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-<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Considerations on the present peace, by Robert Vaughan</p>
-<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
-most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
-of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online
-at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you
-are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the
-country where you are located before using this eBook.
-</div>
-
-<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Considerations on the present peace</p>
-<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>as far as it is relative to the colonies, and the African trade</p>
-<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Authors: Robert Vaughan</p>
-<p style='display:block; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em;'>Thomas Carney</p>
-<p style='display:block; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em;'>Various</p>
-<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: November 14, 2022 [eBook #69348]</p>
-<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p>
- <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: John Campbell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)</p>
-<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CONSIDERATIONS ON THE PRESENT PEACE ***</div>
-
-
-<div class="transnote">
-<p><strong>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE</strong></p>
-
-<p>Footnote anchors are denoted by <span class="fnanchor fs80">[number]</span>,
-and the footnotes have been placed at the end of the book.</p>
-
-<p class="customcover">The cover image was created by the transcriber
-and is placed in the public domain.</p>
-
-<p>All changes noted in the <a href="#ERRATA">ERRATA</a> on page 68 have
-been applied to the etext. The erratum for p. 21 should have said l. 34, not l. 3.
-<span class="screenonly">Each change is indicated
-by a <ins class="err">dotted gray</ins> underline.</span></p>
-
-<p>Some minor changes to the text are noted at the <a href="#TN">end of the book.</a>
-<span class="screenonly">These are indicated by a <ins class="corr">dashed blue</ins> underline.</span></p>
-</div>
-
-
-<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-
-<h1>
-CONSIDERATIONS<br />
-<span class="fs60 lsp3">ON THE</span><br />
-<span class="fs120">PRESENT PEACE,</span><br />
-<span class="fs30 lsp">As far as it is relative to the</span><br />
-<span class="fs100 lsp3">COLONIES,</span><br />
-<span class="fs60 lsp3">AND THE</span><br />
-<span class="fs120">AFRICAN TRADE.</span></h1>
-
-<p class="center"><i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Magna est veritas &amp; prævalebit.</i></p>
-
-<p class="p2 pfs120">
-<span class="lsp3">LONDON:</span><br />
-Printed for <span class="smcap">W. Bristow</span>, at the West End of St. Paul’s<br />
-Church-yard. &#160; MDCCLXIII.</p>
-
-<p class="pfs120">[Price One Shilling.]</p>
-
-
-<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_i"></a>[Pg i]</span></p>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak">
-<span class="fs60">TO THE</span><br />
-BRITISH PLANTERS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="smcap">Gentlemen,</p>
-
-<p class="drop-capy">AN uninterested desire of rendering service
-to the public, and not an idle
-whim, or vanity to appear in print, has
-induced the editors of the following facts to
-publish them. Author is a title they lay no
-claim to.</p>
-
-<p>By their unornamented energy alone is meant
-to gain the reader’s attention, and to enforce
-the facts advanced; therefore, without further
-apology, they are presented to you in a plain
-dress, to point out some measures that were
-taken to mislead the legislature, whereby the
-African trade, in the year 1750, was put upon
-such a plan, as, by the event, has proved extreamly
-detrimental to the British colonies. On
-that account, the following sheets can be addressed
-to none so properly as to you.</p>
-
-<p>We flatter ourselves it will evidently appear
-by the contents of the following pamphlet,
-that the forts on the coast of Africa, are by no
-means upon a proper establishment; likewise
-that the present method of carrying on the African
-trade to those parts where the forts are situated,
-by the very high price given for Negroes
-there, which occasions the profit arising to be<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_ii"></a>[ii]</span>
-divided between the <em>European</em> merchants and
-the <em>African</em> traders, but must become extreamly
-burthensome and disadvantageous to
-you, we believe every <em>real planter</em> will allow.</p>
-
-<p>We cannot admit certain individuals to be
-esteemed <em>real planters</em>, notwithstanding they
-may have <em>one</em> or <em>more plantations</em>, when at the
-same time they are concerned as merchants in
-the colonies, who procure the ships from the
-coast of Africa to be consigned to them; of
-which it is conjectured (and not without foundation)
