the trees of vast dimensions. I have -remarked, that the mountains are generally composed more or less of -regular basaltes, exhibiting remains of most prodigious volcanoes, the -eruptions of which greatly improve the soil around them. Hence the -mountains and high grounds at Cape Emanuel, Goree, Cape Rouge, and -other places lower down, are commonly very fertile. Where rice thrives -best, the ground in general is low, marshy, and unhealthy. - - - - -CHAP. III. - -_The Productions._ - - -_Animal._ The cattle on the coast are smaller than those of Europe, -and not so fat as those of England or Holland; yet their flesh is -very nourishing, and they give milk in abundance. Their inferiority -appeared to me to be the effect of the careless and unskillful -management of the negroes. I once saw four oxen sold for eighteen -livres. They must be raised on the coast, as foreign cattle do not -thrive. Even those from the Cape de Verd Islands do not answer on -the coast. The whole coast is abundantly stocked with sheep, hogs, -and all sorts of poultry, which propagate with astonishing rapidity. -Fishing and hunting are most eagerly pursued by the negroes, who have, -however, but a very gross idea of any mechanical means of facilitating -those employments. Of the prodigious shoals of numberless kinds of -fish, I could have formed no idea without having seen them with my own -eyes. Spermaceti whales abound on the coast. In passing from Goree to -the Continent, distant about five miles, I have often rowed through -shoals of them, and have been under no small apprehensions of their -oversetting any canoe. Lower down the coast the English and Portuguese -carry on a considerable fishery of those whales; and ambergris is -found in such quantities on the coast, that I have more than once seen -the negroes pay their canoes with it. Till lately the learned were -at a loss to which of the kingdoms of nature this production was to -be referred, but they are now pretty generally agreed, that it is the -excrement of the spermaceti whales. - -_Vegetable._ The grass is thick, and grows to a great height. The -natives are often obliged to burn it, to prevent the wild beasts from -harbouring in the fields, but it soon springs up again. Millet, rice, -potatoes, pulse, and many other excellent vegetables, are cultivated -on the coast with very little trouble, and in a profusion perfectly -astonishing to an European. Such indeed is the plenty which prevails -on the coast, that all the European ships are victualled, without the -smallest inconvenience to the inhabitants. There is also abundance of -the most wholesome and delicious fruit; articles of no less consequence -than those just mentioned. Sugar-canes grow wild in many places, which -with a little cultivation might be rendered extremely valuable and -productive. The same may be said of the tobacco-plant. Several species -of cotton are also spontaneously produced by this excellent soil; one -of them may be spun without being carded, and almost without any -preparation. The negroes spin it into very fine yarn, of which they -make a good but narrow cloth.[7] - -Indigo of different kinds also grows wild, and in such quantities, -as to be a very troublesome weed in the rice and millet fields. What -a strange inversion of nature does not man, actuated by the most -extravagant and most ridiculous selfishness, every where labour to -effect? What necessity is there for exiling this plant from the soil -and climate which nature has assigned it, in order to transplant it -into a country, where it is far from thriving so well as in its native -place, and where it fails every third or fourth year? Dyers, who have -tried the African indigo, affirm, that it is better than that which is -produced in Carolina and in the West-Indies. The specimens of cotton -and indigo, which I have brought with me from the coast, have been -carefully examined by people of skill, and found to be of the best -quality. - -Gum is another valuable article, and is not as some imagine produced -in the neighbourhood of Senegal only; it is also found on most parts -of the coast, though the negroes have not yet got into the practice -of collecting it, which they might do with very little trouble. My -fellow-traveller, Dr. Sparrman, extracted a large quantity of the sap -of a small but most juicy tree, which grows in great abundance on the -coast, and exposing it to the sun for a few hours, had the satisfaction -to find it converted into an elastic gum, equal in all respects to that -which is known by the name of Indian rubber. The coast also produces a -great variety of the most valuable and beautiful woods, many of which -are scarcely known even to our botanists. I brought with me samples of -fourteen species, including one remarkable for its colour, which is -a very beautiful red. Among the different plants, which grow on the -coast, is a kind of aloes, of which the negroes make most excellent -ropes. Of several sorts of roots and leaves they make mats and baskets, -and their manufactures of this kind are really elegant;—this being -the principal art in which they appear to equal if not to excel the -Europeans. - -_Minerals._——Except some trifling and unsuccessful attempts, made by -Chevalier de la Brue, in the beginning of this century, the Europeans -have never made any particular search for _Minerals_ on the coast, -which, however, it would be well worth while to attend to, especially -as it is well known in what abundance gold is found in the inland -parts, notwithstanding the negroes are very unskillful in collecting -it. An exact and regular examination of the metallick productions of -the mountains, particularly those of Sierra Leona, and the adjacent -country, would certainly be an object of great importance. In Gallam is -found a very tough and excellent kind of iron, and the negroes work it -with much ingenuity.[8] - - - - -SECT. V. - -_Of the IMPEDIMENTS which will oppose European Settlements on the Coast -of Guinea._ - - - - -CHAP. I. - -_False Opinions._ - - -The diminution of the value of the West Indian Islands will undoubtedly -be the strongest objection against forming settlements on the coast -of Guinea; but this objection, which is wholly resolvable into a -narrow policy, founded on false and interested principles, might be -easily obviated, if my necessary brevity would permit me to enter on -the discussion. To suppose that the European nations, which have West -Indian colonies, would be injured by forming others in Africa, is just -as unreasonable, as to suppose, that a man’s property would be injured -by putting him in possession of another estate, in addition to that -which he already enjoys. Allow the old colonies to be lessened in their -value, the loss will be more than compensated to the mother country, by -settlements formed in an extensive region, which yields spontaneously -the tropical productions now so much wanted in all luxurious and -civilized communities. I met the whole force of this objection on the -coast, and perceived clearly that this circumstance alone had hitherto -prevented the European governments from forming settlements in Africa. -I nevertheless saw that such settlements would be formed sooner or -later, and that they could not fail to acquire strength, and to produce -the most solid advantages to any nation possessed of them, especially -to that which shall first undertake so beneficial an enterprize.[9] - -But if even the best monarchs be surrounded by courtiers, devoted to -partial and avaricious views, under the illusive semblance of national -interest, can it be expected that the light of enlarged policy, -dissipating the thick darkness in which they are enveloped, will -dispose them to adopt plans extensively beneficial to mankind, and -conformable to the great law of creation? Are not the governments of -the two most flourishing nations, England and France, who give laws to -the rest of Europe, influenced by powerful possessors of the ancient -colonies and opulent merchants of their productions? It is impossible -that information of so delicate a nature should be obtained pure and -unadulterated through the medium of surly, sordid planters and sugar -factors, who are acting only from a vile self-interest.[10] - - - - -CHAP. II. - -_Of the Diseases._ - - -The diseases to which the Europeans are subject from the climate -of the coast, may be reckoned among the greatest inconveniences to -establishments of white people in that part of the world. Fortunately, -however, they may in general be obviated by making choice of elevated -situations, and if possible by forming the first settlement on an -island; by keeping up the spirits of the new colonists, so that their -minds may be agreeably occupied to gratify the affections of the soul; -by accustoming them, as I have already observed, to a moderate degree -of exercise; guarding carefully against wet and damps in the rainy -seasons; by observing a good diet, or regularity of living, and keeping -the bowels open. Such precautions are the surest antidotes against most -of the bad effects usually resulting from a sudden change of climate. -It is a fact confirmed by observation, that, excepting accidental or -violent deaths or infections, disorders to which every country as -well as Africa are subject, the evils I have been speaking of, prevail -chiefly among that class of people, who suffer their brutal passions -to get the upper hand of their reason, and whose will and affections -always govern their intellectual faculties. Nothing is more common and -fatal among this class, than excess in drinking. Nevertheless there are -remedies on the spot well known among the negroes, which effectually -cure the diseases that cannot be escaped. - - - - -CHAP. III. - -_Of Musketoes._ - - -The musketoes are generally very troublesome; but as they are only -generated in stagnant and putrid water, it is easy to perceive that -this evil is not without a remedy; because by draining the marshes, and -by cultivating the land, the cause which produces them will in a great -measure be removed. It is likewise certain, that it is not difficult -to accustom one’s-self to them, and it is astonishing to see with what -unconcern the negroes walk quite naked, surrounded by swarms of those -insects, without regarding their attacks. Smoke, in general, is a good -preservative against them.[11] - - - - -CHAP. IV. - -_Of Thorns and Thistles._ - - -The inconveniences of thorns and thistles that grow wild in very great -abundance among the trees, bushes, and grass, are likewise an hindrance -to the commencement of cultivation; but if the negroes were employed -to pull them up, this obstacle would be of little consequence; for -they are so used and accustomed to them, that they make no scruple of -penetrating across the thickets which most abound with them. Besides, -the cultivation of the country will soon exterminate these impediments, -as well as many others. - - - - -SECT. VI. - -_REFLECTIONS._ - - -From all that has been said, as well as from many other particulars, -unnecessary to be repeated here, as they are already laid before the -publick, it is evident, that the slave trade is a _Commerce_, carried -to the highest pitch of human depravity, and it is to be feared that -its total suppression by all the Europeans nations is a thing more -to be wished for than expected at once, unless some of the civilized -nations were to unite in establishing colonies on the coast of Guinea. -May therefore every nation, seriously engaged in the cause of liberty, -consider this efficacious remedy with the strictest attention, and -reap the great advantage to be derived from the fruitful soil of this -vast part of the globe, by the effectual means already pointed out, -namely, that of Cultivation[12]. But, as the settling of new colonies, -and the gradual abolition of this trade, require the most scrupulous -attention, I venture to flatter myself, that from some experience and -application to this matter, I shall be able to excite every feeling -and disinterested mind, to view this grand object in a proper point -of light: I consider it therefore as a duty to lay before them the -following reflections. - -Though it be usual to compare nations and their colonies to parents -and their children, yet in reality the comparison is not just, as -things are circumstanced at present. - -In every individual family, what is so highly regarded, or esteemed so -highly interesting, so useful, directing the attention to sound policy, -as the human production or propagation of mankind? Where is that -parent, who not only strives to give his children as good an education -as he himself has received, but impelled by affection even endeavours -to elevate them into a superior state? Acting thus, has he any other -end than that of introducing them as active, zealous, and laborious -citizens, from a principle of usefulness, as reasonable, beneficent, -and religious fathers of future families, into that society, of which -he himself forms a part? - -From what has been said it follows, that children, when they arrive at -the age of maturity, although they have been useful to their parents -during their minority; yet it is not to be inferred, that from a -principle of obligation or false gratitude, they ought inseparably -to abide by their parents throughout life. No! in a more advanced -age, nature and reason combine to emancipate and justify them, even -though opposed by their parents; when in their turn they independently -establish themselves, and lay a foundation for new families, which -augmenting the prosperity, and strength of the community, necessarily -promotes those of their parents. How could any society whatever -otherwise continue to exist? In a word, a child is fruit hanging on the -tree;—man, arrived to full growth, is separated therefrom, which, under -the direction of Providence, reproduces in its turn, a new tree that -may do honour to the forest. - -The gratitude and filial attachment which a child constantly preserves -for those who gave him being, is always proportioned to the education -he has received from them, and to the tie which has been mutually -formed on both sides, during the state of non-age. - -Societies at large ought to act precisely on the same principle in -forming colonies, since these are nothing else but their own children, -or the superfluity of their population. - -When therefore a large Society thus gives birth to a small one, in the -establishing thereof, can it possess a more noble view than that of -regarding in the first place the interest of mankind, or _universal -Society_, and afterwards the advantage of its own colony or _Society in -particular_? Standing thus between them both, will not the happiness -of both center in itself? Does not the father of a family rejoice in -the happiness both of his country and his children? But is there any -colony existing founded on these truly humane principles? Does not -the education which the present colonies have received, and do still -receive from their interested and imprudent parents, prove the rankest -hatred between beings that ought to be united by the tenderest ties? -Whence proceeds the cause, that smaller societies have been compelled -by misunderstanding to separate from the greater which gave them -existence, but perverted education, combined with the false principle -of endeavouring to keep the child, arrived to its maturity perpetually -in leading firings, like an infant? - -Since my short stay in London, I have weighed with the stricted -impartiality the argument for and against slavery; I hope, therefore, -I may be permitted to communicate my ideas on this delicate and -interesting subject, making man always the principal object of -comparison, as being the most exact form, and the most perfect model -existing in the creation. - -No one will deny that the two distinct and principal faculties, which -essentially constitute man, are _Will_ and the _Understanding_: the -former is derived from some kind of love, and being from the birth -possessed by man in common with all other animals, he would become -even more savage and destructive, if he had not the opportunity in -society of cultivating his other faculty, the _Understanding_, which -by instruction is capable of infinite elevation. But when this latter -faculty comes to maturity, it then acquires a right of directing the -_Will_ in the way most conformable to wisdom, and bears the same -relation to it as a helm to a ship, which is constantly directed -thereby in the course most favourable to the voyage. - -This elevation of the _Understanding_ above the _Will_ or _Passions_, -is the same as what we call _Education_ or _Civilization_, Education -with respect to every man in particular, and civilization to mankind in -general. - -The greatest human societies may in general be divided into two -classes; the _civilized_ and the _uncivilized_; and the obligations -the former are under to the latter, are precisely the same as those of -parents towards their children. From this analogy between children and -uncivilized nations, it may then easily be concluded, that the one as -well as the other are governed by their passions, in consequence of -their understanding not being cultivated. - -If we feel within us an interior but distinct voice, dictating that we -ought to seek our own happiness in promoting that of our posterity; -in ascending from particular to general, we shall also feel that -the instructed and civilized nations for their own advantage must -of necessity act unanimously for the happiness of the barbarous and -uncivilized. - -If the tutelage of children be regarded as a period of slavery, I -allow that the civilized nations have some right to exercise a certain -dominion over the uncivilized, provided that this happy dominion be -considered as a paternal yoke, and that the duration do not exceed the -period of the child’s maturity. - -Let us then form new settlements along the African coast; settlements -which shall have no other aim than that of inviting those nations to -the riches which will arise from the cultivation of their own country, -and thence the enjoyment of civilization, to both which they are -capable of applying themselves with ardour and joy.