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diff --git a/11489-h/11489-h.htm b/11489-h/11489-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..db0fd21 --- /dev/null +++ b/11489-h/11489-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7524 @@ + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/strict.dtd"> +<html lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> + + <title>Some historical account of Guinea ...,</title> + <meta name="author" content="Benezet, Anthony"> + <meta name="generator" content="Text Encoding Initiative Consortium XSLT stylesheets"> + <meta name="DC.Title" content="Some historical account of Guinea ...,"> + <meta name="DC.Type" content="Text"> + <meta name="DC.Format" content="text/html"> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11489 ***</div> + + <p><a name="TOP"></a></p> + <table summary="titlepage" class="header" width="100%"> + <tr> + <td rowspan="3"></td> + <td align="left"> + <h2 class="institution"></h2> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + <h1 class="maintitle">Some historical account of Guinea ...,</h1> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> </td> + <td align="left"> By Benezet, Anthony </td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr> + <div class="abstract"> + <h2><a name="tp"></a> + SOME + <br><br><br><br> + HISTORICAL ACCOUNT + <br><br><br><br> + OF + <br><br><br><br> + GUINEA, + <br><br><br><br><br><br> + ITS + <br><br><br><br> + SITUATION, PRODUCE, and the general + <br><br> + DISPOSITION of its INHABITANTS. + <br><br><br><br> + WITH + <br><br><br><br> + An Inquiry into the RISE and PROGRESS + <br><br><br><br> + OF THE + <br><br><br><br> + SLAVE TRADE, + <br><br><br><br> + Its NATURE, and lamentable EFFECTS. + <br><br><br><br> + ALSO + <br><br><br><br> + A REPUBLICATION of the Sentiments of + several Authors of Note on this interesting + Subject: Particularly an Extract of a + Treatise written by GRANVILLE SHARPE. + + </h2> + <p> + By ANTHONY BENEZET + + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + ACTS xvii. 24, 26. GOD, <em>that made the world hath + made of</em> one blood <em>all nations of men, for to dwell on all + the face of the earth, and hath determined the—bounds of + their habitation.</em></p> + </blockquote> + <p> + PHILADELPHIA: Printed MDCCLXXI. + + </p> + <p> + LONDON: Re-printed MDCCLXXII. + + </p> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e102"></a></h3> + <ul> + <li><a name="d0e104"></a><a href="#Intro" class="ref">Introduction.</a><br><br></li> + <li><a name="d0e108"></a><a href="#I" class="ref">CHAPTER I.</a><p><i>A GENERAL account of</i> Guinea; + <i>particularly those parts on the rivers</i> Senegal + <i>and</i> Gambia. + </p> + </li> + <li><a name="d0e121"></a><a href="#II" class="ref">CHAP. II.</a><p><i>Account of the</i> Ivory-Coast, + <i>the</i> Gold-Coast <i>and the + Slave-Coast</i>. + </p> + </li> + <li><a name="d0e134"></a><a href="#III" class="ref">CHAP. III.</a><p><i>Of the kingdoms of</i> Benin, Kongo + <i>and</i> Angola. + </p> + </li> + <li><a name="d0e144"></a><a href="#IV" class="ref">CHAP. IV.</a><p>Guinea, <i>first discovered and subdued by the</i> + Arabians. <i>The Portuguese make descents + on the coast, and carry off the natives. Oppression + of the</i> Indians: <i>De la Casa pleads + their cause</i>. + </p> + </li> + <li><a name="d0e158"></a><a href="#V" class="ref">CHAP. V.</a><p><i>The</i> English's <i>first + trade to the coast of</i> Guinea: <i>Violently carry + off some of the Negros.</i></p> + </li> + <li><a name="d0e170"></a><a href="#VI" class="ref">CHAP. VI.</a><p><i>Slavery more tolerable under</i> Pagans + <i>and</i> Turks <i>than in the + colonies. As christianity prevailed, ancient slavery + declined</i>. + </p> + </li> + <li><a name="d0e183"></a><a href="#VII" class="ref">CHAP. VII.</a><p>Montesquieu's <i>sentiments of slavery</i>. Morgan + Godwyn's <i>advocacy on behalf of Negroes and + Indians, &c.</i></p> + </li> + <li><a name="d0e193"></a><a href="#VIII" class="ref">CHAP. VIII.</a><p><i>Grievous treatment of the Negroes in the + colonies, &c.</i></p> + </li> + <li><a name="d0e199"></a><a href="#IX" class="ref">CHAP. IX.</a><p><i>Desire of gain the true motive of the</i> Slave + trade. <i>Misrepresentation of the state of the + Negroes in Guinea</i>. + </p> + </li> + <li><a name="d0e209"></a><a href="#X" class="ref">CHAP. X.</a><p><i>State of the Government in</i> Guinea, + &c. + </p> + </li> + <li><a name="d0e216"></a><a href="#XI" class="ref">CHAP. XI.</a><p><i>Accounts of the cruel methods used in carrying on + of the</i> Slave trade, &c. + </p> + </li> + <li><a name="d0e223"></a><a href="#XII" class="ref">CHAP. XII.</a><p><i>Extracts of several voyages to the coast of</i> + Guinea, &c. + </p> + </li> + <li><a name="d0e230"></a><a href="#XIII" class="ref">CHAP. XIII.</a><p><i>Numbers of Negroes, yearly brought from</i> + Guinea, <i>by the</i> English, &c. + </p> + </li> + <li><a name="d0e240"></a><a href="#XIV" class="ref">CHAP. XIV.</a><p><i>Observations on the situation and disposition of + the Negroes in the northern colonies</i>, &c. + </p> + </li> + <li><a name="d0e247"></a><a href="#XV" class="ref">CHAP. XV.</a><p>Europeans <i>capable of bearing reasonable labour + in the</i> West Indies, &c. + </p> + </li> + <li><a name="d0e255"></a><a href="#GSharp" class="ref"><i>Extracts from</i> Granville + Sharp's <i>representations,</i> &c.</a><br><br></li> + <li><a name="d0e264"></a><a href="#Extracts" class="ref"><i>Sentiments of several + authors,</i> viz.</a> George Wallace, Francis Hutcheson, + <i>and</i> James Foster. + <br><br></li> + <li><a name="d0e274"></a><a href="#VA_Gaz" class="ref"><i>Extracts of an address to the + assembly of</i> Virginia.</a><br><br></li> + <li><a name="d0e280"></a><a href="#B_of_Gloucester" class="ref"><i>Extract of the bishop + of</i> Gloucester's <i>sermon</i>.</a><br><br></li> + </ul> + </div> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="Intro"></a> + INTRODUCTION. + + </h2><a name="P_i"></a><p>The slavery of the Negroes + having, of late, drawn the + attention of many serious minded + people; several tracts have been + published setting forth its inconsistency + with every christian and moral + virtue, which it is hoped will + have weight with the judicious; + especially at a time when the liberties + of mankind are become so + much the subject of general attention. + For the satisfaction of the + serious enquirer who may not have + the opportunity of seeing those + tracts, and such others who are + sincerely desirous that the iniquity + of this practice may become effectually + apparent, to those in whose + <a name="P_ii"></a> + power, it may be to put a stop to + any farther progress therein; it is + proposed, hereby, to republish the + most material parts of said tracts; + and in order to enable the reader to + form a true judgment of this matter, + which, tho' so very important, + is generally disregarded, or so artfully + misrepresented by those whose + interest leads them to vindicate it, + as to bias the opinions of people + otherwise upright; some account + will be here given of the different + parts of Africa, from which + the Negroes are brought to America; + with an impartial relation + from what motives the Europeans + were first induced to undertake, + and have since continued this iniquitous + traffic. And here it will + not be improper to premise, that + <a name="P_iii"></a> + tho' wars, arising from the common + depravity of human nature, have + happened, as well among the Negroes + as other nations, and the weak + sometimes been made captives + to the strong; yet nothing appears, + in the various relations of + the intercourse and trade for a + long time carried on by the Europeans + on that coast, which + would induce us to believe, that + there is any real foundation for + that argument, so commonly advanced + in vindication of that trade, + viz. "<em>That the slavery of the Negroes + took its rise from a desire, + in the purchasers, to save the lives + of such of them as were taken captives + in war, who would otherwise + have been sacrificed to the implacable + revenge of their conquerors.</em>" + <a name="P_iv"></a> + A plea which when compared with + the history of those times, will appear + to be destitute of Truth; + and to have been advanced, and + urged, principally by such as were + concerned in reaping the gain of this + infamous traffic, as a palliation of + that, against which their own reason + and conscience must have raised + fearful objections. + </p> + </div> + <p><br><br><br><br><br><br> + SOME + <br><br><br><br> + HISTORICAL ACCOUNT + <br><br><br><br> + OF + <br><br><br><br> + GUINEA. + + </p> + <p><br><br> + * * * * * + <br><br></p> + <p> + [Price 2s. 6d. stitched.] + + </p> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="I"></a> + CHAP. I. + + </h2><a name="P_1"></a><p>Guinea affords an easy living + to its inhabitants, with but little toil. + The climate agrees well with the natives, + but extremely unhealthful to the Europeans. + Produces provisions in the greatest + plenty. Simplicity of their housholdry. + The coast of Guinea described from the + river Senegal to the kingdom of Angola. + The fruitfulness of that part lying on + and between the two great rivers Senegal + and Gambia. Account of the different + nations settled there. Order of government + amongst the Jalofs. Good account of some + of the Fulis. The Mandingos; their management, + government, &c. Their worship. + M. Adanson's account of those + countries. Surprizing vegetation. Pleasant + appearance of the country. He found + the natives very sociable and obliging. + + </p> + <p>When the Negroes are considered + barely in their present abject state + of slavery, broken-spirited and dejected; + <a name="P_2"></a> + and too easy credit is given to the accounts + we frequently hear or read of their barbarous + and savage way of living in their own + country; we shall be naturally induced to + look upon them as incapable of improvement, + destitute, miserable, and insensible of + the benefits of life; and that our permitting + them to live amongst us, even on the most + oppressive terms, is to them a favour. But, + on impartial enquiry, the case will appear to + be far otherwise; we shall find that there is + scarce a country in the whole world, that + is better calculated for affording the necessary + comforts of life to its inhabitants, with less + solicitude and toil, than Guinea. And that + notwithstanding the long converse of many + of its inhabitants with (often) the worst of + the Europeans, they still retain a great deal + of innocent simplicity; and, when not stirred + up to revenge from the frequent abuses they + have received from the Europeans in general, + manifest themselves to be a humane, sociable + people, whose faculties are as capable of improvement + as those of other Men; and + that their oeconomy and government is, in + many respects, commendable. Hence it appears + they might have lived happy, if not + disturbed by the Europeans; more especially, + if these last had used such endeavours as their + christian profession requires, to communicate + to the ignorant Africans that superior + <a name="P_3"></a> + knowledge which Providence had favoured + them with. In order to set this matter in + its true light, and for the information of + those well-minded people who are desirous + of being fully acquainted with the merits of + a cause, which is of the utmost consequence; + as therein the lives and happiness of thousands, + and hundreds of thousands, of our fellow <em>Men</em> + have fallen, and are daily falling, a + sacrifice to selfish avarice and usurped power, + I will here give some account of the several + divisions of those parts of Africa from + whence the Negroes are brought, with a + summary of their produce; the disposition + of their respective inhabitants; their improvements, + &c. &c. extracted from authors + of credit; mostly such as have been principal + officers in the English, French and Dutch + factories, and who resided many years in + those countries. But first it is necessary to + premise, as a remark generally applicable to + the whole coast of Guinea, "<em>That the Almighty, + who has determined and appointed the + bounds of the habitation of men on the face of + the earth</em>" in the manner that is most conducive + to the well-being of their different + natures and dispositions, has so ordered it, + that altho' Guinea is extremely + unhealthy<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN1"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN1"></a> to + <a name="P_4"></a> + the Europeans, of whom many thousands + have met there with a miserable and + <a name="P_5"></a> + untimely end, yet it is not so with the + Negroes, who enjoy a good state of health<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN2"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN2"></a> and + are able to procure to themselves a comfortable + subsistence, with much less care and toil + than is necessary in our more northern climate; + which last advantage arises not only + from the warmth of the climate, but also + from the overflowing of the rivers, whereby + the land is regularly moistened and rendered + extremely fertile; and being in many + places improved by culture, abounds with + grain and fruits, cattle, poultry, &c. The + earth yields all the year a fresh supply of + food: Few clothes are requisite, and little art + necessary in making them, or in the + construction of their houses, which are very + <a name="P_6"></a> + simple, principally calculated to defend them + from the tempestuous seasons and wild + beasts; a few dry reeds covered with matts + serve for their beds. The other furniture, + except what belongs to cookery, gives the + women but little trouble; the moveables of + the greatest among them amounting only to + a few earthen pots, some wooden utensils, + and gourds or calabashes; from these last, + which grow almost naturally over their huts, + to which they afford an agreeable shade, + they are abundantly stocked with good clean + vessels for most houshold uses, being of different + sizes, from half a pint to several gallons. + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN1"></a><a href="#FootI_FN1">A</a>: <i>Gentleman's + Magazine, Supplement, 1763. Extract of a + letter wrote from the island of Senegal, by Mr. Boone, + practitioner of physic there, to Dr. Brocklesby of London.</i></p> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN2"></a><a href="#FootI_FN2">B</a>: James Barbot, + agent general to the French African + company, in his account of Africa, page 105, + says, "The natives are seldom troubled with any + distempers, being little affected with the unhealthy + air. In tempestuous times they keep much within + doors; and when exposed to the weather, their skins + being suppled, and pores closed by daily anointing + with palm oil, the weather can make but little impression + on them." + </p> + <hr> + <p> + That part of Africa from which the Negroes + are sold to be carried into slavery, + commonly known by the name of Guinea, + extends along the coast three or four thousand + miles. Beginning at the river Senegal, situate + about the 17th degree of North latitude, + being the nearest part of Guinea, as well to + Europe as to North America; from thence + to the river Gambia, and in a southerly course + to Cape Sierra Leona, comprehends a coast + of about seven hundred miles; being the + same tract for which Queen Elizabeth granted + charters to the first traders to that coast: + from Sierra Leona, the land of Guinea + takes a turn to the eastward, extending + that course about fifteen hundred miles, including + <a name="P_7"></a> + those several civilians known by + name of <i>the Grain Coast, the Ivory Coast, the + Gold Coast, and the Slave Coast, with the large + kingdom of Benin</i>. From thence the land runs + southward along the coast about twelve + hundred miles, which contains the <i>kingdoms + of Congo and Angola</i>; there the trade for slaves + ends. From which to the southermost Cape + of Africa, called the Cape of Good Hope, + the country is settled by Caffres and Hottentots, + who have never been concerned in the + making or selling slaves. + + </p> + <p> + Of the parts which are above described, + the first which presents itself to view, is that + situate on the great river Senegal, which is + said to be navigable more than a thousand + miles, and is by travellers described to be + very agreeable and fruitful. Andrew Brue, + principal factor for the French African company, + who lived sixteen years in that country, + after describing its fruitfulness and + plenty, near the sea, adds,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN3"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN3"></a> "The farther + you go from the sea, the country on the + river seems the more fruitful and well improved; + abounding with Indian corn, + pulse, fruit, &c. Here are vast meadows, + which feed large herds of great and small + cattle, and poultry numerous: The villages + that lie thick on the river, shew the + country is well peopled." The same author, + <a name="P_8"></a> + in the account of a voyage he made up + the river Gambia, the mouth of which lies + about three hundred miles South of the Senegal, + and is navigable about six hundred + miles up the country, says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN4"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN4"></a> "That he was + surprized to see the land so well cultivated; + scarce a spot lay unimproved; the + low lands, divided by small canals, were + all formed with rice, &c. the higher ground + planted with millet, Indian corn, and + pease of different sorts; their beef excellent; + poultry plenty, and very cheap, as + well as all other necessaries of life." Francis + Moor, who was sent from England about + the year 1735, in the service of the African + company, and resided at James Fort, on the + river Gambia, or in other factories on that + river, about five years, confirms the above + account of the fruitfulness of the country. + William Smith, who was sent in the year + 1726, by the African company, to survey their + settlements throughout the whole coast of + Guinea<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN5"><sup>C</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN5"></a> says, "The country about the + Gambia is pleasant and fruitful; provisions + of all kinds being plenty and exceeding + cheap." The country on and between + the two above-mentioned rivers is large and + extensive, inhabited principally by those + three Negro nations known by the name of + Jalofs, Fulis, and Mandingos. The Jalofs + <a name="P_9"></a> + possess the middle of the country. The Fulis + principal settlement is on both sides of the + Senegal; great numbers of these people are + also mixed with the Mandingos; which last + are mostly settled on both sides the Gambia. + The government of the Jalofs is represented + as under a better regulation than can be expected + from the common opinion we entertain + of the Negroes. We are told in the Collection,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN6"><sup>D</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN6"></a> "That the King has under him several + ministers of state, who assist him in the + exercise of justice. <em>The grand Jerafo</em> is the + chief justice thro' all the King's dominions, + and goes in circuit from time to time to hear + complaints, and determine controversies. + <em>The King's treasurer</em> exercises the same employment, + and has under him Alkairs, who + are governors of towns or villages. + That the <i>Kondi</i>, or + <i>Viceroy</i>, goes the circuit + with the chief justice, both to hear causes, + and inspect into the behaviour of the <i>Alkadi</i>, + or chief magistrate of every village in + their several + districts<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN7"><sup>E</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN7"></a>." <i>Vasconcelas</i>, + an author mentioned in the collection, says, + "The ancientest are preferred to be the + <em>Prince's counsellors</em>, who keep always + about his person; and the men of most + judgment and experience are the judges." + <a name="P_10"></a><i>The Fulis</i> are settled on both sides of the + river <i>Senegal</i>: Their country, which is very + fruitful and populous, extends near four + hundred miles from East to West. They are + generally of a deep tawny complexion, appearing + to bear some affinity with the Moors, + whose country they join on the North. + They are good farmers, and make great harvest + of corn, cotton, tobacco, &c. and breed + great numbers of cattle of all kinds. <i>Bartholomew + Stibbs</i>, (mentioned by <i>Fr. Moor</i>) in his + account of that country says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN8"><sup>F</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN8"></a> "<em>They were + a cleanly, decent, industrious people, and very + affable</em>." But the most particular account + we have, of these people, is from <i>Francis + Moor</i> himself, who says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN9"><sup>G</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN9"></a> "Some of these + Fuli blacks who dwell on both sides the + river Gambia, are in subjection to the + Mandingos, amongst whom they dwell, + having been probably driven out of their + country by war or famine. They have + chiefs of their own, who rule with much + moderation. Few of them will drink brandy, + or any thing stronger than water and + sugar, being strict Mahometans. Their + form of government goes on easy, because + the people are of a good quiet disposition, + and so well instructed in what is + <a name="P_11"></a> + right, that a man who does ill, is the abomination + of all, and, none will support + him against the chief. In these countries, + the natives are not covetous of land, + desiring no more than what they use; and + as they do not plough with horses and + cattle, they can use but very little, therefore + the Kings are willing to give the + Fulis leave to live in their country, and + cultivate their lands. If any of their + people are known to be made slaves, all + the Fulis will join to redeem them; they + also support the old, the blind, and lame, + amongst themselves; and as far as their + abilities go, they supply the necessities of + the Mandingos, great numbers of whom + they have maintained in famine." <em>The + author</em>, from his own observations, says, + "They were rarely angry, and that he never + heard them abuse one another." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN3"></a><a href="#FootI_FN3">A</a>: Astley's collect. vol. 2. + page 46. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN4"></a><a href="#FootI_FN4">B</a>: Astley's collection of + voyages, vol. 2, page 86. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN5"></a><a href="#FootI_FN5">C</a>: William Smith's voyage to Guinea, page 31, + 34. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN6"></a><a href="#FootI_FN6">D</a>: Astley's + collection, vol. 2, page 358. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN7"></a><a href="#FootI_FN7">E</a>: Idem. 259. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN8"></a><a href="#FootI_FN8">F</a>: Moor's travels into + distant parts of Africa, page 198. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN9"></a><a href="#FootI_FN9">G</a>: Ibid, page + 21. + </p> + <hr> + <p><i>The Mandingos</i> are said by + <i>A. Brue</i> before + mentioned, "To be the most numerous + nation on the Gambia, besides which, + numbers of them are dispersed over all + these countries; being the most rigid Mahometans + amongst the Negroes, they drink + neither wine nor brandy, and are politer + than the other Negroes. The chief of the + trade goes through their hands. Many are + industrious and laborious, keeping their + ground well cultivated, and breeding a + <a name="P_12"></a> + good stock of cattle.<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN10"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN10"></a> Every town has + an <i>Alkadi</i>, or <i>Governor</i>, + who has great power; for most of them having two + common fields of clear ground, one for + corn, and the other for rice, <i>the Alkadi</i> + appoints the labour of all the people. + The men work the corn ground, and + the women and girls the rice ground; + and as they all equally labour, so he + equally divides the corn amongst them; + and in case they are in want, the others + supply them. This Alkadi decides all + quarrels, and has the first voice in all + conferences in town affairs." Some of + these Mandingos who are settled at Galem, + far up the river Senegal, can read and write + Arabic tolerably, and are a good hospitable + people, who carry on a trade with the inland + nations."<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN11"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN11"></a> They are extremely populous + in those parts, their women being + fruitful, and they not suffering any + person amongst them, but such as are + guilty of crimes, to be made slaves." We + are told from Jobson,"<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN12"><sup>C</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN12"></a> That the + Mahometan Negroes say their prayers thrice a day. + Each village has a priest who calls them to + their duty. It is surprizing (says the author) + as well as commendable, to see the modesty, + <a name="P_13"></a> + attention, and reverence they observe during + their worship. He asked some of their + priests the purport of their prayers and ceremonies; + their answer always was, <em>That + they adored God by prostrating themselves before + him; that by humbling themselves, they + acknowledged their own insignificancy, and + farther intreated him to forgive their faults, + and to grant them all good and necessary things + as well as deliverance from evil."</em> Jobson + takes notice of several good qualities in these + Negroe priests, particularly their great sobriety. + They gain their livelihood by keeping + school for the education of the children. + The boys are taught to read and write. + They not only teach school, but rove about + the country, teaching and instructing, for + which the whole country is open to them; + and they have a free course through all + places, though the Kings may be at war with + one another. + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN10"></a><a href="#FootI_FN10">A</a>: Astley's collect. vol. 2, page + 269. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN11"></a><a href="#FootI_FN11">B</a>: Astley's collect. vol. 2, page + 73. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN12"></a><a href="#FootI_FN12">C</a>: Ibid, 296. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + The three fore-mentioned nations practise + several trades, as smiths, potters, sadlers, and + weavers. Their smiths particularly work + neatly in gold and silver, and make knifes, + hatchets, reaping hooks, spades and shares + to cut iron, &c. &c. Their potters make + neat tobacco pipes, and pots to boil their + food. Some authors say that weaving is + their principal trade; this is done by the + women and girls, who spin and weave very + <a name="P_14"></a> + fine cotton cloth, which they dye blue or + black.<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN13"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN13"></a> F. Moor says, the Jalofs + particularly make great quantities of the cotton + cloth; their pieces are generally twenty-seven + yards long, and about nine inches broad, + their looms being very narrow; these they + sew neatly together, so as to supply the use + of broad cloth. + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN13"></a><a href="#FootI_FN13">A</a>: F. Moor, 28. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + It was in these parts of Guinea, that M. + Adanson, correspondent of the Royal Academy + of Sciences at Paris, mentioned in + some former publications, was employed + from the year 1749, to the year 1753, wholly + in making <i>natural</i> and + <i>philosophical</i> observations + on the country about the rivers + Senegal and Gambia. Speaking of the great + heats in Senegal, he says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN14"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN14"></a> "It is to them + that they are partly indebted for the fertility + of their lands; which is so great, + that, with little labour and care, there + is no fruit nor grain but grow in great + plenty." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN14"></a><a href="#FootI_FN14">A</a>: M. Adanson's voyage to + Senegal, &c, page 308. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + Of the soil on the Gambia, he + says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN15"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN15"></a> "It + is rich and deep, and amazingly fertile; + it produces spontaneously, and almost + without cultivation, all the necessaries of + life, grain, fruit, herbs, and roots. + <a name="P_15"></a> + Every thing matures to perfection, and is + excellent in its kind."<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN16"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN16"></a> One thing, + which always surprized him, was the prodigious + rapidity with which the sap of trees + repairs any loss they may happen to sustain in + that country: "And I was never," says he, + "more astonished, than when landing four + days after the locusts had devoured + all the fruits and leaves, and even the + buds of the trees, to find the trees covered + with new leaves, and they did not + seem to me to have suffered much."<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN17"><sup>C</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN17"></a> "It + was then," says the same author; "the + fish season; you might see them in shoals + approaching towards land. Some of those + shoals were fifty fathom square, and the + fish crowded together in such a manner, + as to roll upon one another, without being + able to swim. As soon as the Negroes + perceive them coming towards land, they + jump into the water with a basket in one + hand, and swim with the other. They + need only to plunge and to lift up their + basket, and they are sure to return loaded + with fish." Speaking of the appearance + of the country, and of the disposition of + the people, he says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN18"><sup>D</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN18"></a> "Which way + soever I turned mine eyes on this pleasant spot, + I beheld a perfect image of pure nature; + <a name="P_16"></a> + an agreeable solitude, bounded on every + side by charming landscapes; the rural + situation of cottages in the midst of trees; + the ease and indolence of the Negroes, + reclined under the shade of their spreading + foliage; the simplicity of their dress and + manners; the whole revived in my mind + the idea of our first parents, and I seemed + to contemplate the world in its primitive + state. They are, generally speaking, very + good-natured, sociable, and obliging. I + was not a little pleased with this my first + reception; it convinced me, that there + ought to be a considerable abatement + made in the accounts I had read and heard + every where of the savage character of the + Africans. I observed both in Negroes and + Moors, great humanity and sociableness, + which gave me strong hopes that I should + be very safe amongst them, and meet with + the success I desired in my enquiries after + the curiosities of the country."<a class="notelink" href="#NoteI_FN19"><sup>E</sup></a><a name="FootI_FN19"></a> He + was agreeably amused with the conversation + of the Negroes, their <i>fables, dialogues</i>, and + <i>witty stories</i> with which they entertain each + other alternately, according to their custom. + Speaking of the remarks which the natives + made to him, with relation to the <i>stars</i> and + <i>planets</i>, he says, "It is amazing, that such + <a name="P_17"></a> + a rude and illiterate people, should reason + so pertinently in regard to those heavenly + bodies; there is no manner of doubt, but + that with proper instruments, and a good + will, they would become <i>excellent astronomers</i>." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN15"></a><a href="#FootI_FN15">A</a>: Idem, page 164. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN16"></a><a href="#FootI_FN16">B</a>: M. Adanson, page + 161. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN17"></a><a href="#FootI_FN17">C</a>: Idem, page + 171. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN18"></a><a href="#FootI_FN18">D</a>: Ibid, page 54. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteI_FN19"></a><a href="#FootI_FN19">E</a>: Adanson, page 252, + ibid. + </p> + <hr> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="II"></a> + CHAP. II + + </h2> + <p><i>The Ivory Coast</i>; its soil and produce. + The character of the <i>natives</i> misrepresented + by some authors. These misrepresentations + occasioned by <i>the Europeans</i> + having treacherously carried off many of + their people. <i>John Smith, surveyor to the + African company</i>, his observations thereon. + <i>John Snock's</i> remarks. + <i>The Gold Coast</i> + and <i>Slave Coast</i>, these have the most + <i>European + factories</i>, and furnish the greatest + number of slaves to <i>the Europeans</i>. Exceeding + fertile. The country of <i>Axim</i>, + and of <i>Ante</i>. Good account of the + <i>inland people</i> Great fishery. Extraordinary trade + for slaves. <i>The Slave Coast. The kingdom + of Whidah</i>. Fruitful and pleasant. The + natives kind and obliging. Very populous. + Keep regular markets and fairs. + Good order therein. Murder, adultery, and + theft severely punished. The King's revenues. + <a name="P_18"></a> + The principal people have an idea + of the true God. Commendable care of + the poor. Several small governments depend + on <i>plunder</i> and the + <i>slave</i> trade. + </p> + <p>That part of Guinea known by the + name of the <i>Grain</i>, and + <i>Ivory Coast,</i> + comes next in course. This coast extends + about five hundred miles. The soil appears + by account, to be in general fertile, producing + abundance of rice and roots; indigo and + cotton thrive without cultivation, and tobacco + would be excellent, if carefully manufactured; + they have fish in plenty; their flocks + greatly increase, and their trees are loaded + with fruit. They make a cotton cloth, + which sells well on the Coast. In a word, the + country is rich, and the commerce advantageous, + and might be greatly augmented by + such as would cultivate the friendship of the + natives. These are represented by some writers + as a rude, <em>treacherous people</em>, whilst several + other <i>authors</i> of credit give them a very + different character, representing them as + <em>sensible, courteous and the fairest traders on the + coast of Guinea</em>. In the Collection, they are + said<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN1"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN1"></a> to be averse + to drinking to excess, and + such as do, are severely punished by the King's + <a name="P_19"></a> + order: On enquiry why there is such a disagreement + in the character given of these + people, it appears, that though they are naturally + inclined to be <em>kind to strangers</em>, with + whom they are <em>fond</em> of <em>trading</em>, yet the + <em>frequent injuries</em> done them by Europeans, have + occasioned their being <em>suspicious and shy</em>. The + same cause has been the occasion of the ill + treatment they have sometimes given to innocent + strangers, who have attempted to trade + with them. As the Europeans have no settlement + on this part of Guinea, the trade is + carried on by signals from the ships, on the + appearance of which the natives usually + come on board in their canoes, bringing + their gold-dust, ivory, &c. which has given + opportunity to some villainous Europeans to + carry them off with their effects, or retain + them on board till a ransom is paid. It is + noted by some, that since the European voyagers + have carried away several of these + people, their mistrust is so great, that it is + very difficult to prevail on them to come on + board. <i>William Smith</i> + remarks,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN2"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN2"></a> "As we past + along this coast, we very often lay before + a town, and fired a gun for the natives + to come off, but no soul came + near us; at length we learnt by some + ships that were trading down the coast, + <a name="P_20"></a> + that the natives came seldom on board + an English ship, for fear of being detained + or carried off; yet last some + ventured on board, but if those chanced + to spy any arms, they would all immediately + take to their canoes, and make the + best of their way home. They had then + in their possession one <i>Benjamin Cross</i> the + mate of an English vessel, who was detained + by them to make reprisals for + some of their men, who had formerly + been carried away by some English vessel." + In the Collection we are told,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN3"><sup>C</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN3"></a><em>This villainous + custom is too often practised, chiefly by the + Bristol and Liverpool ships, and is a great detriment + to the slave trade on the windward + coast. John Snock, mentioned in Bosman</em><a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN4"><sup>D</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN4"></a> when + on that coast, wrote, "We cast anchor, but + not one Negro coming on board, I went on + shore, and after having staid a while on + the strand, some Negroes came to me; and + being desirous to be informed why they + did not come on board, I was answered + that about two months before, the English + had been there with two large vessels, + and had ravaged the country, destroyed + all their canoes, plundered their houses, + and carried off some of their people, upon + <a name="P_21"></a> + which the remainder fled to the inland + country, where most of them were + that time; so that there being not much + to be done by us, we were obliged to + return on board.