-many of them are part owners; for
-these apparent reasons, it being their interest
-to keep up the price of Negroes so consigned to
-them, as all such advance encreases their
-commissions. Therefore, in our humble opinion,
-no attention ought to be paid to any remonstrance
-from people so much interested, or
-from those merchants who reside in Europe,
-that are connected with them, against any proposals
-that may be offered for the general utility
-of the colonies, which has been the case;
-and in consequence, very detrimental measures
-have been pursued through the misrepresentation
-of such opponents.</p>
-
-<p>Should such destructive measures be continued,
-an absolute diminution of the annual income
-from your estates in the colonies must inevitably
-ensue, whether from the want of Negroes,
-or your purchasing them at too high a
-rate. In either case, it will prevent your being
-able to raise as much sugar, and other plantation-product
-you would otherwise do, or<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iii"></a>[iii]</span>
-to take off as great a quantity of the manufactures
-of the mother-country, as were you
-to have a sufficient number of Negroes at reasonable
-prices. Relying upon the <ins class="corr" id="tn-iii" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'above allegagations'">
-above allegations</ins>, with those you will find in the course of
-the following pamphlet, the editors presume
-you will think it most expedient and conducive
-for your interests, without loss of time, to apply
-to the legislative power, in order that some
-speedy and effectual measures be taken and
-carried into execution for <em>retrieving</em>, better <em>regulating</em>
-and <em>extending</em> that valuable branch of
-the <em>British</em> commerce, the <em>African trade</em>.</p>
-
-<p>The present seems the most proper time for
-so great a national purpose, in order to prevent
-the <em>French</em> getting the start of you, which they
-will exert all their <em>power</em> and <em>abilities</em> to <em>effect</em>;
-for they are now not only making great
-preparations to carry on that trade themselves,
-but they have already made several <em>contracts</em>
-with <em>British</em> merchants to supply them with
-<em>Negroes</em>. So intent are they to secure, by every
-method they can contrive, as great a number
-as possible of those useful people, on which
-the prosperity of the <em>French</em> colonies depend:
-besides, as <em>peace</em> is concluded, his majesty’s
-ministers, in whose department it is, will have
-leisure to examine minutely into the reasons that
-induced you to make such application. Therefore
-there cannot be a doubt from their known
-<em>abilities</em>, and willingness to promote the <em>public
-good</em> by their care of the <em>trade</em> and <em>commerce</em> of
-these <em>kingdoms</em>, but they will give their most<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iv"></a>[iv]</span>
-serious attention to any proposal you may lay
-before them for so good a purpose, as the <em>extending</em>
-and <em>preserving</em> the <em>African trade</em>; and
-will be as desirous as yourselves to pursue such
-plan as appears to them most reasonable for promoting
-the general advantage of the <em>British colonies</em>,
-and consequently the <em>mother-country</em>.
-The editors will not intrude farther on your
-time, than to hope something will be done to
-secure that valuable branch of commerce to the
-<em>British subjects</em>, they being very desirous to
-promote the prosperity of the <em>British colonies</em>,
-and to assure you that they are with great respect,</p>
-
-<p class="right">
-<span class="padr6">Gentlemen,</span><br />
-<br />
-Your most obedient, and most<br />
-<br />
-<span class="padr2">Humble servants,</span><br />
-</p>
-
-<p>London,<br />
-11 April, 1763.</p>
-
-<p class="right">
-The EDITORS.</p>
-
-
-<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
-
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_1"></a>[Pg 1]</span></p>
-
-<p class="p2 pfs180">Considerations on the Peace,</p>
-
-<p class="p2 pfs70">As far as it is relative to the</p>
-
-<p class="p1 pfs150">Colonies, and the African Trade.</p>
-
-
-<p class="drop-capy">SINCE the preliminary articles of peace were
-published by authority, we have heard
-many persons in coffee-houses and other
-places, censure and blame our negotiators, for
-their not having obtained better terms.</p>
-
-<p>They say, that our acquisitions in North America
-are of little consequence: yet when these acquisitions
-were in possession of our enemies, they
-thought them of inestimable value. Can the <ins class="corr" id="tn-1" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'meer alienation'">
-mere alienation</ins> of any property cause so sudden a diminution
-of its original worth? Surely then pique
-or dislike to some of our peace-makers, or private
-interest to have the war continued, must have
-hurried these men beyond the bounds of reason.