—Let us thus on the -wreck of tyranny raise altars to humanity. Let us give to this weak, -timid, and ignorant people, a masculine and courageous education. Let -us make them feel the nobility of their origin, that under our tuition -they may become generous from sound political interest; and may they -no longer be slaves, but men. Let us for our own part freely assist -them in tilling the fine country they inhabit. Let us prove to those -innumerable multitudes of men, by the force of example, that they -possess the most fertile soil. Let us also, by example, teach them no -longer to suffer themselves to be torn from their native shores. Let -us teach them to shake off the irons, and to revenge themselves on the -blind tyrants, who shackle them, by becoming more useful to them in a -state of freedom. - - - - -_Note to Sec._ III. _and Chap._ I. - - The following Circumstance is related by Mr. _de la Blancherie_, from - an _Extract of the Journal of his Voyages_, published at Paris, in 2 - vols. 1775.[13] - - -An inhabitant of St. Domingo had a negro, who for a long time had -solicited for his liberty, and which he had fully merited by his -services; but that which ought to have procured it for him, was -precisely what prevented his master from granting it, namely, his -being essentially useful to him. The more the negro pressed to obtain -his freedom, which had been promised him, the more pretences were -found for eluding and deferring the execution of the promise; the -master himself no longer hid from his slave his great attachment to -him. Yet flattering as this kind of refusal was, far from diminishing -his desire of liberty, it served to encrease it. He resolved then -to employ another means, which was to buy his freedom; appreciating -himself according to the reasons his master had given him, for not -fulfilling his promise. In some parts of St. Domingo, the inhabitants -do not enter into the detail of the food and clothing of their negroes. -They give them two hours in a day for cultivating a certain portion of -land, granted to them for their subsistence; those who are industrious, -not only obtain what is necessary, but even that which enables them -to carry on a commerce, more or less considerable, according to their -ability. Our black, at the end of some years, gained more money than -was requisite to redeem himself, and presenting the gold to his -master, told him that he was resolved to gain his liberty, and offered -to pay the price of another negro. The planter surprized, says to him, -“Go, I have sufficiently trafficked in my fellow-creatures, enjoy what -is your own: you have restored me to myself.” He immediately sold his -plantation, and only remained long enough at St. Domingo to collect -his property. He returned to France, and in the way to his province, -was obliged to pass through Paris. Remaining in that seductive town, -he spared nothing that could give an idea of that opulence which is -attached to the name of an _American_. Women, high living, gaming, -parties of pleasure of all kinds, he gave himself up to, without -restraint, embracing every opportunity of expence. His fortune was -soon dissipated. In that wretched situation, it was necessary to -determine on something, but on what was the question. To remain in -France a ruined man was impossible; to return to the islands, what an -embarrassing humiliation. Nevertheless, on reflection, he flattered -himself he should find more resources there than elsewhere, depending -rather on the attachment of those whose fortunes he had made in St. -Domingo, than on the friendship of those who had been the promoters -of his ruin in France, he determined to embark. His arrival at the -Cape surprized every body acquainted with his misfortune. They pitied -him, but no one gave him the least assistance. His ancient friends -only permitted him to be a witness of the pleasures he had procured -them, without making him a partaker in their enjoyments. Many who had -personal obligations to him, were never at home when he visited them; a -dreadful example this, joined to many others which present themselves -daily, and are yet insufficient to prevent men from desiring to form -such connexions. Thus reduced to live in the wretched inns on the -port, which are only suited to the poorest, he had not yet been to -see his negro; whether he had been prevented from not knowing where -he was, or from being ashamed of presenting himself in the condition -to which he was reduced, I know not; but the black, who had a house, -having learnt his misfortune, and discovered his retreat, soon threw -himself at the feet of his dear master and benefactor (for these were -the terms he made use of) accompanied with tears at considering his -situation. His zeal was not confined to words, he made him master in -his house; but on reflection, putting himself in his place, he saw his -self-love mortified by the contempt inseparable from indigence, and -the pain which is induced by the consciousness of being in a state of -dependance; he felt all the weight his benefits must have on a generous -and liberal mind. “My dear master,” said he, embracing his knees, “I -owe to you all I am; dispose of every thing I have, quit this country, -where your past misfortunes will give birth to new ones; abandon -those ungrateful people whom you did not oblige with a view to their -future services.” How shall I be able to live in France? “Ah, my dear -master, shall your slave be happy enough to induce you to accept of a -tribute of his gratitude? will you do him that kindness?” The master -quite affected, knew not how to answer. The negro continued, “fifteen -hundred livres, will that be sufficient?” Ah, it will certainly be too -much answered the master, dissolved in tears. Immediately the black -quitted him, and returning, put into his possession a deed, which -insured him for life fifteen hundred livres. The planter is now in -France, and actually receives every year his pension, six months in -advance. The negro’s name is Lewis Desrouleaux, and I saw him at the -Cape, where he continued to keep house. - - -FINIS. - - - - -ADVERTISEMENT. - - The Author has lately published TWO VIEWS of the COAST of GUINEA, - with separate Descriptions, embellished with four small Prints.—In - these Views are introduced some historical facts related in this - pamphlet, pages 9, 11, & 12. The size 22 inches by 17, and the - price 15s.—His view, in undertaking to publish them, was more - essentially to serve the cause of humanity, and he has therefore - offered them at the same price which they cost him, not wishing - to have any emolument from this sale.—They are to be had of the - Author, No. 6, in the Poultry; at Mr. J. Phillips’s, George-Yard, - Lombard-Street; Mr. B. Evans, Printseller, in the Poultry; Mr. S. - Walter, Homer’s Head, Charing-Cross; Mr. W. Dickinson, Printseller, - No. 158, New-Bond-Street; Mess. Robson and Clarke, New-Bond-Street; - and Mr. B. Chastanier, No. 62, Tottenham-Court-Road. - - - - -[Illustration: (Decorative header line)] - - - ERRATUM. - - Page 13, Line 16, for lum, read Salum. - -[Illustration: (Decorative footer line)] - - - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[1] The treatment the sex experience from the white traders on all -occasions, is such, as decency forbids me to describe. - -[2] Since my arrival in London, this horrid practice has been -authenticated by the respectable authority of several French gentlemen. - -[3] A remarkable and well authenticated proof of the above interesting -fact will be given at the end of this little tract. - -[4] The marabous are the chief priests among the negroes, and are the -only people who can read and write Arabic. - -[5] By LUXURY, I understand, all enjoyments beyond the necessaries of -mere animal life. Consequently to live in a civilized community is -already a sort of luxury; and if the cultivation of our understanding -be necessary, we ought also to be indulged in the use of a word which -is now so generally abused. - -[6] It is worthy of remark, that since wine was substituted for the -brandy, which till within these last three years was served out to the -French troops on the coast, they have been incomparably healthier. - -[7] The first considerable exportation of cotton and indigo from the -Coast to Europe, as far as I have been informed, was made in the year -1787, while I was at Goree, by a Frenchman, who had resided some time -in that island. - -[8] The mineralogical observations made by my fellow-traveller, Capt. -Arrhenius, on that part of the coast where we travelled, particularly -respecting the Volcanoes, will undoubtedly prove very interesting, when -he has leisure to put them in proper order for publication. - -OBSERVATION.——_I cannot omit to mention in this place, that Mr. -Geoffrey de Villeneuve, a young French officer, and skilful naturalist, -who made a very extensive journey in the year 1787 into the interior -parts of the country above Goree, will probably soon entertain -the publick with a faithful description thereof, so much the more -interesting, as he has with indefatigable pains and deep knowledge, -examined the disposition of the inhabitants, and the nature of the -country, in a manner which certainly will do honour to the philosophy -of this century._ - -[9] That it is necessary for a _free_, _commercial_, and _laborious_ -nation to look out for foreign settlements, when _population_ and -_manufactured products_ encrease in a similar proportion, is a truth -as evident as that without _enlarging space_ for the former, and -_seeking for an emporium_ for the latter, the progress of _population_ -and _commerce_ must necessarily and of course cease. Hence sound -policy dictates that the government of such a nation should with the -affectionate care of a provident father, prepare proper places for -receiving the superabundance of population and products—a principle -which few mother countries seem to have observed in the settlement -of colonies. In a future treatise the author will endeavour to shew, -that this fundamental mistake is the true cause of the ruinous and -unsupportable expence in which all the European colonies have involved -their respective mother countries. He will propose a plan, the adoption -of which he is of opinion would effectually prevent such ruinous -consequences in any settlement that may hereafter be established by -the Europeans. He will also enumerate the productions of the coast of -Guinea, and the European commodities preferred by the inhabitants, -adding some directions and cautions proper to be observed in trading -and conversing with them, together with several other interesting -particulars. - -[10] I cannot help here reflecting on the strange means the French -employ for the encouragement of this execrable trade. They allow -their merchants a bounty of 150 livres tournois for each slave they -import into _Cayenne_ and _La Guyenne_ Françoise; 100 livres for -the southern parts of _St. Domingo_; 80 livres for _La Jeremie_ -and its dependencies; 60 livres for _St. Marie_, _Leogane_, and -_Port au Prince_; and 50 livres for _Cape François_ and its -dependencies.—Besides this, Government pays a premium of 40 livres per -ton for all the ships that go to the coast, and they are also more -favoured in the measurement than any other. These bounties, granted for -promoting the sale of human flesh, is the occasion of their committing -the most abominable abuses, which cry for vengeance, and are even -injurious in the extreme to the Government which encourages them. - -[11] Mr. Sefstrom, in Sweden, has lately discovered, that a very small -quantity of campfire, strewed on a fire-coal, immediately destroys -every insect within the reach of its effluvia, and no doubt would prove -fatal to the musketoes. See the Acts of the Royal Society of Sciences -at Stockholm, for the year 1787. - -[12] Establishments of new colonies in Africa have been opposed by -some with an apparent strength of argument; the principal points of -which may be collected under the following heads: 1st. That it would -be introducing among the simple and innocent people the corrupted -manners of the Europeans.—2d. That such establishments would be the -means of increasing and perpetuating the practice of making slaves.—3d. -That Government will be exposed to considerable sacrifices to secure -protection to the colonies, and to supply them with necessaries from -Europe, &c.—In a work I am preparing to lay before the publick, it is -my intention to submit, for candid perusal, the reflections I have made -on these objections, and endeavour to prove the great error by which -these real friends to humanity are at present influenced. - -[13] This journal gives the history of a young man whom the author knew -to have died, in consequence of a very dissolute life, induced from -a faulty education, and from which the most important deductions may -be made, respecting publick education, and the duty of parents. The -same Mr. _de la Blancherie_ has, since the publication of this work, -digested and carried into execution in Paris, the plan of a _Bureau de -correspondence générale et gratuite pour les Sciences et les Arts_, -where men of all nations, and every class, should find, as in _a living -Encyclopedia_, (to use the happy expression of His Royal Highness the -Duke of Gloucester) the means of communication and instruction, and -every good office relative to the Sciences and the Arts. For twelve -years past he has contended with all possible obstacles, in order to -persuade mankind to pursue their true interests, by a _reciprocation of -good offices_. Mr. _de la Blancherie_ is at present, and will remain -some time in England, to acquire connexions useful to this grand view. - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE - - The original Table of Contents was in two parts at the front and the - back of the book. These have been joined in this etext. - - The one change in the ERRATA at the back of the book has been applied - to the etext. The spelling of ‘Salum’ has been changed to ‘Sallum’ to - be consistent with all other occurrences in the book. - - Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been - corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within - the text and consultation of external sources. - - Some hyphens in words have been silently removed, some added, - when a predominant preference was found in the original book. - - Except for those changes noted below, all misspellings in the text, - and inconsistent or archaic usage, have been retained. - - Pg 30: ‘and thus cooly’ replaced by ‘and thus coolly’. - Pg 35: ‘the conveniencies and’ replaced by ‘the conveniences and’. - Pg 36: ‘lands of Camarons’ replaced by ‘lands of Camaroons’. - Pg 41: ‘and Portugueze’ replaced by ‘and Portuguese’. - Pg 42: ‘sparmaceti whales’ replaced by ‘spermaceti whales’. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OBSERVATIONS ON THE SLAVE TRADE -AND A DESCRIPTION OF SOME PART OF THE COAST OF GUINEA, DURING A VOYAGE, -MADE IN 1787, AND 1788, IN COMPANY WITH DOCTOR A. 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*/ - position: absolute; - color: #A9A9A9; - left: 92%; - font-size: 70%; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; - font-weight: normal; - font-variant: normal; - text-indent: .5em; -} - - -/* general placement and presentation */ -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} -.allsmcap {font-variant: small-caps; text-transform: lowercase;} - -.lsp {letter-spacing: 0.1em;} -.lsp2 {letter-spacing: 0.2em;} -.lsp3 {letter-spacing: 0.5em;} - - -/* Images */ - -img { - border: none; - max-width: 100%; - height: auto; -} - -img.w100 {width: 100%;} - - -.figcenter { - margin: 2em auto 2em auto; - text-align: center; - page-break-inside: avoid; - max-width: 100%;} - -/* Footnotes */ -.footnotes {border: dashed 1px; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 3em; - padding-bottom: 1em;} - -.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 90%;} -.footnote p {text-indent: 0em;} -.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} - -.fnanchor { - vertical-align: super; - font-size: .8em; - text-decoration: none; -} - - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - -.transnote p {text-indent: 0em;} - - -/* custom cover (cover.jpg) */ -.customcover {visibility: hidden; display: none;} -.x-ebookmaker .customcover {visibility: visible; display: block;} - -/* Illustration classes */ -.illowp100 {width: 100%;} -.illowp80 {width: 80%;} -.illowp50 {width: 50%;} -.illowp35 {width: 35%;} - - /* ]]> */ </style> -</head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Observations on the slave trade and a description of some part of the coast of Guinea, during a voyage, made in 1787, and 1788, in company with Doctor A. Sparrman and Captain Arrehenius, by Carl Bernhard Wadstrom</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Observations on the slave trade and a description of some part of the coast of Guinea, during a voyage, made in 1787, and 1788, in company with Doctor A. Sparrman and Captain Arrehenius</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Carl Bernhard Wadstrom</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: October 14, 2022 [eBook #69156]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: John Campbell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OBSERVATIONS ON THE SLAVE TRADE AND A DESCRIPTION OF SOME PART OF THE COAST OF GUINEA, DURING A VOYAGE, MADE IN 1787, AND 1788, IN COMPANY WITH DOCTOR A. SPARRMAN AND CAPTAIN ARREHENIUS ***</div> - - -<div class="transnote"> -<p><strong>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE</strong></p> - -<p>The original text used the character ſ (long-form s); these have been -replaced by the normal s in this etext.</p> - -<p>Footnote anchors are denoted by [number], and the footnotes have been -placed at the <a href="#FN">end of the book.</a></p> - -<p class="customcover">The cover image was created by the transcriber -and is placed in the public domain.</p> - -<p>Some minor changes to the text are noted at <a href="#TN">the end of the book.</a> -<span class="screenonly">These are indicated by a <ins class="corr">dashed blue</ins> underline.</span></p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<h1> -<em>OBSERVATIONS</em><br /> -<span class="fs50">ON THE</span><br /> -<span class="fs90">SLAVE TRADE,</span> -</h1> - -<p class="pfs80 lsp2">AND A</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs120 lsp3">DESCRIPTION</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs90">Of some Part of the</p> - -<p class="pfs240 lsp"><em>COAST of GUINEA</em>,</p> - -<p class="pfs70 lsp2">DURING</p> - -<p class="pfs240 lsp3">A VOYAGE,</p> - -<p class="pfs90">Made in 1787, and 1788, in Company with</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs80 lsp"><em>Doctor A. SPARRMAN and Captain ARREHENIUS</em>,</p> - -<p class="p2 pfs80">BY</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs120 lsp2">C. B. WADSTROM,</p> - - -<p class="negin1"><em>Chief Director of the Royal Assay and Refining Office; Member -of the Royal Chamber of Commerce, and of the Royal Patriotic -Society, for Improving Agriculture, Manufactures, and Commerce -in Sweden.</em></p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp50" style="max-width: 20em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/sep.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="pfs100 lsp3">LONDON:</p> - -<p class="pfs100">Printed and Sold by <span class="smcap">James Phillips</span>, George-Yard, Lombard-Street, 1789.</p> - - -<div class="p2 chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iii"></a>[Pg iii]</span><br /></p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp50" style="max-width: 20em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/sep.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</h2> - - -<p class="drop-capy">IN communicating to the publick the result -of my observations lately made in a -voyage to the Coast of Guinea, with two of -my countrymen, it is not my intention, without -sufficient reason, to add to the number -of publications which have lately enlightened -Europe, on a subject so deserving her attention, -and in the impartial investigation of -which she is so zealously employed.</p> - -<p>Animated with a desire of defending the -cause of suffering humanity, I have no other -end in view, than that of contributing some -small assistance to the well concerted plans -of others, by making known what my own -experience has dictated; in a word, to relate -what I have seen, and to shew, without vain -pretences, what my ideas are, on a plan so<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iv"></a>[iv]</span> -well calculated to expand every heart that is -now cherishing a hope for its success.</p> - -<p>As the subject has been so amply treated, -my readers will not expect to find novelty in -every part of this tract; but having been so -fortunately situated, as to be enabled fully -to inform myself of the nature of the slave -trade; of the manner in which the negroes -are treated by the Europeans; but more particularly -of the possibility of improving, by -cultivation, the fruitful soil of Africa, it -shall be my endeavour to treat these important -subjects in a manner interesting and -new.</p> - -<p>In the presence of the two most respectable -nations of Europe, would I were endowed -with powers to represent in colours -sufficiently striking, the frightful picture I -have formed to myself, of the above-mentioned -traffick, and thereby to prove, that -these detestable markets for human flesh, -constitute the last stage of all false principles; -the greatest of all abuses; the inversion -of all order; and originate solely in that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_v"></a>[v]</span> -corrupted system of commerce, which pervades -every civilized nation at this day. In -fact, when the principles of commerce had -been once diverted from the noble <em>end</em> of its -institution, an institution which promoted -the free circulation of commodities, the increase -of knowledge, and the wealth and -prosperity of nations, and when the spirit of -self-interest and monopoly first perverted it -from this universal end, which ought ever to -have been kept in view, and confined it to -particular nations, following insensibly the -steps of its degradation, it became the mercenary -object of individuals, separate from -the general good; could it then be a matter -of surprize, that it should ultimately become -so debased, as to regard man himself as a -merchandise? This detestable abuse may be -considered as proceeding from a degenerate -love of <em>dominion</em>, and of <em>possessing</em> the property -of others; which, instead of diffusing -the genial influence of benevolence and -liberty, produces, in their state of inversion, -all the horrors of tyranny and slavery.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vi"></a>[vi]</span></p> - -<p>Persuaded that the moment is now arrived, -when mankind will begin to make a real use -of their great scientific acquirements, and of -the multiplicity of their discoveries; persuaded -that the evil, which begins to infect -mankind, has no other basis than the execrable -traffic, which is at this day so generally -carried on at the expence of human liberty; -and convinced at the same time, of -the existence of a Providence, which directs -all things according to the universal end -it proposes in its impenetrable decrees, and -that we are but instruments, by whom it executes -its great designs; convinced, I say, of -all these important truths, and inflamed with -an ardent desire of assisting in the execution -of this great and noble attempt, I am not -only ready to devote my own person in this -cause, but also to excite all those in whose -breast there still remains a spark of humanity, -to unite with prudence and activity, to -accomplish this grand work, which has for -its end the extermination of every <em>evil</em> and -<em>false</em> principle, preparing the way for the reception -of <em>Goodness</em> and <em>Truth</em>, in every human -society.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vii"></a>[vii]</span></p> - -<p>When I reflect on the importance, the extent, -and the grandeur of this subject, it gives -me pain in being obliged to treat it in so -hasty and incorrect a manner; but pressed -for time, I trust my candid readers will receive -these few hints in good part, allowing -for the necessity of their appearing at this -critical moment, when all the great societies -of Europe are so strongly interesting themselves -in the tender cause of humanity, laudably -vying with each other in the honour -of pleading at the bar of human sensibility, -in favour of the most oppressed nations in the -universe.</p> - -<p>It may be expedient here to inform my -readers, that I intend to publish a more circumstantial -account of my voyage to the -Coast of Guinea, when opportunity is afforded -to prepare it for publick inspection; -wherein I propose to treat more fully on the -geographical description of the country, on -the manners, laws, and customs of the different -nations which inhabit those shores; -moreover, to treat concerning the commerce -now carried on, but more particularly, on<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_viii"></a>[viii]</span> -that which may hereafter be established with -very great advantage. I also reserve to myself -the satisfaction then of informing the publick, -who was the august promoter of the -enterprise I undertook, in concert with my -two respectable countrymen, and with what -humanity France concurred with him in -assisting us to perform the voyage. How -providentially I was led to make observations -on a subject (I mean the abolition of the -slave trade) which could only have been -undertaken by a nation of such a character -and power as that which I have now the -honour to address!</p> - -<p>In exposing to the world the atrocious -acts committed in that part of the globe to -which I have been eye-witness, it is not improbable, -that both the nations and individuals -who have countenanced them, may -consider the writer in the light of a spy, and -a divulger of those things which ought, in -honour, to have been buried in silence. But -if they can find no other appellation for the -just and pure intentions of a friend to mankind, -who dares to expose crimes and cruelties<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_ix"></a>[ix]</span> -which the abusers of human right are -guilty of, he then accounts it an honour in -discharging the duty he owes to society, to -be esteemed as such. But let it be well -observed, that herein he speaks from a -respect due only to truth, with a view to -expose <em>Wickedness</em> and <em>Falsehood</em>, but not -<em>Nations</em> or <em>Individuals</em>.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter illowp50" style="max-width: 20em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/sep.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<table class="autotable"> -<tr> -<td class="tdc lsp3" colspan="3"><a href="#SECT_I">SECT. I.</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3"><em>On the Mode of procuring Slaves.</em></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAP_I">Chap. I.</a></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">War</span></td> -<td class="tdr">Page 1</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAP_II">Chap. II.</a></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Pillage</span></td> -<td class="tdr">7</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAP_III">Chap. III.</a></td> -<td class="tdl">Of <span class="smcap">Robbery</span></td> -<td class="tdr">17</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#CHAP_IV">Chap. IV.</a></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Treachery</span> or <span class="smcap">Stratagem</span></td> -<td class="tdr">22</td> -</tr> -<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc lsp3" colspan="3"><a href="#SECT_II">SECT. II.</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3"><em>Of the Manner in which the Negroes are treated by the Europeans.</em></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#II_CHAP_I">Chap. I.</a></td> -<td class="tdl">Negroes considered as <span class="smcap">Traders</span></td> -<td class="tdr">26</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#II_CHAP_II">Chap. II.</a></td> -<td class="tdl">Negroes considered as <span class="smcap">Slaves</span></td> -<td class="tdr">28</td> -</tr> -<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc lsp3" colspan="3"><a href="#SECT_III">SECT. III.</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3"><em>Whether the Negroes are naturally inclined to Industry.</em></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#III_CHAP_I">Chap. I.</a></td> -<td class="tdl">In <span class="smcap">Foreign Countries</span></td> -<td class="tdr">31</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#III_CHAP_II">Chap. II.</a></td> -<td class="tdl">In <span class="smcap">their own Country</span></td> -<td class="tdr">31</td> -</tr> -<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc lsp3" colspan="3"><a href="#SECT_IV">SECT. IV.</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3"><em>Description of the Coast.</em></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#IV_CHAP_I">Chap. I.</a></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Climate</span></td> -<td class="tdr">36</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#IV_CHAP_II">Chap. II.</a></td> -<td class="tdl">Of the <span class="smcap">Soil</span></td> -<td class="tdr">39</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#IV_CHAP_III">Chap. III.</a></td> -<td class="tdl">The <span class="smcap">Productions</span></td> -<td class="tdr">40</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl pad4"><a href="#Animal"><em>Animal</em></a></td> -<td class="tdr">40</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl pad4"><a href="#Vegetable"><em>Vegetable</em></a></td> -<td class="tdr">42</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl pad4"><a href="#Mineral"><em>Mineral</em></a></td> -<td class="tdr">45</td> -</tr> -<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc lsp3" colspan="3"><a href="#SECT_V">SECT. V.</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3"><em>Of the Impediments which will oppose the European Settlements on the Coast of Guinea.</em></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#V_CHAP_I">Chap. I.</a></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">False Opinions</span></td> -<td class="tdr">46</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#V_CHAP_II">Chap. II.</a></td> -<td class="tdl">Of the <span class="smcap">Diseases</span></td> -<td class="tdr">50</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#V_CHAP_III">Chap. III.</a></td> -<td class="tdl">Of <span class="smcap">Musketoes</span></td> -<td class="tdr">51</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a href="#V_CHAP_IV">Chap. IV.</a></td> -<td class="tdl">Of <span class="smcap">Thorns</span> and <span class="smcap">Thistles</span></td> -<td class="tdr">52</td> -</tr> -<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc lsp3" colspan="3"><a href="#SECT_VI">SECT. VI.