<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN5"><sup>E</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN5"></a> When I enquired + after their wars with other countries, + they told me they were not often troubled + with them; but if any difference happened, + they chose rather to end the dispute + amicably, than to come to arms."<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN6"><sup>F</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN6"></a> He found the inhabitants civil and good-natured. + Speaking of the <i>King of Rio Seftré</i> + lower down the coast, he says, "He was a + very agreeable, obliging man, and that + all his subjects are civil, as well as very + laborious in agriculture, and the pursuits + of trade," <i>Marchais</i> + says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN7"><sup>G</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN7"></a> "That + though the country is very populous, + yet none of the natives (except criminals) + are sold for slaves." <i>Vaillant</i> never + heard of any settlement being made by + the Europeans on this part of <i>Guinea</i>; and + <i>Smith</i> + remarks,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN8"><sup>H</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN8"></a> "That these coasts, which + are divided into several little kingdoms, + and have seldom any wars, is the reason + the slave trade is not so good here as on + <i>the Gold and Slave Coast</i>, where the Europeans + <a name="P_22"></a> + have several forts and factories." + A plain evidence this, that it is the intercourse + with the Europeans, and their settlements + on the coast, which gives life to the + slave trade. + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN1"></a><a href="#FootII_FN1">A</a>: Collection, vol. 2, page 560. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN2"></a><a href="#FootII_FN2">B</a>: W. Smith, page 111. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN3"></a><a href="#FootII_FN3">C</a>: Astley's collection, + vol. 2, page 475. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN4"></a><a href="#FootII_FN4">D</a>: W. + Bosman's description of Guinea, page 440. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN5"></a><a href="#FootII_FN5">E</a>: W. Bosman's description of + Guinea, page 429. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN6"></a><a href="#FootII_FN6">F</a>: Ibid, + 441. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN7"></a><a href="#FootII_FN7">G</a>: Astley's collection, Vol. 2, page + 565. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN8"></a><a href="#FootII_FN8">H</a>: Smith's voyage to Guinea, page + 112. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + Next adjoining to the <i>Ivory Coast</i>, are + those called the <i>Gold Coast</i>, and the + <i>Slave Coast</i>; authors are not agreed about + their bounds, but their extent together along the + coast may be about five hundred miles. And + as the policy, produce, and oeconomy of these + two kingdoms of Guinea are much the same, + I shall describe them together. + + </p> + <p> + Here the Europeans have the greatest number + of forts and factories, from whence, by + means of the Negro sailors, a trade is carried + on above seven hundred miles back + in the inland country; whereby great numbers + of slaves are procured, as well by means + of the wars which arise amongst the Negroes, + or are fomented by the Europeans, as those + brought from the back country. Here we + find the natives <em>more reconciled to the European + manners and trade</em>; but, at the same + time, <em>much more inured to war</em>, and ready to + assist the European traders in procuring + loadings for the great number of vessels + which come yearly on those coasts for slaves. + This part of Guinea is agreed by historians + to be, in general, <em>extraordinary fruitful + and agreeable</em>; producing (according to the + <a name="P_23"></a> + difference of the soil) vast quantities of rice + and other grain; plenty of fruit and + roots; palm wine and oil, and fish in great + abundance, with much tame and wild cattle. + Bosman, principal factor for the Dutch at + D'Elmina, speaking of the country of Axim, + which is situate towards the beginning of the + Gold Coast, says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN9"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN9"></a> "The Negro inhabitants + are generally very rich, driving a + great trade with the Europeans for gold. + That they are industriously employed + either in trade, fishing, or agriculture; + but chiefly in the culture of rice, which + grows here in an incredible abundance, + and is transported hence all over the + Gold Coast. The inhabitants, in lieu, + returning full fraught with millet, jamms, + potatoes, and palm oil." The same author + speaking of the country of Ante, says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN10"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN10"></a> "This country, as well as the Gold Coast, + abounds with hills, enriched with extraordinary + high and beautiful trees; its + valleys, betwixt the hills, are wide and + extensive, producing in great abundance + very good rice, millet, jamms, potatoes, + and other fruits, all good in their kind." + He adds, "In short, it is a land that yields + its manurers as plentiful a crop as they can + wish, with great quantities of palm wine and + <a name="P_24"></a> + oil, besides being well furnished with all + sorts of tame, as well as wild beasts; but + that the last fatal wars had reduced it to + a miserable condition, and stripped it of + most of its inhabitants." The adjoining + country of Fetu, he says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN11"><sup>C</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN11"></a> "was formerly + so powerful and populous, that it struck + terror into all the neighbouring nations; + but it is at present so drained by continual + wars, that it is entirely ruined; there + does not remain inhabitants sufficient to + till the country, tho' it is so fruitful and + pleasant that it may be compared to the + country of Ante just before described; + frequently, says that author, when walking + through it before the last war, I have + seen it abound with fine well built and populous + towns, agreeably enriched with + vast quantities of corn, cattle, palm wine, + and oil. The inhabitants all applying + themselves without any distinction to agriculture; + some sow corn, others press oil, + and draw wine from palm trees, with both + which it is plentifully stored." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN9"></a><a href="#FootII_FN9">A</a>: Bosman's description of the coast of + Guinea, p, 5. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN10"></a><a href="#FootII_FN10">B</a>: Idem, + page 14. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN11"></a><a href="#FootII_FN11">C</a>: Bosman, page + 41. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + William Smith gives much the same account + of the before-mentioned parts of the + Gold Coast, and adds, "The country about + D'Elmina and Cape Coast, is much + the same for beauty and goodness, but + more populous; and the nearer we come + <a name="P_25"></a> + towards the Slave Coast, the more delightful + and rich all the countries are, + producing all sorts of trees, fruits, roots, + and herbs, that grow within the Torrid + Zone." J. Barbot also remarks,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN12"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN12"></a> with + respect to the countries of Ante and Adom, + "That the soil is very good and fruitful + in corn and other produce, which it + affords in such plenty, that besides what + serves for their own use, they always export + great quantities for sale; they have + a competent number of cattle, both tame + and wild, and the rivers abundantly stored + with fish, so that nothing is wanting for + the support of life, and to make it easy." + In the Collection it is said,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN13"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN13"></a> "That the inland + people on that part of the coast, + employ themselves in tillage and trade, + and supply the market with corn, fruit, + and palm wine; the country producing + such vast plenty of Indian corn, that abundance + is daily exported, as well by Europeans + as Blacks resorting thither from + other parts." "These inland people + are said to live in great union and friendship, + being generally well tempered, + civil, and tractable; not apt to shed + human blood, except when much provoked, + and ready to assist one another." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN12"></a><a href="#FootII_FN12">A</a>: John Barbot's + description of Guinea, page 154. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN13"></a><a href="#FootII_FN13">B</a>: Astley's collect. + vol. 2. page 535. + </p> + <hr><a name="P_26"></a><p> + In the Collection<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN14"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN14"></a> it is said, "That the + fishing business is esteemed on the Gold + Coast next to trading; that those who + profess it are more numerous than those + of other employments. That the greatest + number of these are at Kommendo, Mina, + and Kormantin. From each of which places, + there go out every morning, (Tuesday + excepted, which is the Fetish day, or + day of rest) five, six, and sometimes eight + hundred canoes, from thirteen to fourteen + feet long, which spread themselves two + leagues at sea, each fisherman carrying in + his canoe a sword, with bread, water, and + a little fire on a large stone to roast fish. + Thus they labour till noon, when the sea + breeze blowing fresh, they return on the + shore, generally laden with fish; a quantity + of which the inland inhabitants come down + to buy, which they sell again at the country + markets." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN14"></a><a href="#FootII_FN14">A</a>: Collection, vol. 2, page + 640. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + William Smith says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN15"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN15"></a> "The country about + Acra, where the English and Dutch have + each a strong fort, is very delightful, and + the natives courteous and civil to strangers." + He adds, "That this place seldom fails + of an extraordinary good trade from the + inland country, especially for slaves, + <a name="P_27"></a> + whereof several are supposed to come from + very remote parts, because it is not uncommon + to find a Malayan or two amongst + a parcel of other slaves. The Malaya, + people are generally natives of Malacca, + in the East Indies, situate several thousand + miles from the Gold Coast." They differ + very much from the Guinea Negroes, + being of a tawny complexion, with long black + hair. + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN15"></a><a href="#FootII_FN15">A</a>: William Smith, page + 145. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + Most parts of the Slave Coasts are represented + as equally fertile and pleasant with + the Gold Coast. The kingdom of Whidah + has been particularly noted by + travellers.<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN16"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN16"></a> William Smith and Bosman agree, "That + it is one of the most delightful countries + in the world. The great number and + variety of tall, beautiful, and shady trees, + which seem planted in groves, the verdant + fields every where cultivated, and no + otherwise divided than by those groves, + and in some places a small foot-path, together + with a great number of villages, + contribute to afford the most delightful + prospect; the whole country being a fine + easy, and almost imperceptible ascent, for + the space of forty or fifty miles from the sea. + That the farther you go from the sea, the + more beautiful and populous the country + appears. That the natives were kind + <a name="P_28"></a> + and obliging, and so industrious, that no + place which was thought fertile, could + escape being planted, even within the hedges + which inclose their villages. And that the + next day after they had reaped, they sowed + again." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN16"></a><a href="#FootII_FN16">A</a>: Smith, page 194. Bosman, + page 319. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + Snelgrave also says, "The country + appears full of towns and villages; and + being a rich soil, and well cultivated, looks + like an entire garden." In the + Collection,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN17"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN17"></a> the husbandry of the Negroes is described + to be carried on with great regularity: "The + rainy season approaching, they go into the + fields and woods, to fix on a proper place + for sowing; and as here is no property in + ground, the King's licence being obtained, + the people go out in troops, and first + clear the ground from bushes and weeds, + which they burn. The field thus cleared, + they dig it up a foot deep, and so let it + remain for eight or ten days, till the rest + of their neighbours have disposed their + ground in the same manner. They then + consult about sowing, and for that end + assemble at the King's Court the next + Fetish day. The King's grain must be + sown first. They then go again to the + field, and give the ground a second + digging, and sow their seed. Whilst + <a name="P_29"></a> + the King or Governor's land is sowing; + he sends out wine and flesh ready dressed; + enough to serve the labourers. Afterwards, + they in like manner sow the + ground, allotted for their neighbours, as + diligently as that of the King's, by whom + they are also feasted; and so continue to + work in a body for the public benefit, + till every man's ground is tilled and sowed. + None but the King, and a few great men, + are exempted from this labour. Their + grain soon sprouts out of the ground. + When it is about a man's height, and + begins to ear, they raise a wooden house in + the centre of the field, covered with straw, + in which they set their children to watch + their corn, and fright away the birds." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN17"></a><a href="#FootII_FN17">A</a>: + Collection, vol. 2, + page 651. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + Bosman<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN18"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN18"></a> speaks in commendation of + the civility, kindness, and great industry of + the natives of Whidah; this is confirmed by + Smith,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN19"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN19"></a> who says, "The natives here seem to + be the most gentleman-like Negroes in + Guinea, abounding with good manners + and ceremony to each other. The inferior + pay the utmost deference and, respect + to the superior, as do wives to their + husbands, and children to their parents. + All here are naturally industrious, and find + constant employment; the men in agriculture, + <a name="P_30"></a> + and the women in spinning and + weaving cotton. The men, whose chief + talent lies in husbandry, are unacquainted + with arms; otherwise, being a numerous + people, they could have made a better + defence against the King of Dahome, who + subdued them without much + trouble.<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN20"><sup>C</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN20"></a> Throughout the Gold Coast, there are + regular markets in all villages, furnished + with provisions and merchandize, held + every day in the week, except Tuesday, + whence they supply not only the inhabitants, + but the European ships. The + <i>Negro women</i> are very expert in buying + and selling, and extremely industrious; + for they will repair daily to market from + a considerable distance, loaded like pack-horses, + with a child, perhaps, at their + back, and a heavy burden on their heads. + After selling their wares, they buy fish and + other necessaries, and return home loaded + as they came. + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN18"></a><a href="#FootII_FN18">A</a>: Bosman, page + 317. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN19"></a><a href="#FootII_FN19">B</a>: Smith, page + 195. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN20"></a><a href="#FootII_FN20">C</a>: Collect, + vol. 2, p. 657. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + "There is a market held at Sabi every, + fourth day,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN21"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN21"></a> also a weekly one in the province + of Aplogua, which is so resorted to, + that there are usually five or six thousand + merchants. Their markets are so well + regulated and governed, that seldom any + disorder happens; each species of merchandize + <a name="P_31"></a> + and merchants have a + place allotted them by themselves. The + buyers may haggle as much as they will, + but it must be without noise or fraud. + To keep order, the King appoints a judge, + who, with four officers well armed, inspects + the markets, hears all complaints, and, in a + summary way, decides all differences; he + has power to seize, and sell as slaves, all + who are catched in stealing, or disturbing + the peace. In these markets are to + be sold men, women, children, oxen, + sheep, goats, and fowls of all kinds; European + cloths, linen and woollen; printed + callicoes, silk, grocery ware, china, golddust, + iron in bars, &c. in a word, most sorts + of European goods, as well as the produce + of Africa and Asia. They have other + markets, resembling our fairs, once or + twice a year, to which all the country + repair; for they take care to order the day + so in different governments, as not to interfere + with each other." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN21"></a><a href="#FootII_FN21">A</a>: Collect. vol. 3, p. + 11. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + With respect to government, William + Smith says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN22"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN22"></a> "That the Gold Coast and + Slave Coast are divided into different districts, + some of which are governed by + their Chiefs, or Kings; the others, being + more of the nature of a commonwealth + <a name="P_32"></a> + are governed by some of the principal + men, called Caboceros, who, Bosman says, + are properly denominated civil fathers, + whose province is to take care of the welfare + of the city or village, and to appease + tumults." But this order of government + has been much broken since the coming of + the Europeans. Both Bosman and Barbot + mention <em>murther and adultery to be severely + punished on the Coast, frequently by death; and + robbery by a fine proportionable to the goods + stolen</em>. + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN22"></a><a href="#FootII_FN22">A</a>: Smith, page + 193. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + The income of some of the Kings is large, + Bosman says, "That the King of Whidah's + revenues and duties on things bought and + sold are considerable; he having the tithe + of all things sold in the market, or imported + in the country."<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN23"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN23"></a> Both the abovementioned + authors say, <em>The tax on slaves shipped + off in this King's dominions, in some years, + amounts to near twenty thousand pounds</em>. + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN23"></a><a href="#FootII_FN23">A</a>: Bosman, page 337. + Barbot, page 335. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + Bosman tells us, "The Whidah Negroes + have a faint idea of a true God, ascribing + to him the attributes of almighty power + and omnipresence; but God, they say, is + too high to condescend to think of mankind; + wherefore he commits the government + of the world to those inferior deities + which they worship." Some authors + <a name="P_33"></a> + say, the wisest of these Negroes are sensible of + their mistake in this opinion, but dare not + forsake their own religion, for fear of the populace + rising and killing them. This is confirmed + by William Smith, who says, "That + all the natives of this coast believe there is + one true God, the author of them and all + things; that they have some apprehension + of a future state; and that almost every + village has a grove, or public place of worship, + to which the principal inhabitants, on + a set day, resort to make their offerings." + + </p> + <p> + In the Collection<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN24"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN24"></a> it is remarked as an excellency + in the Guinea government, "That + however poor they may be in general, + yet there are no beggars to be found + amongst them; which is owing to the + care of their chief men, whose province + it is to take care of the welfare of the + city or village; it being part of their office, + to see that such people may earn their + bread by their labour; some are set to + blow the smith's bellows, others to press + palm oil, or grind colours for their matts, + and sell provision in the markets. The + young men are listed to serve as soldiers, + so that they suffer no common beggar." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN24"></a><a href="#FootII_FN24">A</a>: Astley's collection, + vol. 2, page 619. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + Bosman ascribes a further reason for this + good order, viz. "That when a Negroe + <a name="P_34"></a> + finds he cannot subsist, he binds himself + for a certain sum of money, and the + master to whom he is bound is obliged + to find him necessaries; that the master + sets him a sort of task, which is not in the + least slavish, being chiefly to defend his + master on occasions; or in sowing time to + work as much as he himself + pleases."<a class="notelink" href="#NoteII_FN25"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootII_FN25"></a></p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteII_FN25"></a><a href="#FootII_FN25">A</a>: Bosman, page 119. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + Adjoining to the kingdom of Whidah, are + several small governments, as Coto, great and + small Popo, Ardrah, &c. all situate on the + Slave Coast, where the chief trade for slaves + is carried on. These are governed by their + respective Kings, and follow much the same + customs with those of Whidah, except that + their principal living is on plunder, and the + slave trade. + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="III"></a> + CHAP. III. + + </h2><a name="P_35"></a><p><i>The kingdom of Benin</i>; its extent. + Esteemed the most potent in Guinea. + Fruitfulness of the soil. Good disposition + of the people. Order of government. + Punishment of crimes. Large extent of + the town of Great Benin. Order maintained. + The natives honest and charitable. + Their religion. The kingdoms of Kongo + and Angola. Many of the natives profess + christianity. The country fruitful. Disposition + of the people. The administration + of justice. The town of Leango. Slave + trade carried on by the Portugueze. Here + the slave trade ends. + + </p> + <p> + Next adjoining to the Slave Coast, is + the kingdom of Benin, which, though + it extends but about 170 miles on the sea, yet + spreads so far inland, as to be esteemed the + most potent kingdom in Guinea. By accounts, + the soil and produce appear to be in + a great measure like those before described; + and the natives are represented as a reasonable + good-natured people. Artus + says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteIII_FN1"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootIII_FN1"></a> "They are a sincere, inoffensive people, and do + <a name="P_36"></a> + no injustice either to one another, or to + strangers." William + Smith<a class="notelink" href="#NoteIII_FN2"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootIII_FN2"></a> confirms + this account, and says, "That the inhabitants + are generally very good-natured, + and exceeding courteous and civil. When + the Europeans make them presents, which + in their coming thither to trade they + always do, they endeavour to return them + doubly." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteIII_FN1"></a><a href="#FootIII_FN1">A</a>: Collection. vol. 3, page + 228. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteIII_FN2"></a><a href="#FootIII_FN2">B</a>: Smith, page 228. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + Bosman tells us,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteIII_FN3"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootIII_FN3"></a> "That his countrymen + the Dutch, who were often obliged to + trust them till they returned the next year, + were sure to be honestly paid their whole + debts." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteIII_FN3"></a><a href="#FootIII_FN3">A</a>: W. Bosman, page + 405. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + There is in Benin a considerable order in + government. Theft, murther, and adultery, + being severely punished. Barbot + says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteIII_FN4"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootIII_FN4"></a> "If + a man and a woman of any quality be + surprized in adultery, they are both put to + death, and their bodies are thrown on a + dunghill, and left there a prey to wild + beasts." He adds, "The severity of the + laws in Benin against + adultery,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteIII_FN5"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootIII_FN5"></a> amongst + <a name="P_37"></a> + all orders of people, deters them from + venturing, so that it is but very seldom + any persons are punished for that crime." + Smith says, "Their towns are governed by + officers appointed by the King, who have + power to decide in civil cases, and to raise + the public taxes; but in criminal cases, + they must send to the King's court, which + is held at the town of Oedo, or Great Benin. + This town, which covers a large extent + of ground, is about sixty mile from + <a name="P_38"></a> + the sea."<a class="notelink" href="#NoteIII_FN6"><sup>C</sup></a><a name="FootIII_FN6"></a> Barbot tells us, "That it contains + thirty streets, twenty fathom wide, + and almost two miles long, commonly, + extending in a straight line from one gate + to another; that the gates are guarded + by soldiers; that in these streets markets + are held every day, for cattle, ivory, cotton, + and many sorts of European goods. This + large town is divided into several wards, + or districts, each governed by its respective + King of a street, as they call them; + to administer justice, and to keep good + order. The inhabitants are very civil and + good natured, condescending to what the + Europeans require of them in a civil + way." The same author confirms what + has been said by others of their justice in + the payment of their debts; and adds, + "That they, above all other Guineans, are + very honest and just in their dealings; and + they have such an aversion for theft, that + by the law of the country it is punished + with death." We are told by the same + author,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteIII_FN7"><sup>D</sup></a><a name="FootIII_FN7"></a> "That the King of Benin is + able upon occasion to maintain an army + of a hundred thousand men; but that, + for the most part, he does not keep thirty + thousand." William Smith says, "The + <a name="P_39"></a> + natives are all free men; none but foreigners + can be bought and sold there.<a class="notelink" href="#NoteIII_FN8"><sup>E</sup></a><a name="FootIII_FN8"></a> They are very charitable, the King as well + as his subjects." Bosman confirms + this,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteIII_FN9"><sup>F</sup></a><a name="FootIII_FN9"></a> and says, "The King and great Lords subsist + several poor at their place of residence on + charity, employing those who are fit for + any work, and the rest they keep for God's + sake; so that here are no beggars." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteIII_FN4"></a><a href="#FootIII_FN4">A</a>: Barbot, page 237. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteIII_FN5"></a><a href="#FootIII_FN5">B</a>: By this account of the + punishment inflicted on adulterers in this and other parts of Guinea, it + appears the Negroes are not insensible of the sinfulness of + such practices. How strange must it then appear to the + serious minded amongst these people, (nay, how inconsistent + is it with every divine and moral law amongst + ourselves) that those christian laws which prohibit fornication + and adultery, are in none of the English governments + extended to them, but that they are allowed + to cohabit and separate at pleasure? And that even their + masters think so lightly of their marriage engagements, + that, when it suits with their interest, they will separate + man from wife, and children from both, to be sold into + different, and even distant parts, without regard to their + sometimes grievous lamentations; whence it has happened, + that such of those people who are truly united in + their marriage covenant, and in affection to one another, + have been driven to such desperation, as either violently + to destroy themselves, or gradually to pine away, and + die with mere grief. It is amazing, that whilst the + clergy of the established church are publicly expressing + a concern, that these oppressed people should be made + acquainted with the christian religion, they should be + thus suffered, and even forced, so flagrantly to infringe + one of the principal injunctions of our holy religion! + </p> + <p><a name="NoteIII_FN6"></a><a href="#FootIII_FN6">C</a>: J. Barbot, page 358, + 359. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteIII_FN7"></a><a href="#FootIII_FN7">D</a>: Barbot, page + 369. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteIII_FN8"></a><a href="#FootIII_FN8">E</a>: W. Smith, + page 369. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteIII_FN9"></a><a href="#FootIII_FN9">F</a>: Bosman, page + 409. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + As to religion, these people believe there + is a God, the efficient cause of all things; but, + like the rest of the Guineans, they are superstitiously + and idolatrously inclined. + + </p> + <p> + The last division of Guinea from which + slaves are imported, are the kingdoms of + Kongo and Angola: these lie to the South + of Benin, extending with the intermediate + land about twelve hundred miles on the coast. + Great numbers of the natives of both these + kingdoms profess the christian religion, which + was long since introduced by the Portugueze, + who made early settlements in that country. + + </p> + <p> + In the Collection it is said, that both in + Kongo and Angola, the soil is in general + fruitful, producing great plenty of grain, + Indian corn, and such quantities of rice, that + it hardly bears any price, with fruits, roots, + and palm oil in plenty. + + </p><a name="P_40"></a><p> + The natives are generally a quiet people, + who discover a good understanding, and + behave in a friendly manner to strangers, + being of a mild conversation, affable, and + easily overcome with reason. + + </p> + <p> + In the government of Kongo, the King + appoints a judge in every particular division, + to hear and determine disputes and civil causes; + the judges imprison and release, or impose + fines, according to the rule of custom; but in + weighty matters, every one may appeal to the + King, before whom all criminal causes are + brought, in which he giveth sentence; but + seldom condemneth to death. + + </p> + <p> + The town of Leango stands in the midst + of four Lordships, which abound in corn, + fruit, &c. Here they make great quantities + of cloth of divers kinds, very fine and curious; + the inhabitants are seldom idle; they + even make needle-work caps as they walk in + the streets. + + </p> + <p> + The slave trade is here principally managed + by the Portugueze, who carry it far up + into the inland countries. They are said to + send off from these parts fifteen thousand slaves + each year. + + </p> + <p> + At Angola, about the 10th degree of South + latitude, ends the trade for slaves. + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="IV"></a> + CHAP. IV. + + </h2><a name="P_41"></a><p> + The antientest accounts of the + Negroes is from the Nubian Geography, + and the writings of Leo the African. + Some account of those authors. The + Arabians pass into Guinea. The innocency + and simplicity of the natives. They + are subdued by the Moors. Heli Ischia + shakes off the Moorish yoke. The Portugueze + make the first descent in Guinea. + From whence they carry off some of the + natives. More incursions of the like kind. + The Portugueze erect the first fort at D'Elmina. + They begin the slave trade. Cada + Mosto's testimony. Anderson's account + to the same purport. De la Casa's concern + for the relief of the oppressed Indians. + Goes over into Spain to plead their cause. + His speech before Charles the Fifth. + + </p> + <p> + The most antient account we have of + the country of the Negroes, particularly + that part situate on and between the + two great rivers of Senegal and Gambia, is + from the writings of two antient authors, + one an Arabian, and the other a Moor. The + <a name="P_42"></a> + first<a class="notelink" href="#NoteIV_FN1"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootIV_FN1"></a> wrote + in Arabic, about the twelfth century. + His works, printed in that language + at Rome, were afterwards translated into + Latin, and printed at Paris, under the + patronage of the famous Thuanus, chancellor + of France, with the title of <em>Geographica + Nubiensis</em>, containing an account or all the + nations lying on the Senegal and Gambia. + The other wrote by John + Leo,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteIV_FN2"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootIV_FN2"></a> a Moor, + born at Granada, in Spain, before the + Moors were totally expelled from that kingdom. + He resided in Africa; but being on + a voyage from Tripoli to Tunis, was taken + by some Italian Corsairs, who finding him + possessed of several Arabian books, besides + his own manuscripts, apprehended him to be + a man of learning, and as such presented him + to Pope Leo the Tenth. This Pope encouraging + him, he embraced the Romish religion, + and his description of Africa was + published in Italian. From these writings + we gather, that after the Mahometan religion + had extended to the kingdom of Morocco, + some of the promoters of it crossing + the sandy desarts of Numidia, which separate + that country from Guinea, found it inhabited + by men, who, though under no regular government, + and destitute of that knowledge + <a name="P_43"></a> + the Arabians were favoured with, lived in + content and peace. The first author particularly + remarks, "That they never made + war, or travelled abroad, but employed + themselves in tending their herds, or labouring + in the ground." J. Leo says, page + 65. "That they lived in common, having + no property in land, no tyrant nor superior + lord, but supported themselves in an + equal state, upon the natural produce of + the country, which afforded plenty of + roots, game, and honey. That ambition + or avarice never drove them into foreign + countries to subdue or cheat their neighbours. + Thus they lived without toil or + superfluities." "The antient inhabitants + of Morocco, who wore coats of mail, + and used swords and spears headed with + iron, coming amongst these harmless and + naked people, soon brought them under + subjection, and divided that part of Guinea + which lies on the rivers Senegal and Gambia + into fifteen parts; those were the fifteen + kingdoms of the Negroes, over which + the Moors presided, and the common people + were Negroes. These Moors taught + the Negroes the Mahometan religion, and + arts of life; particularly the use of iron, + before unknown to them. About the 14th + century, a native Negro, called Heli Ischia, + expelled the Moorish conquerors; but tho' + <a name="P_44"></a> + the Negroes threw off the yoke of a foreign + nation, they only changed a Libyan for a + Negroe master. Heli Ischia himself becoming + King, led the Negroes on to foreign + wars, and established himself in power over + a very large extent of country." Since + Leo's time, the Europeans have had very little + knowledge of those parts of Africa, nor do + they know what became of his great empire. + It is highly probable that it broke into pieces, + and that the natives again resumed many of + their antient customs; for in the account + published by William Moor, in his travels + on the river Gambia, we find a mixture of + the Moorish and Mahometan customs, joined + with the original simplicity of the Negroes. + It appears by accounts of antient voyages, + collected by Hackluit, Purchas, and others, + that it was about fifty years before the discovery + of America, that the Portugueze attempted + to sail round Cape Bojador, which lies + between their country and Guinea; this, after + divers repulses occasioned by the violent + currents, they effected; when landing on the + western coasts of Africa, they soon began to + make incursions into the country, and to seize + and carry off the native inhabitants. As + early as the year 1434, Alonzo Gonzales, + the first who is recorded to have met with + the natives, being on that coast, pursued + <a name="P_45"></a> + and attacked a number of them, when some + were wounded, as was also one of the Portugueze; + which the author records as the + first blood spilt by christians in those parts. + Six years after, the same Gonzales again attacked + the natives, and took twelve prisoners, + with whom he returned to his vessels; + he afterwards put a woman on shore, in + order to induce the natives to redeem the + prisoners; but the next day 150 of the + inhabitants appeared on horses and camels, + provoking the Portugueze to land; which + they not daring to venture, the natives discharged + a volley of stones at them, and + went off. After this, the Portugueze still + continued to send vessels on the coast of + Africa; particularly we read of their falling + on a village, whence the inhabitants fled, and, + being pursued, twenty-five were taken: "<em>He + that ran best</em>," says the author, "<em>taking the + most</em>. In their way home they killed some + of the natives, and took fifty-five more + prisoners.