-For if they would give themselves the least time
-to reflect seriously, and judge dispassionately, they
-would find, that by retaining our conquests in
-North America (which are extended beyond our
-most sanguine expectations) the greatest benefit
-and utility must arise to this the mother-country;
-inasmuch as we have put ourselves in such a situation<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_2"></a>[2]</span>
-not only in the north, but also in the southern
-parts, that it is to be hoped our inland settlers will
-live in a perfect state of tranquillity; and his majesty’s
-subjects carry on and cultivate that great
-branch of the British commerce, without dread of
-the Indians, or interruption from the subjects of
-any foreign nation. This good effect surely must
-be allowed to be of immense importance and advantage
-to Great Britain; and would not have
-been the case if we had kept the sugar colonies
-ceded to France, instead of part of our continental
-conquests.</p>
-
-<p>What was the occasion of the war but the negotiators
-of the last peace not settling the distinct
-limits and boundaries of the territories we and
-the French were to have in North America? We
-rejoice those limits are now settled, and hope so
-effectually as to prevent future disputes.</p>
-
-<p>Among the many altercations concerning the
-preliminary articles, and the abilities of our
-negotiators, it must be allowed, with respect
-to the commercial interest of this country, there is
-a noble Lord in high office, and of the cabinet,
-whole acknowledged capacity, great application,
-and long experience, at a board where he so judiciously
-and eminently presided, made him a most
-competent judge what measures were proper to be
-taken for the security, improvement, and extension
-of the trade and commerce of Great-Britain
-and her colonies. Therefore, we cannot doubt,
-but his majesty has been well and faithfully advised
-as to that part of our pacific negotiations;
-because the patriotic spirit, honour and integrity
-of that nobleman are universally known and approved.
-It is not amiss to lay down as a maxim,
-that in general the information of merchants is
-not to be depended on by the legislature, with respect
-to trade and commerce, for many other,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_3"></a>[3]</span>
-besides this principal reason; to wit—A trade may
-be very profitable to a particular merchant, city
-or town, and, at the same time, be very pernicious
-to the general interest of the nation, is a most
-notorious fact. Have we not heard <ins class="corr" id="tn-3" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'many falshoods'">
-many falsehoods</ins> asserted, and seen many erroneous calculations
-laid before the public, with an interested
-view of obtaining such private ends, and of defeating
-in some very essential points the public
-welfare?</p>
-
-<p>Whatever self-interested people may clamour to
-the contrary, there cannot be a doubt but his majesty
-and his ministers, in their negociations, have
-given the most serious attention to the universal
-good of this country, without confining their views,
-or partially regarding whether <em>North America</em> is
-more valuable than the <em>Sugar Islands</em>, because each
-merited their notice and care, being both of inestimable
-value to the mother-country, and reciprocally
-so to each other; and all three so essentially
-connected, that whatever happens to the disadvantage
-of the one, must in proportion affect the
-other. For the West India islands depend upon
-<em>North America</em>, in a great measure, for provisions,
-mill, and other timber; as well as for horses, cattle,
-and many things absolutely necessary for
-the use of the plantations; which are paid for in
-<em>specie</em>, <em>sugar</em>, <em>rum</em>, melasses, and other plantation-produce:
-moreover, the melasses being distilled
-into rum in <em>North America</em>, are of great advantage
-to the merchants there, in carrying on the African
-trade directly from thence, which enables them to
-make returns for those manufactures, <em>&amp;c.</em> they
-receive from hence with greater facility. All possible
-care should be taken to prevent his majesty’s
-subjects purchasing sugar, rum, and particularly
-melasses, in the French islands, by prohibiting their
-importation into North America, by laying a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_4"></a>[4]</span>
-higher duty upon those articles than that laid by
-an act, made in the sixth year of his late majesty’s
-reign, entitled, “An act for the better securing
-and encouraging the trade of his majesty’s sugar
-colonies, <em>&amp;c.</em>” whereby such high duties were