</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl pad4"><span class="smcap">Reflections</span></td> -<td class="tdr">53</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_1"></a>[Pg 1]</span><br /></p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp80" id="banner" style="max-width: 30em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/banner.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="pfs120 lsp3">OBSERVATIONS</p> - -<p class="pfs90 lsp2">ON THE</p> - -<p class="pfs150 lsp2">SLAVE TRADE, &c.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp50" style="max-width: 20em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/sep.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h2 class="nobreak fs120" id="SECT_I">SECT.  I.<br /> -<br /> -<span class="lsp"><em>On the Mode of procuring Slaves.</em></span></h2> - -<div class="figcenter illowp35" style="max-width: 20em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/sep.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h3 id="CHAP_I">CHAP.  I.<br /> - -<em>WAR.</em></h3> - - -<p class="drop-capy">AMONG the various sources, from -whence the Europeans are supplied -with slaves on the coast of Africa, I shall -first reckon that of <em>War</em>.</p> - -<p>The <em>Wars</em> which the inhabitants of the -interior parts of the country, beyond Senegal, -Gambia, and Sierra Leona, carry on with each<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_2"></a>[2]</span> -other, are chiefly of a predatory nature, and -owe their origin to the yearly number of -slaves, which the Mandingoes, or the inland -traders suppose will be wanted by the vessels -that will arrive on their coast. Indeed these -predatory incursions depend so much on the -demand for slaves, that if in any one year -there be a greater concourse of European -ships than usual, it is observed that a much -greater number of captives from the interior -parts of the country is brought to market -the next.</p> - -<p>The unhappy captives, many of whom are -people of distinction, such as princes, priests, -and persons high in office, are conducted by -the Mandingoes in droves of twenty, thirty, -or forty, chained together, either to Fort -St. Joseph on the river Senegal, or Niger, in -the country of Gallam, or to places near the -river Gambia. But when the trade with the -French on the river Senegal happens to be -stopped, (which was the case in 1787) they -bring all their captives to the mouth of the -Gambia, Sierra Leona, and other places down -the coast. These Mandingoes perform the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_3"></a>[3]</span> -whole journey, except at certain seasons of -the year, when they are met by the traders -belonging to the coast, who receive the slaves -from them, and give them the usual articles -of merchandize in exchange.</p> - -<p>What I have hitherto said, was taken -from the best accounts I could collect both -from the black and white traders, during -my residence upon the coast. It is proper, -however, that I should state something on -this head, that has come within my own -knowledge.</p> - -<p>The Moors, who inhabit the countries on -the north of the River Senegal, are particularly -infamous for these predatory <em>Wars</em>. -They cross the river, and attacking the negroes, -bring many of them off. There are -not a few who subsist by means of these unprovoked -excursions. The French, to encourage -them in it, make annual presents to -the Moorish kings. These are given them -under certain conditions, first, that their -subjects shall not carry any of their gum to -the English at Portendic; and, secondly, that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_4"></a>[4]</span> -they shall be ready, on all occasions, to furnish -slaves. To enable them to fulfil this last article, -they never fail to supply them with -ammunition, guns, and other instruments of -<em>War</em>.</p> - -<p>To confirm what I have now said, I shall -put down the following example:</p> - -<p>The king of Almammy had, in the year -1787, very much to his honour, enacted a -law, that no slave whatever should be marched -through his territories. At this time several -French vessels lay at anchor in the Senegal, -waiting for slaves. The route of the -black traders in consequence of this edict of -the king, was stopped, and the slaves carried -to other parts. The French, unable on this -account to complete their cargoes, remonstrated -with the king. He was, however, -very unpropitious to their representations, -for he returned the presents which had been -sent him by the Senegal company, of which -I myself was a witness; declaring, at the -same time, that all the riches of that company -should not divert him from his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_5"></a>[5]</span> -design. In this situation of affairs, the -French were obliged to have recourse to -their old friends, the Moors. These, who -had before shewn themselves so ready on such -occasions, were no less ready and active on -this. They set off in parties to surprise the -unoffending negroes, and to carry among -them all the calamities of <em>War</em>. Many unfortunate -prisoners were sent, and for some time -continued to be sent in. I was once curious -enough to wish to see some of those that -had just arrived. I applied to the Director -of the company, who conducted me to the -slave-prisons. I there saw the unfortunate -captives, chained two and two together, -by the foot. The mangled bodies of several -of them, whose wounds were still -bleeding, exhibited a most shocking spectacle; -and their situation may be much easier -conceived than described. The Director of -the company, however, used his best endeavors -to console them.</p> - -<p>This is a specifick instance, clearly shewing -that <em>one War at least</em> was undertaken -for the sole purpose of procuring slaves. I<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6"></a>[6]</span> -cannot, however, help observing, that if no -such instance as this had come within my -knowledge during my stay in those parts, I -should yet have thought myself justifiable in -supposing, that the <em>Wars</em> among the negroes -originated in the slave trade. For in all the -observations I have been able to make (and -I went to the coast of Africa, not with any -commercial views, but for the sole purpose -of inquiry and observation) I have ever considered -the negroes as a quiet, inoffensive people, -happy in themselves, and in one another, -enjoying the comforts of life, without the intervention -of toil and trouble. If, therefore, -I had found <em>Wars</em> among a people of such -dispositions, and so situated as to have no -motive for them, I should certainly have set -them down, as having been excited for some -diabolical purpose, and for none so likely as -for the prosecution of the slave trade.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7"></a>[7]</span></p> - -<h3 id="CHAP_II">CHAP.  II.<br /> - -<em>PILLAGE.</em></h3> - - -<p>A second source, from whence the Europeans -are supplied with slaves on the coast of -Africa, is <em>Pillage</em>, which is of two kinds; -publick or private. It is publick, when -practiced by the direction of the kings, private, -when practiced by individuals. I must -also make a further distinction, namely, as it -is practiced by the blacks and the whites. -This last I call Robbery, which will be the -subject of the next article.</p> - -<p>The publick <em>Pillage</em> is, of all others, the -most plentiful source, from which the slave -trade derives its continuance and support. -The kings of Africa (I mean in that part of -the country which I have visited) incited by -the merchandize shewn them, which consists -principally of strong liquors, give orders to -their military to attack their own villages in -the night. Saturday night is particularly -fixed upon for this purpose, being esteemed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8"></a>[8]</span> -the most lucky for expeditions of this kind. -However, when slaves are wanted in haste, -no night is deemed so inauspicious as to prevent -an attempt.</p> - -<p>As I have been myself an eye-witness to -several of these nocturnal expeditions, it will, -perhaps, be better to illustrate this kind of -<em>Pillage</em> by some examples.</p> - -<p>The French make presents to the negro -as well as the Moorish kings. It happened -when I was at Goree, that an ambassador -was to be sent from thence to the king of -Barbesin on this errand. I obtained leave -with my fellow-travellers to accompany the -embassy. We accordingly set out, and arrived -at Joal, a place where the king resides at -particular times of the year, viz. when the -trading vessels arrive there.</p> - -<p>It is usual, on the receipt of these presents, -to send back a number of slaves in return. -It so happened, however, that the king of -Barbesin had no slaves in his possession at that -time. This circumstance it was, that afforded<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9"></a>[9]</span> -me an opportunity of seeing the expeditions -before mentioned.</p> - -<p>We resided, I believe, about a week at Joal. -During our residence there, the <em>Pillage</em>, of -which I have been speaking, was attempted -almost every night. The following is a description -of the persons concerned in it, and -of their various success.</p> - -<p>There were several parties of the military, -assembled at six in the evening, or about dusk. -Each party consisted of about ten or twelve. -A large horseman’s musket was rested on -each of their saddles, in the same manner -as those of the English heavy cavalry. -On their shoulders were suspended a bow, -and a quiver full of arrows. Thus equipped, -they went to different villages belonging to -the king, and returned usually about five in -the morning, or a little before day-light.</p> - -<p>In some of their attempts they returned -without a single slave. In others they were -more successful. At one time in particular -they came back with but one captive. This<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a>[10]</span> -was a beautiful young negress, from one of -the king’s own villages. She was immediately -delivered, notwithstanding her tears and -cries, to the French ambassador, whom we -accompanied, and, by his order, was carried -on board.</p> - -<p>It was fortunate however for her, that she -belonged to one of those families, which, in -consequence of their birth, are exempted by -the laws of the country from slavery. This -occasioned a commotion; for the auction appeared -to the minds of the people, to be so -unjust and repugnant to the established laws, -that they were nearly on the point of rebelling. -The king, when he came to his senses -(for he had given his orders respecting the -seizure of this girl in a state of intoxication) -saw in so lively a manner the consequences -of this rash proceeding, that with -the most abject submission, he descended to -prayers and intreaties with the owner, to -return the innocent and unfortunate girl. -The Frenchman, though surrounded by -more than two thousand negroes at the time, -and though the embassy, including myself<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11"></a>[11]</span> -and fellow-travellers, consisted but of five -white people, was so madly obstinate, as for -a long time to refuse his request; I say madly, -because in all the adventures of my life, -I had never so much reason to be alarmed -for the preservation of it. At length, after -much intreaty, the king promised him two -others in exchange, whom he expected to -seize on a future expedition; and thus was -the unhappy girl restored to her disconsolate -family.</p> - -<p>At another time, the military, who had -been sent out to <em>Pillage</em>, returned with several -captives. These consisted of men, women, -and children. The men, as they were -brought in, exhibited marks of great dejection. -One of them, however, appeared to -be quite frantick with grief. He beseeched -his captors, with great fervency, that they -would not tear him from his wife and children. -The women, on the other hand, vented -their sorrow in shrieks and lamentations. The -children, in a state of palpitation, clung to -their mother’s breasts. Their little eyes -were so swelled with crying, that they could<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12"></a>[12]</span> -cry no more. During all this time, the captors, -to shew their joy on the occasion, and -to drown the cries of their unfortunate fellow-subjects, -were beating large drums. -To this was added, all the noise that could -be collected from the blowing of horns, -and the human voice. Taking in the -shrieks and agony of the one, and the shouts -and joy of the other, with the concomitant -instruments of noise, I was never before witness -to such an infernal scene.</p> - -<p>What I have said of the king of Barbesin’s -conduct with respect to the mode of procuring -slaves, is equally applicable to those other -kings of the country, of whom I have any -knowledge. King Damel, whose dominions -lie between Portudal and Senegal, wanting -a slave to deliver in exchange for some goods -he had bargained for with a Goree trader, -ordered his soldiers to seize on one of his -own subjects. Finding a woman (whose -husband was absent) in a hut with her children, -they seized her, bound her, and tore -her from her babes, who were rejected, as -not being able to perform the journey down -to the shore.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13"></a>[13]</span></p> - -<p>The king of Sallum, though he never -tastes any spirituous liquors, has recourse to -the same practice, as if by the common consent -of the kings of Africa, these were the -measures to be invariably pursued. The -articles, most in demand with this king, are -Spanish dollars, and Dutch gourds. Both -these he causes to be melted down, and then -to be worked into chains, bracelets, and other -ornaments for himself and his favourites. -Having fixed an extraordinary value upon -these, he will at any time depopulate a village -to obtain them. Such are the effects of avarice, -when it has the power of gratification.</p> - -<p>The vessels employed in the trade to -Sallum, by the mulattoes of Goree, are -generally sloops. With these they go up -the river, and arrive in about three days. -Their stay there is very uncertain. It is in -general from one to four weeks, according as -the king is successful or not in those <em>Pillages</em> -which he attempts for the sake of procuring -slaves. When the traders have completed -their cargoes, they return to Goree, where -they deliver them, in about eight days. The<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14"></a>[14]</span> -slaves, so delivered, are shipped off, by the -first opportunity, to the French colonies.</p> - -<p>In speaking of these sloops, I cannot refrain -from mentioning an instance which -came under my own eye. A trading mulattoe -of Goree, whose name was Martin, had -obtained from the king of Sallum, by means -of the publick <em>Pillage</em> before described, a -sloop full of captives. The greater part of -them were women and children. Notwithstanding -this, they had been thrown into the -sloop as if they had been articles of lumber, -and devoid of feeling. Obliged, moreover, -from too close a stowage, to lie on the inequalities -and protuberances of the bare -planks, without being able to change their -position, they had in the course only of eight -days (which I stated to be the time of the passage -from Sallum to Goree) been very materially -hurt: for, when I saw them brought -out of the sloop, they had several contusions -on various parts of their bodies, and in others -their flesh was severely cut. A poor child -in particular, about two years old, had a very -deep wound in his side, made in the manner<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15"></a>[15]</span> -above stated. He lay afterwards, upon being -landed, with the wound contiguous to the -ground, so that the sand getting into it, -put him to exquisite pain. I mention this -instance, only to give an idea of what are -thought to be rooms of accommodation for -slaves, and of that inhumanity, which naturally -springs out of the prosecution of this -trade.</p> - -<p>Before I close my account of the publick -<em>Pillage</em>, I must not forget to mention, that -the kings of those parts, (except the king of -Sallum) never openly profess the right, which -they thus unjustly usurp over the lives and -liberties of their subjects. For this reason -they plan their expeditions in such a manner, -that they must arrive at the place they intend -to <em>Pillage</em>, in the dead of the night. It is -impossible, therefore, for their subjects, -in such a case, to discover who are the instruments -of those acts of violence; and they -may with greater reason suppose, that they -were perpetrated by a roving banditti, than -by the direction of their own kings.