<a class="notelink" href="#NoteIV_FN3"><sup>C</sup></a><a name="FootIV_FN3"></a> Afterwards Dinisanes Dagrama, + with two other vessels, landed on the + island Arguin, where they took fifty-four + Moors; then running along the coast eighty + leagues farther, they at several times took + fifty slaves; but here seven of the Portugueze + were killed. Then being joined by + several other vessels, Dinisanes proposed to + <a name="P_46"></a> + destroy the island, to revenge the loss of + the seven Portugueze; of which the Moors + being apprized, fled, so that no more than + twelve were found, whereof only four + could be taken, the rest being killed, as + also one of the Portugueze." Many more + captures of this kind on the coast of Barbary + and Guinea, are recorded to have been made + in those early times by the Portugueze; who, + in the year 1481, erected their first fort at + D'Elmina on that coast, from whence they + soon opened a trade for slaves with the inland + parts of Guinea. + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteIV_FN1"></a><a href="#FootIV_FN1">A</a>: See Travels into different parts + of Africa, by Francis Moor, with a letter to the publisher. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteIV_FN2"></a><a href="#FootIV_FN2">B</a>: Ibid. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteIV_FN3"></a><a href="#FootIV_FN3">C</a>: Collection, vol. 1, page + 13. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + From the foregoing accounts, it is undoubted, + that the practice of making slaves + of the Negroes, owes its origin to the early + incursions of the Portugueze on the coast of + Africa, solely from an inordinate desire of + gain. This is clearly evidenced from their + own historians, particularly <i>Cada Mosto</i>, + about the year 1455, who + writes,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteIV_FN4"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootIV_FN4"></a> "That before the trade was settled for purchasing + slaves from the Moors at Arguin, + sometimes four, and sometimes more Portugueze + vessels, were used to come to that + gulph, well armed; and landing by night, + would surprize some fishermen's villages: + that they even entered into the country, + and carried off Arabs of both sexes, whom + they sold in Portugal." And also, "That + <a name="P_47"></a> + the Portugueze and Spaniards, settled on + four of the Canary islands, would go to + the other island by night, and seize some + of the natives of both sexes, whom they + sent to be sold in Spain." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteIV_FN4"></a><a href="#FootIV_FN4">A</a>: Collection vol. 1, page + 576. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + After the settlement of America, those devastations, + and the captivating the miserable + Africans, greatly increased. + + </p> + <p> + Anderson, in his history of trade and commerce, + at page 336, speaking of what passed + in the year 1508, writes, "That the Spaniards + had by this time found that the miserable + Indian natives, whom they had + made to work in their mines and fields, + were not so robust and proper for those + purposes as Negroes brought from Africa; + wherefore they, about that time, began to + import Negroes for that end into Hispaniola, + from the Portugueze settlements on + the Guinea coasts; and also afterwards for + their sugar works." This oppression of + the Indians had, even before this time, rouzed + the zeal, as well as it did the compassion, of + some of the truly pious of that day; particularly + that of Bartholomew De las Casas, + bishop of Chapia; whom a desire of being + instrumental towards the conversion of the + Indians, had invited into America. It is generally + agreed by the writers of that age, + that he was a man of perfect disinterestedness, + and ardent charity; being affected with this + <a name="P_48"></a> + sad spectacle, he returned to the court of + Spain, and there made a true report of the + matter; but not without being strongly opposed + by those mercenary wretches, who + had enslaved the Indians; yet being strong + and indefatigable, he went to and fro between + Europe and America, firmly determined + not to give over his pursuit but with + his life. After long solicitation, and innumerable + repulses, he obtained leave to lay + the matter before the Emperor Charles + the Fifth, then King of Spain. As the contents + of the speech he made before the King + in council, are very applicable to the case of + the enslaved Africans, and a lively evidence + that the spirit of true piety speaks the same + language in the hearts of faithful men in + all ages, for the relief of their fellow creatures + from oppression of every kind, I think + it may not be improper here to transcribe + the most interesting parts of it. "I was," + says this pious bishop, "one of the first who + went to America; neither curiosity nor + interest prompted me to undertake so + long and dangerous a voyage; the saving + the souls of the heathen was my sole object. + Why was I not permitted, even at + the expence of my blood, to ransom so + many thousand souls, who fell unhappy + victims to avarice or lust? I have been + an eye witness to such cruel treatment of + <a name="P_49"></a> + the Indians, as is too horrid to be mentioned + at this time.—It is said that barbarous + executions were necessary to punish + or check the rebellion of the Americans;—but + to whom was this owing? + Did not those people receive the Spaniards, + who first came amongst them, with gentleness + and humanity? Did they not shew + more joy, in proportion, in lavishing + treasure upon them, than the Spaniards + did greediness in receiving it?—But our + avarice was not yet satisfied;—tho' they + gave up to us their land and their riches, + we would tear from them their wives, their + children and their liberties.—To blacken + these unhappy people, their enemies + assert, that they are scarce human creatures?—but + it is we that ought to blush, + for having been less men, and more barbarous, + than they.—What right have + we to enslave a people who are born free, + and whom we disturbed, tho' they never + offended us?—They are represented as + a stupid people, addicted to vice?—but + have they not contracted most of their + vices from the example of the christians? + And as to those vices peculiar to themselves, + have not the christians quickly exceeded + them therein? Nevertheless it + must be granted, that the Indians still remain + untainted with many vices usual amongst + <a name="P_50"></a> + the Europeans; such as ambition, + blasphemy, treachery, and many like + monsters, which have not yet took place + with them; they have scarce an idea of + them; so that in effect, all the advantage + we can claim, is to have more elevated + notions of things, and our natural faculties + more unfolded and more cultivated + than theirs.—Do not let us flatter our + corruptions, nor voluntarily blind ourselves; + <em>all</em> nations are equally <em>free</em>; one + nation has no right to infringe upon the + freedom of any other; let us do towards + these people as we would have them to + have done towards us, if they had landed + upon our shore, with the same superiority + of strength. And indeed, why + should not things be equal on both sides? + How long has the right of the strongest + been allowed to be the balance of justice? + What part of the gospel gives a sanction + to such a doctrine? In what part of the + whole earth did the apostles and the first + promulgators of the gospel ever claim a + right over the lives, the freedom, or the substance + of the Gentiles? What a strange method + this is of propagating the gospel, that + holy law of grace, which, from being, slaves + to Satan, initiates us into the freedom of + the children of God!—Will it be possible + for us to inspire them with a love to + <a name="P_51"></a> + its dictates, while they are so exasperated + at being dispossessed of that invaluable + blessing, <em>Liberty?</em> The apostles submitted + to chains themselves, but loaded no man + with them. Christ came to free, not to + enslave us.—Submission to the faith + he left us, ought to be a voluntary act, + and should be propagated by persuasion, + gentleness, and reason." + + </p> + <p> + "At my first arrival in Hispaniola, (added + the bishop) it contained a million of + inhabitants; and now (viz. in the space + of about twenty years) there remains scarce + the hundredth part of them; thousands + have perished thro' want, fatigue, merciless + punishment, cruelty, and barbarity. + If the blood of <em>one</em> man unjustly shed, + calls loudly for vengeance; how strong + must be the cry of that of so <em>many</em> unhappy + creatures which is shedding daily?"—The + good bishop concluded his speech, with + imploring the King's clemency for subjects + so unjustly oppressed; and bravely declared, + that heaven would one day call him to an + account, for the numberless acts of cruelty + which he might have prevented. The King + applauded the bishop's zeal; promised to + second it; but so many of the great ones + had an interest in continuing the oppression, + that nothing was done; so that all the Indians + in Hispaniola, except a few who + <a name="P_52"></a> + had hid themselves in the most inaccessible + mountains, were destroyed. + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="V"></a> + CHAP. V. + + </h2> + <p> + First account of the English + trading to Guinea. Thomas Windham and + several others go to that coast. Some of + the Negroes carried off by the English. + Queen Elizabeth's charge to Captain Hawkins + respecting the natives. Nevertheless + he goes on the coast and carries off some of + the Negroes. Patents are granted. The + King of France objects to the Negroes being + kept in slavery. As do the college of + Cardinals at Rome. The natives, an inoffensive + people; corrupted by the Europeans. + The sentiments of the natives + concerning the slave-trade, from William + Smith: Confirmed by Andrew Brue and + James Barbot. + + </p> + <p> + It was about the year 1551, towards the + latter end of the reign of King Edward + the Sixth, when some London merchants + sent out the first English ship, on a trading + voyage to the coast of Guinea; this was soon + followed by several others to the same parts; + <a name="P_53"></a> + but the English not having then any plantations + in the West Indies, and consequently + no occasion for Negroes, such ships traded + only for gold, elephants teeth, and Guinea + pepper. This trade was carried on at the + hazard of losing their ships and cargoes, if + they had fallen into the hands of the Portuguese, + who claimed an exclusive right of + trade, on account of the several settlements + they had made there.<a class="notelink" href="#NoteV_FN1"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootV_FN1"></a> In the year 1553, we + find captain Thomas Windham trading along + the coast with 140 men, in three ships, and + sailing as far as Benin, which lies about + 3000 miles down the coast, to take in a load + of pepper.<a class="notelink" href="#NoteV_FN2"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootV_FN2"></a> Next year John Lock traded along + the coast of Guinea, as far as D'Elmina, + when he brought away considerable quantities + of gold and ivory. He speaks well of the natives, and + says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteV_FN3"><sup>C</sup></a><a name="FootV_FN3"></a> "<em>That + whoever will deal with them must behave civilly, for + they will not traffic if ill used</em>." In 1555, + William Towerson traded in a peaceable + manner with the natives, who made complaint + to him of the Portuguese, who were + then settled in their castle at D'Elmina, saying, + "<em>They were bad men, who made them + slaves if they could take them, putting irons + on their legs</em>." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteV_FN1"></a><a href="#FootV_FN1">A</a>: Astley's collection, + vol. 1. page 139. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteV_FN2"></a><a href="#FootV_FN2">B</a>: Collection vol. 1. p. + 148. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteV_FN3"></a><a href="#FootV_FN3">C</a>: Ibid. 257. + </p> + <hr><a name="P_54"></a><p> + This bad example of the Portuguese was + soon followed by some evil disposed Englishmen; + for the same captain Towerson + relates,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteV_FN4"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootV_FN4"></a> "That in the course of his voyage, he + perceived the natives, near D'Elmina, unwilling + to come to him, and that he was + at last attacked by them; which he understood + was done in revenge for the + wrong done them the year before, by + one captain Gainsh, who had taken away + the Negro captain's son, and three others, + with their gold, &c. This caused them to + join the Portuguese, notwithstanding + their hatred of them, against the English." + The next year captain Towerson + brought these men back again; whereupon the Negroes shewed him much + kindness.<a class="notelink" href="#NoteV_FN5"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootV_FN5"></a> Quickly + after this, another instance of the + same kind occurred, in the case of captain + George Fenner, who being on the coast, + with three vessels, was also attacked by the + Negroes, who wounded several of his people, + and violently carried three of his men + to their town. The captain sent a messenger, + offering any thing they desired for the + ransom of his men: but they refused to deliver + them, letting him know, "<em>That + three weeks before, an English ship, which + <a name="P_55"></a> + came in the road, had carried off three of + their people; and that till they were brought + again, they would not restore his men, even tho' + they should give their three ships to release + them</em>." It was probably the evil conduct + of these, and some other Englishmen, which + was the occasion of what is mentioned in + Hill's naval history, viz. "That when captain + Hawkins returned from his first voyage + to Africa, Queen Elizabeth sent for + him, when she expressed her concern, + lest any of the African Negroes should + be carried off without their free consent; + which she declared would be detestable, + and would call down the vengeance of + heaven upon the undertakers." Hawkins + made great promises, which nevertheless he + did not perform; for his next voyage to the + coast appears to have been principally calculated + to procure Negro slaves, in order + to sell them to the Spaniards in the West Indies; + which occasioned the same author to + use these remarkable words: "<em>Here began + the horrid practice of forcing the Africans into + slavery: an injustice and barbarity, which, + so sure as there is vengeance in heaven for + the worst of crimes, will some time be the destruction + of all who act or who encourage it</em>." + This captain Hawkins, afterwards sir John + Hawkins, seems to have been the first Englishman + who gave public countenance to this + <a name="P_56"></a> + wicked traffic: For Anderson, before mentioned, + at page 401, says, "That in the + year 1562, captain Hawkins, assisted by + subscription of sundry gentlemen, now + fitted out three ships; and having learnt + that Negroes were a very good commodity + in Hispaniola, he sailed to the coast of + Guinea, took in Negroes, and sailed with + them for Hispaniola, where he sold them, + and his English commodities, and loaded + his three vessels with hides, sugar and + ginger, &c. with which he returned + home anno 1563, making a prosperous + voyage." As it proved a lucrative business, + the trade was continued both by + Hawkins and others, as appears from the naval + chronicle, page 55, where it is said, + "That on the 18th of October, 1564, captain + John Hawkins, with two ships of 700 + and 140 tuns, sailed for Africa; that on + the 8th of December they anchored to the + South of Cape Verd, where the captain + manned the boat, and sent eighty men in + armour into the country, to see if they + could take some Negroes; but the natives + flying from them, they returned to their + ships, and proceeded farther down the + coast. Here they staid certain days, sending + their men ashore, in order (as the author + says) to burn and spoil their towns + and take the inhabitants. The land they + <a name="P_57"></a> + observed to be well cultivated, there being + plenty of grain, and fruit of several + sorts, and the towns prettily laid out. On + the 25th, being informed by the Portugueze + of a town of Negroes called Bymba, + where there was not only a quantity of + gold, but an hundred and forty inhabitants, + they resolved to attack it, having the Portugueze + for their guide; but by mismanagement + they took but ten Negroes, having + seven of their own men killed, and + twenty-seven wounded. They then went + farther down the coast; when, having procured + a number of Negroes, they proceeded + to the West Indies, where they sold them to + the Spaniards." And in the same naval + chronicle, at page 76, it is said, "That in the + year 1567, Francis Drake, before performing + his voyage round the world, went with + Sir John Hawkins in his expedition to the + coast of Guinea, where taking in a cargo + of slaves, they determined to steer for the + Caribbee islands." How Queen Elizabeth + suffered so grievous an infringement of the + rights of mankind to be perpetrated by her + subjects, and how she was persuaded, about + the 30th year of her reign, to grant patents + for carrying on a trade from the North part + of the river Senegal, to an hundred leagues + beyond Sierra Leona, which gave rise to the + present African company, is hard to account + <a name="P_58"></a> + for, any otherwise than that it arose from + the misrepresentation made to her of the situation + of the Negroes, and of the advantages + it was pretended they would reap from + being made acquainted with the christian + religion. This was the case of Lewis the + XIIIth, King of France, who, Labat, in his + account of the isles of America, tells us, + "Was extremely uneasy at a law by which + the Negroes of his colonies were to be + made slaves; but it being strongly urged + to him as the readiest means for their + conversion to christianity, he acquiesced + therewith." Nevertheless, some of the + christian powers did not so easily give way + in this matter; for we find,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteV_FN6"><sup>C</sup></a><a name="FootV_FN6"></a> "That cardinal + Cibo, one of the Pope's principal ministers + of state, wrote a letter on behalf + of the college of cardinals, or great council + at Rome, to the missionaries in Congo, + complaining that the pernicious and abominable + abuse of selling slaves was yet continued, + requiring them to remedy the + same, if possible; but this the missionaries + saw little hopes of accomplishing, by reason + that the trade of the country lay wholly in + slaves and ivory." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteV_FN4"></a><a href="#FootV_FN4">A</a>: Collection, vol. 1. p. + 148. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteV_FN5"></a><a href="#FootV_FN5">B</a>: Ibid. 157. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteV_FN6"></a><a href="#FootV_FN6">C</a>: Collection, + vol. 3, page 164. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + From the foregoing accounts, as well as + other authentic publications of this kind, it + appears that it was the unwarrantable lust of + <a name="P_59"></a> + gain, which first stimulated the Portugueze, + and afterwards other Europeans, to engage + in this horrid traffic. By the most authentic + relations of those early times, the natives + were an inoffensive people, who, when civilly + used, traded amicably with the Europeans. + It is recorded of those of Benin, the largest + kingdom in Guinea,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteV_FN7"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootV_FN7"></a><em>That they were a + gentle, loving people</em>; and Reynold + says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteV_FN8"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootV_FN8"></a> "<em>They found more sincere proofs of love and + good will from the natives, than they could + find from the Spaniards and Portugueze, even + tho' they had relieved them from the greatest + misery</em>." And from the same relations + there is no reason to think otherwise, but + that they generally lived in peace amongst + themselves; for I don't find, in the numerous + publications I have perused on this subject, + relating to these early times, of there + being wars on that coast, nor of any sale of captives + taken in battle, who would have been + otherwise sacrificed by the + victors:<a class="notelink" href="#NoteV_FN9"><sup>C</sup></a><a name="FootV_FN9"></a> Notwithstanding + <a name="P_60"></a> + some modern authors, in their + publications relating to the West Indies, + desirous of throwing a veil over the iniquity + of the slave trade, have been hardy enough, + upon meer supposition or report, to assert the + contrary. + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteV_FN7"></a><a href="#FootV_FN7">A</a>: Collection, vol. 1, + page 202. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteV_FN8"></a><a href="#FootV_FN8">B</a>: Idem, page + 245. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteV_FN9"></a><a href="#FootV_FN9">C</a>: Note, This plea falls of itself, + for if the Negroes + apprehended they should be cruelly put to death, if + they were not sent away, why do they manifest such + reluctance and dread as they generally do, at being + brought from their native country? William Smith, at + page 28, says, "<em>The Gambians abhor slavery, and will + attempt any thing, tho' never so desperate, to avoid it</em>," and + Thomas Philips, in his account of a voyage he performed + to the coast of Guinea, writes, "<em>They, the Negroes, + are so loth to leave their own country, that they have often + leaped out of the canoe, boat, or ship, into the sea, and kept + under water till they were drowned, to avoid being + taken up</em>." + </p> + <hr> + <p> + It was long after the Portugueze had + made a practice of violently forcing the natives + of Africa into slavery, that we read of + the different Negroe nations making war + upon each other, and selling their captives. + And probably this was not the case, till + those bordering on the coast, who had been + used to supply the vessels with necessaries, + had become corrupted by their intercourse + with the Europeans, and were excited by + drunkenness and avarice to join them in + carrying on those wicked schemes, by which + those unnatural wars were perpetrated; + the inhabitants kept in continual alarms; + the country laid waste; and, as William Moor + expresses it, <em>Infinite numbers sold into slavery</em>. + But that the Europeans are the principal cause + of these devastations, is particularly evidenced + by one, whose connexion with the trade + <a name="P_61"></a> + would rather induce him to represent it in + the fairest colours, to wit, William Smith, + the person sent in the year 1726 by the + African company to survey their settlements, + who, from the information he received of + one of the factors, who had resided ten + years in that country, says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteV_FN10"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootV_FN10"></a> "<em>That the discerning + natives account it their greatest unhappiness, + that they were ever visited by the + Europeans."—"That we christians introduced + the traffick of slaves; and that before + our coming they lived in peace</em>." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteV_FN10"></a><a href="#FootV_FN10">A</a>: William + Smith, page 266. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + In the accounts relating to the African + trade, we find this melancholy truth + farther asserted by some of the principal + directors in the different factories; particularly + A. Brue says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteV_FN11"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootV_FN11"></a> "<em>That the Europeans were + far from desiring to act as peace-makers + amongst the Negroes; which would be acting + contrary to their interest, since the greater the + wars, the more slaves were procured</em>," And + William Bosman also remarks,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteV_FN12"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootV_FN12"></a> "That one + of the former commanders <em>gave large sums + of money to the Negroes of one nation, to induce + them to attack some of the neighbouring nations, + which occasioned a battle which was + more bloody than the wars of the Negroes usually + <a name="P_62"></a> + are</em>." This is confirmed by J. Barbot, + who says, "<em>That the country of D'Elmina, + which was formerly very powerful and populous, + was in his time so much drained of its + inhabitants by the intestine wars fomented + amongst the Negroes by the Dutch, that there + did not remain inhabitants enough to till the + country</em>." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteV_FN11"></a><a href="#FootV_FN11">A</a>: Collection, vol. 2, + page 98. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteV_FN12"></a><a href="#FootV_FN12">B</a>: Bosman, + page 31. + </p> + <hr> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="VI"></a> + CHAP. VI. + + </h2><a name="P_63"></a><p> + The conduct of the Europeans + and Africans compared. Slavery more tolerable + amongst the antients than in our + colonies. As christianity prevailed amongst + the barbarous nations, the inconsistency + of slavery became more apparent. The + charters of manumission, granted in the + early times of christianity, founded on an + apprehension of duty to God. The antient + Britons, and other European nations, + in their original state, no less barbarous + than the Negroes. Slaves in Guinea used + with much greater lenity than the Negroes + are in the colonies.—Note. How the + slaves are treated in Algiers, as also in + Turkey. + + </p> + <p> + Such is the woeful corruption of human + nature, that every practice which flatters + our pride and covetousness, will find its + advocates! This is manifestly the case in the + matter before us; the savageness of the + Negroes in some of their customs, and particularly + their deviating so far from the feelings + of humanity, as to join in captivating + <a name="P_64"></a> + and selling each other, gives their interested + oppressors a pretence for representing them + as unworthy of liberty, and the natural + rights of mankind. But these sophisters + turn the argument full upon themselves, + when they instigate the poor creatures to + such shocking impiety, by every means that + fantastic subtilty can suggest; thereby shewing + in their own conduct, a more glaring + proof of the same depravity, and, if there + was any reason in the argument, a greater + unfitness for the same precious enjoyment: + for though some of the ignorant Africans + may be thus corrupted by their intercourse + with the baser of the European natives, and + the use of strong liquors, this is no excuse + for high-professing christians; bred in a + civilized country, with so many advantages + unknown to the Africans, and pretending + to a superior degree of gospel light. Nor + can it justify them in raising up fortunes to + themselves from the misery of others, + and calmly projecting voyages for the seizure + of men naturally as free as themselves; + and who, they know, are no otherwise to + be procured than by such barbarous means, + as none but those hardened wretches, who are + lost to every sense of christian compassion, + can make use of. Let us diligently compare, + and impartially weigh, the situation of those + ignorant Negroes, and these enlightened + <a name="P_65"></a> + christians; then lift up the scale and say, + which of the two are the greater savages. + + </p> + <p> + Slavery has been of a long time in practice + in many parts of Asia; it was also in + usage among the Romans when that empire + flourished; but, except in some particular + instances, it was rather a reasonable servitude, + no ways comparable to the unreasonable and + unnatural service extorted from the Negroes + in our colonies. A late learned + author,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteVI_FN1"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootVI_FN1"></a> speaking of those times which succeeded + the dissolution of that empire, acquaints us, + that as christianity prevailed, it very much + removed those wrong prejudices and practices, + which had taken root in darker + times: after the irruption of the Northern + nations, and the introduction of the feudal + or military government, whereby the + most extensive power was lodged in a few + members of society, to the depression of the + rest, the common people were little better + than slaves, and many were indeed such; + but as christianity gained ground, the gentle + spirit of that religion, together with the doctrines + it teaches, concerning the original + equality of mankind, as well as the impartial + eye with which the Almighty regards + men of every condition, and admits them to + a participation of his benefits; so far manifested + <a name="P_66"></a> + the inconsistency of slavery with christianity, + that to set their fellow christians at + liberty was deemed an act of piety, highly + meritorious and acceptable to + God.<a class="notelink" href="#NoteVI_FN2"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootVI_FN2"></a> Accordingly + <a name="P_67"></a> + a great part of the charters + granted for the manumission or freedom of + slaves about that time, are granted <i>pro amore + Dei, for the love of God, pro mercede animae, + to obtain mercy to the soul</i>. Manumission was + frequently granted on death-beds, or by + latter wills. As the minds of men are at that + time awakened to sentiments of humanity + and piety, these deeds proceeded from religious + motives. The same author remarks, + That there are several forms of those manumissions + still extant, all of them founded <em>on + religious considerations</em>, and <em>in order to procure + the favour of God</em>. Since that time, the practice + of keeping men in slavery gradually + ceased amongst christians, till it was renewed + in the case before us. And as the prevalency + of the spirit of christianity caused men to + emerge from the darkness they then lay + under, in this respect; so it is much to be + feared that so great a deviation therefrom, + by the encouragement given to the slavery + of the Negroes in our colonies, if continued, + will, by degrees, reduce those countries which + support and encourage it but more immediately + <a name="P_68"></a> + those parts of America which are in + the practice of it, to the ignorance and barbarity + of the darkest ages. + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteVI_FN1"></a><a href="#FootVI_FN1">A</a>: See Robertson's history of Charles + the 5th. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteVI_FN2"></a><a href="#FootVI_FN2">B</a>: In the years 1315 and 1318, Louis X. + and his brother Philip, Kings of France, issued ordonnances, + declaring, "That as all men were by nature free-born, + and as their kingdom was called the kingdom + of Franks, they determined that it should be so in + reality, as well as in name; therefore they appointed + that enfranchisements should be granted throughout + the whole kingdom, upon just and reasonable + conditions." "These edicts were carried into immediate + execution within the royal domain."—"In England, as the spirit of liberty + gained ground, the very name and idea of personal servitude, without + any formal interposition of the legislature to prohibit + it, was totally banished." + + </p> + <p> + "The effects of such a remarkable change in the + condition of so great a part of the people, could not + fail of being considerable and extensive. The husbandman, + master of his own industry, and secure of + reaping for himself the fruits of his labour, became + farmer of the same field where he had formerly + been compelled to toil for the benefit of another. The + odious name of master and of slave, the most mortifying + and depressing of all distinctions to human + nature, were abolished. New prospects opened, + and new incitements to ingenuity and enterprise + presented themselves, to those who were emancipated. + The expectation of bettering their fortune, as + well as that of raising themselves to a more honourable + condition, concurred in calling forth their + activity and genius; and a numerous class of men, + who formerly had no political existence, and were + employed merely as instruments of labour, became + useful citizens, and contributed towards augmenting + the force or riches of the society, which adopted + them as members." William Robertson's history + of Charles the 5th, vol. 1, P. 35. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + If instead of making slaves of the Negroes, + the nations who assume the name and character + of christians, would use their endeavours + to make the nations of Africa acquainted + with the nature of the christian + religion, to give them a better sense of the + true use of the blessings of life, the more + beneficial arts and customs would, by degrees, + be introduced amongst them; this + care probably would produce the same effect + upon them, which it has had on the inhabitants + of Europe, formerly as savage + and barbarous as the natives of Africa. + Those cruel wars amongst the blacks would + be likely to cease, and a fair and honorable + commerce, in time, take place + throughout that vast country. It was by + these means that the inhabitants of Europe, + though formerly a barbarous people, + became civilized. Indeed the account Julius + Caesar gives of the ancient Britons in + their state of ignorance, is not such as should + make us proud of ourselves, or lead us to + despise the unpolished nations of the earth; + for he informs us, "That they lived in many + respects like our Indians, being clad with + skins, painting their bodies, &c." He + also adds, "That they, brother with brother, + <a name="P_69"></a> + and parents with children, had wives in + common." A greater barbarity than any + heard of amongst the Negroes. Nor doth + Tacitus give a more honourable account of + the Germans, from whom the Saxons, our + immediate ancestors, sprung. The Danes, + who succeeded them (who may also be numbered + among our progenitors) were full as + bad, if not worse. + + </p> + <p> + It is usual for people to advance as a palliation + in favour of keeping the Negroes in + bondage, that there are slaves in Guinea, and + that those amongst us might be so in their + own country; but let such consider the inconsistency + of our giving any countenance + to slavery, because the Africans, whom we + esteem a barbarous and savage people, allow + of it, and perhaps the more from our example. + Had the professors of christianity acted indeed + as such, they might have been instrumental + to convince the Negroes of their error + in this respect; but even this, when + inquired into, will be to us an occasion of + blushing, if we are not hardened to every + sense of shame, rather than a <em>palliation</em> + of our iniquitous conduct; as it will appear + that the slavery endured in Guinea, and + other parts of Africa, and in Asia,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteVI_FN3"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootVI_FN3"></a> is by + <a name="P_70"></a> + no means so grievous as that in our colonies. + William Moor, speaking of the natives + <a name="P_71"></a> + living on the river Gambia,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteVI_FN4"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootVI_FN4"></a> says, "Tho' + some of the Negroes have many house + slaves, which are their greatest glory; + that those slaves live so well and easy, + that it is sometimes a hard matter to + know the slaves from their masters or + mistresses. And that though in some + parts of Africa they sell their slaves born + in the family, yet on the river Gambia + they think it a very wicked thing." + The author adds, "He never heard of but + one that ever sold a family slave, except + for such crimes as they would have been + sold for if they had been free." And in + Astley's collection, speaking of the customs of + the Negroes in that large extent of country + <a name="P_72"></a> + further down the coast, particularly denominated + the coast of Guinea, it is + said,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteVI_FN5"><sup>C</sup></a><a name="FootVI_FN5"></a> "They have not many slaves on the coast; none + but the King or nobles are permitted to + buy or sell any; so that they are allowed + only what are necessary for their families, + or tilling the ground." The same author + adds, "<em>That they generally use their slaves well, + and seldom correct them</em>." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteVI_FN3"></a><a href="#FootVI_FN3">A</a>: In the + history of the piratical states of Barbary, printed in 1750, + <em>said to be</em> wrote by a person who resided + at Algiers, in a public character, at page 265 the + author says, "The world exclaims against the Algerines + for their cruel treatment of their slaves, and + their employing even tortures to convert them to + mahometism: but this is a vulgar error, artfully + propagated for selfish views. So far are their slaves + from being ill used, that they must have committed + some very great fault to suffer any punishment. + Neither are they forced to work beyond their + strength, but rather spared, lest they should fall sick. + Some are so pleased with their situation, that they + will not purchase their ransom, though they are + able." It is the same generally through the Mahometan + countries, except in some particular instances, + as that of Muley Ishmael, late Emperor of Morocco, + who being naturally barbarous, frequently used + both his subjects and slaves with cruelty. Yet + even under him the usage the slaves met with was, + in general, much more tolerable than that of the Negroe + slaves in the West Indies. Captain Braithwaite, + an author of credit, who accompanied consul general + Russel in a congratulatory ambassy to Muley Ishmael's + successor, upon his accession to the throne, says, "The + situation of the christian slaves in Morocco + was not near so bad as represented.—That it was + true they were kept at labour by the late Emperor, + but not harder than our daily labourers go through.—Masters of ships + were never obliged to work, nor + such as had but a small matter of money to give + the Alcaide.—When sick, they had a religious house + appointed for them to go to, where they were well + attended: and whatever money in charity was + sent them by their friends in Europe, was their + own." Braithwaite's revolutions of Morocco. + + </p> + <p> + Lady Montague, wife of the English ambassador at + Constantinople, in her letters, vol. 3. page 20, writes, + "I know you expect I should say something particular + of the slaves; and you will imagine me half a + Turk, when I do not speak of it with the same horror + other christians have done before me; but I + cannot forbear applauding the humanity of the + Turks to these creatures; they are not ill used; and + their slavery, in my opinion, is no worse than servitude + all over the world. It is true they have no + wages, but they give them yearly cloaths to a higher + value than our salaries to our ordinary servants." + </p> + <p><a name="NoteVI_FN4"></a><a href="#FootVI_FN4">B</a>: W. Moor, p. + 30 + </p> + <p><a name="NoteVI_FN5"></a><a href="#FootVI_FN5">C</a>: Collection vol. 2. p. + 647. + </p> + <hr> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="VII"></a> + CHAP. VII. + + </h2> + <p> + Montesquieu's sentiments + on slavery. Moderation enjoined by the + Mosaic law in the punishment of offenders. + Morgan Godwyn's account of the contempt + and grievous rigour exercised + upon the Negroes in his time. Account + from Jamaica, relating to the inhuman + treatment of them there. Bad effects + attendant on slave-keeping, as well to the + masters as the slaves. Extracts from several + laws relating to Negroes. Richard + Baxter's sentiments on slave-keeping. + + </p> + <p> + That celebrated civilian Montesquieu, + in his treatise <em>on the spirit of laws</em>, on + the article of slavery says, "<em>It is neither + <a name="P_73"></a> + useful to the master nor slave; to the slave, + because he can do nothing through principle + (or virtue); to the master, because he contracts + with his slave all sorts of bad habits, + insensibly accustoms himself to want all + moral virtues; becomes haughty, hasty, hard-hearted, + passionate, voluptuous, and cruel</em>." + The lamentable truth of this assertion was + quickly verified in the English plantations. + When the practice of slave-keeping was introduced, + it soon produced its natural + effects; it reconciled men, of otherwise good + dispositions, to the most hard and cruel + measures. It quickly proved, what, under + the law of Moses, was apprehended would + be the consequence of unmerciful chastisements. + Deut. xxv. 2. "<em>And it shall be if + the wicked man be worthy to be beaten, that + the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to + be beaten before his face, according to his + fault, by a certain number; forty stripes he + may give him, and not exceed</em>." And the + reason rendered, is out of respect to human + nature, viz. "<em>Lest if he should exceed, and + beat him above these with many stripes, then + thy brother should seem vile unto thee</em>." As + this effect soon followed the cause, the cruelest + measures were adopted, in order to make + the most of the poor <em>wretches</em> labour; and in + the minds of the masters such an idea was + excited of inferiority, in the nature of these + <a name="P_74"></a> + their unhappy fellow creatures, that they + soon esteemed and treated them as beasts of + burden: pretending to doubt, and some + of them even presuming to deny, that the + efficacy of the death of Christ extended to + them. Which is particularly noted in a + book, intitled <em>The Negroes and Indians advocate</em>, + dedicated to the then Archbishop of + Canterbury, wrote so long since as in the + year 1680, by Morgan Godwyn, thought to + be a clergyman of the church of + England.<a class="notelink" href="#NoteVII_FN1"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootVII_FN1"></a> The same spirit of + sympathy and zeal which + <a name="P_75"></a> + stirred up the good Bishop of Chapia to + plead with so much energy the kindred cause + <a name="P_76"></a> + of the Indians of America, an hundred and + fifty years before, was equally operating + about a century past on the minds of some of + the well disposed of that day; amongst others + this worthy clergyman, having been an eye + witness of the oppression and cruelty exercised + upon the Negro and Indian slaves, + endeavoured to raise the attention of those, + in whose power it might be to procure them + relief; amongst other matters, in his address + to the Archbishop, he remarks in substance, + "That the people of the island of Barbadoes + were not content with exercising the + greatest hardness and barbarity upon the + Negroes, in making the most of their + labour, without any regard to the calls of + humanity, but that they had suffered such + a slight and undervaluement to prevail in + their minds towards these their oppressed + fellow creatures, as to discourage any step + being taken, whereby they might be made + acquainted with the christian religion. + That their conduct towards their slaves + was such as gave him reason to believe, + that either they had suffered a spirit of + infidelity, a spirit quite contrary to the + nature of the gospel, to prevail in them, + or that it must be their established opinion + that the Negroes had no more souls than + beasts; that hence they concluded them + to be neither susceptible of religious impressions, + <a name="P_77"></a> + nor fit objects for the redeeming + grace of God to operate upon. That + under this persuasion, and from a disposition + of cruelty, they treated them + with far less humanity than they did + their cattle; for, says he, they do not + starve their horses, which they expect + should both carry and credit them on the + road; nor pinch the cow, by whose milk + they are sustained; which yet, to their + eternal shame, is too frequently the lot and + condition of those poor people, from whose + labour their wealth and livelihood doth + wholly arise; not only in their diet, but in + their cloathing, and overworking some of + them even to death (which is particularly + the calamity of the most innocent and laborious) + but also in tormenting and whipping + them almost, and sometimes quite, to + death, upon even small miscarriages. He + apprehends it was from this prejudice + against the Negroes, that arose those supercilious + checks and frowns he frequently + met with, when using innocent arguments + and persuasions, in the way of his + duty as a minister of the gospel, to labour + for the convincement and conversion of + the Negroes; being repeatedly told, with + spiteful scoffings, (even by some esteemed + religious) that the Negroes were no + more susceptible of receiving benefit, by + <a name="P_78"></a> + becoming members of the church, than + their dogs and bitches. The usual answer + he received, when exhorting their masters + to do their duty in that respect, being, + <em>What! these black dogs be made christians! + what! they be made like us! with abundance + more of the same</em>. Nevertheless, he remarks + that the Negroes were capable, + not only of being taught to read and + write, &c. but divers of them eminent in + the management of business. He declares + them to have an equal right with + us to the merits of Christ; of which if + through neglect or avarice they are deprived, + that judgment which was denounced + against wicked Ahab, must + befal us: <em>Our life shall go for theirs</em>. The + loss of their souls will be required at our + hands, to whom God hath given so blessed + an opportunity of being instrumental to + their salvation." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteVII_FN1"></a><a href="#FootVII_FN1">A</a>: "There is a principle which is + pure, placed in the human mind, which in different places or ages hath + had different names; it is, however, pure, and proceeds + from God.—It is deep and inward, confined to + no forms of religion, nor excluded from any, where + the heart stands in perfect sincerity. In whomsoever + this takes root and grows, of what nation soever, they + become brethren in the best sense of the expression. + Using ourselves to take ways which appear most easy + to us, when inconsistent with that purity which is + without beginning, we thereby set up a government of + our own, and deny obedience to Him whose service is + true liberty. He that has a servant, made so wrongfully, + and knows it to be so, when he treats him otherwise + than a free man, when he reaps the benefit of his + labour, without paying him such wages as are reasonably + due to free men for the like service; these things, + though done in calmness, without any shew of disorder, + do yet deprave the mind, in like manner, and with + as great certainty, as prevailing cold congeals water. + These steps taken by masters, and their conduct striking + the minds of their children, whilst young, leave + less room for that which is good to work upon them. + The customs of their parents, their neighbours, and the + people with whom they converse, working upon their + minds, and they from thence conceiving wrong ideas + of things, and modes of conduct, the entrance into + their hearts becomes in a great measure shut up against + the gentle movings of uncreated purity. + <br><br> + "From one age to another the gloom grows thicker + and darker, till error gets established by general opinion; + but whoever attends to perfect goodness, and remains + under the melting influence of it, finds a path + unknown to many, and sees the necessity to lean + upon the arm of divine strength, and dwell alone, or + with a few in the right, committing their cause to + him who is a refuge to his people. Negroes are our + fellow creatures, and their present condition among + us requires our serious consideration. We know not + the time, when those scales, in which mountains are + weighed, may turn. The parent of mankind is gracious, + his care is over his smallest creatures, and a multitude + of men escape not his notice; and though many + of them are trodden down and despised, yet he remembers + them. He seeth their affliction, and looketh upon + the spreading increasing exaltation of the oppressor. + He turns the channel of power, humbles the most + haughty people, and gives deliverance to the oppressed, + at such periods as are consistent with his infinite justice + and goodness. And wherever gain is preferred to + equity, and wrong things publickly encouraged, to + that degree that wickedness takes root and spreads + wide amongst the inhabitants of a country, there is a + real cause for sorrow, to all such whose love to mankind + stands on a true principle, and wisely consider the + end and event of things." Consideration on keeping + Negroes, by John Woolman, part 2. p. 50. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + He complains, "That they were suffered + to live with their women in no + better way than direct fornication; no + care being taken to oblige them to continue + together when married; but that + they were suffered at their will to leave + their wives, and take to other women." I + shall conclude this sympathizing clergyman's + observations, with an instance he + gives, to shew, "that not only discouragements + <a name="P_79"></a> + and scoffs at that time + prevailed in Barbadoes, to establish an + opinion that the Negroes were not capable + of religious impressions, but that even + violence and great abuses were used to + prevent any thing of the kind taking + place. It was in the case of a poor Negro, + who having, at his own request, prevailed + on a clergyman to administer baptism + to him, on his return home the brutish + overseer took him to task, giving him to + understand, that that was no sunday's + work for those of his complexion; that he + had other business for him, the neglect + whereof would cost him an afternoon's + baptism in blood, as he in the morning + had received a baptism with water, (these, + says the clergyman, were his own words) + which he accordingly made good; of + which the Negro complained to him, + and he to the governor; nevertheless, + the poor miserable creature was ever after + so unmercifully treated by that inhuman + wretch, the overseer, that, to avoid + his cruelty, betaking himself to the woods, + he there perished." This instance is applicable + to none but the cruel perpetrator; + and yet it is an instance of what, in a greater + or less degree, may frequently happen, when + those poor wretches are left to the will of + such brutish inconsiderate creatures as those + <a name="P_80"></a> + overseers often are. This is confirmed in + a <em>History of Jamaica</em>, wrote in thirteen letters, + about the year 1740, by a person then + residing in that island, who writes as + follows, "I shall not now enter upon the + question, whether the slavery of the Negroes + be agreeable to the laws of nature + or not; though it seems extremely hard + they should be reduced to serve and toil + for the benefit of others, without the least + advantage to themselves. Happy Britannia, + where slavery is never known! where liberty + and freedom chears every misfortune. + Here (<em>says the author</em>) we can boast of no + such blessing; we have at least ten slaves + to one freeman. I incline to touch the + hardships which these poor creatures + suffer, in the tenderest manner, from + a particular regard which I have to + many of their masters, but I cannot conceal + their sad circumstances intirely: the + most trivial error is punished with terrible + whipping. I have seen some of them + treated in that cruel manner, for no other + reason but to satisfy the brutish pleasure + of an overseer, who has their punishment + mostly at his discretion. I have seen their + bodies all in a gore of blood, the skin + torn off their backs with the cruel whip; + beaten pepper and salt rubbed in the + wounds, and a large stick of sealing wax + <a name="P_81"></a> + dropped leisurely upon them. It is no + wonder, if the horrid pain of such inhuman + tortures incline them to rebel. Most + of these slaves are brought from the coast + of Guinea. When they first arrive, it is + observed, they are simple and very innocent + creatures; but soon turn to be + roguish enough. And when they come to + be whipt, urge the example of the whites + for an excuse of their faults." + + </p> + <p> + These accounts of the deep depravity of + mind attendant on the practice of slavery, + verify the truth of Montesquieu's remark of + its pernicious effects. And altho' the same + degree of opposition to instructing the Negroes + may not now appear in the islands as + formerly, especially since the Society appointed + for propagating the Gospel have + possessed a number of Negroes in one of them; + nevertheless the situation of these oppressed + people is yet dreadful, as well to themselves + as in its consequence to their hard task-masters, + and their offspring, as must be evident + to every impartial person who is acquainted + with the treatment they generally receive, + or with the laws which from time to time + have been made in the colonies, with respect + to the Negroes; some of them being absolutely + inconsistent with reason, and shocking to + humanity. By the 329th act of the assembly + of Barbadoes, page 125, it is enacted, + + </p><a name="P_82"></a><p> + "That if any Negroe or other slave under + punishment by his master, or his order, + for running away, or any other + crime or misdemeanors towards his said + master, unfortunately shall suffer in life + or member, (which seldom happens) no + person whatsoever shall be liable to any + fine therefore. But if any man shall, <em>of + wantonness, or only of bloody-mindedness or + cruel intention, wilfully kill a Negroe, or other + slave of his own, he shall pay into the public + treasury, fifteen pounds sterling</em>." Now that + the life of a man should be so lightly valued, + as that fifteen pounds should be judged a + sufficient indemnification of the murder of + one, even when it is avowedly done <em>wilfully, + wantonly, cruelly, or of bloody-mindedness</em>, + is a tyranny hardly to be paralleled: nevertheless + human laws cannot make void the + righteous law of God, or prevent the inquisition + of that awful judgment day, when, + "<em>at the hand of every man's brother the life of + man shall be required</em>." By the law of + South Carolina, the person that killeth a + Negroe is only subject to a fine, or twelve + months imprisonment. It is the same in + most, if not all the West-Indies. And by an + act of the assembly of Virginia, (4 Ann. Ch. + 49. sect. 27. p. 227.) after proclamation is + issued against slaves, "that run away and + lie out, <em>it is lawful for any person whatsoever + <a name="P_83"></a> + to kill and destroy such slaves, by such + ways and means as he, she, or they shall + think fit, without accusation or impeachment + of any crime for the same</em>."—And lest private + interest should incline the planter to + mercy, it is provided, "<em>That every slave so + killed, in pursuance of this act, shall be paid + for by the public</em>." + + </p> + <p> + It was doubtless a like sense of sympathy + with that expressed by Morgan Godwyn + before mentioned, for the oppressed Negroes, + and like zeal for the cause of religion, so manifestly + trampled upon in the case of the + Negroes, which induced Richard Baxter, an + eminent preacher amongst the Dissenters in + the last century, in his <em>christian directory</em>, to + express himself as follows, viz. "Do you + mark how God hath followed you with + plagues; and may not conscience tell you, + that it is for your inhumanity to the souls + and bodies of men?"—"To go as pirates; + and catch up poor Negroes, or people + of another land, that never forfeited life + or liberty, and to make them slaves, and + sell them, is one of the worst kinds of + thievery in the world; and such persons + are to be taken for the common enemies + of mankind; and they that buy them and + use them as beasts for their mere commodity, + and betray, or destroy, or neglect their + <a name="P_84"></a> + souls, are fitter to be called devils incarnate + than christians: It is an heinous sin to buy + them, unless it be in charity to deliver + them. Undoubtedly they are presently + bound to deliver them, because by right + the man is his own, therefore no man else + can have a just title to him." + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="VIII"></a> + CHAP. VIII. + + </h2><a name="P_85"></a><p> + Griffith Hughes's account of + the number of Negroes in Barbadoes. + Cannot keep up their usual number without + a yearly recruit. Excessive hardships + wear the Negroes down in a surprising + manner. A servitude without a + condition, inconsistent with reason and natural + justice. The general usage the Negroes + meet with in the West Indies. Inhuman + calculations of the strength and + lives of the Negroes. Dreadful consequences + which may be expected from the + cruelty exercised upon this oppressed part + of mankind. + + </p> + <p> + We are told by Griffith Hughes, rector + of St. Lucy in Barbadoes, in his + natural history of that island, printed in + the year 1750, "That there were between + sixty-five and seventy thousand Negroes, + at that time, in the island, tho' formerly + they had a greater number. That in order + to keep up a necessary number, they + were obliged to have a yearly supply from + Africa. That the hard labour, and often + <a name="P_86"></a> + want of necessaries, which these unhappy + creatures are obliged to undergo, destroy + a greater number than are bred there." He + adds, "That the capacities of their minds + in common affairs of life are but little inferior, + if at all, to those of the Europeans. + If they fail in some arts, he says, it may + be owing more to their want of education, + and the depression of their spirits by slavery, + than to any want of natural abilities." + This destruction of the human + species, thro' unnatural hardships, and want + of necessary supplies, in the case of the Negroes, + is farther confirmed in <em>an account of + the European settlements in America</em>, printed + London, 1757, where it is said, par. 6. chap. + 11th, "The Negroes in our colonies endure + a slavery more compleat, and attended + with far worse circumstances, than + what any people in their condition suffer + in any other part of the world, + or have suffered in any other period of + time: Proofs of this are not wanting. + The prodigious waste which we experience + in this unhappy part of our species, is a + full and melancholy evidence of this + truth. The island of Barbadoes, (the Negroes + upon which do not amount to eighty + thousand) notwithstanding all the + means which they use to increase them + by propagation, and that the climate is + <a name="P_87"></a> + in every respect (except that of being + more wholesome) exactly resembling the + climate from whence they come; notwithstanding + all this, Barbadoes lies under + a necessity of an annual recruit of five + thousand slaves, to keep up the stock at + the number I have mentioned. This prodigious + failure, which is at least in the + same proportion in all our islands, shews + demonstratively that some uncommon and + unsupportable hardship lies upon the Negroes, + which wears them down in such a + surprising manner." + + </p> + <p> + In an account of part of North America, + published by Thomas Jeffery, 1761, the author, + speaking of the usage the Negroes receive + in the West India islands, says, "It is + impossible for a human heart to reflect upon + the servitude of these dregs of mankind, + without in some measure feeling for + their misery, which ends but with their + lives.—Nothing can be more wretched + than the condition of this people. One + would imagine, they were framed to be + the disgrace of the human species; banished + from their country, and deprived of + that blessing, liberty, on which all other + nations set the greatest value, they are in + a measure reduced to the condition of + beasts of burden. In general, a few roots, + potatoes especially, are their food, and + <a name="P_88"></a> + two rags, which neither screen them from + the heat of the day, nor the extraordinary + coolness of the night, all their covering; + their sleep very short; their labour almost + continual; they receive no wages, but + have twenty lashes for the smallest fault." + <em>A thoughtful</em> person, who had an opportunity + of observing the miserable condition of + the Negroes in one of our West India + islands, writes thus, "I met with daily exercise + to see the treatment which those miserable + wretches met with from their + masters; with but few exceptions. They + whip them most unmercifully on small + occasions: you will see their bodies all + whealed and scarred; in short, they seem + to set no other value on their lives, than + as they cost them so much money; and are + restrained from killing them, when angry, + by no worthier consideration, than that + they lose so much. They act as though they + did not look upon them as a race of human + creatures, who have reason, and remembrance + of misfortunes, but as beasts; + like oxen, who are stubborn, hardy, and + senseless, fit for burdens, and designed to + bear them: they won't allow them to + have any claim to human privileges, or + scarce indeed to be regarded as the work + of God. Though it was consistent with + the justice of our Maker to pronounce + <a name="P_89"></a> + the sentence on our common parent, + and through him on all succeeding generations, + <em>That he and they should eat their + bread by the sweat of their brows</em>: yet does + it not stand recorded by the same eternal + truth, <em>That the labourer is worthy of his + hire?</em> It cannot be allowed, in natural + justice, that there should be a servitude + without condition; a cruel, endless + servitude. It cannot be reconcileable to + natural justice, that whole nations, nay, + whole continents of men, should be devoted + to do the drudgery of life for others, + be dragged away from their attachments + of relations and societies, and be made to + serve the appetite and pleasure of a race + of men, whose superiority has been obtained + by illegal force." + + </p> + <p> + Sir Hans Sloane, in the introduction to his + natural history of Jamaica, in the account he + gives of the treatment the Negroes met with + there, speaking of the punishments inflicted + on them, says, page 56. "For rebellion, the + punishment is burning them, by nailing + them down to the ground with crooked + sticks on every limb, and then applying + the fire, by degrees, from the feet and + hands, burning them gradually up to the + head, whereby <em>their pains are extravagant</em>. + For crimes of a less nature, gelding + or chopping off half the foot with an axe.—For + <a name="P_90"></a> + negligence, they are usually + whipped by the overseers with lance-wood + switches.—After they are whipped + till they are raw, some put on their skins + pepper and salt, to make them smart; at + other times, their masters will drop melted + wax on their skins, and use several <em>very + exquisite torments</em>." In that island, the + owners of the Negroe slaves set aside to + each a parcel of ground, and allow them half + a day at the latter end of the week, which, + with the day appointed by the divine injunction + to be a day of rest and service to + God, and which ought to be kept as such, + is the only time allowed them to manure + their ground. This, with a few herrings, + or other salt fish, is what is given for their + support. Their allowance for cloathing in + the island, is seldom more than six yards of + oznabrigs each year. And in the more + northern colonies, where the piercing westerly + winds are long and sensibly felt, these + poor Africans suffer much for want of sufficient + cloathing; indeed some have none till + they are able to pay for it by their labour. + The time that the Negroes work in the + West Indies, is from day-break till noon; + then again from two o'clock till dark (during + which time, they are attended by overseers, + who severely scourge those who appear + to them dilatory); and before they are suffered + <a name="P_91"></a> + to go to their quarters, they have still + something to do, as collecting herbage for + the horses, gathering fuel for the boilers, + &c. so that it is often past twelve before they + can get home, when they have scarce time + to grind and boil their Indian corn; whereby, + if their food was not prepared the evening + before, it sometimes happens that they + are called again to labour before they can + satisfy their hunger. And here no delay or + excuse will avail; for if they are not in the + field immediately upon the usual notice, + they must expect to feel the overseer's lash. + In crop time (which lasts many months) they + are obliged, by turns, to work most of the + night in the boiling house. Thus their + owners, from a desire of making the greatest + gain by the labour of their slaves, lay heavy + burdens on them, and yet feed and cloath + them very sparingly, and some scarce feed or + cloath them at all; so that the poor creatures + are obliged to shift for their living in the best + manner they can, which occasions their + being often killed in the neighbouring lands, + stealing potatoes, or other food, to satisfy + their hunger. And if they take any thing + from the plantation they belong to, though + under such pressing want, their owners will + correct them severely for taking a little of + what they have so hardly laboured for; + whilst many of themselves riot in the greatest + <a name="P_92"></a> + luxury and excess. It is matter of astonishment + how a people, who, as a nation, are + looked upon as generous and humane, and + so much value themselves for their uncommon + sense of the benefit of liberty, can live + in the practice of such extreme oppression + and inhumanity, without seeing the inconsistency + of such conduct, and feeling great + remorse. Nor is it less amazing to hear these + men calmly making calculations about the + strength and lives of their fellow men. In + Jamaica, if six in ten of the new imported + Negroes survive the seasoning, it is looked + upon as a gaining purchase. And in most + of the other plantations, if the Negroes live + eight or nine years, their labour is reckoned + a sufficient compensation for their cost. If + calculations of this sort were made upon the + strength and labour of beasts of burden, it + would not appear so strange; but even then, + a merciful man would certainly use his beast + with more mercy than is usually shewn to + the poor Negroes. Will not the groans, the + dying groans, of this deeply afflicted and oppressed + people reach heaven? and when the + cup of iniquity is full, must not the inevitable + consequence be, the pouring forth of the + judgments of God upon their oppressors? + But alas! is it not too manifest that this oppression + has already long been the object of + the divine displeasure? For what heavier + <a name="P_93"></a> + judgment, what greater calamity, can befal + any people, than to become subject to that + hardness of heart, that forgetfulness of God, + and insensibility to every religious impression, + as well as that general depravation of + manners, which so much prevails in these + colonies, in proportion as they have more + or less enriched themselves at the expence of + the blood and bondage of the Negroes. + + </p> + <p> + It is a dreadful consideration, as a late + author remarks, that out of the stock of + eighty thousand Negroes in Barbadoes, there + die every year five thousand more than are + born in that island; which failure is probably + in the same proportion in the other islands. + <em>In effect, this people is under a necessity of being + entirely renewed every sixteen years.</em> And + what must we think of the management of + a people, who, far from increasing greatly, + as those who have no loss by war ought to + do, must, in so short a time as sixteen years, + without foreign recruits, be entirely consumed + to a man! Is it not a christian doctrine, + <em>that the labourer is worthy of his hire?</em> + And hath not the Lord, by the mouth of his + prophet, pronounced, <em>"Wo unto that man + who buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and + his chambers by wrong; who uses his neighbour's + service without wages, and giveth him nought + for his work?"</em> And yet the poor Negro + slaves are constrained, like the beasts, by + <a name="P_94"></a> + beating, to work hard without hire or recompence, + and receive nothing from the hand + of their unmerciful masters, but such a + wretched provision as will scarce support + them under their fatigues. The intolerable + hardships many of the slaves undergo, are sufficiently + proved by the shortness of their lives.—And who + are these miserable creatures, + that receive such barbarous treatment + from the planter? Can we restrain our + just indignation, when we consider that they + are undoubtedly <em>his brethren! his neighbours! + the children of the same Father, and some + of those for whom Christ died, as truly as for the + planter himself</em>. Let the opulent planter, or + merchant, prove that his Negro slave is not + his brother, or that he is not his neighbour, + in the scripture sense of these appellations; + and if he is not able so to do, how will he + justify the buying and selling of his brethren, + as if they were of no more consideration + than his cattle? The wearing them out + with continual labour, before they have + lived out half their days? The severe whipping + and torturing them, even to death, if + they resist his unsupportable tyranny? Let + the hardiest slave-holder look forward to + that tremendous day, when he must give + an account to God of his stewardship; and + let him seriously consider, whether, at such a + time, he thinks he shall be able to satisfy + <a name="P_95"></a> + himself, that any act of buying and selling, + or the fate of war, or the birth of children + in his house, plantation, or territories, or + any other circumstance whatever, can give + him such an absolute property in the persons + of men, as will justify his retaining them as + slaves, and treating them as beasts? Let him + diligently consider whether there will not + always remain to the slave a <em>superior</em> property + or right to the fruit of his own labour; + and more especially to his own person; that + being which was given him by God, and + which none but the Giver can justly claim? + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="IX"></a> + CHAP. IX. + + </h2><a name="P_96"></a><p> + The advantage which would + have accrued to the natives of Guinea, if + the Europeans had acted towards them + agreeable to the dictates of humanity + and christianity. <em>An inordinate</em> desire of + gain in the Europeans, the true occasion + of the slave trade. Notice of the misrepresentations + of the Negroes by most authors, + in order to palliate the iniquity of + the slave trade. Those misrepresentations + refuted, particularly with respect <em>to the + Hottentot Negroes</em>. + + </p> + <p> + From the foregoing accounts of the + natural disposition of the Negroes, and + the fruitfulness of most parts of Guinea, + which are confirmed by authors of candour, + who have wrote from their own + knowledge, it may well be concluded, that + the Negroes acquaintance with the Europeans + might have been a happiness to them, + if these last had not only bore the name, + but had also acted the part, of Christians, and + used their endeavours by example, as well as + precept, to make them acquainted with the + <a name="P_97"></a> + glad tidings of the gospel, which breathes + peace and good will to man, and with that + change of heart, that redemption from sin, + which christianity proposeth; innocence + and love might then have prevailed, nothing + would have been wanting to complete the + happiness of the simple Africans: but the + reverse has happened; the Europeans, forgetful + of their duty as men and christians, + have conducted themselves in so iniquitous a + manner, as must necessarily raise in the + minds of the thoughtful and well-disposed + Negroes, the utmost scorn and detestation + of the very name of christians. All other + considerations have given way to an infallible + desire of gain, which has been the + principal and moving cause of the most <em>iniquitous + and dreadful scene</em> that was, perhaps, + ever acted upon the face of the earth; instead + of making use of that superior knowledge + with which the Almighty, the common + Parent of mankind, had favoured them, to + strengthen the principle of peace and good + will in the breasts of the incautious Negroes, + the Europeans have, by their bad example, + led them into excess of drunkenness, debauchery, + and avarice; whereby every passion + of corrupt nature being inflamed, they have + been easily prevailed upon to make war, and + captivate one another; as well to furnish + means for the excesses they had been habituated + <a name="P_98"></a> + to, as to satisfy the greedy desire of + gain in their profligate employers, who to + this intent have furnished them with prodigious + quantities of arms and ammunition. + Thus they have been hurried into confusion, + distress, and all the extremities of temporal + misery; every thing, even the power of + their Kings, has been made subservient to + this wicked purpose; for instead of being + protectors of their subjects, some of those + rulers, corrupted by the excessive love of + spirituous liquors, and the tempting baits + laid before them by the factors, have invaded + the liberties of their unhappy subjects, and + are become their oppressors. + + </p> + <p> + Here it may be necessary to observe, that + the accounts we have of the inhabitants of + Guinea, are chiefly given by persons engaged + in the trade, who, from self-interested views, + have described them in such colours as + were least likely to excite compassion and + respect, and endeavoured to reconcile so + manifest a violation of the rights of mankind + to the minds of the purchasers; yet they + cannot but allow the Negroes to be possessed + of some good qualities, though they contrive + as much as possible to cast a shade over them. + A particular instance of this appears in Astley's + collection, vol. 2. p. 73, where the author, + speaking of the Mandingos settled at + Galem, which is situated 900 miles up the + <a name="P_99"></a> + Senegal, after saying that they carry on a + commerce to all the neighbouring kingdoms, and + amass riches, adds, "That excepting + <em>the vices peculiar to the Blacks</em>, they + are a good sort of people, honest, hospitable, + just to their word, laborious, industrious, + and very ready to learn arts and + sciences." Here it is difficult to imagine + what vices can be peculiarly attendant on a + people so well disposed as the author describes + these to be. With respect to the + charge some authors have brought against + them, as being void of all natural affection, + it is frequently contradicted by others. In + vol. 2. of the Collection, p. 275, and 629, + the Negroes of North Guinea, and the + Gold Coast, are said <em>to be fond of their children, + whom they love with tenderness</em>. And + Bosman says, p. 340, "Not a few in his + country (viz. Holland) fondly imagine, + that parents here sell their children, men + their wives, and one brother the other: + but those who think so deceive themselves; + for this never happens on any + other account but that of necessity, or + some great crime." The same is repeated + by J. Barbot, page 326, and also confirmed + by Sir Hans Sloane, in the introduction to his + natural history of Jamaica; where speaking + of the Negroes, he says, "They are usually + thought to be haters of their own + <a name="P_100"></a> + children, and therefore it is believed that + they sell and dispose of them to strangers + for money: but this is not true; for the + Negroes of Guinea being divided into + several captainships, as well as the Indians + of America, have wars; and besides those + slain in battle, many prisoners are taken, + who are sold as slaves, and brought thither: + but the parents here, although their children + are slaves for ever, yet have so great + love for them, that no master dares sell, + or give away, one of their little ones, + unless they care not whether their parents + hang themselves or no." J. Barbot, + speaking of the occasion of the natives of + Guinea being represented as a treacherous + people, ascribes it to the Hollanders (and + doubtless other Europeans) usurping authority, + and fomenting divisions between the + Negroes. At page 110, he says, "It is well + known that many of the European nations + trading amongst these people, have very + unjustly and inhumanly, without any + provocation, stolen away, from time to + time, abundance of the people, not only + on this coast, but almost every where in + Guinea, who have come on board their + ships in a harmless and confiding manner: + these they have in great numbers carried + away, and sold in the plantations, with + other slaves which they had purchased." + <a name="P_101"></a> + And although some of the Negroes may be + justly charged with indolence and supineness, + yet many others are frequently mentioned + by authors <em>as a careful, industrious, and even + laborious</em> people. But nothing shews more + clearly how unsafe it is to form a judgment + of distant people from the accounts given + of them by travellers, who have taken but + a transient view of things, than the case of + the Hottentots, viz. those several nations of + Negroes who inhabit the most southern part + of Africa: <em>these people</em> are represented by + several authors, who appear to have very + much copied their relations one from the + other, as so savage and barbarous as to have + little of human, but the shape: but these + accounts are strongly contradicted by others, + particularly Peter Kolben, who has given a circumstantial + relation of the disposition and + manners of those people.