-laid on all foreign sugars, rums, and melasses, to
-be imported into any of his majesty’s colonies in
-America, as, it was thought, would answer all the
-ends of a prohibition.</p>
-
-<p>But experience has shewn that law, and also
-those passed in the 12th and 15th <em>Car.</em> II. are too
-weak to answer the purposes for which they were
-designed; and that some more effectual remedies
-must be found to prevent the British traders of
-North America importing foreign sugar, rum,
-and melasses, which was a great trade carried on
-by them from the French islands before the war;
-and by that means the commodities from North
-America, wanted in the sugar islands, were greatly
-advanced to the British planters. And as the northern
-traders often refused to take any thing from them
-but ready money, which drained them of almost all
-their gold and silver, for want of which they were
-often brought into great distress; therefore all the
-money the North American traders used to receive
-from the British planters, was carried to foreign
-sugar colonies, and there laid out in the purchase
-of sugar, rum, and melasses, which were carried
-to our northern colonies, and there supplied the
-place of sugar, rum, and melasses from the British
-sugar islands; and consequently robbed them
-not only of the consumption of so much of their
-product, but also of their gold and silver too.</p>
-
-<p>Whereas if the planters in the foreign colonies
-were obliged to purchase what they want from the
-British subjects with ready money only, and not
-allowed to give their sugar, rum, and melasses in
-barter for the same, it would <ins class="corr" id="tn-4" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'make the ballance'">
-make the balance</ins> of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_5"></a>[5]</span>
-that trade for the future much more in our favour
-than it has been against us; because we having so
-greatly extended the British dominion on the continent
-of America, the French in their sugar
-islands cannot be supplied with what they want
-from thence but by the English; therefore the
-British traders may chuse to be paid for their merchandizes
-in such manner as they shall please, which
-the French will be under a necessity of complying
-with.</p>
-
-<p>It is well known to those who are acquainted
-with the sugar islands, that the profits of the planter
-depend upon the vent he finds for his rum and
-melasses; for if sugar only, and no rum and melasses
-could be produced from the sugar cane, it
-would hardly pay the expence of culture, and manufacturing
-it into sugar. Therefore as the consumption
-of rum and melasses is stopped or increased,
-the sugar colonies (whether English or foreign)
-must respectively thrive or decline. And as
-rum is not allowed to be imported into old France,
-or any of its colonies (because it interferes with
-brandy, which is the product of the mother-country)
-this evidently shews how much it is in the
-power of Great-Britain to check the progress of
-the French sugar islands, and advance that of her
-own. For if the bringing French rum and melasses
-into any of the British dominions, can be effectually
-stopped, all the profits made by rum and
-melasses, in the French sugar colonies, would be
-lost to them; because they could find no vent for
-it in any other part of the world.</p>
-
-<p>This point strictly attended, and invariably adhered
-to, and the African trade secured to the British
-subjects, to the extent of their natural and
-undoubted right, would diminish the growth of
-sugar in the French islands, and increase it in our
-own; and might, with the addition of our new
-acquisitions, very probably in the course of some<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6"></a>[6]</span>
-years, be a means of enabling the English <ins class="corr" id="tn-6" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'to undersel them'">
-to undersell them</ins> at all foreign markets in Europe, and
-confine them to their own consumption. Therefore
-it is humbly submitted to the consideration of
-the legislative power, whether this trade, so apparently
-hurtful to the national interest of this kingdom,
-(which will most certainly be carried on in
-the same manner it was before the war) ought not
-to be stopped without delay; and the importation
-of foreign sugar, rum, or melasses, into any of
-the British colonies in North America, prohibited
-under such penalties, and with such encouragements
-to inform and seize, as may be adequate to
-the crime, in order to put an effectual stop to such
-a pernicious and destructive commerce.</p>
-
-<p>From what has been before observed, it will, it
-is presumed, evidently appear how necessary it