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16"></a>[16]</span></p> - -<p>I come now to the private <em>Pillage</em>. This -is practiced by individuals, who, tempted by -the merchandize brought by the Europeans, -lie in wait for one another. For this purpose -they beset the roads, and other places, so that -a travelling negro can hardly ever escape -them. To enumerate the many instances -of this private depredation that happen, -would be an endless task. I shall therefore -select but one, which, on account of the -circumstances that followed, may strike the -reader as singular.</p> - -<p>A Moor had seized a free negro, and, -having secured him, he brought him to Senegal, -and sold him to the company. A few -days afterwards this moor was taken by some -negroes in the same manner, and brought -to be sold in his turn. The company seldom -buy moors: but as they were obliged, -in consequence of their privileges, to supply -the colony of Cayenne with a certain number -of slaves, and as several ships then in the -road, in consequence of the king of Almammy’s -edict, as before related, could not complete -their cargoes, they made the less scruple<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17"></a>[17]</span> -to buy him on this occasion. Chance so directed, -that the moor, after he had been -purchased, was carried on board the same -ship, in which the negro lay. They no -sooner met, than a quarrel took place between -them, which occasioned, for some days, -a great tumult in the vessel. Such rencounters -frequently happen in the slave-ships, and the -uproars, occasioned by them, are seldom or -never quieted, till some mischief has been -done.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<h3 id="CHAP_III">CHAP.  III.<br /> - -<em>Of ROBBERY.</em></h3> - - -<p>I have been hitherto describing the <em>Pillage</em>, -as it is either publick or private. I have -also considered it as practiced by the blacks -upon one another. I come now to speak of it, -as it is practiced upon these by the whites; -and this I call <em>Robbery</em>.</p> - -<p>It is too well known, at least on some -parts of the coast, that the Europeans have<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18"></a>[18]</span> -not failed, when opportunity presented itself, -to seize the unsuspicious natives of -Africa, and to carry them by force to their -own colonies.</p> - -<p>This is usually practiced by the Europeans, -where they have no settlements; so that the -fact generally escapes the notice of their -countrymen; I mean principally up the -rivers, where they have ventured to penetrate -for the purpose of a more advantageous -trade. At such places, they compel -the negroes to deliver them hostages, whom -they keep on board. The truce being concluded, -the unsuspicious natives embark with -confidence, and repeatedly visit the vessel -without any kind of suspicion or fear. But, -if the wind should be at all favourable, none -of the European monsters, who are engaged -in this trade, scruple to set sail, and to -carry away not only the free negroes, who -have come on board to trade, but the hostages -also, in defiance of the law of nations -and common honesty.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19"></a>[19]</span></p> - -<p>These transactions are not only iniquitous -in themselves, and therefore derogatory from -the character of a civilized nation, but are -often so fatal in their consequences, that -those, who perpetrate them, have a claim -to the appellation of devils rather than -men. For it may easily be supposed, that -the relations and friends of those, who have -been thus fraudulently carried off, will spare -no pains to retaliate. This is generally the -case. The next ship that visits the coast, -is perhaps cut off. Thus, to a villainous -action, is superadded the guilt of becoming -instrumental to the murder perhaps -of their own countrymen, and at any rate -of occasioning the innocent to undergo the -punishment of the guilty.</p> - -<p>When I was at Goree, in the year 1787, -accounts came down by some French merchantmen -from the Gambia of the following -particulars.</p> - -<p>The captain of an English ship, which -had been some time in that river, had enticed -several of the natives on board, and, finding<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20"></a>[20]</span> -a favourable opportunity, sailed away with -them. His vessel however was, by the direction -of Providence, driven back to the -coast from whence it had set sail, and was -obliged to cast anchor on the very spot where -this act of treachery had been committed. -At this time two other English vessels were -lying in the same river. The natives, ever -since the transaction, had determined to -retaliate. They happened, at this juncture, -to be prepared. They accordingly boarded -the three vessels, and, having made themselves -masters of them, they killed most of -their crews. The few who escaped to tell the -tale, were obliged to take refuge in a neighbouring -French factory. Thus did the innocent -suffer the same punishment as the -guilty; for it did not appear that the crews -of the other two vessels had been at all concerned -in this villainous measure.</p> - -<p>These particulars, as I observed before, -had found their way down to us at Goree, -and, from the channels through which they -came, I had no reason to question their truth.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21"></a>[21]</span> -It is remarkable, however, that, though -I wanted no confirmation of them in my -own mind, yet, since my arrival in London, -I have heard them fully substantiated: for -I dined lately by accident with a certain underwriter, -to whom undesignedly relating -the time, place, and other circumstances -of this transaction, I found that I had only -been describing the fate of certain vessels, -which, to his knowledge, had been cut off -in the same part of the world, and at the -same season.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22"></a>[22]</span></p> - -<h3 id="CHAP_IV">CHAP.  IV.<br /> - -<span class="lsp"><em>Of TREACHERY or STRATAGEM.</em></span></h3> - - -<p>The various other ways in which slaves are -obtained, may be included under the words -<em>Treachery</em> or <em>Stratagem</em>, being only so many -different modes of the same practice. One -or two instances will, I hope, suffice, as I do -not wish to take up the reader’s time more -than is necessary, and as he will be enabled -by them to judge of the rest. Besides, -the stratagems which the traders daily -practise to get slaves, are so numerous, that -it would take a volume to recount them.</p> - -<p>A French merchant of Goree landing -at a village, observed an handsome well-made -negro. He immediately made application -to the chief of the village to seize -him. On the proposal of the chief, the -people unanimously agreed to grant his request:<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23"></a>[23]</span> -for it is a law in those parts, that -if all the village consent, any visitor residing -among them may be made a slave. To gain -the consent of a whole village on such an -occasion, is by no means difficult. The -Africans in general, like other people in the -same unimproved state, are governed by their -passions, and the prince has only to distribute a -sufficient quantity of spirituous liquors among -them to produce the effect he wishes for. -Such was the case in the present instance; -and the unfortunate negro, though he was -their neighbour and visitor, was taken and -sent into slavery. His wife, having heard of -his capture, came down bathed in tears. She -begged to be bought, that she might go -with him, and share his fate. But the -dealer who bought him, had probably no -goods at the time, and her intreaties were -ineffectual.</p> - -<p>The king of Sallum, under pretence of -wanting millet, enticed from a neighbouring -village a negress, who had a quantity to dispose -of. Elated with the prospect of selling<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24"></a>[24]</span> -it to advantage, she did not consider the -imprudence of the step she was about to take. -She accordingly went to the king, who not -only immediately deprived her of her millet, -but seized her, and sold her for a slave.</p> - -<p>I cannot close my account of the different -methods daily practised to obtain slaves, without -giving an instance, that will shew, in a -very glaring light, the bad tendency of the -slave trade, and the baneful effects it produces -on the human heart.</p> - -<p>One of the Moorish kings had received -from the director of the company of Senegal, -the predecessor of him who now occupies -that post, the usual presents, in consequence -of which he was bound to procure slaves. -Having been rather dilatory in the performance -of his engagement, he was applied to by -the director, who represented to him the pressing -wants of the company. The king, thus -urgently pressed, offered him a certain negro -on account. This negro was none other than -his own minister, who had been his confidential<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25"></a>[25]</span> -friend and faithful adviser for many years. -The director, shocked at the circumstance, -endeavoured to point out to him the impropriety -of his conduct, but his representations -were ineffectual. The negro, in whose presence -the offer was made, finding that his -unworthy master was obstinately bent upon -his design, ran up to him, drew his dagger, -and plunging it into his own breast, exclaimed, -“Thou savage! I shall have the -satisfaction of expiring, before thou canst -reap any advantage from thy base ingratitude -to the best of servants.”</p> - -<p>I have now finished my section on the -mode of procuring slaves, and I should have -been made much happier by my visit to the -coast of Africa, if no such instances had -occurred, as I have felt myself obliged to -communicate to the reader.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26"></a>[26]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak fs120" id="SECT_II">SECT.  II.<br /> -<br /> -<span class="lsp"><em>Of the Manner in which the Negroes are -treated by the Europeans.</em></span></h2> - -<div class="figcenter illowp50" style="max-width: 20em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/sep.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h3 id="II_CHAP_I">CHAP.  I.<br /> - -<span class="lsp"><em>Of the Negroes considered as TRADERS.</em></span></h3> - - -<p>Self-interest, the principle of all commerce, -appears in the very basest point of view, -when considered, with a reference to the intercourse -subsisting between the white and -the black nations. The fraud and violence -which the stronger generally imagine they -have a right in trade to exercise towards the -weaker, compel the latter in their turn to -have recourse to practices equally base and -cruel. Such is the true picture of the low -cunning and barbarity which the whites -practice towards the negroes, and these last -towards their own people.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27"></a>[27]</span></p> - -<p>In such mysteries of iniquity, the Europeans -have a decided advantage over the untutored -African nations; and thus practice their -villainous artifices with impunity. The most -despicable juggling tricks are used in measuring -or reckoning the commodities bartered -with the negroes. Thus for example, instead -of the bottles and barrels shewn and approved -of, others are substituted apparently -of the same size, but containing less perhaps -by one half. Advantage is taken of the -difficulty with which the negroes reckon beyond -ten, and thus the accounts are confused, -and they are deprived of the greater part -of the commodities bargained for. The wine -and spirits, samples of which the negroes -had tasted pure, are afterwards adulterated -with water. They are defrauded in all sorts -of weights and measures; and, that the European -adepts in villainy may play off their -tricks with success, they previously take care -to intoxicate the unsuspecting negroes, and -by this means fascinate their senses in -such a manner, as to multiply or magnify -every article set before them. These -ways of trading are esteemed the most modest<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28"></a>[28]</span> -that can be practiced, and there is not a single -European who scruples in the least to -have recourse to them on all occasions. I -have repeatedly been an eye-witness of such -villainy.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<h3 id="II_CHAP_II">CHAP.  II.<br /> - -<span class="lsp"><em>Of the Negroes considered as SLAVES.</em></span></h3> - - -<p>On the coast of Africa there are two descriptions -of slaves, namely, the immediate -descendants of slaves, and those who are reduced -to slavery in the different ways I have -described. The former are seldom sold, except -for theft, but the most trivial transgression -of this kind is often made a pretext for -selling them. At Goree I was present at -several publick sales of young women,<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> who -were sold for acts of petty larceny, which -scarcely deserved the name of crimes. The -treatment these last experience is mild, when -compared to that of the wretches, who are -enslaved by force or fraud, and who are treated<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29"></a>[29]</span> -exactly like wild beasts. They are confined -in prisons or dungeons, resembling -dens, where they lie naked on the sand, -crowded together and loaded with irons. In -consequence of this cruel mode of confinement, -they are frequently covered with cutaneous -eruptions. Ten or twelve of them -feed together out of a trough, precisely like -so many hogs. There is even less care taken -of them than of brutes, while they are confined -in these horrid receptacles, and, till -they are stowed away in the slave vessels, -to be sent from the coast; nor are they worse -treated on board, if we may credit some -accounts.</p> - -<p>I am very sorry that humanity obliges me -here to divulge a most barbarous practice, -frequently used by the French traders in the -Middle Passage. I have been assured by several -of their merchants and captains, that -when detained by calms, or contrary winds, -occasioning a shortness of provisions and water; -or when some fatal disease happens to -break out among the slaves, they never fail to -mix corrosive sublimate, or some other active<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30"></a>[30]</span> -poison with their visuals, <ins class="corr" id="tn-30" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'and thus cooly'"> -and thus coolly</ins> dispatch -the wretches committed to their charge. -They affirm that it would be an act of imprudence -to undertake such a voyage unprovided -with poisonous drugs, and they boast -of being less cruel than the Dutch and the -English, who in similar circumstances throw -the innocent victims over-board without ceremony.<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p> - -<p>Of the above cruel practice, my journal -furnishes a melancholy instance, communicated -to me by Capt. L. of Havre de Grace. -About two years ago, a slave vessel belonging -to Brest, having been becalmed in the Middle -Passage, fell short of provisions and water. -The Captain on this occasion had recourse to -poison, by which so great a number was daily -dispatched, that of <em>five hundred</em> slaves, only -<em>twenty-one</em> arrived at Cape François.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31"></a>[31]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak fs120" id="SECT_III">SECT.  III.<br /> -<br /> -<span class="lsp"><em>Whether the Negroes are naturally inclined to -Industry.</em></span></h2> - -<div class="figcenter illowp50" style="max-width: 20em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/sep.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h3 id="III_CHAP_I">CHAP.  I.<br /> - -<span class="lsp"><em>In FOREIGN COUNTRIES.</em></span></h3> - -<p>From several experiments made on different -plantations in the West-Indies, it appears, -that negroes, when working, not by -the day, but by task, have given convincing -proofs both of ability and industry.