<a class="notelink" href="#NoteIX_FN1"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootIX_FN1"></a> He was a man + of learning, sent from the court of Prussia + solely to make astronomical and natural observations + there; and having no interest in the + slavery of the Negroes, had not the same + inducement as most other relators had, to + misrepresent the natives of Africa. He resided + eight years at and about the Cape of + Good Hope, during which time he examined + with great care into the customs, manners, + <a name="P_102"></a> + and opinions of the Hottentots; whence he + sets these people in a quite different light + from what they appeared in former authors, + whom he corrects, and blames for the falsehoods + they have wantonly told of them. At + p. 61, he says, "The details we have in several + authors, are for the most part made up + of inventions and hearsays, which generally + prove false." Nevertheless, he allows + they are justly to be blamed for their sloth.—<em>The + love of liberty and indolence is their all; + compulsion is death to them. While necessity obliges + them to work, they are very tractable, obedient, + and faithful; but when they have got enough + to satisfy the present want, they are deaf to all + further intreaty</em>. He also faults them for + their nastiness, the effect of sloth; and for + their love of drink, and the practice of + some unnatural customs, which long use has + established amongst them; which, nevertheless, + from the general good disposition of + these people, there is great reason to believe + they might be persuaded to refrain from, + if a truly christian care had been extended + towards them. He says, "They are + eminently distinguished by many virtues, + as their mutual benevolence, friendship, + and hospitality; they breathe kindness + and good will to one another, and seek + all opportunities of obliging. Is a Hottentot's + <a name="P_103"></a> + assistance required by one of his + countrymen? he runs to give it. Is his advice + asked? he gives it with sincerity. Is + his countryman in want? he relieves him to + the utmost of his power." Their hospitality + extends even to European strangers: in travelling + thro' the Cape countries, you meet with + a chearful and open reception, in whatsoever + village you come to. In short, he says, + page 339, "The integrity of the Hottentots, + their strictness and celerity in the + execution of justice, and their charity, are + equalled by few nations. <em>In alliances, their + word is sacred; there being hardly any thing + they look upon as a fouler crime than breach + of engagements. Theft and adultery they + punish with death</em>." They firmly believe + there is a God, the author of all things, + whom they call the God of gods; but it + does not appear that they have an institution + of worship directly regarding this supreme + Deity. When pressed on this article, they + excuse themselves by a tradition, "<em>That + their first parents so grievously offended + this great God, that he cursed them and their + posterity with hardness of heart; so that + they know little about him, and have less inclination + to serve him</em>." As has been already + remarked, these Hottentots are the + only Negroe nations bordering on the sea, + we read of, who are not concerned in making + <a name="P_104"></a> + or keeping slaves. Those slaves made + use of by the Hollanders at the Cape, are + brought from other parts of Guinea. Numbers + of these people told the author, "That + the vices they saw prevail amongst christians; + their avarice, their envy and hatred + of one another; their restless discontented + tempers; their lasciviousness and + injustice, were the things that principally + kept the Hottentots from hearkening to + christianity." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteIX_FN1"></a><a href="#FootIX_FN1">A</a>: See Kolban's + account of the Cape of Good Hope. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + Father Tachard, a French Jesuit, famous + for his travels in the East Indies, in his account + of these people, says, "The Hottentots + have more honesty, love, and liberality + for one another, than are almost anywhere + seen amongst christians." + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="X"></a> + CHAP. X. + + </h2><a name="P_105"></a><p> + Man-stealing esteemed highly + criminal, and punishable by the laws of + Guinea: <em>No</em> Negroes allowed to be sold + for slaves there, but those deemed prisoners + of war, or in punishment for crimes. + <em>Some</em> of the Negroe rulers, corrupted by + the Europeans, violently infringe the laws + of Guinea. The King of Barsailay noted + in that respect. + + </p> + <p> + By an inquiry into the laws and customs + formerly in use, and still in force + amongst the Negroes, particularly on the + Gold Coast, it will be found, that provision + was made for the general peace, and for the + safety of individuals; even in W. Bosman's + time, long after the Europeans had established + the slave-trade, the natives were not publicly + enslaved, any otherwise than in punishment for + crimes, when prisoners of war, + or by a violent exertion of the power of + their corrupted Kings. Where any of the + natives were stolen, in order to be sold to + the Europeans, it was done secretly, or at + least, only connived at by those in power: + <a name="P_106"></a> + this appears From Barbot and Bosman's account + of the matter, both agreeing that + man-stealing was not allowed on the + Gold Coast. The first<a class="notelink" href="#NoteX_FN1"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootX_FN1"></a> says, "<em>Kidnapping + or stealing of human creatures is punished + there, and even sometimes with death.</em>" + And, W. Bosman, whose long residence on + the coast, enabled him to speak with certainty, + says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteX_FN2"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootX_FN2"></a> "<em>That the laws were severe + against murder, thievery, and adultery.</em>" + And adds, "<em>That man-stealing was + punished on the Gold Coast with rigid + severity and sometimes with death itself.</em>" + Hence it may be concluded, that the sale + of the greatest part of the Negroes to the + Europeans is supported by violence, in defiance + of the laws, through the knavery of + their principal men,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteX_FN3"><sup>C</sup></a><a name="FootX_FN3"></a> who, (as is too often + the case with those in European countries) + under pretence of encouraging trade, and + increasing the public revenue, disregard the + dictates of justice, and trample upon those + liberties which they are appointed to preserve. + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteX_FN1"></a><a href="#FootX_FN1">A</a>: Barbot, p. + 303. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteX_FN2"></a><a href="#FootX_FN2">B</a>: Bosman, p. + 143. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteX_FN3"></a><a href="#FootX_FN3">C</a>: Note. Barbot, page + 270, says, the trade of slaves + is in a more peculiar manner the business of Kings, rich + men, and prime merchants, exclusive of the inferior sort + of blacks. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + Fr. Moor also mentions man-stealing as + being discountenanced by the Negroe Governments + <a name="P_107"></a> + on the river Gambia, and speaks + of the inslaving the peaceable inhabitants, + as a violence which only happens under + a corrupt administration of justice; + he says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteX_FN4"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootX_FN4"></a> "The Kings + of that country generally advise with their head men, + scarcely doing any thing of consequence, + without consulting them first, except + the King of Barsailay, who being subject + to hard drinking, is very absolute. It is + to this King's insatiable thirst for brandy, + that his subjects freedoms and families + are in so precarious a situation.<a class="notelink" href="#NoteX_FN5"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootX_FN5"></a> Whenever this King wants goods or + brandy, he sends a messenger to the English + Governor at James Fort, to desire he + would send a sloop there with a cargo: + <em>this news, being not at all unwelcome</em>, the + Governor sends accordingly; against the + arrival of the sloop, the King goes and + ransacks some of his enemies towns, + seizing the people, and selling them for + such commodities as he is in want of, + which commonly are brandy, guns, powder, + balls, pistols, and cutlasses, for his attendants + and soldiers; and coral and silver + for his wives and concubines. In case + he is not at war with any neighbouring + King, he then falls upon one of his own + towns, which are numerous, and uses + them in the same manner." "He often + <a name="P_108"></a> + goes with some of his troops by a town in + the day time, and returning in the night, + sets fire to three parts of it, and putting + guards at the fourth, there seizes the people + as they run out from the fire; he ties + their arms behind them, and marches them + either to Joar or Cohone, where he sells + them to the Europeans." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteX_FN4"></a><a href="#FootX_FN4">A</a>: Moor, page 61. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteX_FN5"></a><a href="#FootX_FN5">B</a>: Idem, + p. 46. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + A. Brue, the French director, gives + much the same account, and + says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteX_FN6"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootX_FN6"></a> "That having received goods, he wrote to the + King, that if he had a sufficient number + of slaves, he was ready to trade with him. + This Prince, as well as the other Negroe + monarchs, has always a sure way of supplying + his deficiencies, by selling his own + subjects, for which they seldom want a + pretence. The King had recourse to this + method, by seizing three hundred of his + own people, and sent word to the director, + that he had the slaves ready to + deliver for the goods." It seems, the + King wanted double the quantity of goods + which the factor would give him for these + three hundred slaves; but the factor refusing + to trust him, as he was already in + the company's debt, and perceiving that this + refusal had put the King much out of temper, + he proposed that he should give him + a licence for taking so many more of his + people, as the goods he still wanted were + <a name="P_109"></a> + worth but this the King refused, saying + "<em>It</em> might occasion a disturbance amongst + his subjects."<a class="notelink" href="#NoteX_FN7"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootX_FN7"></a> Except in the above instance, + and some others, where the power + of the Negroe Kings is unlawfully exerted + over their subjects, the slave-trade is carried + on in Guinea with some regard to the laws + of the country, which allow of none to be + sold, but prisoners taken in their national + wars, or people adjudged to slavery in punishment + for crimes; but the largeness of + <a name="P_110"></a> + the country, the number of kingdoms or + commonwealths, and the great encouragement + given by the Europeans, afford frequent + pretences and opportunities to the + bold designing profligates of one kingdom, + to surprize and seize upon not only those of + a neighbouring government, but also the + weak and helpless of their + own;<a class="notelink" href="#NoteX_FN8"><sup>C</sup></a><a name="FootX_FN8"></a> and the + unhappy people, taken on those occasions, + are, with impunity, sold to the Europeans. + These practices are doubtless disapproved of + by the most considerate amongst the Negroes, + for Bosman acquaints us, that even their national + wars are not agreeable to such. He + says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteX_FN9"><sup>D</sup></a><a name="FootX_FN9"></a> "If the person who occasioned the + beginning of the war be taken, they will + not easily admit him to ransom, though his + weight in gold should be offered, for fear + he should in future form some new design + against their repose." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteX_FN6"></a><a href="#FootX_FN6">A</a>: Collection vol. 2. p. + 29. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteX_FN7"></a><a href="#FootX_FN7">B</a>: Note, This Negroe King thus + refusing to comply with the factor's wicked proposal, shews, he was + sensible his own conduct was not justifiable; and it + likewise appears, the factor's only concern was to procure + the greatest number of slaves, without any regard + to the injustice of the method by which they + were procured. This Andrew Brue, was, for a long + time, principal director of the French African factory + in those parts; in the management of which, he is in + the collection said to have had extraordinary success. + The part he ought to have acted as a christian towards + the ignorant Africans seems quite out of the question; + the profit of his employers appears to have been his + sole concern. At page 62, speaking of the country on + the Senegal river, he says, "It was very populous, the + soil rich; and if the people were industrious, they + might, of their own produce, carry on a very advantageous + trade with strangers; there being but few + things in which they could be excelled; <em>but</em> (he adds) + <em>it is to be hoped, the Europeans will never let them into + the secret.</em>" A remark unbecoming humanity, much + more christianity! + </p> + <p><a name="NoteX_FN8"></a><a href="#FootX_FN8">C</a>: This inhuman practice is + particularly described by + Brue, in collect. vol. 2. page 98, where he says, "That + some of the natives are, on all occasions, endeavouring + to surprize and carry off their country people. + They land (says he) without noise, and if they find a + lone cottage, without defence, they surround it, and + carry off all the people and effects to their boat, and + immediately reimbark." This seems to be mostly + practised by some Negroes who dwell on the sea + coast. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteX_FN9"></a><a href="#FootX_FN9">D</a>: Bosman, p. + 155. + </p> + <hr> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="XI"></a> + CHAP. XI. + + </h2><a name="P_111"></a><p> + An account of the shocking inhumanity, + used in the carrying on of the + slave-trade, as described by factors of different + nations, viz. by Francis Moor, on + the river Gambia; and by John Barbot, + A. Brue, and William Bosman, through + the coast of Guinea. <em>Note</em>. Of the large + revenues arising to the Kings of Guinea + from the slave-trade. + + </p> + <p> + First, Francis Moor, factor for the + English African company, on the river + Gambia,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteXI_FN1"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootXI_FN1"></a> writes, + "That there are a number + of Negro traders, called joncoes, or + merchants, who follow the slave-trade as + a business; their place of residence is so + high up in the country as to be six + weeks travel from James Fort, which is + situate at the mouth of that river. These + merchants bring down elephants teeth, + and in some years two thousand slaves, + most of which, they say, are prisoners + taken in war. They buy them from the + <a name="P_112"></a> + different Princes who take them; many + of them are Bumbrongs and Petcharies; + nations, who each of them have different + languages, and are brought from a vast + way inland. Their way of bringing them + is tying them by the neck with leather + thongs, at about a yard distant from each + other, thirty or forty in a string, having + generally a bundle of corn or elephants + teeth upon each of their heads. In their + way from the mountains, they travel thro' + very great woods, where they cannot for + some days get water; so they carry in skin + bags enough to support them for a time. + I cannot (adds Moor) be certain of the + number of merchants who follow this + trade, but there may, perhaps, be about + an hundred, who go up into the inland + country, with the goods which they buy + from the white men, and with them purchase, + in various countries, gold, slaves, + and elephants teeth. Besides the slaves, + which the merchants bring down, there + are many bought along the river: These + are either taken in war, as the former are, + or men condemned for crimes; <em>or else people + stolen, which is very frequent</em>.—Since the + slave-trade has been used, all punishments + are changed into slavery; there being an + advantage on such condemnation, <em>they + <a name="P_113"></a> + strain for crimes very hard, in order to get the + benefit of selling the criminal</em>." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteXI_FN1"></a><a href="#FootXI_FN1">A</a>: Moor, page 28. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + John Barbot, the French factor, in his + account of the manner by which the slaves + are procured, says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteXI_FN2"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootXI_FN2"></a> "The slaves sold by + the Negroes, are for the most part prisoners + of war, or taken in the incursions + they make in their enemies territories; + others are stolen away by their neighbours, + when found abroad on the road, + or in the woods; or else in the corn + fields, at the time of the year when their + parents keep them there all the day to + scare away the devouring small birds." + Speaking of the transactions on that part of + Guinea called the Slave Coast, where the + Europeans have the most factories, and + from whence they bring away much the + greatest number of slaves, the same author, + and also Bosman<a class="notelink" href="#NoteXI_FN3"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootXI_FN3"></a> says, "The inhabitants + of Coto do much mischief, in stealing those + slaves they sell to the Europeans, from the + upland country.—That the inhabitants + of Popo excell the former; being endowed + with a much larger share of courage, + they rob more successfully, by + which means they increase their riches + and trade," The author particularly remarks, + <a name="P_114"></a> + "<em>That they are encouraged in this + practice by the Europeans</em>; sometimes it + happens, according to the success of their + inland excursions, that they are able to + furnish two hundred slaves or more, in a + few days." And he says,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteXI_FN4"><sup>C</sup></a><a name="FootXI_FN4"></a> "The blacks + of Fida, or Whidah, are so expeditious in + trading for slaves, that they can deliver a + thousand every month."—"If there + happens to be no stock of slaves there, + the factor must trust the blacks with his + goods, to the value of one hundred and + fifty, or two hundred pounds; which goods + they carry up into the inland country, + to buy slaves at all markets,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteXI_FN5"><sup>D</sup></a><a name="FootXI_FN5"></a> for above + <a name="P_115"></a> + six hundred miles up the country, where + they are kept like cattle in Europe; the + slaves sold there being generally prisoners + of war, taken from their enemies like + other booty, and perhaps some few sold + by their own countrymen, in extreme + want, or upon a famine, as also some as a + punishment of heinous crimes." So far + Barbot's account; that given by William + Bosman is as follows:<a class="notelink" href="#NoteXI_FN6"><sup>E</sup></a><a name="FootXI_FN6"></a> "When the slaves + which are brought from the inland countries + come to Whidah, they are put in + prison together; when we treat concerning + buying them, they are all brought out + together in a large plain, where, by our + surgeons, they are thoroughly examined, + and that naked, both men and women, + without the least distinction or + modesty.<a class="notelink" href="#NoteXI_FN7"><sup>F</sup></a><a name="FootXI_FN7"></a> Those + <a name="P_116"></a> + which are approved as good, are set + on one side; in the mean while a burning + iron, with the arms or name of the company, + lies in the fire, with which ours are + marked on the breast. When we have agreed + with the owners of the slaves, they + are returned to their prisons, where, from + that time forward, they are kept at our + charge, and cost us two pence a day each + slave, which serves to subsist them like criminals + on bread and water; so that to + <a name="P_117"></a> + save charges, we send them on board our + ships the very first opportunity; before + which, their masters strip them of all they + have on their backs, so that they come on + board stark naked, as well women as men. + In which condition they are obliged to + continue, if the master of the ship is not + so charitable (which he commonly is) as to + bestow something on them to cover their + nakedness. Six or seven hundred are + sometimes put on board a vessel, where + they lie as close together as it is possible + for them to be crowded." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteXI_FN2"></a><a href="#FootXI_FN2">A</a>: John Barbot, + page 47. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteXI_FN3"></a><a href="#FootXI_FN3">B</a>: Bosman, page + 310. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteXI_FN4"></a><a href="#FootXI_FN4">C</a>: Barbot, page + 326. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteXI_FN5"></a><a href="#FootXI_FN5">D</a>: When the + great income which arises to the Negroe Kings on the Slave-Coast, from the + slaves brought thro' their several governments, to be shipped on board + the European vessels, is considered, we have no cause + to wonder that they give so great a countenance to + that trade: William Bosman says, page 337, "<em>That + each ship which comes to Whidah to trade, reckoning one + with another, either by toll, trade, or custom, pays + about four hundred pounds, and sometimes fifty ships + come hither in a year." Barbot confirms the same, and + adds, page 350, "That in the neighbouring kingdom of + Ardah, the duty to the King is the value of seventy or + eighty slaves for each trading ship</em>." Which is near half + as much more as at Whidah; nor can the Europeans, + concerned in the trade, with any degree of propriety, + blame the African Kings for countenancing it, while + they continue to send vessels, on purpose to take in the + slaves which are thus stolen, and that they are permitted, + under the sanction of national laws, to sell them + to the colonies. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteXI_FN6"></a><a href="#FootXI_FN6">E</a>: Bosman, page + 340. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteXI_FN7"></a><a href="#FootXI_FN7">F</a>: Note, from the above account + of the indecent and shocking manner in which the unhappy Negroes are + treated, it is reasonable for persons unacquainted with + these people, to conclude them to be void of that natural + modesty, so becoming a reasonable creature; but + those who have had intercourse with the Blacks in + these northern colonies, know that this would be a + wrong conclusion, for they are indeed as susceptible + of modesty and shame as other people. It is the unparallel'd + brutality, to which the Europeans have, by + long custom, been inured, which urgeth them, without + blushing, to act so shameful a part. Such usage is + certainly grievous to the poor Negroes, particularly the + women; but they are slaves, and must submit to this, + or any other abuse that is offered them by their cruel + task-masters, or expect to be inhumanly tormented into acquiescence. + That the Blacks are unaccustomed + to such brutality, appears from an instance mentioned + in Ashley's collection, vol. 2. page 201, viz. + "At an audience which Casseneuve had of the King + of Congo, where he was used with a great deal of + civility by the Blacks, some slaves were delivered + to him. The King observing Casseneuve (according + to the custom of the Europeans) to handle the + limbs of the slaves, burst out a laughing, as did + the great men about him: the factor asking the + interpreter the occasion of their mirth, was told + it proceeded from his so nicely examining the slaves. + Nevertheless, <em>the King was so ashamed of it, that he + desired him, for decency's sake, to do it in a more private + manner.</em>" + </p> + <hr> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="XII"></a> + CHAP. XII. + + </h2><a name="P_118"></a><p> + Extracts of several Journals + of Voyages to the coast of Guinea for + slaves, whereby the extreme inhumanity of + that traffick is described. <em>Melancholy</em> account + of a ship blown up on that coast, + with a great number of Negroes on board, + <em>Instances</em> of shocking barbarity perpetrated + by masters of vessels towards their slaves. + <em>Inquiry</em> why these scandalous infringements, + both of divine and human laws, + are overlooked by the government. + + </p> + <p> + The misery and bloodshed attendant + on the slave-trade, are set forth by the + following extracts of two voyages to the + coast of Guinea for slaves. The first in a + vessel from Liverpool, + taken <i>verbatim</i> from + the original manuscript of the Surgeon's + Journal, <i>viz.</i></p> + <p> + "Sestro, December the 29th, 1724, No + trade to day, though many traders came + on board; they informed us, that the + people are gone to war within land, and + will bring prisoners enough in two or + three days, in hopes of which we stay." + + </p><a name="P_119"></a><p> + The 30th. "No trade yet, but our traders + came on board to day, and informed + us the people had burnt four towns of + their enemies, so that to-morrow we expect + slaves off: another large ship is come + in. Yesterday came in a large Londoner." + + </p> + <p> + The 31st. "Fair weather, but no trade + yet; we see each night towns burning, + but we hear the Sestro men are many of + them killed by the inland Negroes, so + that we fear this war will be unsuccessful." + + </p> + <p> + The 2d of January. "Last night we saw + a prodigious fire break out about eleven + o'clock, and this morning see the town + of Sestro burnt down to the ground; (it + contained some hundreds of houses) So that + we find their enemies are too hard for + them at present, and consequently our + trade spoiled here; therefore, about seven + o'clock, we weighed anchor, as did likewise + the three other vessels, to proceed + lower down." + + </p> + <p> + The second relation, also taken from the + original manuscript Journal of a person of + credit, who went surgeon on the same trade, + in a vessel from New-York, about twenty + years past, is as follows; <i>viz.</i> "Being on the + coast, the Commander of the vessel, according + to custom, sent a person on shore + with a present to the King, acquainting + <a name="P_120"></a> + him with his arrival, and letting him + know, they wanted a cargo of slaves. The + King promised to furnish them with the + slaves; and, in order to do it, set out to + go to war against his enemies; designing + to surprise some town, and take all the + people prisoners. Some time after, the + King sent them word, he had not yet met + with the desired success; having been + twice repulsed, in attempting to break up + two towns, but that he still hoped to procure + a number of slaves for them; and in + this design he persisted, till he met his enemies + in the field, where a battle was + fought, which lasted three days, during + which time the engagement was so bloody + that four thousand five hundred men + were slain on the spot." The person who + wrote the account, beheld the bodies, as + they lay on the field of battle. "Think + (says he in his Journal) what a pitiable + sight it was, to see the widows weeping + over their lost husbands, orphans deploring + the loss of their fathers, &c. &c." In + he 6th vol. of Churchill's collection of Voyages, + page 219, we have the relation of a + voyage performed by Captain Philips, in a + ship of 450 tuns, along the coast of Guinea, + for elephants teeth, gold, and Negroe slaves, + intended for Barbadoes; in which he says, + that they took "seven hundred slaves on + <a name="P_121"></a> + board, the men being all put in irons two + by two, shackled together to prevent their + mutinying or swimming ashore. That the + Negroes are so loth to leave their own + country, that they often leap out of the + canoe, boat, or ship, into the sea, and keep + under water till they are drowned, to + avoid being taken up, and saved by the + boats which pursue them."—They + had about twelve Negroes who willingly + drowned themselves; others starved themselves + to death.—Philips was advised + to cut off the legs and arms of some to terrify + the rest, (as other Captains had done) + but this he refused to do. From the time of + his taking the Negroes on board, to his arrival + at Barbadoes, no less than three hundred + and twenty died of various + diseases.<a class="notelink" href="#NoteXII_FN1"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootXII_FN1"></a><a name="P_122"></a></p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteXII_FN1"></a><a href="#FootXII_FN1">A</a>: <em>The following relation + is inserted at the request of the author.</em><br><br> + That I may contribute all in my power towards + the good of mankind, by inspiring any individuals + with a suitable abhorrence of that detestable practice + of trading in our fellow-creatures, and in some measure + atone for my neglect of duty as a Christian, in engaging + in that wicked traffic, I offer to their serious consideration + some few occurrences, of which I was an eye-witness; + that being struck with the wretched and affecting + scene, they may foster that humane principle, which + is the noble and distinguished characteristic of man, and + improve it to the benefit of their children's children. + <br><br> + About the year 1749, I sailed from Liverpool to + the coast of Guinea. Some time after our arrival, I + was ordered to go up the country a considerable + distance, upon having notice from one of the Negroe + Kings, that he had a parcel of slaves to dispose + of. I received my instructions, and went, carrying + with me an account of such goods as we had on board, + to exchange for the slaves we intended to purchase. + Upon being introduced, I presented him with a + small case of English spirits, a gun, and some trifles; + which having accepted, and understood by an interpreter + what goods we had, the next day was appointed + for viewing the slaves; we found about two + hundred confined in one place. But here how shall + I relate the affecting sight I there beheld! How can + I sufficiently describe the silent sorrow which appeared + in the countenance of the afflicted father, and + the painful anguish of the tender mother, expecting to + be for ever separated from their tender offspring; the + distressed maid, wringing her hands in presage of her + future wretchedness, and the general cry of the innocent + from a dreadful apprehension of the perpetual slavery to + which they were doomed! Under a sense of my offence + to God, in the persons of his creatures, I acknowledge I + purchased eleven, whom I conducted tied two and two to + the ship. Being but a small ship, (ninety ton) we soon + purchased our cargo, consisting of one hundred and + seventy slaves, whom thou mayest, reader, range in thy + view, as they were shackled two and two together, pent + up within the narrow confines of the main deck, with the + complicated distress of sickness, chains, and contempt; + deprived of every fond and social tie, and, in a great + measure, reduced to a state of desperation. We had not + been a fortnight at sea, before the fatal consequence of + this despair appeared; they formed a design of recovering + their natural right, LIBERTY, by rising and murdering + every man on board; but the goodness of the Almighty + rendered their scheme abortive, and his mercy + spared us to have time to repent. The plot was discovered; + the ring-leader, tied by the two thumbs over the + barricade door, at sun-rise received a number of lashes: + in this situation he remained till sun-set, exposed to the + insults and barbarity of the brutal crew of sailors, with + full leave to exercise their cruelty at pleasure. The consequence + of this was, that next morning the miserable + sufferer was found dead, flayed from the shoulders to the + waist. The next victim was a youth, who, from too + strong a sense of his misery, refused nourishment, and + died disregarded and unnoticed, till the hogs had fed on + part of his flesh. Will not christianity blush at this impious + sacrilege? May the relation of it serve to call back + the struggling remains of humanity in the hearts of those, + who, from a love of wealth, partake in any degree of + this oppressive gain; and have such an effect on the minds + of the sincere, as may be productive of peace, the happy + effect of true repentance for past transgressions, and a + resolution to renounce all connexion with it for the time + to come. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + Reader, bring the matter home to thy own + heart, and consider whether any situation can + be more completely miserable than that of + <a name="P_123"></a> + these distressed captives. When we reflect + that each individual of this number had probably + some tender attachment, which was + broken by this cruel separation; some parent + or wife, who had not an opportunity of + mingling tears in a parting embrace; perhaps + some infants, or aged parents, whom + his labour was to feed, and vigilance protect; + themselves under the most dreadful apprehension + <a name="P_124"></a> + of an unknown perpetual slavery; + confined within the narrow limits of a vessel, + where often several hundreds lie as close as + possible. Under these aggravated distresses, + they are often reduced to a state of despair, + in which many have been frequently killed, + and some deliberately put to death under the + greatest torture, when they have attempted + to rise, in order to free themselves from present + misery, and the slavery designed them. + Many accounts of this nature might be mentioned; + indeed from the vast number of vessels + employed in the trade, and the repeated + relations in the public prints of Negroes rising + on board the vessels from Guinea, it is more + than probable, that many such instances occur + every year. I shall only mention one example + of this kind, by which the reader may judge + of the rest; it is in Astley's collection, vol. 2. + p. 449, related by John Atkins, surgeon on + board admiral Ogle's squadron, of one + "Harding, master of a vessel in which several + of the men-slaves and women-slaves + had attempted to rise, in order to recover + their liberty; some of whom the master, + of his own authority, sentenced to cruel + death, making them first eat the heart + and liver of one of those he had killed. + The woman he hoisted by the thumbs, + whipped, and slashed with knives before + <a name="P_125"></a> + the other slaves, till she died."