-must be for the advantage of the British sugar colonies,
-to promote as much as possible the sale and
-consumption of rum and melasses, upon which,
-in a great measure, the well-being and prosperity
-of the planters depend. On that account, and in
-order to promote such desirable purpose, suppose
-the duties on melasses, and the excise on rum, were
-to be lowered, such procedure would favour our
-plantations in their rivalship with France, and the
-lessening these duties will, in a great measure,
-prevent the smuggling of foreign brandy to such
-a degree, as may probably augment the revenue
-arising therefrom, by a greater quantity of rum and
-melasses being disposed of, which consequently
-must considerably encrease our navigation; and the
-disadvantage to our rivals in trade will be in proportion
-to our success. Besides, rum, if it can be
-got at a reasonable rate, will greatly increase the
-consumption of malt spirits, by mixing them in
-such proportion as are suitable to the palate of an
-infinite variety of people. This is evident from<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7"></a>[7]</span>
-the great quantities, and the various prices that
-spirits are sold for under the denomination of rum,
-which are from 5<em>s.</em> or 7<em>s.</em> to 10<em>s.</em> <em>per</em> gallon.</p>
-
-<p>The trade carried on between Great Britain,
-Ireland, North America, the West India islands
-and Africa, is of greater advantage to this country,
-than all our other trades whatsoever, arising
-from the great exportation of <em>British</em> manufactures,
-<em>East India</em> goods, provisions as well as <em>linens</em> from
-<em>Ireland</em>, which are paid for with <em>specie</em>, <em>sugar</em>, <em>tobacco</em>,
-<em>rice</em>, <em>cotton</em>, and other plantation-produce;
-and with the commodities of <em>Africa</em>, such as <em>gold dust</em>,
-<em>bees wax</em>, <em>elephants teeth</em>, <em>gum Senegal</em>, various
-sorts of <em>dying woods</em>, and particularly <em>Negroes for
-the plantations</em>; whence it manifestly appears, upon
-the African trade, and the invaluable commerce
-of our colonies, above two-thirds of the British
-navigation depends; and for this very obvious reason
-it may be asserted, that in the vessels employed
-for said traffic, the most useful sailors for manning
-his majesty’s navy (the great bulwark of this nation)
-are bred; because they are inured to the
-manner of living on board ships, as well in the
-hot as in the cold climates; which is not the case
-of sailors taken out of coasting vessels, colliers, and
-traders to the north seas, as hath been frequently
-experienced by the many (very useful) lives in our
-expeditions to the East and West Indies being lost;
-and that fatality was chiefly owing to their not
-having been accustomed to live on salt provisions,
-and to bear the excessive heat of the climate,
-which they were unacquainted with, and unpractised
-in.</p>
-
-<p>To prevent the like catastrophes hereafter, when
-occasion shall require, we would propose the chusing
-out of the several ships that may lie in the
-harbours of Great-Britain, such sailors only as shall
-have been a voyage or more to the hot countries,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8"></a>[8]</span>
-to man such expedition fleets for those parts of
-the world, where the sun’s power is strong, as the
-more probable means of preserving the lives of a
-great number of those valuable sailors, who may
-not have had a seasoning, and have been mostly
-employed in the coasting trade and short voyages.</p>
-
-<p>We have been induced to throw out this hint, in
-hopes that it may engage the attention of some
-more able pen, to form a scheme for such a good,
-humane, and noble end, before the commencement
-of another war.<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p>
-
-<p>It must be allowed by those who have a general
-knowledge of the trade and commerce of <em>Great-Britain</em>
-and <em>Ireland</em>, that the <em>Negro-trade</em> on the
-coast of <em>Africa</em>, is the chief and fundamental support
-of the <em>British colonies</em>, by supplying them with
-that race of useful people called Negroes, to be
-employed in cultivating the lands. But when there
-is either a deficiency of them, or that they are
-purchaseable but at high prices, then such checks
-must greatly impoverish our British planters; and
-in consequence, considerably diminish the wealth,
-power, trade and navigation of these kingdoms,
-the encrease of which has been, in a great measure,
-owing to the extensive commerce to and
-from our colonies and plantations: therefore their
-not being properly supplied with Negroes, must
-be extremely detrimental to them; which induces