<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></p> - -<h3 id="III_CHAP_II">CHAP.  II.<br /> - -<span class="lsp"><em>In THEIR OWN COUNTRY.</em></span></h3> - - -<p>As liberty and reason, the two grand -springs of all human action, are not yet<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32"></a>[32]</span> -developed in these people, who have long -remained in a state of infancy, solely because -their faculties have not been cultivated, in -consequence of which their wants have -been but few, it may perhaps be concluded, -that these raw nations are incapable of civilization, -but this opinion will soon vanish -on reflecting, that the effects produced -must entirely depend on the manner of -forming their intellect. New objects ought -to be presented to them, in order to excite -new desires, and to call forth those faculties, -which have hitherto lain dormant, -merely for want of exercise. Thus in the -progress of their improvement it will be -necessary to introduce among them a proportionable -degree of what we generally call -luxury, by which I do not mean the abuse -of the conveniences of life, which enervates -mankind, but such moderate use of those -conveniences, as will rouse them to action.</p> - -<p>The behaviour of the king of Barbesin -convinced me, that this useful degree of -luxury might easily be introduced among the -people of the coast. I gave him a pair of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33"></a>[33]</span> -common enamelled slave buttons, with which, -though ignorant of their use, he was infinitely -delighted. On my shewing him for -what purpose they were intended, he appeared -much mortified that his shirt had no -button-holes; but observed that it differed -in this respect from that of a mulatto from -Goree, with whom he insisted on exchanging -shirts in our presence, a demand with which -the man was forced to comply. Transported -with his new ornaments, the king held up -his hands to display them to the people. His -courtiers soon surrounded my hut, intreating -me to furnish them also with buttons, which -I did with pleasure. This fondness of the -natives for European baubles, proves that -an advantageous commerce might be established -among them with very little trouble -and expense.</p> - -<p>The conduct of the present king (late -grand marabou<a id="FNanchor_4" href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a>) of Almammy, is more -interesting to humanity, and evinces the firm -manly character of the negroes when enlightened.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34"></a>[34]</span> -His understanding having been -more cultivated in his youth than that of -the other black princes, he has rendered -himself intirely independent of the whites. -He has not only prohibited the slave trade -throughout his dominions, but (in the year -1787) would not suffer the French to march -their captives from Gallam, through his -country. He redeems his own subjects when -seized by the Moors, and encourages them -to raise cattle, to cultivate the land, and to -practice all kinds of industry. As grand -marabou, he abstains from strong liquor, -which, however, is not the general rule -among that order; for some who travel -with the whites are not scrupulous in this -respect. His subjects, imitating his example, -are much more sober than their -neighbours.</p> - -<p>This proves to what degree of civilization -these people might be brought, if with prudence -and patience this great and noble enterprize -was once undertaken; but without -introducing some degree of what we generally -call Luxury, this cultivation would, in -my opinion, be intirely impracticable. To<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35"></a>[35]</span> -what purpose would the human understanding -be cultivated, if Luxury, by which I -mean nothing more than the improvement -of <ins class="corr" id="tn-35" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'the conveniencies and'"> -the conveniences and</ins> comforts of life, -did not keep pace with it? The former indeed -could not take place without the latter. -Uncivilized nations in general are led merely -by animal instinct to procure their subsistence, -but as soon as the understanding -begins to be enlightened, by means of reflection -upon what is agreeable to life, above -mere necessaries, Luxury must of course be -introduced.<a id="FNanchor_5" href="#Footnote_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36"></a>[36]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak fs120" id="SECT_IV">SECT.  IV.<br /> -<br /> -<span class="lsp"><em>DESCRIPTION of the COAST.</em></span></h2> - -<div class="figcenter illowp50" style="max-width: 20em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/sep.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h3 id="IV_CHAP_I">CHAP.  I.<br /> - -<em>CLIMATE.</em></h3> - - -<p>The climate of the coast of Guinea, as of -other countries, varies with the nature of the -soil, its elevation or depression, the comparative -state of its improvement, and other -circumstances, perhaps not yet sufficiently -investigated. The latitude of the place is -by no means a certain criterion of its climate, -since even in the midst of the torrid zone, we -meet with all possible gradations of climate. -The high <ins class="corr" id="tn-36" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'lands of Camerons'"> -lands of Camaroons</ins> in particular, -though only between three and four degrees -distant from the line, are covered with everlasting -snow.</p> - -<p>It is the general opinion, that the most -unhealthy climates on the coast, are those of -Senegal and Juda, or, as it is called by the -English, Whidah. The neighbourhood of -the banks of the River Gambia, however,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37"></a>[37]</span> -which has lately been much frequented, hath -been found to be as unhealthy as those just -mentioned, especially during the great rains, -and immediately after their cessation. In -general it may be concluded, that low and -marshy situations are very unfavourable to -the health of the Europeans, who may expect -the most fatal consequences from irregularity, -or excess of any kind. But a due -regard to temperance, and such moderate -exercise as would not induce too violent a perspiration, -would doubtless be the best means -of guarding against the effects of a sudden -change of climate. Thus the body would -gradually accommodate itself to its new situation, -as is actually experienced by every one -who duly attends to these precautions; and -this happy effect takes place sooner or later, -according to the weakness or strength of the -stranger’s constitution, as well as to the more -or less manly education he may have received, -and the habits he may have formed in the -earlier part of his life. The intemperature of -those climates may also be in some degree resisted, -by fixing one’s habitation on an elevated -spot during the unhealthy season of the year. -For my own part, although I arrived on the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38"></a>[38]</span> -coast during that season, I escaped all the diseases -of the country. This I ascribe entirely -to the cautious temperance I observed. During -a mortality which raged at Senegal while I -was there, not a single gentleman or officer -on shore was attacked, but out of eleven sailors -belonging to the vessel in which I returned -to Europe, six were taken off in the -space of a month. It must be observed, however, -that seamen, by the tyranny or neglect -of the captains, by a bad or scanty diet, and -by the other hardships they undergo, are often -exposed to many causes of disease, which -do not affect persons living regularly on -shore, and which will ever more or less attend -the service of monopolizing Companies, -or individual merchants, who, <em>regardless of -the lives of men</em>, make gain the sole object of -their speculations.<a id="FNanchor_6" href="#Footnote_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> It is remarked, that Europeans -of a slender habit are generally found -to be the most healthy on the coast of Guinea.</p> - -<p>From what I have been able to collect, it -appears, that the rainy seasons follow the passage<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39"></a>[39]</span> -of the sun from the equator to either tropic, -so as always to prevail in those places -where the sun is vertical. East of Cape -Palmas I am told they seldom set in before -June, when the sun returns from the northern -tropic; but to the westward of that Cape, -and up the whole country, those seasons generally -commence within the month of May, -and continue for three or four months. In -the beginning of this season, the earth being -softened with the rain, the negroes till and -sow their ground, and after the return of dry -weather, they gather in their crops, an occupation -they seldom abandon, even though -allured by the most advantageous commerce. -I have sufficient reason to believe, that were -the coast cultivated to the extent of which -the soil in general is susceptible, the climate -would be much meliorated.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<h3 id="IV_CHAP_II">CHAP.  II.<br /> - -<span class="lsp"><em>Of the Soil.</em></span></h3> - - -<p>The soil all along the coast is very unequal. -From Cape Blanco down the coast, -to the River Gambia, it is in general very<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40"></a>[40]</span> -sandy, but as the sand consists of broken -shells, covered in many places with a rich -black mould, it must be favourable to vegetation. -The most barren places of this part -of the country, except just on the sea shore, -are covered with grass and bushes; and where -the black mould is found, the vegetation is -luxuriant, and the trees of vast dimensions. -I have remarked, that the mountains are -generally composed more or less of regular -basaltes, exhibiting remains of most prodigious -volcanoes, the eruptions of which -greatly improve the soil around them. Hence -the mountains and high grounds at Cape -Emanuel, Goree, Cape Rouge, and other -places lower down, are commonly very fertile. -Where rice thrives best, the ground in -general is low, marshy, and unhealthy.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<h3 id="IV_CHAP_III">CHAP.  III.<br /> - -<span class="lsp"><em>The Productions.</em></span></h3> - - -<p id="Animal"><em>Animal.</em> The cattle on the coast are smaller -than those of Europe, and not so fat as -those of England or Holland; yet their flesh -is very nourishing, and they give milk in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41"></a>[41]</span> -abundance. Their inferiority appeared to -me to be the effect of the careless and unskillful -management of the negroes. I once saw -four oxen sold for eighteen livres. They -must be raised on the coast, as foreign cattle -do not thrive. Even those from the Cape -de Verd Islands do not answer on the coast. -The whole coast is abundantly stocked with -sheep, hogs, and all sorts of poultry, which -propagate with astonishing rapidity. Fishing -and hunting are most eagerly pursued by the -negroes, who have, however, but a very -gross idea of any mechanical means of facilitating -those employments. Of the prodigious -shoals of numberless kinds of fish, I -could have formed no idea without having -seen them with my own eyes. Spermaceti -whales abound on the coast. In passing from -Goree to the Continent, distant about five -miles, I have often rowed through shoals of -them, and have been under no small apprehensions -of their oversetting any canoe. -Lower down the coast the English <ins class="corr" id="tn-41" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'and Portugueze'"> -and Portuguese</ins> carry on a considerable fishery of -those whales; and ambergris is found in such -quantities on the coast, that I have more than -once seen the negroes pay their canoes with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42"></a>[42]</span> -it. Till lately the learned were at a loss to -which of the kingdoms of nature this production -was to be referred, but they are now -pretty generally agreed, that it is the excrement -of the <ins class="corr" id="tn-42" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'sparmaceti whales'"> -spermaceti whales</ins>.</p> - -<p id="Vegetable"><em>Vegetable.</em> The grass is thick, and grows -to a great height. The natives are often -obliged to burn it, to prevent the wild beasts -from harbouring in the fields, but it soon -springs up again. Millet, rice, potatoes, -pulse, and many other excellent vegetables, -are cultivated on the coast with very little -trouble, and in a profusion perfectly astonishing -to an European. Such indeed is the plenty -which prevails on the coast, that all the -European ships are victualled, without the -smallest inconvenience to the inhabitants. -There is also abundance of the most wholesome -and delicious fruit; articles of no -less consequence than those just mentioned. -Sugar-canes grow wild in many places, which -with a little cultivation might be rendered -extremely valuable and productive. The -same may be said of the tobacco-plant. Several -species of cotton are also spontaneously -produced by this excellent soil; one of them<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43"></a>[43]</span> -may be spun without being carded, and almost -without any preparation. The negroes -spin it into very fine yarn, of which they -make a good but narrow cloth.<a id="FNanchor_7" href="#Footnote_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p> - -<p>Indigo of different kinds also grows wild, -and in such quantities, as to be a very -troublesome weed in the rice and millet -fields. What a strange inversion of nature -does not man, actuated by the most extravagant -and most ridiculous selfishness, every -where labour to effect? What necessity is -there for exiling this plant from the soil and -climate which nature has assigned it, in order -to transplant it into a country, where it is far -from thriving so well as in its native place, -and where it fails every third or fourth -year? Dyers, who have tried the African indigo, -affirm, that it is better than that which -is produced in Carolina and in the West-Indies. -The specimens of cotton and indigo, which -I have brought with me from the coast, have -been carefully examined by people of skill, -and found to be of the best quality.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44"></a>[44]</span></p> - -<p>Gum is another valuable article, and is not -as some imagine produced in the neighbourhood -of Senegal only; it is also found on most -parts of the coast, though the negroes have -not yet got into the practice of collecting it, -which they might do with very little trouble. -My fellow-traveller, Dr. Sparrman, extracted -a large quantity of the sap of a small but most -juicy tree, which grows in great abundance on -the coast, and exposing it to the sun for a few -hours, had the satisfaction to find it converted -into an elastic gum, equal in all respects to that -which is known by the name of Indian rubber. -The coast also produces a great variety of the -most valuable and beautiful woods, many of -which are scarcely known even to our botanists. -I brought with me samples of fourteen -species, including one remarkable for -its colour, which is a very beautiful red. -Among the different plants, which grow on -the coast, is a kind of aloes, of which the -negroes make most excellent ropes. Of -several sorts of roots and leaves they make -mats and baskets, and their manufactures of -this kind are really elegant;—this being the -principal art in which they appear to equal -if not to excel the Europeans.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45"></a>[45]</span></p> - -<p id="Mineral"><em>Minerals.</em>——Except some trifling and -unsuccessful attempts, made by Chevalier de -la Brue, in the beginning of this century, -the Europeans have never made any particular -search for <em>Minerals</em> on the coast, which, -however, it would be well worth while to -attend to, especially as it is well known in -what abundance gold is found in the inland -parts, notwithstanding the negroes are very -unskillful in collecting it. An exact and regular -examination of the metallick productions -of the mountains, particularly those of -Sierra Leona, and the adjacent country, -would certainly be an object of great importance. -In Gallam is found a very tough -and excellent kind of iron, and the negroes -work it with much ingenuity.