<a class="notelink" href="#NoteXII_FN2"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootXII_FN2"></a> As detestable + and shocking as this may appear to + such whose hearts are not yet hardened by the + practice of that cruelty, which the love of + <a name="P_126"></a> + wealth by degrees introduceth into the human + mind, it will not be strange to those who have + been concerned or employed in the trade. + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteXII_FN2"></a><a href="#FootXII_FN2">A</a>: A + memorable instance of some of the dreadful effects + of the slave-trade, happened about five years past, on a + ship from this port, then at anchor about three miles + from shore, near Acra Fort, on the coast of Guinea. + They had purchased between four and five hundred + Negroes, and were ready to sail for the West Indies. It + is customary on board those vessels, to keep the men + shackled two by two, each by one leg to a small iron + bar; these are every day brought on the deck for the + benefit of air; and lest they should attempt to recover + their freedom, they are made fast to two common chains, + which are extended on each side the main deck; the + women and children are loose. This was the situation + of the slaves on board this vessel, when it took fire by + means of a person who was drawing spirits by the light + of a lamp; the cask bursting, the fire spread with so + much violence, that in about ten minutes, the sailors, + apprehending it impossible to extinguish it before it + could reach a large quantity of powder they had on + board, concluded it necessary to cast themselves into the + sea, as the only chance of saving their lives; and first + they endeavoured to loose the chains by which the Negroe + men were fastened to the deck; but in the confusion the + key being missing, they had but just time to loose one + of the chains by wrenching the staple; when the vehemence + of the fire so increased, that they all but one + man jumped over board, when immediately the fire + having gained the powder, the vessel blew up with all + the slaves who remained fastened to the one chain, and + such others as had not followed the sailors examples. + There happened to be three Portugueze vessels in sight, + who, with others from the shore, putting out their + boats, took up about two hundred and fifty of those + poor souls who remained alive; of which number, about + fifty died on shore, being mostly of those who were fettered + together by iron shackles, which, as they jumped + into the sea, had broke their legs, and these fractures + being inflamed by so long a struggle in the sea, probably + mortified, which occasioned the death of every one that + was so wounded. The two hundred remaining alive, + were soon disposed of, for account of the owners to other + purchasers. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + Now here arises a necessary query to those + who hold the balance of justice, and who + must be accountable to God for the use they + have made of it, That as the principles on + which the British constitution is founded, + are so favourable to the common rights of + mankind, how it has happened that the laws + which countenance this iniquitous traffic, + have obtained the sanction of the legislature? + and that the executive part of the government + should so long shut their ears to continual + reports of the barbarities perpetrated + against this unhappy people, and leave the + trading subjects at liberty to trample on the + most precious rights of others, even without + a rebuke? Why are the masters of vessels thus + suffered to be the sovereign arbiters of the + lives of the miserable Negroes, and allowed + <a name="P_127"></a> + with impunity thus to destroy (may I not properly + say, <em>to murder</em>) their fellow-creatures; + and that by means so cruel, as cannot be even + related but with shame and horror? + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="XIII"></a> + CHAP. XIII. + + </h2><a name="P_128"></a><p> + Usage of the Negroes, when + they arrive in the West Indies. An hundred + thousand Negroes brought from + Guinea every year to the English colonies. + The number of Negroes who die in the passage + and seasoning. These are, properly + speaking, murdered by the prosecution of + this infamous traffic. Remarks on its + dreadful <em>effects and tendency</em>. + + </p> + <p> + When the vessels arrive at their destined + port in the colonies, the poor + Negroes are to be disposed of to the planters; + and here they are again exposed naked, + without any distinction of sexes, to the + brutal examination of their purchasers; and + this, it may well be judged, is, to many, + another occasion of deep distress. Add to + this, that near connexions must now again be + separated, to go with their several purchasers; + this must be deeply affecting to all, but such + whose hearts are seared by the love of gain. + Mothers are seen hanging over their daughters, + bedewing their naked breasts with + tears, and daughters clinging to their parents, + <a name="P_129"></a> + not knowing what new stage of distress + must follow their separation, or whether + they shall ever meet again. And here + what sympathy, what commiseration, do + they meet with? Why, indeed, if they will + not separate as readily as their owners think + proper, the whipper is called for, and the + lash exercised upon their naked bodies, + till obliged to part. Can any human heart, + which is not become callous by the practice + of such cruelties, be unconcerned, even at + the relation of such grievous affliction, to + which this oppressed part of our species are + subjected. + + </p> + <p> + In a book, printed in Liverpool, called + <i>The Liverpool Memorandum</i>, which contains, + amongst other things, an account of the + trade of that port, there is an exact list of + the vessels employed in the Guinea trade, + and of the number of slaves imported in each + vessel; by which it appears that in the year + 1753, the number imported to America by + one hundred and one vessels belonging to + that port, amounted to upwards of thirty + thousand; and from the number of vessels + employed by the African company in London + and Bristol, we may, with some degree + of certainty, conclude, there are one + hundred thousand Negroes purchased and + brought on board our ships yearly from the + coast of Africa. This is confirmed in Anderson's + <a name="P_130"></a> + history of Trade and Commerce, lately + printed; where it is said,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteXIII_FN1"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootXIII_FN1"></a> "That + England supplies her American colonies with + Negroe slaves, amounting in number to + above one hundred thousand every year." + When the vessels are full freighted with + slaves, they sail for our plantations in America, + and may be two or three months in the + voyage; during which time, from the filth + and stench that is among them, distempers + frequently break out, which carry off commonly + a fifth, a fourth, yea sometimes a + third or more of them: so that taking all the + slaves together, that are brought on board + our ships yearly, one may reasonably suppose, + that at least ten thousand of them die on + the voyage. And in a printed account of + the state of the Negroes in our plantations, + it is supposed that a fourth part, more or less, + die at the different islands, in what is called + the seasoning. Hence it may be presumed, + that at a moderate computation of the slaves + who are purchased by our African merchants + in a year, near thirty thousand die + upon the voyage, and in the seasoning. Add + to this, the prodigious number who are + killed in the incursions and intestine wars, + by which the Negroes procure the number + of slaves wanted to load the vessels. How + <a name="P_131"></a> + dreadful then is this slave-trade, whereby + so many thousands of our fellow creatures, + free by nature, endued with the same rational + faculties, and called to be heirs of the + same salvation with us, lose their lives, and + are, truly and properly speaking, murdered + every year! For it is not necessary, in order + to convict a man of murder, to make it appear + that he had an <em>intention</em> to commit + murder; whoever does, by unjust force or + violence, deprive another of his liberty, and, + while he hath him in his power, continues + so to oppress him by cruel treatment, as eventually + to occasion his death, is actually + guilty of murder. It is enough to make + a thoughtful person tremble, to think what + a load of guilt lies upon our nation on this + account; and that the blood of thousands of + poor innocent creatures, murdered every + year in the prosecution of this wicked trade, + cries aloud to Heaven for vengeance. Were + we to hear or read of a nation that destroyed + every year, in some other way, as many + human creatures as perish in this trade, we + should certainly consider them as a very + bloody, barbarous people; if it be alledged, + that the legislature hath encouraged, and + still does encourage this trade, It is answered, + that no legislature on earth can alter the + nature of things, so as to make that to be + right which is contrary to the law of God, + <a name="P_132"></a> + (the supreme Legislator and Governor of the + world) and opposeth the promulgation of the + Gospel of <em>peace on earth, and good will to man</em>. + Injustice may be methodized and established + by law, but still it will be injustice, as much + as it was before; though its being so established + may render men more insensible of the + guilt, and more bold and secure in the perpetration + of it. + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteXIII_FN1"></a><a href="#FootXIII_FN1">A</a>: Appendix + to Anderson's history, p. 68. + </p> + <hr> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="XIV"></a> + CHAP. XIV. + + </h2> + <p> + Observations on the disposition + and capacity of the Negroes: Why + thought inferior to that of the Whites. + Affecting instances of the slavery of the + Negroes. Reflections thereon. + + </p> + <p> + Doubts may arise in the minds of + some, whether the foregoing accounts, + relating to the natural capacity and good + disposition of the inhabitants of Guinea, + and of the violent manner in which they are + said to be torn from their native land, are to + be depended upon; as those Negroes who + <a name="P_133"></a> + are brought to us, are not heard to complain, + and do but seldom manifest such a + docility and quickness of parts, as is agreeable + thereto. But those who make these objections, + are desired to note the many discouragements + the poor Africans labour under, + when brought from their native land. + Let them consider, that those afflicted strangers, + though in an <em>enlightened Christian country</em>, + have yet but little opportunity or encouragement + to exert and improve their natural + talents: They are constantly employed + in servile labour; and the abject condition in + which we see them, naturally raises an idea + of a superiority in ourselves; whence we are + apt to look upon them as an ignorant and + contemptible part of mankind. Add to this, + that they meet with very little encouragement + of freely conversing with such of the + Whites, as might impart instruction to them. + It is a fondness for wealth, for authority, or + honour, which prompts most men in their + endeavours to excell; but these motives can + have little influence upon the minds of the + Negroes; few of them having any reasonable + prospect of any other than a state of slavery; + so that, though their natural capacities + were ever so good, they have neither inducement + or opportunity to exert them to + advantage: This naturally tends to depress + their minds, and sink their spirits into habits + <a name="P_134"></a> + of idleness and sloth, which they would, + in all likelihood, have been free from, had + they stood upon an equal footing with + the white people. They are suffered, with + impunity, to cohabit together, without being + married; and to part, when solemnly + engaged to one another as man and wife; + notwithstanding the moral and religious laws + of the land, strictly prohibiting such practices. + This naturally tends to beget apprehensions + in the most thoughtful of those + people, that we look upon them as a lower + race, not worthy of the same care, nor liable + to the same rewards and punishments as ourselves. + Nevertheless it may with truth be + said, that both amongst those who have obtained + their freedom, and those who remain + in servitude, some have manifested a + strong sagacity and an exemplary uprightness + of heart. If this hath not been generally + the case with them, is it a matter of surprize? + Have we not reason to make the + same complaint of many white servants, + when discharged from our service, though + many of them have had much greater opportunities + of knowledge and improvement + than the blacks; who, even when free, labour + under the same difficulties as before: + having but little access to, and intercourse + with, the most reputable white people, they + remain confined within their former limits + <a name="P_135"></a> + of conversation. And if they seldom complain + of the unjust and cruel usage they have + received, in being forced from their native + country, &c. it is not to be wondered at; + it being a considerable time after their arrival + amongst us, before they can speak our language; + and, by the time they are able to + express themselves, they have great reason + to believe, that little or no notice would be + taken of their complaints: yet let any person + enquire of those who were capable of reflection, + before they were brought from their + native land, and he will hear such affecting + relations, as, if not lost to the common + feelings of humanity, will sensibly affect his + heart. The case of a poor Negroe, not long + since brought from Guinea, is a recent instance + of this kind. From his first arrival, + he appeared thoughtful and dejected, frequently + dropping tears when taking notice + of his master's children, the cause of which + was not known till he was able to speak English, + when the account he gave of himself + was, "That he had a wife and children in + his own country; that some of these being + sick and thirsty, he went in the night + time, to fetch water at a spring, where + he was violently seized and carried away + by persons who lay in wait to catch men, + from whence he was transported to America. + The remembrance of his family, + <a name="P_136"></a> + friends, and other connections, left behind, + which he never expected to see any more, + were the principal cause of his dejection + and grief." Many cases, equally affecting, + might be here mentioned; but one more instance, + which fell under the notice of a person + of credit, will suffice. One of these + wretched creatures, then about 50 years of + age, informed him, "That being violently + torn from a wife and several children in + Guinea, he was sold in Jamaica, where + never expecting to see his native land or + family any more, he joined himself to a + Negroe woman, by whom he had two + children: after some years, it suiting the + interest of his owner to remove him, he + was separated from his second wife and + children, and brought to South Carolina, + where, expecting to spend the remainder + of his days, he engaged with a third wife, + by whom he had another child; but here + the same consequence of one man being + subject to the will and pleasure of another + man occurring, he was separated from + this last wife and child, and brought into + this country, where he remained a slave." + Can any, whose mind is not rendered quite + obdurate by the love of wealth, hear these + relations, without being deeply touched + with sympathy and sorrow? And doubtless + the case of many, very many of these afflicted + <a name="P_137"></a> + people, upon enquiry, would be found + to be attended with circumstances equally + tragical and aggravating. And if we enquire + of those Negroes, who were brought + away from their native country when children, + we shall find most of them to have been + stolen away, when abroad from their parents, + on the roads, in the woods, or watching + their corn-fields. Now, you that have + studied the book of conscience, and you + that are learned in the law, what will you + say to such deplorable cases? When, and + how, have these oppressed people forfeited + their liberty? Does not justice loudly call + for its being restored to them? Have they + not the same right to demand it, as any of us + should have, if we had been violently snatched + by pirates from our native land? Is it + not the duty of every dispenser of justice, + who is not forgetful of his own humanity, + to remember that these are men, and to declare + them free? Where instances of such + cruelty frequently occur, and are neither + enquired into, nor redressed, by those whose + duty it is <em>to seek judgment, and relieve the oppressed</em>, + Isaiah i. 17. what can be expected, + but that the groans and cries of these sufferers + will reach Heaven; and what shall we do + <em>when God riseth up? and when he visiteth</em>, what + will ye answer him? <em>Did not he that made + them, make us; and did not one fashion us in + the womb</em>? Job xxxi. 14. + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="XIV_a"></a> + CHAP XIV. + + </h2><a name="P_138"></a><p> + The expediency of a general + freedom being granted to the Negroes + considered. <em>Reasons</em> why it might be productive + of advantage and <em>safety to the Colonies</em>. + + </p> + <p> + It is scarce to be doubted, but that the + foregoing accounts will beget in the + heart of the considerate readers an earnest + desire to see a stop put to this complicated + evil, but the objection with many is, What + shall be done with those Negroes already + imported, and born in our families? Must + they be sent to Africa? That would be to + expose them, in a strange land, to greater + difficulties than many of them labour under + at present. To let them suddenly free here, + would be perhaps attended with no less difficulty; + for, undiciplined as they are in religion + and virtue, they might give a loose + to those evil habits, which the fear of a master + would have restrained. These are objections, + which weigh with many well disposed + people, and it must be granted, these are difficulties + in the way; nor can any general + <a name="P_139"></a> + change be made, or reformation effected, + without some; but the difficulties are not so + great but that they may be surmounted. + If the government was so considerate of the + iniquity and danger attending on this practice, + as to be willing to seek a remedy, doubtless + the Almighty would bless this good + intention, and such methods would be + thought of, as would not only put an end + to the unjust oppression of the Negroes, but + might bring them under regulations, that + would enable them to become profitable + members of society; for the furtherance of + which, the following proposals are offered + to consideration: That all farther importation + of slaves be absolutely prohibited; and + as to those born among us, after serving + so long as may appear to be equitable, let + them by law be declared free. Let every + one, thus set free, be enrolled in the county + courts, and be obliged to be a resident, + during a certain number of years, within + the said county, under the care of the overseers + of the poor. Thus being, in some + sort, still under the direction of governors, + and the notice of those who were formerly + acquainted with them, they would be obliged + to act the more circumspectly, and make + proper use of their liberty, and their children + <a name="P_140"></a> + would have an opportunity of obtaining + such instructions, as are necessary to the common + occasions of life; and thus both parents + and children might gradually become useful + members of the community. And further, + where the nature of the country would permit, + as certainly the uncultivated condition + of our southern and most western colonies + easily would, suppose a small tract of land + were assigned to every Negroe family, and + they obliged to live upon and improve it, + (when not hired out to work for the white + people) this would encourage them to exert + their abilities, and become industrious subjects. + Hence, both planters and tradesmen + would be plentifully supplied with chearful + and willing-minded labourers, much vacant + land would be cultivated, the produce of + the country be justly increased, the taxes + for the support of government lessened to + individuals, by the increase of taxables, and + the Negroes, instead of being an object of + terror,<a class="notelink" href="#NoteXIV_FN1"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootXIV_FN1"></a> as + they certainly must be to the governments + <a name="P_141"></a> + where their numbers are great, + would become interested in their safety and + welfare. + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteXIV_FN1"></a><a href="#FootXIV_FN1">A</a>: The hard usage the Negroes + meet with in the plantations, and the great disproportion between them and + the white people, will always be a just cause of terror. + In Jamaica, and some parts of South-Carolina, it is + supposed that there are fifteen blacks to one white. + </p> + <hr> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="XV"></a> + CHAP. XV. + + </h2> + <p> + Answer to a mistaken opinion, + that the warmth of the climate in the West-Indies, + will not permit white people to labour + there. No complaint of disability + in the whites, in that respect, in the settlement + of the islands. Idleness and diseases + prevailed, as the use of slaves increased. + <em>The great</em> advantage which might accrue + to the British nation, if the slave trade + was entirely laid aside, and a fair and + friendly commerce established through the + whole coast of Africa. + + </p> + <p> + It is frequently offered as an argument, + in vindication of the use of Negroe slaves, + that the warmth of the climate in the West + Indies will not permit white people to labour + in the culture of the land: but upon + an acquaintance with the nature of the climate, + and its effects upon such labouring + <a name="P_142"></a> + white people, as are prudent and moderate + in labour, and the use of spirituous liquors, + this will be found to be a mistaken opinion. + Those islands were, at first, wholly cultivated + by white men; the encouragement they + then met with, for a long course of years, + was such as occasioned a great increase of + people. Richard Ligon, in his history of + Barbadoes, where he resided from the year + 1647 to 1650, about 24 years after his first + settlement, writes, "that there were then + fifty thousand souls on that island, besides + Negroes; and that though the weather + was very hot, yet not so scalding + but that servants, both christians and + slaves, laboured ten hours a day." By + other accounts we gather, that the white + people have since decreased to less than one + half the number which was there at that + time; and by relations of the first settlements + of the other islands, we do not meet + with any complaints of unfitness in the white + people for labour there, before slaves were + introduced. The island of Hispaniola, which + is one of the largest of those islands, was at + first planted by the Buccaneers, a set of hardy + laborious men, who continued so for a + long course of years; till following the example + of their neighbours, in the purchase + and use of Negroe slaves, idleness and excess + prevailing, debility and disease naturally + <a name="P_143"></a> + succeeded, and have ever since continued. + If, under proper regulations, liberty + was proclaimed through the colonies, the + Negroes, from dangerous, grudging, half-fed + slaves, might become able, willing-minded + labourers. And if there was not a sufficient + number of these to do the necessary + work, a competent number of labouring + people might be procured from Europe, + which affords numbers of poor distressed objects, + who, if not overlooked, with proper + usage, might, in several respects, better answer + every good purpose in performing the + necessary labour in the islands, than the slaves + now do. + + </p> + <p> + A farther considerable advantage might + accrue to the British nation in general, if + the slave trade was laid aside, by the cultivation + of a fair, friendly, and humane commerce + with the Africans; without which, + it is not possible the inland trade of that + country should ever be extended to the degree + it is capable of; for while the spirit of + butchery and making slaves of each other, + is promoted by the Europeans amongst the + Negroes, no mutual confidence can take + place; nor will the Europeans be able to + travel with safety into the heart of their + country, to form and cement such commercial + friendships and alliances, as might be + necessary to introduce the arts and sciences + <a name="P_144"></a> + amongst them, and engage their attention + to instruction in the principles of the christian + religion, which is the only sure foundation + of every social virtue. Africa has + about ten thousand miles of sea coast, and + extends in depth near three thousand miles + from east to west, and as much from north + to south, stored with vast treasures of materials, + necessary for the trade and manufactures + of Great-Britain; and from its climate, + and the fruitfulness of its soil, capable, under + proper management, of producing in + the greatest plenty, most of the commodities + which are imported into Europe from those + parts of America subject to the English + government;<a class="notelink" href="#NoteXV_FN1"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootXV_FN1"></a> and + as, in return, they would + take our manufactures, the advantages of + this trade would soon become so great, + that it is evident this subject merits the regard + and attention of the government. + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteXV_FN1"></a><a href="#FootXV_FN1">A</a>: See note, page 109. + </p> + <hr> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="GSharp"></a><br><br><br><br> + EXTRACT + <br><br> + FROM A + <br><br> + REPRESENTATION + <br><br> + OF THE + <br><br> + INJUSTICE + <br><br> + AND + <br><br> + DANGEROUS TENDENCY + <br><br> + OF TOLERATING + <br><br> + SLAVERY; + <br><br><br><br> + OR + + <br><br> + Admitting the least CLAIM of private Property + in the Persons of Men in England. + <br><br><br><br> + By GRANVILLE SHARP. + <br><br><br><br> + FIRST PRINTED IN LONDON. + <br><br><br><br> + MDCCLXIX. + <br><br><br><br> + CONTENTS. + + </h2><a name="P_145"></a><p><i>The occasion of this Treatise. + All Persons during their residence + in</i> Great Britain <i>are subjects; and as + such, bound to the laws, and under + the Kings protection. By the English + laws, no man, of what condition + soever, to be imprisoned, or any way + deprived of his</i> LIBERTY, <i>without a + legal process. The danger of</i> Slavery + <i>taking place in England. Prevails + in the Northern Colonies, notwithstanding + the people's plea in favour + of</i> Liberty. <i>Advertisements in + the New-York Journal for the sale + of</i> SLAVES. <i>Advertisements to the + same purpose in the public prints in + England. The danger of confining + any person without a legal warrant. + Instances of that nature. Note, + Extract of several American laws, + Reflexions thereon.</i></p><a name="P_147"></a><p><b>EXTRACT, &c.</b></p> + <p> + Some persons respectable in the law, + having given it as their opinion, + "<i>That a slave, by coming from the West Indies + to Great Britain or Ireland, either with or + without his master, doth not become free, or + that his master's property or right in him is + not thereby determined or varied;—and + that the master may legally compel him to return + again to the plantations</i>,"—this + causes our author to remark, that these + lawyers, by thus stating the case merely + on one side of the question, (I mean in favour + of the master) have occasioned an unjust presumption + and prejudice, plainly inconsistent + with the laws of the realm, and against the + other side of the question; as they have not + signified that their opinion was only conditional, + and not absolute, and must be understood + on the part of the master, "<i>That he can + produce an authentic agreement or contract + in writing, by which it shall appear, that + the said slave hath voluntarily bound himself, + without compulsion or illegal duress</i>." + + </p> + <p> + Page 5. Indeed there are many instances of + persons being freed from slavery by the laws + <a name="P_148"></a> + of England, but (God be thanked) there is + neither law, nor even a precedent, (at least I + have not been able to find one) of a legal + determination to justify a master in claiming + or detaining any person whatsoever as a + slave in England, who has not voluntarily + bound himself as such by a contract in + writing. + + </p> + <p> + Page 20. An English subject cannot be + made a slave without his own free consent: + but—a foreign slave is made a subject + with or without his own consent: there + needs no contract for this purpose, as in the + other case; nor any other act or deed whatsoever, + but that of his being landed in England; + For according to statute 32d of Henry + VIII. c. 16. Sect. 9. "<i>Every alien or stranger + born out of the King's obeisance, not being + denizen, which now or hereafter shall come + into this realm, or elsewhere within the + King's dominions, shall, after the said first + of September next coming, be bounden by and + unto the laws and statutes of this realm, and + to all and singular the contents of the same.</i>" + + </p> + <p> + Now it must be observed, that this + law makes no distinction of <i>bond or free</i>, + neither of colours or complexions, whether + of <i>black, brown</i>, or <i>white</i>; for "<i>every alien + or stranger</i> (without exception) <i>are bounden + by and unto the law</i>, &c." + + </p> + <p> + This binding, or obligation, is properly + <a name="P_149"></a> + expressed by the English word <i>ligeance, (à + ligando</i>) which may be either perpetual or + temporary. Wood, b. I. c. 3. p. 37. But one + of these is indispensably due to the Sovereign + from all ranks and conditions of people; + their being bounden unto the laws, (upon + which the Sovereign's right is founded) expresses + and implies this subjection to the laws; + and therefore to alledge, that an alien is not + a subject, because he is in bondage, is not + only a plea without foundation, but a contradiction + in terms; for every person who, + in any respect, is in subjection to the laws, + must undoubtedly be a subject. + + </p> + <p> + I come now to the main point—"<em>That + every man, woman, or child, that now is, or + hereafter shall be, an inhabitant or resiant of + this kingdom of England, dominion of Wales, + or town of Berwick upon Tweed,</em>" is, in + some respect or other, the <em>King's subject</em>, and, + as such, is absolutely secure in his or her <em>personal + liberty</em>, by virtue of a statute, 31st Car. + II. ch. 11. and particularly by the 12th Sect. + of the same, wherein subjects of all conditions + are plainly included. + + </p> + <p> + This act is expressly intended for the better + securing the liberty of the subject, and for + prevention of imprisonment beyond the seas. + It contains no distinction of "<em>natural born, + naturalized, denizen, or alien subject; nor of + white or black, freemen, or even of bond-men</em>," + <a name="P_150"></a> + (except in the case already mentioned <em>of a + contract in writing</em>, by which it shall appear, + <em>that the said slave has voluntarily bound himself, + without compulsion or illegal duress</em>, allowed + by the 13th Sect. and the exception likewise + in the 14th Sect. concerning felons) but they + are all included under the general titles of + "<em>the subject, any of the said subjects, every + such person</em>" &c. Now the definition of the + word "<em>person</em>," in its relative or civil capacity + (according to Wood. b. I. c. 11. p. 27.) + <em>is either the King, or a subject</em>. These are the + <em>only capital distinctions</em> that can be made, tho' + the latter consists of a variety of denominations + and degrees. + + </p> + <p> + But if I were even to allow, that a <em>Negroe + slave</em> is not a subject, (though I think I have + clearly proved that he is) yet it is plain that + such an one ought not to be denied the benefit + of the King's court, unless the slave-holder + shall be able to prove likewise that + he is not, a <em>Man</em>; because <em>every man</em> may be + <em>free</em> to sue for, and <em>defend his right in our + courts</em>, says a stat. 20th Edw. III. c. 4. and + elsewhere, according to law. And <em>no man, of + what estate or condition</em> that he be, (here can + be no exception whatsoever) <em>shall be put out + of land or tenement, nor taken, nor imprisoned, + nor disinherited, nor put to death, without being + brought in answer by due process of the law</em>. + 28th Edw. III, c. 3, <em>No man</em> therefore, <em>of + <a name="P_151"></a> + what estate or condition that he be</em>, can lawfully + be detained in England <em>as a slave</em>; because + we have no law whereby a man <em>may be</em> + condemned to <em>slavery</em> without his own consent, + (for even convicted felons must "<em>in + open court pray to transported</em>.") (See Habeas + Corpus act, Sect. 14.) and therefore there + cannot be any "<em>due process of the law</em>" tending + to so base a purpose. It follows therefore, + that every man, who presumes to detain + <em>any person</em> whatsoever as a slave, otherwise + than by virtue of a written contract, acts + manifestly without "<em>due process of the law</em>," + and consequently is liable to the slave's + "<em>action of false imprisonment</em>," because + "<em>every man may be free to sue</em>," &c. so that + the slave-holder cannot avail himself of his + imaginary <em>property</em>, either by the assistance + of the common law, or of a court of + equity, (<em>except it appears that the said slave + has voluntarily bound himself, without compulsion + or illegal duress</em>) for in both his suit + will certainly appear both unjust and indefensible. + The former cannot assist him, because + the statute law at present is so far from supposing + any man in a state of slavery, that it + cannot even permit such a state, except in + the two cases mentioned in the 13th and 14th + Section of the Habeas Corpus act; and the + courts of equity likewise must necessarily + decide against him, because his mere mercenary + <a name="P_152"></a> + plea of <em>private property</em> cannot + equitably, in a case between <em>man and man</em>, + stand in competition with that <em>superior property</em> + which every man must necessarily be + allowed to have in his own <em>proper person</em>. + + </p> + <p> + How then is the slave-holder to secure + what he esteems his <em>property?</em> Perhaps he will + endeavour clandestinely to seize the supposed + slave, in order to transport him (with or + without <em>his consent</em>) to the colonies, where + such property is allowed: but let him take + care what he does, the very attempt is punishable; + and even the making over his property + to another for that purpose, renders + him equally liable to the severe penalties of + the law, for a bill of sale may certainly be + included under the terms expressed in the + Habeas Corpus act, 12th Sect. viz. "<em>Any warrant + or writing for such commitment, detainer, + imprisonment, or transportation," &c.</em> It is also + dangerous for a counsellor, or any other person + <em>to advise</em> (see the act "shall be advising") such + proceedings, by saying, "<em>That a master may + legally compel him</em> (the slave) <em>to return again + to the plantations</em>." Likewise an attorney, + notary-public, or any other person, who + shall presume to draw up, negotiate, of even + to witness a bill of sale, or other instrument + for such commitment, &c. offends equally + against the law, because "<em>All, or any person + or persons, that shall frame, contrive, write, + <a name="P_153"></a> + seal, or countersign any warrant or writing for + such commitment, detainer, imprisonment, or + transportation; or shall be advising, aiding, + or assisting in the same, or any of them</em>," are + liable to all the penalties of the act. "<em>And the + plaintiff, in every such action, shall have + judgment to recover his treble costs, besides + damages; which damages so to be given shall + not be less than five hundred pounds</em>;" so that + the injured may have ample satisfaction for + their sufferings: and even a judge may not + direct or instruct a jury contrary to this statute, + whatever his private opinion may be concerning + property in slaves; because <em>no order or + command, nor no injunction</em>, is allowed to interfere + with this <em>golden act of liberty</em>. + + </p> + <p> + —I have before observed, that the general + term, "<i>every alien</i>," includes <em>all strangers + whatsoever</em>, and renders them <em>subject</em> to the + King, and the laws, during their residence in + this kingdom; and this is certainly true, + whether the aliens be Turks, Moors, Arabians, + Tartars, or even savages, from any + part of the world.