-us to make some observations upon a memorial
-taken notice of in the <em>Public Ledger</em>, of the third
-of November last, wherein it was asserted, that
-sir <em>William Meredith</em>, one of the representatives in
-parliament for the town of <em>Liverpool</em>, had presented
-a memorial to the right honourable the earl<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9"></a>[9]</span>
-of <em>Egremont</em>, one of his majesty’s principal secretaries
-of state, “setting forth the great advantages
-of the trade of <em>Guadaloupe, where they received</em>
-334,605<em>l.</em> 11<em>s.</em> 2<em>d.</em><a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> for 12,347 slaves, the
-cargoes of 41 ships, purchased in Africa with
-British manufactures; praying that the possession
-of that island might be thought of in the
-negotiation for peace, if not incompatible with
-the general scheme of affairs.” This memorial
-we could not have expected from that quarter,
-recollecting that the great <em>Hardman</em> is no more.
-Had he been living, it would not have been
-wondered at, as he was noted for his contriving,
-and being industrious at procuring and presenting,
-memorials and petitions. He even influenced
-some <em>merchants</em> of the town of Rippon in Yorkshire,
-to petition the parliament, when that great
-and important trade to Africa was under its consideration.
-He likewise prevailed on many other
-towns to petition, all as little interested and connected
-with the trade of Africa, as Rippon; and
-said Rippon was never famous for any other manufactory,
-that we could hear of, but that of making
-spurs; and the cream of the jest is, that not a
-single pair, as a commercial article, was ever sent
-to Africa; at the same time many other measures
-were pursued, very singular methods taken, and
-absolute untruths asserted as facts, to mislead the
-legislature, in order, as it is supposed, to prevent
-the forts and settlements being put upon a proper
-establishment, that were all as inconsistent as the
-Rippon petition.</p>
-
-<p>It was at that period boldly advanced at the
-bar of the house of Commons, and with great industry
-propagated among the members, that the
-forts in <em>Africa</em> were only useful, as marks of possession<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a>[10]</span>
-and sovereignty; which, if true, why has 19,565<em>l.</em>
-14<em>s.</em> 2<em>d.</em> sterling been expended in building part of
-a fort at <em>Anamaboa</em>, to the 30th June, 1756, as appears
-by the African committee’s accounts to that
-time, when the further building of that fort was
-put under the direction of the board of ordnance<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a>?
-which sum has been since paid by the public more
-than the annual grant of 10,000<em>l.</em> then insisted as
-sufficient for the support of the forts. But we have
-been informed, those prevaricating advocates have
-since altered their opinion, and think it a very inadequate
-sum for such purpose: and it appears by
-the votes of the honourable house of Commons,
-application has been made to parliament to enlarge
-the annual grant; and there was granted for the
-year 1761, 13,000<em>l.</em> and for the year 1762, the
-like sum, by which it is conjectured the said advocates
-have found it absolutely necessary that the
-forts ought to be kept in a better state than that of
-marks of <em>possession</em> and <em>sovereignty</em> only.</p>
-
-<p>But that cannot be done, when we consider in
-what manner the money granted by parliament to
-the African committee, is appropriated in Africa,
-which the government never receives any account of.</p>
-
-<p>The great argument made use of to the then
-ministers<a id="FNanchor_4" href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a>, to obtain a dissolution of the late African
-company, by the advocates for the present
-system, was, that 10,000<em>l.</em> was quite adequate and
-sufficient for the support and maintenance of the
-forts. <ins class="err" id="err-10" title="Erratum: was 'This, I'">
-This, we</ins> believe, was one of the strongest<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11"></a>[11]</span>
-reasons for those ministers adopting their scheme,
-which had as much truth in it, as many other assertions
-at that time made use of.</p>
-
-<p>The late company, from their experience, insisted
-that sum was very insufficient; which it really
-was, even to give in presents annually to the principal
-natives, to cultivate such an interest as is not
-only necessary, but absolutely essential to support
-and promote the honour, power, jurisdiction, and
-trade of Great Britain on the coast of Africa.