<a id="FNanchor_8" href="#Footnote_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a></p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46"></a>[46]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak fs120" id="SECT_V">SECT.  V.<br /> -<br /> -<span class="lsp"><em>Of the IMPEDIMENTS which will oppose -European Settlements on the Coast of Guinea.</em></span></h2> - -<div class="figcenter illowp50" style="max-width: 20em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/sep.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h3 id="V_CHAP_I">CHAP.  I.<br /> - -<span class="lsp"><em>False Opinions.</em></span></h3> - - -<p>The diminution of the value of the West -Indian Islands will undoubtedly be the -strongest objection against forming settlements -on the coast of Guinea; but this -objection, which is wholly resolvable into -a narrow policy, founded on false and interested -principles, might be easily obviated, -if my necessary brevity would permit me to -enter on the discussion. To suppose that -the European nations, which have West -Indian colonies, would be injured by forming -others in Africa, is just as unreasonable, -as to suppose, that a man’s property would<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47"></a>[47]</span> -be injured by putting him in possession of -another estate, in addition to that which he -already enjoys. Allow the old colonies to -be lessened in their value, the loss will be -more than compensated to the mother -country, by settlements formed in an extensive -region, which yields spontaneously -the tropical productions now so much -wanted in all luxurious and civilized communities. -I met the whole force of this -objection on the coast, and perceived clearly -that this circumstance alone had hitherto -prevented the European governments from -forming settlements in Africa. I nevertheless -saw that such settlements would be -formed sooner or later, and that they could -not fail to acquire strength, and to produce -the most solid advantages to any nation -possessed of them, especially to that which -shall first undertake so beneficial an enterprize.<a id="FNanchor_9" href="#Footnote_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48"></a>[48]</span></p> - -<p>But if even the best monarchs be surrounded -by courtiers, devoted to partial -and avaricious views, under the illusive -semblance of national interest, can it be -expected that the light of enlarged policy, -dissipating the thick darkness in which they -are enveloped, will dispose them to adopt -plans extensively beneficial to mankind, and -conformable to the great law of creation?<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49"></a>[49]</span> -Are not the governments of the two most -flourishing nations, England and France, -who give laws to the rest of Europe, influenced -by powerful possessors of the ancient -colonies and opulent merchants of their productions? -It is impossible that information -of so delicate a nature should be obtained -pure and unadulterated through the -medium of surly, sordid planters and sugar -factors, who are acting only from a vile -self-interest.<a id="FNanchor_10" href="#Footnote_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a></p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50"></a>[50]</span></p> - -<h3 id="V_CHAP_II">CHAP.  II.<br /> - -<span class="lsp"><em>Of the Diseases.</em></span></h3> - - -<p>The diseases to which the Europeans are -subject from the climate of the coast, may be -reckoned among the greatest inconveniences -to establishments of white people in that part -of the world. Fortunately, however, they -may in general be obviated by making choice -of elevated situations, and if possible by -forming the first settlement on an island; by -keeping up the spirits of the new colonists, -so that their minds may be agreeably occupied -to gratify the affections of the soul; -by accustoming them, as I have already observed, -to a moderate degree of exercise; -guarding carefully against wet and damps in -the rainy seasons; by observing a good diet, -or regularity of living, and keeping the -bowels open. Such precautions are the -surest antidotes against most of the bad -effects usually resulting from a sudden change -of climate. It is a fact confirmed by observation, -that, excepting accidental or violent<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51"></a>[51]</span> -deaths or infections, disorders to which every -country as well as Africa are subject, the -evils I have been speaking of, prevail chiefly -among that class of people, who suffer their -brutal passions to get the upper hand of -their reason, and whose will and affections -always govern their intellectual faculties. -Nothing is more common and fatal among -this class, than excess in drinking. Nevertheless -there are remedies on the spot well -known among the negroes, which effectually -cure the diseases that cannot be escaped.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<h3 id="V_CHAP_III">CHAP.  III.<br /> - -<span class="lsp"><em>Of Musketoes.</em></span></h3> - - -<p>The musketoes are generally very troublesome; -but as they are only generated in -stagnant and putrid water, it is easy to perceive -that this evil is not without a remedy; -because by draining the marshes, and by cultivating -the land, the cause which produces -them will in a great measure be removed. -It is likewise certain, that it is not difficult -to accustom one’s-self to them, and it is astonishing -to see with what unconcern the negroes<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52"></a>[52]</span> -walk quite naked, surrounded by -swarms of those insects, without regarding -their attacks. Smoke, in general, is a good -preservative against them.<a id="FNanchor_11" href="#Footnote_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a></p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<h3 id="V_CHAP_IV">CHAP.  IV.<br /> - -<span class="lsp"><em>Of Thorns and Thistles.</em></span></h3> - - -<p>The inconveniences of thorns and thistles -that grow wild in very great abundance -among the trees, bushes, and grass, are -likewise an hindrance to the commencement -of cultivation; but if the negroes -were employed to pull them up, this obstacle -would be of little consequence; for -they are so used and accustomed to them, -that they make no scruple of penetrating -across the thickets which most abound with -them. Besides, the cultivation of the country -will soon exterminate these impediments, -as well as many others.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53"></a>[53]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp50" style="max-width: 20em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/sep.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h2 class="nobreak fs120" id="SECT_VI">SECT.  VI.<br /> -<br /> -<span class="lsp3"><em>REFLECTIONS.</em></span></h2> - - -<p>From all that has been said, as well as -from many other particulars, unnecessary to -be repeated here, as they are already laid before -the publick, it is evident, that the slave trade -is a <em>Commerce</em>, carried to the highest -pitch of human depravity, and it is to be -feared that its total suppression by all the -Europeans nations is a thing more to be -wished for than expected at once, unless some -of the civilized nations were to unite in -establishing colonies on the coast of Guinea. -May therefore every nation, seriously engaged -in the cause of liberty, consider this efficacious -remedy with the strictest attention, and reap -the great advantage to be derived from the -fruitful soil of this vast part of the globe, -by the effectual means already pointed out,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54"></a>[54]</span> -namely, that of Cultivation<a id="FNanchor_12" href="#Footnote_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a>. But, as the -settling of new colonies, and the gradual -abolition of this trade, require the most -scrupulous attention, I venture to flatter -myself, that from some experience and application -to this matter, I shall be able to -excite every feeling and disinterested mind, to -view this grand object in a proper point of -light: I consider it therefore as a duty to -lay before them the following reflections.</p> - -<p>Though it be usual to compare nations and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55"></a>[55]</span> -their colonies to parents and their children, -yet in reality the comparison is not just, as -things are circumstanced at present.</p> - -<p>In every individual family, what is so -highly regarded, or esteemed so highly interesting, -so useful, directing the attention -to sound policy, as the human production or -propagation of mankind? Where is that -parent, who not only strives to give his -children as good an education as he himself -has received, but impelled by affection even -endeavours to elevate them into a superior -state? Acting thus, has he any other end -than that of introducing them as active, -zealous, and laborious citizens, from a principle -of usefulness, as reasonable, beneficent, -and religious fathers of future families, into -that society, of which he himself forms a -part?</p> - -<p>From what has been said it follows, that -children, when they arrive at the age of -maturity, although they have been useful to -their parents during their minority; yet it is -not to be inferred, that from a principle of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56"></a>[56]</span> -obligation or false gratitude, they ought inseparably -to abide by their parents throughout -life. No! in a more advanced age, nature -and reason combine to emancipate and justify -them, even though opposed by their parents; -when in their turn they independently establish -themselves, and lay a foundation for -new families, which augmenting the prosperity, -and strength of the community, necessarily -promotes those of their parents. -How could any society whatever otherwise -continue to exist? In a word, a child is -fruit hanging on the tree;—man, arrived to -full growth, is separated therefrom, which, -under the direction of Providence, reproduces -in its turn, a new tree that may do -honour to the forest.</p> - -<p>The gratitude and filial attachment which -a child constantly preserves for those who -gave him being, is always proportioned to the -education he has received from them, and to -the tie which has been mutually formed on -both sides, during the state of non-age.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57"></a>[57]</span></p> - -<p>Societies at large ought to act precisely on -the same principle in forming colonies, since -these are nothing else but their own children, -or the superfluity of their population.</p> - -<p>When therefore a large Society thus gives -birth to a small one, in the establishing thereof, -can it possess a more noble view than that -of regarding in the first place the interest of -mankind, or <em>universal Society</em>, and afterwards -the advantage of its own colony or <em>Society in -particular</em>? Standing thus between them -both, will not the happiness of both center -in itself? Does not the father of a family -rejoice in the happiness both of his country -and his children? But is there any colony -existing founded on these truly humane -principles? Does not the education which -the present colonies have received, and do -still receive from their interested and imprudent -parents, prove the rankest hatred between -beings that ought to be united by the -tenderest ties? Whence proceeds the cause, -that smaller societies have been compelled by -misunderstanding to separate from the greater -which gave them existence, but perverted<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58"></a>[58]</span> -education, combined with the false principle -of endeavouring to keep the child, arrived -to its maturity perpetually in leading firings, -like an infant?</p> - -<p>Since my short stay in London, I have -weighed with the stricted impartiality the -argument for and against slavery; I hope, -therefore, I may be permitted to communicate -my ideas on this delicate and interesting -subject, making man always the principal -object of comparison, as being the most -exact form, and the most perfect model -existing in the creation.</p> - -<p>No one will deny that the two distinct -and principal faculties, which essentially -constitute man, are <em>Will</em> and the <em>Understanding</em>: -the former is derived from some -kind of love, and being from the birth possessed -by man in common with all other -animals, he would become even more savage -and destructive, if he had not the opportunity -in society of cultivating his other -faculty, the <em>Understanding</em>, which by instruction -is capable of infinite elevation. But<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59"></a>[59]</span> -when this latter faculty comes to maturity, -it then acquires a right of directing the <em>Will</em> -in the way most conformable to wisdom, and -bears the same relation to it as a helm to a -ship, which is constantly directed thereby in -the course most favourable to the voyage.</p> - -<p>This elevation of the <em>Understanding</em> above -the <em>Will</em> or <em>Passions</em>, is the same as what we -call <em>Education</em> or <em>Civilization</em>, Education -with respect to every man in particular, and -civilization to mankind in general.</p> - -<p>The greatest human societies may in general -be divided into two classes; the <em>civilized</em> -and the <em>uncivilized</em>; and the obligations -the former are under to the latter, are precisely -the same as those of parents towards -their children. From this analogy between -children and uncivilized nations, it may then -easily be concluded, that the one as well as -the other are governed by their passions, in -consequence of their understanding not being -cultivated.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60"></a>[60]</span></p> - -<p>If we feel within us an interior but distinct -voice, dictating that we ought to seek our own -happiness in promoting that of our posterity; -in ascending from particular to general, -we shall also feel that the instructed and -civilized nations for their own advantage -must of necessity act unanimously for the -happiness of the barbarous and uncivilized.</p> - -<p>If the tutelage of children be regarded as a -period of slavery, I allow that the civilized -nations have some right to exercise a certain -dominion over the uncivilized, provided that -this happy dominion be considered as a paternal -yoke, and that the duration do not -exceed the period of the child’s maturity.</p> - -<p>Let us then form new settlements along the -African coast; settlements which shall have -no other aim than that of inviting those -nations to the riches which will arise -from the cultivation of their own country, -and thence the enjoyment of civilization, -to both which they are capable of applying -themselves with ardour and joy.—Let -us thus on the wreck of tyranny raise<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61"></a>[61]</span> -altars to humanity. Let us give to this -weak, timid, and ignorant people, a masculine -and courageous education. Let us make -them feel the nobility of their origin, that -under our tuition they may become generous -from sound political interest; and may they -no longer be slaves, but men. Let us for -our own part freely assist them in tilling the -fine country they inhabit. Let us prove to -those innumerable multitudes of men, by -the force of example, that they possess the -most fertile soil. Let us also, by example, -teach them no longer to suffer themselves to -be torn from their native shores. Let us -teach them to shake off the irons, and to -revenge themselves on the blind tyrants, who -shackle them, by becoming more useful to -them in a state of freedom.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62"></a>[62]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak fs120 lsp" id="Note"><em>Note to Sec.</em> III. <em>and Chap.</em> I.</h2> - - -<p class="negin1">The following Circumstance is related by -Mr. <em>de la Blancherie</em>, from an <cite>Extract of -the Journal of his Voyages</cite>, published at -Paris, in 2 vols. 1775.