—Men are rendered obnoxious + to the laws by their offences, and + not by the particular denomination of their + rank, order, parentage, colour, or country; + and therefore, though we should suppose + that any particular body of people whatsoever + were not known, or had in consideration + by the legislature at the different times + <a name="P_154"></a> + when the severe penal laws were made, yet no + man can reasonably conceive, that such men + are exempted on this account from the penalties + of the said laws, when legally convicted + of having offended against them. + + </p> + <p> + Laws calculated for the moral purpose of + preventing oppression, are likewise usually + supposed to be everlasting, and to make up + a part of our happy constitution; for which + reason, though the kind of oppression to be + guarded against, and the penalties for offenders, + are minutely described therein, yet + the persons to be protected are comprehended + in terms as general as possible; that "<em>no person + who now is, or hereafter shall be, an inhabitant + or resiant in this kingdom</em>," (see Habeas + Corpus act, Sect. 12th) may seem to be + excluded from protection. The general + terms of the several statutes before cited, are + so full and clear, that they admit of no exception + whatsoever; for all persons (Negroes + as well as others) must be included in the terms + "the subject;"—"<em>no subject of this realm that + now is, or hereafter shall be, an inhabitant, + &c. any subject; every such person</em>;" see + Habeas Corpus act. Also <em>every man</em> may be + <em>free</em> to sue, &c. 20th Edward III. cap. 4. and + <em>no man, of what estate or condition that he be</em>, + shall be taken or imprisoned, &c. True + justice makes no respect of persons, and can + never deny, to any one that blessing to + <a name="P_155"></a> + which all mankind have an undoubted right, + their <em>natural liberty</em>: though the law makes + no mention of Negroe slaves, yet this is + no just argument for excluding them from + the general protection of our happy constitution. + + </p> + <p> + Neither can the objection, that Negroe + slaves were not "had in consideration or + contemplation," when these laws were + made, prove any thing against them; but, + on the contrary, much in their favour; for + both these circumstances are strong presumptive + proofs, that the practice of importing + slaves into this kingdom, and retaining them + as such, is an innovation entirely foreign to + the spirit and intention of the laws now in + force. + + </p> + <p> + —Page 79. A toleration of slavery is, in + effect, a toleration of inhumanity; for there + are wretches in the world who make no scruple + to gain, by wearing out their slaves with continual + labour, and a scanty allowance, before + they have lived out half their natural days. + It is notorious, that this is too often the case + in the unhappy countries where slavery is + tolerated. + + </p> + <p> + See the account of the European settlements + in America, Part VI. Chap. 11. concerning + the "<em>misery of the Negroes, great + waste of them</em>," &c. which informs us not + only of a most scandalous profanation of the + <a name="P_156"></a> + Lord's day, but also of another abomination, + which must be infinitely more heinous in the + sight of God, viz. oppression carried to such + excess, as to be even destructive of the human + species. + + </p> + <p> + At present, the inhumanity of constrained + labour in excess, extends no farther in England + than to our beasts, as post and hackney-horses, + sand-asses, &c. + + </p> + <p> + But thanks to our laws, and not to the + general good disposition of masters, that + it is so; for the wretch who is bad enough + to maltreat a helpless beast, would not spare + his fellow man if he had him as much in his + power. + + </p> + <p> + The maintenance of civil liberty is therefore + absolutely necessary to prevent an increase of + our national guilt, by the addition of the horrid + crime of tyranny.—Notwithstanding that + the plea of necessity cannot here be urged, yet + this is no reason why an increase of the practice + is not to be feared. + + </p> + <p> + Our North American colonies afford us a + melancholy instance to the contrary; for + though the climate in general is so wholesome + and temperate, that it will not authorise + this plea of necessity for the employment + of slaves, any more than our own, yet the + pernicious practice of slave-holding is become + almost general in those parts. At New-York, + for instance, the infringement on civil + <a name="P_157"></a> + or domestic liberty is become notorious, + notwithstanding the political controversies + of the inhabitants in praise of liberty; but + no panegyric on this subject (howsoever + elegant in itself) can be graceful or edifying + from the mouth or pen of one of those + provincials, because men who do not scruple + to detain others in slavery, have but a very + partial and unjust claim to the protection of + the laws of liberty; and indeed it too plainly + appears that they have no real regard for + liberty, farther than their own private + interests are concerned; and (consequently) + that they have so little detestation of despotism + and tyranny, that they do not scruple to + exercise them whenever their caprice excites + them, or their private interest seems to require + an exertion of their power over their miserable + slaves. + + </p> + <p> + Every petty planter, who avails himself of + the service of slaves, is an arbitrary monarch, + or rather a lawless Bashaw in his own territories, + notwithstanding that the imaginary freedom + of the province wherein he resides, may + seem to forbid the observation. + + </p> + <p> + The boasted liberty of our American colonies, + therefore, has so little right to that + sacred name, that it seems to differ from the + arbitrary power of despotic monarchs only + in one circumstance, viz. that it is a <em>many-headed + monster of tyranny</em>, which entirely subverts + <a name="P_158"></a> + our most excellent constitution; because + liberty and slavery are so opposite to each + other, that they cannot subsist in the same + community. "<em>Political liberty (in mild or + well regulated governments) makes civil liberty + valuable; and whosoever is deprived + of the latter, is deprived also of the former</em>." + This observation of the learned Montesquieu, + I hope sufficiently justifies my censure of + the Americans for their notorious violation + of civil liberty;—The New-York Journal, + or, The General Advertiser, for Thursday, + 22d October, 1767, gives notice by advertisement, + of no less than eight different persons + who have escaped from slavery, or are + put up to public sale for that horrid purpose. + + </p> + <p> + That I may demonstrate the indecency of + such proceedings in a free country, I shall + take the liberty of laying some of these advertisements + before my readers, by way of + example. + + </p> + <p> + "<em>To be SOLD for want of Employment</em>, + A likely strong active Negroe man, of + about 24 years of age, this country born, + (<i>N.B.</i> A natural born subject) + understands most of a baker's trade, and a good deal + of farming business, and can do all sorts + of house-work.—Also a healthy Negroe + wench, of about 21 years old, is a tolerable + cook, and capable of doing all sorts + <a name="P_159"></a> + of house-work, can be well recommended + for her honesty and sobriety: she has + a female child of nigh three years old, + which will be sold with the wench if required, + &c." Here is not the least consideration, + or scruple of conscience, for the inhumanity + of parting the mother and young + child. From the stile, one would suppose the + advertisement to be of no more importance + than if it related merely to the sale of a cow + and her calf; and that the cow should be sold + with or without her calf, according as the + purchaser should require.—But not only + Negroes, but even American Indians, are detained + in the same abominable slavery in our + colonies, though there cannot be any reasonable + pretence whatsoever for holding one + of these as private property; for even if a + written contract should be produced as a + voucher in such a case, there would still remain + great suspicion, that some undue advantage + had been taken of the Indian's ignorance + concerning the nature of such a bond. + + </p> + <p> + "<i>Run away, on Monday the 21st instant, from + J——n T——, Esq. of West-Chester county, + in the province of New-York</i>, + An Indian slave, named Abraham, he may + have changed his name, about 23 years of + age, about five feet five inches." + + </p> + <p> + Upon the whole, I think I may with + justice conclude, that those advertisements + <a name="P_160"></a> + discover a shameless prostitution and infringement + on the common and natural rights of + mankind—But hold! perhaps the Americans + may be able, with too much justice, to retort + this severe reflexion, and may refer us to + news-papers published even in the free city + of London, which contain advertisements not + less dishonourable than their own. See advertisement + in the Public Ledger of 31st December, + 1761. + + </p> + <p> + "<i>For SALE, + A healthy NEGROE GIRL</i>, aged + about fifteen years; speaks good English, + works at her needle, washes well, does + houshold work, and has had the small-pox. + By J.W. &c." + + </p> + <p> + Another advertisement, not long ago, + offered a reward for stopping a female slave + who had left her mistress in Hatton-garden. + And in the Gazetteer of 18th April, 1769, + appeared a very extraordinary advertisement + with the following title; + + </p> + <p> + "<i>Horses, Tim Wisky, and black Boy</i>, + To be sold at the Bull and Gate Inn. Holborn, + <i>A very good Tim Wisky</i>, little the + worse for wear, &c." Afterwards, "<i>A Chesnut + Gelding</i>;" then, "<i>A very good grey Mare</i>;" + and last of all, (as if of the least consequence) + "<i>A well-made good-tempered black Boy</i>, he has + lately had the small-pox, and will be sold + to any gentleman. Enquire as above." + + </p><a name="P_161"></a><p> + Another advertisement in the same paper, + contains a very particular description + of a Negroe man, called <i>Jeremiah</i>,—and + concludes as follows:—"Whoever delivers + him to Capt. M—— U——y, on + board the Elizabeth, at Prince's Stairs, Rotherhithe, + on or before the 31st instant, + shall receive thirty guineas reward, or + ten guineas for such intelligence as shall + enable the Captain, or his master, effectually + to secure him. The utmost secrecy + may be depended on." It is not on account + of shame, that men, who are capable + of undertaking the desperate and wicked + employment of kidnappers, are supposed to + be tempted to such a business, by a promise + "<em>of the utmost secrecy</em>;" but this must be from + a sense of the unlawfulness of the act proposed + to them, that they may have less reason + to fear a prosecution. And as such a kind of + people are supposed to undertake any thing + for money, the reward of thirty guineas was + tendered at the top of the advertisement, + in capital letters. No man can be safe, be + he white or black, if temptations to break + the laws are so shamefully published in our + news-papers. + + </p> + <p><i>A Creole Black boy</i> is also offered to sale, + in the Daily Advertiser of the same date. + + </p> + <p> + Besides these instances, the Americans + may, perhaps, taunt us with the shameful + <a name="P_162"></a> + treatment of a poor Negroe servant, who + not long ago was put up to sale by public + auction, together with the effects of his bankrupt + master.—Also, that the prisons of + this free city have been frequently prostituted + of late, by the tyrannical and dangerous + practice of confining Negroes, under the + pretence of slavery, though there have been + no warrants whatsoever for their commitment. + + </p> + <p> + This circumstance of confining a man + without a warrant, has so great a resemblance + to the proceedings of a Popish inquisition, + that it is but too obvious what dangerous + practices such scandalous innovations, + if permitted to grow more into use, are liable + to introduce. No person can be safe, + if wicked and designing men have it in their + power, under the pretence of private property + as a slave, to throw a man clandestinely, + without a warrant, into goal, and to conceal + him there, until they can conveniently + dispose of him. + + </p> + <p> + A free man may be thus robbed of his liberty, + and carried beyond the seas, without + having the least opportunity of making + his case known; which should teach us how + jealous we ought to be of all imprisonments + made without the authority, or previous + examination, of a civil magistrate. + + </p> + <p> + The distinction of colour will, in a short + <a name="P_163"></a> + time, be no protection against such outrages, + especially as not only Negroes, but + Mulatoes, and even American Indians, + (which appears by one of the advertisements + before quoted) are retained in slavery + in our American colonies; for there are + many honest weather-beaten Englishmen, + who have as little reason to boast of their + complexion as the Indians. And indeed, the + more northern Indians have no difference + from us in complexion, but such as is occasioned + by the climate, or different way of + living. The plea of private property, therefore, + cannot, by any means, justify a private + commitment of any person whatsoever to + prison, because of the apparent danger and + tendency of such innovation. This dangerous + practice of concealing in prison + was attempted in the case of Jonathan + Strong; for the door-keeper of the + P——lt——y C——pt——r + (or some person who acted for + him) absolutely refused, for two days, to permit + this poor injured Negro to be seen or + spoke with, though a person went on purpose, + both those days, to demand the same.—All laws ought to + be founded upon the principle of "<em>doing + as one would be done by</em>;" + and indeed this principle seems to be the + very basis of the English constitution; for + what precaution could possibly be more effectual + for that purpose, than the right we + <a name="P_164"></a> + enjoy of being judged by our Peers, creditable + persons of the vicinage; especially, as + we may likewise claim the right of excepting + against any particular juryman, who might + be suspected of partiality. + + </p> + <p> + This law breathes the pure spirit of liberty, + equity, and social love; being calculated + to maintain that consideration and mutual + regard which one person ought to have for + another, howsoever unequal in rank or station. + + </p> + <p> + But when any part of the community, under + the pretence of private property, is deprived + of this common privilege, it is a violation + of civil liberty, which is entirely inconsistent + with the social principles of a free + state. + + </p> + <p> + True liberty protects the labourer as well + as his Lord; preserves the dignity of human + nature, and seldom fails to render a + province rich and populous; whereas, on + the other hand, a toleration of slavery is the + highest breach of social virtue, and not only + tends to depopulation, but too often renders + the minds of both masters and slaves utterly + depraved and inhuman, by the hateful extremes + of exaltation and depression. + + </p> + <p> + If such a toleration should ever be generally + admitted in England, (which God forbid) + we shall no longer deserve to be esteemed + a civilized people; because, when the + <a name="P_165"></a> + customs of uncivilized nations, and the <em>uncivilized + customs which disgrace our own colonies</em>, + are become so familiar as to be permitted + amongst us with impunity, we ourselves + must insensibly degenerate to the same degree + of baseness with those from whom + such bad customs were derived; and may, + too soon, have the mortification to see the + <em>hateful extremes of tyranny and slavery fostered + under every roof</em>. + + </p> + <p> + Then must the happy medium of a well + regulated liberty be necessarily compelled to + find shelter in some more civilized country: + where social virtue, and that divine precept, + "<em>Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself</em>," are + better understood. + + </p> + <p> + An attempt to prove the dangerous tendency, + injustice, and disgrace of tolerating + slavery amongst Englishmen, would, in any + former age, have been esteemed as superfluous + and ridiculous, as if a man should undertake, + in a formal manner, to prove, that + darkness is not light. + + </p> + <p> + Sorry am I, that the depravity of the present + age has made a demonstration of this + kind necessary. + + </p> + <p> + Now, that I may sum up the amount of + what has been said in a single sentence, I + shall beg leave to conclude in the words of + the great Sir Edward Coke, which, though + <a name="P_166"></a> + spoken on a different occasion, are yet applicable + to this; see Rushworth's Hist. Col. + An. 1628. 4 Caroli. fol. 450. + + </p> + <p> + "It would be no honour to a King or + kingdom, to be a King of bondmen or + slaves: the end of this would be both + <i>dedecus</i><a class="notelink" href="#NoteAPP1_FN1"><sup>A</sup></a><a name="FootAPP1_FN1"></a> and <i>damnum</i><a class="notelink" href="#NoteAPP1_FN2"><sup>B</sup></a><a name="FootAPP1_FN2"></a> both to King and + kingdom, that in former times have been + so renowned." + + </p> + <hr> + <p><a name="NoteAPP1_FN1"></a><a href="#FootAPP1_FN1">A</a>: Disgrace. + </p> + <p><a name="NoteAPP1_FN2"></a><a href="#FootAPP1_FN2">B</a>: Loss. + </p> + <hr> + <p><br><br> + * * * * * + <br><br></p> + <p> + Note, at page 63; According to the laws + of Jamaica, printed in London, in 1756, "If + any slave having been one whole year in + this island, (says an act, No 64, clause 5, + p. 114) shall run away, and continue absent + from his owner's service for the space + of thirty days, upon complaint and proof, + &c. before any two justices of the peace, + and three freeholders, &c. it shall and + may be lawful for such justices and freeholders + to order such slave to be punished, + by <em>cutting off one of the feet of such slave</em>, or + inflict such other corporal punishment as + they <em>shall think fit</em>." Now that I may inform + my readers, what corporal punishments are + sometimes thought fit to be inflicted, I will + refer to the testimony of Sir Hans Sloane, + (see voyage to the islands of Madeira, Barbadoes, + &c. and Jamaica, with the natural history + of the last of these islands, &c. London + <a name="P_167"></a> + 1707. Introduction, p. 56, and 57.) "The + punishment for crimes of slaves (says he) + are usually, for <em>rebellions</em>, burning them, by + nailing them down to the ground with + crooked sticks on every limb, and then + applying the fire, by degrees, from the feet + and hands, and burning them gradually up + to the head, whereby <em>the pains are extravagant</em>; + for crimes of a lesser nature, + <em>gelding</em>, or <em>chopping off half the foot</em> + with an axe. These punishments are suffered + by them with great constancy.—For + negligence, they are usually whipped by + the overseers with lance-wood switches, + till they be bloody, and several of the + switches broken, being first tied up by + their hands in the mill houses.—After + they are whipped till they are raw, + some put on their skins pepper and salt, + to make them smart; at other times, their + masters will drop melted wax on their + skins, and use several <em>very exquisite torments</em>." + Sir Hans adds, "These punishments are + sometimes merited by the Blacks, who are + a very perverse generation of people; and + though they appear very harsh, yet are + scarce equal to some of their crimes, and + inferior to what punishments other European + nations inflict on their slaves in the + East-Indies, as may be seen by Moquet, + and other travellers." Thus Sir Hans Sloane + <a name="P_168"></a> + endeavours to excuse those shocking cruelties, + but certainly in vain, because no crimes + whatsoever can merit such severe punishments, + unless I except the crimes of those + who devise and inflict them. Sir Hans Sloane, + indeed, mentions <em>rebellion</em> as the principal + crime; and certainly it is very justly esteemed + a most heinous crime, in a land of liberty, + where government is limited by equitable + and just laws, if the same are tolerably + well observed; but in countries where arbitrary + power is exercised with such intolerable + cruelty as is before described, if resistance + be a crime, it is certainly the most natural of + all others. + + </p> + <p> + But the 19th clause of the 38th act, + would indeed, on a slight perusal, induce us + to conceive, that the punishment for rebellion + is not so severe as it is represented by Sir + Hans Sloane; because a slave, though <em>deemed + rebellious</em>, is thereby condemned to no + greater punishment than transportation. Nevertheless, + if the clause be thoroughly considered, + we shall find no reason to commend + the mercy of the legislature; for it only + proves, that the Jamaica law-makers will + not scruple to charge the slightest and most + natural offences with the most opprobrious + epithets; and that a poor slave, who perhaps + has no otherwise incurred his master's + <a name="P_169"></a> + displeasure than by endeavouring (upon the + just and warrantable principles of self-preservation,) + to escape from his master's tyranny, + without any criminal intention whatsoever, + is liable to be <em>deemed rebellious</em>, and to be + arraigned as a capital offender. "For every + slave and slaves that shall run away, and + continue but for the space of twelve months, + except such slave or slaves as shall not have + been three years in this island, shall be <em>deemed + rebellious</em>," &c. (see act 38, clause 19. p. 60.) + Thus we are enabled to define what a West + Indian tyrant means by the word <em>rebellious</em>. + But unjust as this clause may seem, yet it is + abundantly more merciful and considerate + than a subsequent act against the same poor + miserable people, because the former assigns + no other punishment for persons so <em>deemed + rebellious</em>, than that they, "<em>Shall be + transported</em> by order of two justices and three + freeholders," &c. whereas the latter spares + not the blood of these poor injured fugitives: + For by the 66th act, a reward of 50 pounds + is offered to those who "shall kill or bring + in alive any <em>rebellious slaves</em>," that is, any + of these unfortunate people whom the law + has "<em>deemed rebellious</em>," as above; and this + premium is not only tendered to commissioned + parties (see 2d. clause) but even to any + private "<em>hunter, slave, or other person</em>," (see 3d. + <a name="P_170"></a> + clause.) Thus it is manifest, that the law + treats these poor unhappy men with as little + ceremony and consideration as if they were + merely wild beasts. But the innocent blood + that is shed in consequence of such a detestable + law, must certainly call for vengeance + on the murderous abettors and actors of such + deliberate wickedness: And though many of + the guilty wretches should even be so hardened + and abandoned as never afterwards to + be capable of sincere remorse, yet a time will + undoubtedly come, when they will shudder + with dreadful apprehensions, on account of + the insufficiency of so wretched an excuse, + as that their poor murdered brethren were + by law "<em>deemed rebellious</em>" But bad as + these laws are, yet in justice to the freeholders + of Jamaica, I must acknowledge, + that their laws are not near so cruel and inhuman + as the laws of Barbadoes and Virginia, + and seem at present to be much more + reasonable than they have formerly been; + many very oppressive laws being now expired, + and others less severe enacted in their + room. + + </p> + <p> + But it is far otherwise in Barbadoes; for + by the 329th act, p. 125. "If any Negro + or other slave, under punishment by his + master, or his order, for running away, + or any other crimes or misdemeanors towards + <a name="P_171"></a> + his said master, unfortunately shall + suffer in life, or member, (which seldom + happens) (but it is plain by this law that + it does sometimes happen) <em>no person whatever + shall be liable to any fine therefore; but + if any man shall, of wantonness or only of + bloody-mindedness, or cruel intention, wilfully + kill a Negroe or other slave of his own</em>;"—now + the reader, to be sure, will naturally + expect, that some very severe punishment + must in this case be ordained, to deter the + <em>wanton, bloody-minded, and cruel</em> wretch, from + <em>wilfully killing</em> his fellow creatures; but + alas! the Barbadian law-makers have been + so far from intending to curb such abandoned + wickedness, that they have absolutely + made this law on purpose to skreen these + enormous crimes from the just indignation + of any righteous person, who might think + himself bound in duty to prosecute a bloody-minded + villain; they have therefore presumptuously + taken upon them to give a sanction, + as it were, by law, to the horrid crime + of wilful murder; and have accordingly ordained, + that he who is guilty of it in Barbadoes, + though the act should be attended + with all the aggravating circumstances + before-mentioned—"<em>shall + pay into the public treasury</em> + (no more than) <em>fifteen pounds sterling</em>," but + if he shall kill another man's, he shall pay + <a name="P_172"></a> + the owner of the Negroe double the value, + and into the public treasury <em>twenty-five + pounds sterling</em>; and he shall further, by the + next justice of the peace, be bound to his + good behaviour during the pleasure of the + governor and council, <em>and not be liable to any + other punishment or forfeiture for the same</em>. + + </p> + <p> + The most consummate wickedness, I suppose, + that any body of people, under the + specious form of a legislature, were ever guilty + of! This act contains several other clauses + which are shocking to humanity, though too + tedious to mention here. + + </p> + <p> + According to an act of Virginia, (4 Anne, + ch. 49. sec. 37. p. 227.) "after proclamation + is issued against slaves that run away and + lie out, it is lawful for any person whatsoever, + <em>to kill and destroy such slaves, by such + ways and means as he, she, or they, shall think + fit</em>, without accusation or impeachment of + any crime for the same," &c. And lest + private interest should incline the planter to + mercy, (to which we must suppose such people + can have no other inducement) it is provided + and enacted in the succeeding clause, + (No 28.) "That for <em>every slave killed</em>, in pursuance + of this act, or <em>put to death by law</em>, + the master or owner of such slave <em>shall + be paid by the public</em>." + + </p><a name="P_173"></a><p> + Also by an act of Virginia, (9 Geo. I. ch. 4. + sect. 18. p. 343.) it is ordained, "That, + where any slave shall hereafter be found + notoriously guilty of going abroad in the + night, or running away, and lying out, + and cannot be reclaimed from <em>such</em> disorderly + courses by the common method of + punishment, it shall and may be lawful + to and for the court of the county, upon + complaint and proof thereof to them made + by the owner of such slave, to order and + direct every such slave to be punished by + <em>dismembering, or any other</em> way, not touching + life, as the said county court <em>shall + think fit</em>." + + </p> + <p> + I have already given examples enough of + the horrid cruelties which are sometimes + <em>thought fit</em> on such occasions. But if the innocent + and most natural act of "<em>running away</em>" + from intolerable tyranny, deserves + such relentless severity, what kind of punishment + have these law-makers themselves to + expect hereafter, on account of their own + enormous offences! Alas! to look for mercy + (without a timely repentance) will only be + another instance of their gross injustice! + "<em>Having their consciences seared with a hot + iron</em>," they seem to have lost all apprehensions + that their slaves are men, for they scruple + not to number them with beasts. See an + <a name="P_174"></a> + act of Barbadoes, (No 333. p. 128.) intituled, + "An act for the better regulating of <em>outcries</em> + in open market:" here we read of "<em>Negroes, + cattle, coppers, and stills, and other + chattels</em>, brought by execution to open + market to be outcried, and these (as if + all of equal importance) are ranged together + <em>in great lots or numbers to be sold</em>." + + </p> + <p> + —Page 70. In the 329th act of Barbadoes, + (p. 122.) it is asserted, that "brutish + slaves deserve not, for the baseness of their + condition, to <em>be tried by a legal trial of + twelve men of their peers, or neighbourhood</em>, + which neither truly can be rightly done, + as the subjects of England are;" (yet + slaves also are subjects of England, whilst + they remain within the British dominions, notwithstanding + this insinuation to the contrary) + "nor is execution to be delayed towards + them, in case of such horrid crimes committed," &c. + + </p> + <p> + A similar doctrine is taught in an act of + Virginia, (9 Geo. I. ch. 4. sect. 3. p. 339.) + wherein it is ordained, "that every slave, committing + such offence as by the laws ought + to be punished by death, or loss of member, + shall be forthwith committed to the common + goal of the county, &c. And the sheriff of + such county, upon such commitment, shall + forthwith certify the same, with the cause + <a name="P_175"></a> + thereof, to the governor or commander in + chief, &c. who is thereupon desired and impowered + to issue a commission of Oyer and + Terminer, <em>To such persons as he shall think fit</em>; + which persons, forthwith after the receipt of + such commission, are impowered and required + to cause the offender to be publicly arraigned + and tried, &c. without the solemnity + of a jury," &c. Now let us consider + the dangerous tendency of those laws. As + Englishmen, we strenuously contend for this + absolute and immutable necessity of trials by + juries: but is not the spirit and equity of this + old English doctrine entirely lost, if we partially + confine that justice to ourselves alone, + when we have it in our power to extend it to + others? The natural right of all mankind, + must principally justify our insisting upon + this necessary privilege in favour of ourselves + in particular; and therefore if we do not allow + that the judgment of an impartial jury + is indispensably necessary in all cases whatsoever, + wherein the life of man is depending, + we certainly undermine the equitable force + and reason of those laws, by which <em>we ourselves + are protected</em>, and consequently are unworthy + to be esteemed either Christians or + Englishmen. + + </p> + <p> + Whatever right the members of a provincial + assembly may have to enact <em>bye laws</em>, + <a name="P_176"></a> + for particular exigences among themselves, + yet in so doing they are certainly bound, in + duty to their sovereign, to observe most + strictly the fundamental principles of that + constitution, which his Majesty is sworn to + maintain; for wheresoever the bounds of + the British empire are extended, there the + common law of England must of course take + place, and cannot be safely set aside by any + <em>private law</em> whatsoever, because the introduction + of an unnatural tyranny must necessarily + endanger the King's dominions. The + many alarming insurrections of slaves in the + several colonies, are sufficient proofs of this. + The common law of England ought therefore + to be so established in every province, + as to include the respective <em>bye laws</em> of each + province; instead of being by them <em>excluded</em>, + which latter has been too much the case. + + </p> + <p> + Every inhabitant of the British colonies, + black as well as white, bond as well as free, + are undoubtedly the <em>King's subjects</em>, during + their residence within the limits of the King's + dominions; and as such, are entitled to personal + protection, however bound in service + to their respective masters; therefore, when + any of these are put to death, "<em>without the + solemnity of a jury</em>," I fear that there is too + much reason to attribute <em>the guilt of murder</em> + to every person concerned in ordering, the + <a name="P_177"></a> + same, or in consenting thereto; and all such + persons are certainly responsible <em>to the King + and his laws, for the loss of a subject</em>. The + horrid iniquity, injustice, and dangerous + tendency of the several plantation laws + which I have quoted, are so apparent, that + it is unnecessary for me to apologize for the + freedom with which I have treated them. If + such laws are not absolutely necessary for the + government of slaves, the law-makers must + unavoidably allow themselves to be the most + cruel and abandoned tyrants upon earth; or, + perhaps, that ever were on earth. On the + other hand, if it be said, that it is impossible + to govern slaves without such inhuman + severity, and detestable injustice, the same + will certainly be an invincible argument + against the least toleration of slavery amongst + christians, because the temporal profit of the + planter or master, however lucrative, cannot + compensate the forfeiture of his everlasting + welfare, or (at least I may be allowed + to say) the apparent danger of such a forfeiture. + + </p> + <p> + Oppression is a most grievous crime, and + the cries of these much injured people, + (though they are only poor ignorant heathens) + will certainly reach heaven! The + scriptures (<em>which are the only true foundation + of all laws</em>) denounce a tremendous judgment + against the man who should offend + <a name="P_178"></a> + even one little-one; <em>"It were better for him</em> + (even the merciful Saviour of the world + hath himself declared) <em>that a millstone were + hanged about his neck, and be cast into + the sea, than that he should offend one of + these little ones."