-However, there has been granted, since the forts
-were put under the care of the present Africa
-committee for their support, from 2d February,
-1751, to 2d February, 1763, 136,000<em>l.</em> which
-is 11,333<em>l.</em> 6<em>s.</em> 8<em>d.</em> <em>per annum</em>, exclusive of what
-was expended in building the fort at Annamaboa.
-Notwithstanding said grants, the forts have not
-been kept even<a id="FNanchor_5" href="#Footnote_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> as marks of possession and sovereignty;
-which undeniable truth the <ins class="err" id="err-11" title="Erratum: was 'editor is'">
-editors are</ins> ready to prove, if called upon.</p>
-
-<p>Mourn! mourn! O <em>Liverpool</em>, for the loss of
-thy great hero and champion, who was at all
-times ready to enter the lists in defence of thy trade
-and commerce. But, Britain rejoice; for what
-may have been for the advantage of the town of
-<em>Liverpool</em>, might be greatly detrimental and prejudicial
-to the general trade and commerce of this
-country and its colonies; which surely must
-clearly appear from the beforementioned memorial.
-<ins class="corr" id="tn-11" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'For I believe it'">
-For we believe it</ins> will be allowed, if we were
-to encrease and extend the number of our colonies
-in North America, and the West Indies, it would
-be disadvantageous to Great Britain, unless they
-can be supplied with a sufficient number of people
-for their defence and cultivation, at as reasonable<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12"></a>[12]</span>
-an expence as possible; without taking the hands
-that are useful and necessary in husbandry, and the
-several manufactures of the mother-country.</p>
-
-<p>Then surely, as Guadaloupe was surrendered by
-capitulation to the British arms, no longer than
-since the 4th day of May, 1759; and as the merchants
-of <em>Liverpool</em> had imported 12,347 Negroes
-into that island some months ago, which must
-have been the case, or they could not have had so
-exact an account; we may well conclude that a
-great number of Negroes have also been carried to
-<em>Guadaloupe</em>, and the other conquered islands, by
-the merchants of <em>London</em>, <em>Bristol</em>, and other ports,
-that carry on a trade to <em>Africa</em>, and have been
-carrying negroes from the time they had the last
-accounts, which we may suppose to be at least six
-months preceding the merchants of <em>Liverpool</em>’s
-memorial being presented to lord Egremont.</p>
-
-<p>This must be undoubtedly of great advantage
-to the <em>French</em> planters, and extremely detrimental
-to our North American and West India colonies,
-for want of the <em>Negroes</em> that have been sold to
-those conquered islands; which must consequently
-cause a scarcity, and enhance the price of those
-carried to the real colonies of Great Britain. Because
-the merchants of <em>Liverpool</em>, and others concerned
-in the <em>African</em> trade, must be truly sensible,
-that they can find beneficial markets in our colonies
-for treble the number of Negroes they can purchase
-with <em>British</em> manufactures. So that the consumption
-of those manufactures is not encreased, as they
-would insinuate, by their selling Negroes to the
-<em>French islands</em> (<ins class="corr" id="tn-12" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'for so I must'">
-for so we must</ins> call them while they
-have <em>French inhabitants</em>) when the selling such Negroes
-is so apparently disadvantageous to our colonies
-that are inhabited by British subjects; on
-which account we submit, whether as we are to give
-back to France <em>Martinico</em>, <em>Guadaloupe</em>, <em>Marigalante</em>,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13"></a>[13]</span>
-<em>Deserade</em>, and <em>St. Lucia</em>, orders should not
-be immediately sent to the governors of such
-islands, to prevent <em>British</em> subjects selling any Negroes
-to the <em>French</em>, which it would be impolitic
-to do, even were we to have kept possession of