<a id="FNanchor_13" href="#Footnote_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a></p> - - -<p>An inhabitant of St. Domingo had a negro, -who for a long time had solicited for -his liberty, and which he had fully merited -by his services; but that which ought to -have procured it for him, was precisely what<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63"></a>[63]</span> -prevented his master from granting it, namely, -his being essentially useful to him. The more -the negro pressed to obtain his freedom, which -had been promised him, the more pretences -were found for eluding and deferring the execution -of the promise; the master himself no -longer hid from his slave his great attachment -to him. Yet flattering as this kind of -refusal was, far from diminishing his desire -of liberty, it served to encrease it. He resolved -then to employ another means, which -was to buy his freedom; appreciating himself -according to the reasons his master had -given him, for not fulfilling his promise. -In some parts of St. Domingo, the inhabitants -do not enter into the detail of the food -and clothing of their negroes. They give -them two hours in a day for cultivating a -certain portion of land, granted to them for -their subsistence; those who are industrious, -not only obtain what is necessary, but even -that which enables them to carry on a commerce, -more or less considerable, according -to their ability. Our black, at the end -of some years, gained more money than was -requisite to redeem himself, and presenting<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64"></a>[64]</span> -the gold to his master, told him that he was -resolved to gain his liberty, and offered to -pay the price of another negro. The planter -surprized, says to him, “Go, I have sufficiently -trafficked in my fellow-creatures, -enjoy what is your own: you have restored -me to myself.” He immediately -sold his plantation, and only remained long -enough at St. Domingo to collect his property. -He returned to France, and in the -way to his province, was obliged to pass -through Paris. Remaining in that seductive -town, he spared nothing that could give an -idea of that opulence which is attached to -the name of an <em>American</em>. Women, high -living, gaming, parties of pleasure of all -kinds, he gave himself up to, without restraint, -embracing every opportunity of expence. -His fortune was soon dissipated. -In that wretched situation, it was necessary -to determine on something, but on what was -the question. To remain in France a ruined -man was impossible; to return to the islands, -what an embarrassing humiliation. Nevertheless, -on reflection, he flattered himself -he should find more resources there than<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65"></a>[65]</span> -elsewhere, depending rather on the attachment -of those whose fortunes he had -made in St. Domingo, than on the friendship -of those who had been the promoters of -his ruin in France, he determined to embark. -His arrival at the Cape surprized every body -acquainted with his misfortune. They pitied -him, but no one gave him the least assistance. -His ancient friends only permitted him to be -a witness of the pleasures he had procured -them, without making him a partaker in -their enjoyments. Many who had personal -obligations to him, were never at home when -he visited them; a dreadful example this, -joined to many others which present themselves -daily, and are yet insufficient to prevent -men from desiring to form such connexions. -Thus reduced to live in the -wretched inns on the port, which are only -suited to the poorest, he had not yet been -to see his negro; whether he had been -prevented from not knowing where he was, -or from being ashamed of presenting himself -in the condition to which he was reduced, -I know not; but the black, who had a -house, having learnt his misfortune, and discovered<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66"></a>[66]</span> -his retreat, soon threw himself at the -feet of his dear master and benefactor (for -these were the terms he made use of) accompanied -with tears at considering his situation. -His zeal was not confined to words, -he made him master in his house; but on -reflection, putting himself in his place, he -saw his self-love mortified by the contempt -inseparable from indigence, and the pain -which is induced by the consciousness of -being in a state of dependance; he felt all -the weight his benefits must have on a generous -and liberal mind. “My dear master,” -said he, embracing his knees, “I owe to you -all I am; dispose of every thing I have, -quit this country, where your past misfortunes -will give birth to new ones; -abandon those ungrateful people whom -you did not oblige with a view to their -future services.” How shall I be able to -live in France? “Ah, my dear master, shall -your slave be happy enough to induce you -to accept of a tribute of his gratitude? -will you do him that kindness?” The -master quite affected, knew not how to -answer. The negro continued, “fifteen<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67"></a>[67]</span> -hundred livres, will that be sufficient?” -Ah, it will certainly be too much answered -the master, dissolved in tears. Immediately -the black quitted him, and returning, put into -his possession a deed, which insured him for -life fifteen hundred livres. The planter is -now in France, and actually receives every -year his pension, six months in advance. -The negro’s name is Lewis Desrouleaux, -and I saw him at the Cape, where he continued -to keep house.</p> - - -<p class="p2 pfs120 lsp3">FINIS.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp50" style="max-width: 20em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/sep.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="pfs90 lsp3">ADVERTISEMENT.</p> - -<div class="fs80"> -<p>The Author has lately published <span class="allsmcap">TWO</span> VIEWS of the -COAST of GUINEA, with separate Descriptions, embellished -with four small Prints.—In these Views are introduced -some historical facts related in this pamphlet, pages 9, -11, & 12. The size 22 inches by 17, and the price 15s.—His -view, in undertaking to publish them, was more essentially -to serve the cause of humanity, and he has therefore -offered them at the same price which they cost him, not -wishing to have any emolument from this sale.—They are -to be had of the Author, No. 6, in the Poultry; at Mr. J. -Phillips’s, George-Yard, Lombard-Street; Mr. B. Evans, -Printseller, in the Poultry; Mr. S. Walter, Homer’s Head, -Charing-Cross; Mr. W. Dickinson, Printseller, No. 158, -New-Bond-Street; Mess. Robson and Clarke, New-Bond-Street; -and Mr. B. Chastanier, No. 62, Tottenham-Court-Road.</p> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="header" style="max-width: 50em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/header.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h2 class="p4 nobreak fs100">ERRATUM.</h2> - -<p class="pad4">Page 13, Line 16, for lum, read Salum.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="footer" style="max-width: 50em;"> - <img class="p4 w100" src="images/footer.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="footnotes" id="FN"> -<h2 class="nobreak fs150">FOOTNOTES:</h2> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> The treatment the sex experience from the white traders -on all occasions, is such, as decency forbids me to -describe.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">[2]</a> Since my arrival in London, this horrid practice has been -authenticated by the respectable authority of several French -gentlemen.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">[3]</a> A remarkable and well authenticated proof of the -above interesting fact will be given at the end of this little -tract.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_4" href="#FNanchor_4" class="label">[4]</a> The marabous are the chief priests among the negroes, -and are the only people who can read and write Arabic.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_5" href="#FNanchor_5" class="label">[5]</a> By <span class="smcap">Luxury</span>, I understand, all enjoyments beyond the -necessaries of mere animal life. Consequently to live in a -civilized community is already a sort of luxury; and if the -cultivation of our understanding be necessary, we ought also -to be indulged in the use of a word which is now so generally -abused.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_6" href="#FNanchor_6" class="label">[6]</a> It is worthy of remark, that since wine was substituted -for the brandy, which till within these last three years was -served out to the French troops on the coast, they have been -incomparably healthier.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_7" href="#FNanchor_7" class="label">[7]</a> The first considerable exportation of cotton and indigo -from the Coast to Europe, as far as I have been informed, -was made in the year 1787, while I was at Goree, by a -Frenchman, who had resided some time in that island.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_8" href="#FNanchor_8" class="label">[8]</a> The mineralogical observations made by my fellow-traveller, -Capt. Arrhenius, on that part of the coast where -we travelled, particularly respecting the Volcanoes, will undoubtedly -prove very interesting, when he has leisure to -put them in proper order for publication.</p> - -<p>OBSERVATION.——<em>I cannot omit to mention in this -place, that Mr. Geoffrey de Villeneuve, a young French officer, -and skilful naturalist, who made a very extensive journey in the -year 1787 into the interior parts of the country above Goree, -will probably soon entertain the publick with a faithful description -thereof, so much the more interesting, as he has with indefatigable -pains and deep knowledge, examined the disposition -of the inhabitants, and the nature of the country, in a manner -which certainly will do honour to the philosophy of this century.</em></p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_9" href="#FNanchor_9" class="label">[9]</a> That it is necessary for a <em>free</em>, <em>commercial</em>, and <em>laborious</em> -nation to look out for foreign settlements, when <em>population</em> -and <em>manufactured products</em> encrease in a similar proportion, -is a truth as evident as that without <em>enlarging space</em> for the -former, and <em>seeking for an emporium</em> for the latter, the progress -of <em>population</em> and <em>commerce</em> must necessarily and of -course cease. Hence sound policy dictates that the government -of such a nation should with the affectionate care of a -provident father, prepare proper places for receiving the -superabundance of population and products—a principle -which few mother countries seem to have observed in the -settlement of colonies. In a future treatise the author will -endeavour to shew, that this fundamental mistake is the -true cause of the ruinous and unsupportable expence in -which all the European colonies have involved their respective -mother countries. He will propose a plan, the adoption -of which he is of opinion would effectually prevent such -ruinous consequences in any settlement that may hereafter -be established by the Europeans. He will also enumerate -the productions of the coast of Guinea, and the European -commodities preferred by the inhabitants, adding some directions -and cautions proper to be observed in trading and -conversing with them, together with several other interesting -particulars.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_10" href="#FNanchor_10" class="label">[10]</a> I cannot help here reflecting on the strange means the -French employ for the encouragement of this execrable -trade. They allow their merchants a bounty of 150 livres -tournois for each slave they import into <em>Cayenne</em> and <em>La -Guyenne</em> Françoise; 100 livres for the southern parts of <em>St. -Domingo</em>; 80 livres for <em>La Jeremie</em> and its dependencies; -60 livres for <em>St. Marie</em>, <em>Leogane</em>, and <em>Port au Prince</em>; and -50 livres for <em>Cape François</em> and its dependencies.—Besides -this, Government pays a premium of 40 livres per ton for -all the ships that go to the coast, and they are also more -favoured in the measurement than any other. These bounties, -granted for promoting the sale of human flesh, is the -occasion of their committing the most abominable abuses, -which cry for vengeance, and are even injurious in the -extreme to the Government which encourages them.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_11" href="#FNanchor_11" class="label">[11]</a> Mr. Sefstrom, in Sweden, has lately discovered, that -a very small quantity of campfire, strewed on a fire-coal, -immediately destroys every insect within the reach of its -effluvia, and no doubt would prove fatal to the musketoes. -See the Acts of the Royal Society of Sciences at Stockholm, -for the year 1787.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_12" href="#FNanchor_12" class="label">[12]</a> Establishments of new colonies in Africa have been -opposed by some with an apparent strength of argument; -the principal points of which may be collected under the -following heads: 1st. That it would be introducing among -the simple and innocent people the corrupted manners of -the Europeans.—2d. That such establishments would be the -means of increasing and perpetuating the practice of making -slaves.—3d. That Government will be exposed to considerable -sacrifices to secure protection to the colonies, and to -supply them with necessaries from Europe, &c.—In a work -I am preparing to lay before the publick, it is my intention -to submit, for candid perusal, the reflections I have made on -these objections, and endeavour to prove the great error by -which these real friends to humanity are at present influenced.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_13" href="#FNanchor_13" class="label">[13]</a> This journal gives the history of a young man whom -the author knew to have died, in consequence of a very dissolute -life, induced from a faulty education, and from which -the most important deductions may be made, respecting -publick education, and the duty of parents. The same -Mr. <em>de la Blancherie</em> has, since the publication of this work, -digested and carried into execution in Paris, the plan of a -<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Bureau de correspondence générale et gratuite pour les Sciences -et les Arts</i>, where men of all nations, and every class, should -find, as in <em>a living Encyclopedia</em>, (to use the happy expression -of His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester) the means -of communication and instruction, and every good office relative -to the Sciences and the Arts. For twelve years past he -has contended with all possible obstacles, in order to persuade -mankind to pursue their true interests, by a <em>reciprocation of -good offices</em>. Mr. <em>de la Blancherie</em> is at present, and will remain -some time in England, to acquire connexions useful to -this grand view.</p> - -</div> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="p4 transnote"> -<a id="TN"></a> -<p><strong>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE</strong></p> - -<p>The original Table of Contents was in two parts at the front and the -back of the book. These have been joined in this etext.</p> - -<p>The one change in the ERRATA at the back of the book has been applied -to the etext. The spelling of ‘Salum’ has been changed to ‘Sallum’ to -be consistent with all other occurrences in the book.</p> - -<p>Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been -corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within -the text and consultation of external sources.</p> - -<p>Some hyphens in words have been silently removed, some added, -when a predominant preference was found in the original book.</p> - -<p>Except for those changes noted below, all misspellings in the text, -and inconsistent or archaic usage, have been retained.</p> - -<p> -<a href="#tn-30">Pg 30:</a> ‘and thus cooly’ replaced by ‘and thus coolly’.<br /> -<a href="#tn-35">Pg 35:</a> ‘the conveniencies and’ replaced by ‘the conveniences and’.<br /> -<a href="#tn-36">Pg 36:</a> ‘lands of Camarons’ replaced by ‘lands of Camaroons’.<br /> -<a href="#tn-41">Pg 41:</a> ‘and Portugueze’ replaced by ‘and Portuguese’.<br /> -<a href="#tn-42">Pg 42:</a> ‘sparmaceti whales’ replaced by ‘spermaceti whales’.<br /> -</p> -</div> - - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OBSERVATIONS ON THE SLAVE TRADE AND A DESCRIPTION OF SOME PART OF THE COAST OF GUINEA, DURING A VOYAGE, MADE IN 1787, AND 1788, IN COMPANY WITH DOCTOR A. 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