</em> Luke xvii. 2. Who + then shall attempt to vindicate those inhuman + establishments of government, under + which, even our own countrymen so grievously + <em>offend</em> and <em>oppress</em> (not merely + <em>one</em>, or a few little ones, but) an immense multitude + of <em>men, women, children</em>, and the <em>children + of their children</em>, from generation to generation? + May it not be said with like + justice, it were better for the English nation + that these American dominions had never + existed, or even that they should have been + sunk into the sea, than that the kingdom of + Great Britain should be loaded with the + horrid guilt of tolerating such abominable + wickedness! In short, if the <em>King's prerogative</em> + is not speedily exerted for the relief of his + Majesty's oppressed and much injured subjects + in the British colonies, (because to <em>relieve + the subject</em> from the oppression of petty + tyrants is the principal use of the royal prerogative, + as well as the principal and most natural + means of maintaining the same) and for + the extension of the British constitution to + the most distant colonies, whether in the East + or West Indies, it must inevitably be allowed, + <a name="P_179"></a> + that great share of this enormous guilt will + certainly rest on this side the water. + + </p> + <p> + I hope this hint will be taken notice of by + those whom it may concern; and that the + freedom of it will be excused, as from a <em>loyal + and disinterested</em> adviser. + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="Extracts"></a> + Extracts from the writings + <br><br> + of several noted authors, + <br><br> + on the subject of the, + <br><br>slavery of the Negroes, + <br><br> + viz. + <br><br> + George Wallace, + <br><br> + Francis Hutcheson, + <br><br> + James Foster. + + </h2><a name="P_180"></a><p> + George Wallace, in his <i>System + of the Principles of the Laws of Scotland</i>, + speaking of the slavery of the Negroes + in our colonies, says, "We all know that + they (the Negroes) are purchased from their + Princes, who pretend to have a right to dispose + of them, and that they are, like other + commodities, transported, by the merchants + who have bought them, into America, in + order to be exposed to sale. If this trade admits + of a moral or a rational justification, + every crime, even the most atrocious, may + be justified. Government was instituted + for the good of mankind; kings, princes, + governors, are not proprietors of those who + are subject to their authority; they have + not a right to make them miserable. On the + contrary, their authority is vested in them, + that they may, by the just exercise of it, + promote the happiness of their people. Of + course, they have not a right to dispose of + their liberty, and to sell them for slaves. Besides + <a name="P_181"></a> + no man has a right to acquire, or to + purchase them; men and their liberty are not + <i>in commercio</i>; they are not either + saleable or purchaseable. One, therefore, has no body but + himself to blame, in case he shall find + himself deprived of a man, whom he + thought he had, by buying for a price, + made his own; for he dealt in a trade + which was illicit, and was prohibited by + the most obvious dictates of humanity. For + these reasons, every one of those unfortunate + men who are pretended to be slaves, has a + right to be declared to be free, for he never + lost his liberty; he could not lose it; his + Prince had no power to dispose of him. Of + course, the sale was <i>ipso jure</i> void. + This right he carries about with him, and is entitled + every where to get it declared. As soon, + therefore, as he comes into a country in + which the judges are not forgetful of their + own humanity, it is their duty to remember + that he is a man, and to declare him to + be free. I know it has been said, that questions + concerning the state of persons ought + to be determined by the law of the country + to which they belong; and that, therefore, + one who would be declared to be a slave in + America, ought, in case he should happen + to be imported into Britain, to be adjudged, + according to the law of America, to be a + slave; a doctrine than which nothing can be + <a name="P_182"></a> + more barbarous. Ought the judges of any + country, out of respect to the law of another, + to shew no respect to their kind, and + to humanity? out of respect to a law, + which is in no sort obligatory upon them, + ought they to disregard the law of nature, + which is obligatory on all men, at all times, + and in all places? Are any laws so binding + as the eternal laws of justice? Is it doubtful, + whether a judge ought to pay greater regard + to them, than to those arbitrary and inhuman + usages which prevail in a distant land? + Aye, but our colonies would be ruined if + slavery was abolished. Be it so; would it + not from thence follow, that the bulk of + mankind ought to be abused, that our pockets + may be filled with money, or our mouths + with delicacies? The purses of highwaymen + would be empty, in case robberies were totally + abolished; but have men a right to acquire + money by going out to the highway? + Have men a right to acquire it by rendering + their fellow-creatures miserable? Is it lawful + to abuse mankind, that the avarice, the + vanity, or the passions of a few may be gratified? + No! There is such a thing as justice + to which the most sacred regard is due. It + ought to be inviolably observed. Have not + these unhappy men a better right to their + liberty, and to their happiness, than our + American merchants have to the profits which + <a name="P_183"></a> + they make by torturing their kind? Let, + therefore, our colonies be ruined, but let us + not render so many men miserable. Would + not any of us, who should—be snatched + by pirates from his native land, think himself + cruelly abused, and at all times entitled + to be free? Have not these unfortunate Africans, + who meet with the same cruel fate, the + same right? Are they not men as well as we, + and have they not the same sensibility? Let + us not, therefore, defend or support a usage + which is contrary to all the laws of humanity. + + </p> + <p> + "But it is false, that either we or our colonies + would be ruined by the abolition of + slavery. It might occasion a stagnation of + business for a short time. Every great alteration + produces that effect; because mankind + cannot, on a sudden, find ways of disposing + of themselves, and of their affairs; + but it would produce many happy effects. + It is the slavery which is permitted in America, + that has hindered it from becoming so + soon populous as it would otherwise have + done. Let the Negroes be free, and, in a few + generations, this vast and fertile continent + would be crowded with inhabitants; learning, + arts, and every thing would flourish + amongst them; instead of being inhabited by + wild beasts, and by savages, it would be + peopled by philosophers, and by men." + + </p><a name="P_184"></a><p> + Francis Hutcheson, professor of philosophy + at the university of Glasgow, in his <i>System + of Moral Philosophy</i>, page 211, says "He who + detains another by force in slavery, is always + bound to prove his title. The slave sold, or + carried into a distant country, must not be + obliged to prove a negative, that <em>he never + forfeited his liberty</em>. The violent possessor + must, in all cases, shew his title, especially + where the old proprietor is well known. In + this case, each man is the original proprietor + of his own liberty. The proof of his losing + it must be incumbent on those who deprive + him of it by force. The Jewish laws had + great regard to justice, about the servitude + of Hebrews, founding it only on consent, or + some crime or damage, allowing them always + a proper redress upon any cruel treatment, + and fixing a limited time for it; unless + upon trial the servant inclined to prolong + it. The laws about foreign slaves had many + merciful provisions against immoderate + severity of the masters. But under christianity, + whatever lenity was due from an Hebrew + towards his countryman, must be due + towards all; since the distinctions of nations + are removed, as to the point of humanity + and mercy, as well as natural right; + nay, some of these rights granted over foreign + slaves, may justly be deemed only such + indulgences as those of poligamy and divorce, + <a name="P_185"></a> + granting only external impunity in + such practice, and not sufficient vindication + of them in conscience." + + </p> + <p><i>Page</i> 85. It is pleaded, that "In some + barbarous nations, unless the captives were + bought for slaves, they would be all murthered. + They, therefore, owe their lives, + and all they can do, to their purchasers; and + so do their children, who would not otherwise + have come into life." But this whole + plea is no more than that of <i>negotium utile + gestum</i> to which any civilized nation is + bound by humanity; it is a prudent expensive + office, done for the service of others without + a gratuitous intention; and this founds + no other right, than that to full compensation + of all charges and labour employed for + the benefit of others. + + </p> + <p> + A set of inaccurate popular phrases blind + us in these matters; "Captives owe their + lives, and all to the purchasers, say they. + Just in the same manner, we, our nobles, + and princes, often owe our lives to midwives, + chirurgeons, physicians," &c. one who + was the means of preserving a man's life, is + not therefore entitled to make him a slave, + and sell him as a piece of goods. Strange, + that in a nation where the sense of liberty + prevails, where the christian religion is professed, + custom and high prospects of gain + can so stupify the conscience of men, and + <a name="P_186"></a> + all sense of natural justice, that they can + hear such computations made about the value + of their fellow-men, and their liberty, + without abhorrence and indignation. + + </p> + <p><i>James Foster</i>, D.D. in his + <i>discourses on natural + religion</i> and <i>social virtue</i> + also shews his just indignation at this wicked practice; + which he declares to be "<em>a criminal and outrageous + violation of the natural right of mankind</em>." + At <i>page</i> 156, vol. 2 he says, "Should + we have read concerning the Greeks or Romans + of old, that they traded with a view to + make slaves of their own species, when they + certainly knew that this would involve in + schemes of blood and murder, of destroying, + or enslaving each other; that they even + fomented wars, and engaged whole nations + and tribes in open hostilities, for their own + private advantage; that they had no detestation + of the violence and cruelty, but only + feared the ill success of their inhuman enterprises; + that they carried men like themselves, + their brethren, and the off-spring of + the same common parent, to be sold like + beasts of prey, or beasts of burden, and put + them to the same reproachful trial, of their + soundness, strength, and capacity for greater + bodily service; that quite forgetting and + renouncing the original dignity of human + nature, communicated to all, they treated + them with more severity, and ruder discipline, + <a name="P_187"></a> + than even the <em>ox</em> or the <em>ass</em>, who are + <em>void of understanding</em>—should we not, if + this had been the case, have naturally been + led to despise all their <em>pretended refinements of + morality</em>; and to have concluded, that as + they were not nations destitute of politeness, + they must have been <em>entire strangers to virtue + and benevolence</em>? + + </p> + <p> + "But notwithstanding this, we ourselves + (who profess to be christians, and boast of the + peculiar advantage we enjoy, by means of an + express revelation of our duty from heaven) + are, in effect, these very untaught and rude + heathen countries. With all our superior + light, we instill into those, whom we call savage + and barbarous, the most despicable opinion + of human nature. We, to the utmost + of our power, weaken and dissolve the universal + tie, that binds and unites mankind. + We practise what we should exclaim against, + as the utmost excess of cruelty and tyranny, + if nations of the world, differing in colour, + and form of government, from ourselves, + were so possessed of empire, as to be able to + reduce us to a state of unmerited and brutish + servitude. Of consequence, we sacrifice + our reason, our humanity, our christianity, + to an unnatural sordid gain. We + teach other nations to despise, and trample + under foot, all the obligations of social virtue. + We take the most effectual method + <a name="P_188"></a> + to prevent the propagation of the gospel, by + representing it as a scheme of power and barbarous + oppression, and an enemy to the + natural privileges and rights of men. + + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps all that I have now offered, may + be of very little weight to restrain this enormity, + this aggravated iniquity; however, I + still have the satisfaction of having entered + my private protest against a practice, which, + in my opinion, bids that God, who is the + God and Father of the Gentiles, unconverted + to christianity, most daring and bold defiance, + and spurns at all the principles both of + natural and revealed religion." + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="VA_Gaz"></a>EXTRACT<br><br><br><br> + From an ADDRESS + <br><br> + in the + <br><br><br><br> + VIRGINIA GAZETTE, + <br><br> + of MARCH 19, 1767. + + </h2><a name="P_189"></a><p> + Mr. RIND, + + </p> + <p> + Permit me, in your paper, to address + the members of our assembly on two + points, in which the public interest is very + nearly concerned. + + </p> + <p> + The abolition of slavery, and the retrieval + of specie in this colony, are the subjects on + which I would bespeak their attention.— + + </p> + <p> + Long and serious reflections upon the nature + and consequences of slavery have convinced + me, that it is a violation both of justice + and religion; that it is dangerous to + the safety of the community in which it + prevails; that it is destructive to the growth + of arts and sciences; and lastly, that it produces + a numerous and very fatal train of vices, + both in the slave and in his master. + + </p> + <p> + To prove these assertions, shall be the purpose + of the following essay. + + </p> + <p> + That slavery then is a violation of justice, + <a name="P_190"></a> + will plainly appear, when we consider what + justice is. It is truly and simply defined, as + by <i>Justinian, constans et + perpetua voluntas ejus suum cuique tribuendi</i>; + a constant endeavour to give every man his right. + + </p> + <p> + Now, as freedom is unquestionably the + birth-right of all mankind, <em>Africans</em> as well + as <em>Europeans</em>, to keep the former in a state of + slavery, is a constant violation of that right, + and therefore of justice. + + </p> + <p> + The ground on which the civilians who + favour slavery, admit it to be just, namely, + consent, force, and birth, is totally disputable; + for surely a man's own will and + consent cannot be allowed to introduce so important + an innovation into society, as slavery, + or to make himself an outlaw, which is really + the state of a slave; since neither consenting + to, nor aiding the laws of the society in which + he lives, he is neither bound to obey them, + nor entitled to their protection. + + </p> + <p> + To found any right in force, is to frustrate + all right, and involve every thing in + confusion, violence, and rapine. With these + two, the last must fall; since, if the parent + cannot justly be made a slave, neither can + the child be born in slavery. "The law of + nations, says Baron <i>Montesquieu</i>, has doomed + prisoners to slavery, to prevent their being + slain; the <i>Roman</i> civil law permitted + debtors, whom their creditors might treat + <a name="P_191"></a> + ill, to sell themselves. And the law of nature + requires that children, whom their + parents, being slaves, cannot maintain, + should be slaves like them. These reasons of + the civilians are not just; it is not true that + a captive may be slain, unless in a case of + absolute necessity; but if he hath been reduced + to slavery, it is plain that no such necessity + existed, since he was not slain. It is + not true that a free man can sell himself, for + sale supposes a price; but a slave and his property + becomes immediately that of his + master; the slave can therefore receive no + price, nor the master pay, &c. And if a + man cannot sell himself, nor a prisoner of + war be reduced to slavery, much less can his + child." Such are the sentiments of this illustrious + civilian; his reasonings, which I + have been obliged to contract, the reader interested + in this subject will do well to consult + at large. + + </p> + <p> + Yet even these rights of imposing slavery, + questionable, nay, refutable as they are, we + have not to authorise the bondage of the + <em>Africans</em>. For neither do they consent to be + our slaves, nor do we purchase them of their + conquerors. The <em>British</em> merchants obtain + them from <em>Africa</em> by violence, artifice, and + treachery, with a few trinkets to prompt + those unfortunate people to enslave one + another by force or stratagem. Purchase + <a name="P_192"></a> + them indeed they may, under the authority + of an act of the British parliament. An + act entailing upon the <em>Africans</em>, with whom + we are not at war, and over whom a British + parliament could not of right assume even a + shadow of authority, the dreadful curse of + perpetual slavery, upon them and their children + for ever. <em>There cannot be in nature, + there is not in all history, an instance in which + every right of men is more flagrantly violated.</em> + The laws of the antients never authorised + the making slaves, but of those nations + whom they had conquered; yet they were + heathens, and we are christians. They were + misled by a monstrous religion, divested of + humanity, by a horrible and barbarous worship; + we are directed by the unerring precepts + of the revealed religion we possess, enlightened + by its wisdom, and humanized by + its benevolence; before them, were gods deformed + with passions, and horrible for every + cruelty and vice; before us, is that incomparable + pattern of meekness, charity, love + and justice to mankind, which so transcendently + distinguished the Founder of christianity, and + his ever amiable doctrines. + + </p> + <p> + Reader, remember that the corner stone of + your religion, is to do unto others as you + would they should do unto you; ask then + your own heart, whether it would not abhor + any one, as the most outrageous violater + <a name="P_193"></a> + of that and every other principle of right, + justice, and humanity, who should make a + slave of you and your posterity for ever! + Remember, that God knoweth the heart; lay + not this flattering unction to your soul, that + it is the custom of the country; that you + found it so, that not your will; but your necessity, + consents. Ah! think how little such + an excuse will avail you in that aweful day, + when your Saviour shall pronounce judgment + on you for breaking a law too plain to + be misunderstood, too sacred to be violated. + If we say we are christians, yet act more inhumanly + and unjustly than heathens, with + what dreadful justice must this sentence of + our blessed Saviour fall upon us, "<em>Not every + one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall + enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that + doth the will of my Father which is in heaven."</em> + Matth. vii. 21. Think a moment + how much your temporal, your eternal welfare + depends upon an abolition of a practice + which deforms the image of your God, tramples + on his revealed will, infringes the most + sacred rights, and violates humanity. + + </p> + <p> + Enough, I hope, has been asserted, to prove + that slavery is a violation of justice and religion. + That it is dangerous to the safety of + the state in which it prevails, may be as + safely asserted. + + </p><a name="P_194"></a><p> + What one's own experience has not taught; + that of others must decide. From hence + does history derive its utility; for being, + when truly written, a faithful record of the + transactions of mankind, and the consequences + that flowed from them, we are thence furnished + with the means of judging what will + be the probable effect of transactions, similar + among ourselves. + + </p> + <p> + We learn then from history, that slavery, + wherever encouraged, has sooner or later + been productive of very dangerous commotions. + I will not trouble my reader here with + quotations in support of this assertion, but + content myself with referring those, who may + be dubious of its truth, to the histories of + Athens, Lacedemon, Rome, and Spain. + + </p> + <p> + How long, how bloody and destructive was + the contest between the Moorish slaves and the + native Spaniards? and after almost deluges of + blood had been shed, the Spaniards obtained + nothing more than driving them into the + mountains.—Less bloody indeed, though, + not less alarming, have been the insurrections + in Jamaica; and to imagine that we shall be for + ever exempted from this calamity, which experience + teaches us to be inseparable from + slavery, so encouraged; is an infatuation as + astonishing as it will be surely fatal:—&c. &c. + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="B_of_Gloucester"></a>EXTRACT + <br><br><br><br> + OF A + <br><br><br><br> + SERMON<br><br> + PREACHED BY THE + <br><br><br><br>BISHOP OF GLOUCESTER, + </h2><a name="P_195"></a><p> + Before the SOCIETY For the PROPAGATION + of the GOSPEL, at the anniversary meeting + on the 21st of <i>February</i>, 1766. + + </p> + <p> + From the free-savages, I now come + (the last point I propose to consider) to + the savages in bonds. By these I mean the + vast multitudes yearly stolen from the opposite + continent, and sacrificed by the colonists + to their great idol, the GOD OF GAIN. + But what then? say these sincere worshippers + of <em>Mammon</em>; they are our own property + which we offer up. Gracious God! to talk + (as in herds of cattle) of property in rational + creatures! creatures endowed with all our + faculties; possessing all our qualities but that + of colour; our brethren both by nature and + <a name="P_196"></a> + grace, shocks all the feelings of humanity, + and the dictates of common sense. But, + alas! what is there in the infinite abuses of + society which does not shock them? Yet + nothing is more certain in itself, and apparent + to all, than that the infamous traffic + for slaves directly infringes both divine and + human law. Nature created man free, + and grace invites him to assert his freedom. + In excuse of this violation, it hath been + pretended, that though indeed these miserable + out-casts of humanity be torn from + their homes and native country by fraud + and violence, yet they thereby become the + happier, and their condition the more + eligible. But who are You, who pretend to + judge of another man's happiness? That + state, which each man, under the guidance + of his Maker, forms for himself, and not + one man for another? To know what constitutes + mine or your happiness, is the sole + prerogative of Him who created us, and cast + us in so various and different moulds. Did + your slaves ever complain to you of their + unhappiness amidst their native woods and + deserts? Or, rather, let me ask, did they + ever cease complaining of their condition + under you their lordly masters? where they + see, indeed, the accommodations of civil + life, but see them all pass to others, themselves + unbenefited by them. Be so gracious + <a name="P_197"></a> + then, ye petty tyrants over human freedom, + to let your slaves judge for themselves, + what it is which makes their own happiness. + And then see whether they do not place it + in the return to their own country, rather + than in the contemplation of your grandeur, + of which their misery makes so large a part. + A return so passionately longed for, that + despairing of happiness here, that is, of + escaping the chains of their cruel task-masters, + they console themselves with feigning it to + be the gracious reward of heaven in their + future state, which I do not find their + haughty masters have as yet concerned themselves + to invade. The less hardy, indeed, + wait for this felicity till over-wearied nature + sets them free; but the more resolved have + recourse even to self-violence, to force a speedier + passage. + + </p> + <p> + But it will be still urged, that though + what is called human happiness be of so fantastic + a nature, that each man's imagination + creates it for himself, yet human misery is + more substantial and uniform throughout + all the tribes of mankind. Now, from the + worst of human miseries, the savage Africans, + by these forced emigrations, are intirely secured; + such as the being perpetually hunted + down like beasts of prey or profit, by their + more savage and powerful neighbours—In + truth, a blessed change!—from being hunted + <a name="P_198"></a> + to being caught. But who are they that + have set on foot this general HUNTING? + Are they not these very civilized violaters + of humanity themselves? who tempt the + weak appetites, and provoke the wild passions + of the fiercer savages to prey upon the + rest. + + </p> + <p><b>THE END.</b></p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h2><a name="mainIDX"></a> + INDEX. + + </h2><a name="P_199"></a><div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e2579"></a> + A + + </h3> + <p><i>Adanson</i> (M.) his account of the country on the + rivers <i>Senegal</i> and + <i>Gambia</i>, <a href="#P_14" class="ref">14</a>. Extraordinary + fertility, <i>ibid.</i> Surprising vegetation, <a href="#P_15" class="ref">15</a>. Beautiful + aspect of the country, <a href="#P_16" class="ref">16</a>. Good disposition of + the natives, <i>ibid.</i></p> + <p><em>Advertisements in the New-York Journal</em>, for the sale of + slaves, <a href="#P_158" class="ref">158</a>. Also in the news-papers of <i>London</i>, <a href="#P_160" class="ref">160</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Africa</i>, that part from whence the Negroe slaves are + brought, how divided, <a href="#P_6" class="ref">6</a>. Capable of a considerable + trade, <a href="#P_143" class="ref">143</a>. + + </p> + <p> + Alien (every) or stranger coming within the King's dominion, + becomes a subject, <a href="#P_148" class="ref">148</a>. + + </p> + <p> + Antientest account of the Negroes, <a href="#P_41" class="ref">41</a>. Were then a + simple innocent people, <a href="#P_43" class="ref">43</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Angola</i>, a plentiful country, + <a href="#P_39" class="ref">39</a>. Character of the natives, + <a href="#P_40" class="ref">40</a>. Government, <i>ibid.</i></p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e2654"></a> + B + + </h3> + <p><i>Barbadoes</i> (laws of) respecting Negroe slaves, + <a href="#P_170" class="ref">170</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Barbot (John)</i> agent general of the + <i>French African Company</i>, his account of the + <i>Gold Coast</i>, <a href="#P_25" class="ref">25</a>. Of the + <i>Slave Coast</i>, <a href="#P_27" class="ref">27</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Bosman (William)</i> principal factor for the + <i>Dutch</i> at <i>D'Elmina</i>, his account + of the <i>Gold Coast</i>, <a href="#P_23" class="ref">23</a>. + Of the <i>Slave Coast</i>, <a href="#P_27" class="ref">27</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Brue (Andrew)</i> principal factor of the + <i>French African Company</i>, his account of the country + on the river <i>Senegal</i>, <a href="#P_7" class="ref">7</a>. And on + the river <i>Gambia</i>, <a href="#P_8" class="ref">8</a>. + <a name="P_200"></a></p> + <p><i>Benin</i> (kingdom of) good character of the natives, + <a href="#P_35" class="ref">35</a>. Punishment of crimes, + <a href="#P_36" class="ref">36</a>. Order of government, + <i>ibid.</i> Largeness and order of the city of + <i>Great Benin</i>, <a href="#P_37" class="ref">37</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Britons</i> (antient) in their original state no less + barbarous than the <em>African</em> Negroes, <a href="#P_68" class="ref">68</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Baxter (Richard)</i> his testimony against slavery, + <a href="#P_83" class="ref">83</a>. + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e2761"></a> + C + + </h3> + <p> + Corruption of some of the Kings of + <i>Guinea</i>, <a href="#P_107" class="ref">107</a>. + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e2772"></a> + D + + </h3> + <p><i>De la Casa</i> (bishop of <i>Chapia</i>) + his concern for the <i>Indians</i>, + <a href="#P_47" class="ref">47</a>. His speech to <i>Charles</i> the + Fifth Emperor of <i>Germany</i> and King of + <i>Spain</i>, <a href="#P_48" class="ref">48</a>. Prodigious + destruction of the <i>Indians</i> in + <i>Hispaniola</i>, <a href="#P_51" class="ref">51</a>. + + </p> + <p><em>Divine principle</em> in every man, its effects on those who + obey its dictates, <a href="#P_14" class="ref">14</a>. + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e2816"></a> + E + + </h3> + <p><i>Elizabeth</i> (Queen) her caution to captain + Hawkins not to enslave any of the Negroes, <a href="#P_55" class="ref">55</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>English</i>, their first trade on the coast of Guinea, + <a href="#P_52" class="ref">52</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Europeans</i> are the principal cause of the wars which + subsist amongst the Negroes, <a href="#P_61" class="ref">61</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>English</i> laws allow no man, of what condition soever, + to be deprived of his liberty, without a legal process, + <a href="#P_150" class="ref">150</a>. The danger of confining any person without a + warrant, <a href="#P_162" class="ref">162</a>. + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e2850"></a> + F + + </h3> + <p> + Fishing, a considerable business on the Guinea + coast, <a href="#P_26" class="ref">26</a>. How carried on, + <i>ibid.</i></p> + <p><i>Foster (James)</i> his testimony against slavery, + <a href="#P_186" class="ref">186</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Fuli</i> Negroes good farmers, <a href="#P_10" class="ref">10</a>. + Those on the <i>Gambia</i> particularly recommended for their + industry and good behaviour, <i>ibid.</i></p> + <p><i>France</i> (King of) objects to the Negroes in his + dominions being reduced to a state of slavery, <a href="#P_58" class="ref">58</a>. + + </p> + </div><a name="P_201"></a><div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e2887"></a> + G + + </h3> + <p><i>Gambia (river)</i><a href="#P_8" class="ref">8</a>, + <a href="#P_14" class="ref">14</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Gloucester</i> (bishop of) extract of his sermon, + <a href="#P_195" class="ref">195</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Godwyn (Morgan)</i> his plea in favour of the Negroes and + Indians, <a href="#P_75" class="ref">75</a>. Complains of the cruelties exercised + upon slaves, <a href="#P_76" class="ref">76</a>. A false opinion prevailed in his + time, that the Negroes were not objects of redeeming + grace, <a href="#P_77" class="ref">77</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Gold Coast</i> has several European factories, + <a href="#P_22" class="ref">22</a>. Great trade for slaves, + <i>ibid.</i> Carried on far in the inland + country, <i>ibid.</i> Natives more reconciled to the + Europeans, and more diligent in procuring slaves, + <i>ibid.</i> Extraordinarily fruitful and agreeable, + <a href="#P_22" class="ref">22</a>, <a href="#P_25" class="ref">25</a>. The + natives industrious, <a href="#P_24" class="ref">24</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Great Britain</i>, all persons during their residence there + are the King's subjects, <a href="#P_148" class="ref">148</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Guinea</i> extraordinarily fertile, + <a href="#P_2" class="ref">2</a>. Extremely unhealthy to the Europeans, + <a href="#P_4" class="ref">4</a>. But agrees well with the natives, + <i>ibid.</i> Prodigious rising of waters, + <i>ibid.</i> Hot winds, <i>ibid.</i> + Surprising vegetation, <a href="#P_15" class="ref">15</a>. + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e2973"></a> + H + + </h3> + <p><i>Hawkins</i> (captain) lands on the coast of + Guinea and seizes on a number of the natives, + which he sells to the Spaniards, <a href="#P_55" class="ref">55</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Hottentots</i> misrepresented by authors, + <a href="#P_101" class="ref">101</a>. True account given of these people by + Kolben, <a href="#P_102" class="ref">102</a>. Love of liberty and sloth their + prevailing passions, <a href="#P_102" class="ref">102</a>. + Distinguished by several virtues, <a href="#P_103" class="ref">103</a>. Firm in + alliances, <i>ibid.</i> Offended at the vices predominant + amongst christians, <a href="#P_104" class="ref">104</a>. Make nor keep no slaves, + <i>ibid.</i></p> + <p><i>Hughes (Griffith)</i> his account of the number of Negroes + in Barbadoes, <a href="#P_85" class="ref">85</a>. Speaks well of their natural + capacities, <a href="#P_86" class="ref">86</a>. + + </p> + <p> + Husbandry of the Negroes carried on in common, <a href="#P_28" class="ref">28</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Hutcheson (Francis)</i> his declaration against slavery, + <a href="#P_184" class="ref">184</a>. + + </p> + </div><a name="P_202"></a><div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e3030"></a> + I + + </h3> + <p><i>Jalof</i> Negroes, their government, + <a href="#P_9" class="ref">9</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Indians</i> grievously oppressed by the Spaniards, + <a href="#P_47" class="ref">47</a>. Their cause pleaded by Bartholomew De la Casa, + <a href="#P_48" class="ref">48</a>. Inland people, good account of them, + <a href="#P_25" class="ref">25</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Ivory Coast</i> fertile, &c. + <a href="#P_18" class="ref">18</a>. Natives falsely represented + to be a treacherous people, <i>ibid.</i> Kind when well + used, <a href="#P_19" class="ref">19</a>. Have no European factories amongst + them, <a href="#P_21" class="ref">21</a>. And but few wars; therefore few slaves + to be had there, <a href="#P_22" class="ref">22</a>. + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e3072"></a> + J + + </h3> + <p> + Jury, Negroes tried and condemned without the solemnity + of a jury, <a href="#P_174" class="ref">174</a>. Highly repugnant to the English + constitution, <a href="#P_176" class="ref">176</a>. Dangerous to those concerned + therein, <i>ibid.</i></p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e3085"></a> + L + + </h3> + <p> + Laws in Guinea severe against man-stealing, and + other crimes, <a href="#P_106" class="ref">106</a>. + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e3093"></a> + M + + </h3> + <p><i>Mandingoe</i> Negroes a numerous nation, + <a href="#P_11" class="ref">11</a>. Great traders, <i>ibid.</i> + Laborious, <a href="#P_11" class="ref">11</a>. Their government, + <a href="#P_13" class="ref">13</a>. Their worship, <i>ibid</i>. + Manner of tillage, <i>ibid.</i> At Galem they suffer none + to be made slaves but criminals, <a href="#P_20" class="ref">20</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Maloyans</i> (a black people) sometimes sold amongst + Negroes brought from very distant parts, <a href="#P_27" class="ref">27</a>. + + </p> + <p> + Markets regularly kept on the Gold and Slave Coasts, + <a href="#P_30" class="ref">30</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Montesquieu's</i> sentiments on slavery, + <a href="#P_72" class="ref">72</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Moor (Francis)</i> factor to the African company, his + account of the slave-trade on the river Gambia, <a href="#P_111" class="ref">111</a>. + + </p> + <p> + Mosaic law merciful in its chastisements, <a href="#P_73" class="ref">73</a>. Has + respect to human nature, <i>ibid.</i></p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e3154"></a> + N + + </h3> + <p> + National wars disapproved by the most considerate + amongst the Negroes, <a href="#P_110" class="ref">110</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Negroes</i> (in Guinea) generally a humane, sociable + people, <a href="#P_2" class="ref">2</a>. Simplicity of their way of living, + <a href="#P_5" class="ref">5</a>. Agreeable in conversation, + <a href="#P_16" class="ref">16</a>. Sensible of the damage + <a name="P_203"></a> + accruing to them from the slave-trade, <a href="#P_61" class="ref">61</a>. + Misrepresented by most authors, <a href="#P_98" class="ref">98</a>. Offended at + the brutality of the European factors, <a href="#P_116" class="ref">116</a>. Shocking + cruelties exercised on them by masters of vessels, + <a href="#P_124" class="ref">124</a>. How many are yearly brought from Guinea by + the English, <a href="#P_129" class="ref">129</a>. The numbers who die on the + passage and in the seasoning, <a href="#P_120" class="ref">120</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Negroe</i> slaves (in the colonies) allowed to cohabit + and separate at pleasure, <a href="#P_36" class="ref">36</a>. Great waste of them + thro' hard usage in the islands, <a href="#P_86" class="ref">86</a>. Melancholy case + of two of them, <a href="#P_136" class="ref">136</a>. Proposals for setting them + free, <a href="#P_129" class="ref">129</a>. Tried and condemned without the solemnity + of a jury, <a href="#P_174" class="ref">174</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Negroes</i> (free) discouragement they met with, + <a href="#P_133" class="ref">133</a>. + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e3221"></a> + P + + </h3> + <p><i>Portugueze</i> carry on a great trade for slaves + at Angola, <a href="#P_40" class="ref">40</a>. Make the first incursions into + Guinea, <a href="#P_44" class="ref">44</a>. From whence they carry off some of + the natives, <i>ibid.</i> Beginners of the slave-trade, + <a href="#P_46" class="ref">46</a>. Erect the first fort at D'Elmina, + <i>ibid.</i></p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e3242"></a> + R + + </h3> + <p><i>Rome</i> (the college of cardinals at) complain of the + abuse offered to the Negroes in selling them for + slaves, <a href="#P_58" class="ref">58</a>. + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e3252"></a> + S + + </h3> + <p><i>Senegal</i> (river) account of, <a href="#P_7" class="ref">7</a>, + <a href="#P_14" class="ref">14</a>. + + </p> + <p> + Ship (account of one) blown up on the coast of Guinea + with a number of Negroes on board, <a href="#P_125" class="ref">125</a>. + + </p> + <p> + Slave-trade, how carried on at the river Gambia, + <a href="#P_111" class="ref">111</a>. And in other parts of Guinea, + <a href="#P_113" class="ref">113</a>. At Whidah, <a href="#P_115" class="ref">115</a>. + + </p> + <p> + Slaves used with much more lenity in Algiers and in + Turkey than in our colonies, <a href="#P_70" class="ref">70</a>. Likewise in + Guinea, <a href="#P_71" class="ref">71</a>. Slavery more tolerable amongst the + antient Pagans than in our colonies, <a href="#P_63" class="ref">63</a>. Declined, + as christianity prevailed, <a href="#P_65" class="ref">65</a>. Early laws in + France for its abolishment, <a href="#P_66" class="ref">66</a>. If put an end to, + would make way for a very extensive trade through + <a name="P_204"></a> + Africa, <a href="#P_143" class="ref">143</a>. The danger of slavery taking place in + England, <a href="#P_164" class="ref">164</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Sloane</i> (Sir Hans) his account of the inhuman and + extravagant punishments inflicted on Negroes, <a href="#P_89" class="ref">89</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Smith (William)</i> surveyor to the African company, his + account of the Ivory Coast, <a href="#P_20" class="ref">20</a>. Of the Gold + Coast, <a href="#P_24" class="ref">24</a>. + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e3324"></a> + V + + </h3> + <p> + VIRGINIA (laws), respecting Negro slaves, <a href="#P_172" class="ref">172</a>. + <i>Virginia</i> (address to the assembly) setting forth the + iniquity and danger of slavery, <a href="#P_189" class="ref">189</a>. + + </p> + </div> + <div class="teidiv"> + <h3><a name="projectID3fb5dbc04143b-div-d0e3338"></a> + W + + </h3> + <p> + WALLACE (<i>George</i>) his testimony against slavery, + <a href="#P_180" class="ref">180</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>West Indies</i>, white people able to perform the necessary + work there, <a href="#P_141" class="ref">141</a>. + + </p> + <p><i>Whidah</i> (kingdom of) agreeable and fruitful, + <a href="#P_27" class="ref">27</a>. Natives treat one another with respect, + <a href="#P_29" class="ref">29</a>. + + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr> + <address> By Benezet, Anthony. + <br> + <!-- +Generated from projectID3fb5dbc04143b using an XSLT version 1 stylesheet +based on c:\downloads\saxon6_5_3teihtml.xsl +processed using SAXON 6.5.3 from Michael Kay +on 2004-03-05T22:00:19-06:00--></address> + + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11489 ***</div> +</body> |