-them.</p>
-
-<p>The ships that have been fitted out, and are
-upon their voyages with an intention to sell Negroes
-on the <em>French islands</em>, may dispose of them in
-the adjacent <em>British colonies</em>, where they will meet
-with purchasers for any number, at such prices as
-will make their voyages profitable. Therefore
-such order will not be hurtful to the merchants,
-but of great advantage to the <em>British planters</em>, and
-consequently so to this country.</p>
-
-<p>It is for that reason we insist it was our interest
-to return those islands to France, to whom (if proper
-steps are pursued by us) they must and will
-become a continual expence, burthen and incumbrance;
-nor would our retention of them have
-been an advantage to us: for as the inhabitants
-are <em>French</em>, we must always have kept a military
-force there at a very great expence, of which recruiting
-would be no small part. And one great
-consideration ought to be, the <em>number of British
-subjects that would die in that unhealthy climate</em>, if
-they were only the soldiers that must annually be
-sent to complete the regiments necessary to be kept
-on that service. That service alone would be productive
-of a great expence; and the loss of so
-many subjects would prove very detrimental to
-<em>Great Britain</em>.</p>
-
-<p>Besides, for argument’s sake, let us suppose we
-had kept <em>Martinico</em>, <em>Guadaloupe</em>, <em>St. Lucia</em>, <em>Marigalante</em>
-and <em>Deserade</em>, it would have been highly
-disadvantageous to the <em>British planters</em>, and must
-prejudice them much in their circumstances, so as
-in a short time to reduce the old <em>British</em> sugar<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14"></a>[14]</span>
-islands, now so populous and flourishing, to such a
-state, that it <ins class="err" id="err-14" title="Erratum: was 'made me'">
-made us</ins> tremble to think of it; because
-the British <em>African</em> traders would supply those
-islands taken from the French with Negroes, in
-preference to the old <em>British</em> colonies; which fully
-appears by the number they have been supplied
-with already; and as those islands are now ceded
-to France, will be of great advantage to the planters
-therein, by their having been in our possession,
-on account of the Negroes they have purchased to
-cultivate their plantations. And had we kept said
-islands, as soon as they had been sufficiently stock’d,
-they would have carried on a trade for the redundant
-Negroes with their countrymen at <em>St. Domingo</em>.
-Hence it appears, that great care must be
-taken to prevent their having it in their power so
-to do after those islands are restored to France; as
-we do not in the least doubt, but from the intercourse
-our countrymen have had with them for the
-sake of profit, contracts will be made for such anti-national
-purpose. And such a commerce would
-enable them and the planters of <em>St. Domingo</em> to
-cultivate sugar and other plantation-produce sufficient
-to supply all Europe; and by such means
-prevent Great Britain’s reaping the advantage that
-she derives from the exportation of the produce of
-her colonies: which is so essential a benefit to her,
-and is one of the first causes of our receiving
-<ins class="corr" id="tn-14" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'a ballance of trade'">
-a balance of trade</ins> from foreign countries, and in
-which the landed interest, merchants and manufacturers
-of <em>Great Britain</em> and <em>Ireland</em>, as also the
-<em>planters</em> and <em>merchants</em> in our <em>colonies</em>, are so materially
-concerned and interested. For the lands in
-Britain must always rise and fall in proportion as
-our manufactures and navigation prosper or decline,
-and the national revenue encrease or diminish,
-as the trade of our colonies is in a more or less
-flourishing way.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15"></a>[15]</span></p>
-
-<p>Therefore is it not evident, that there is not a
-man in this kingdom, who, in proportion to his
-possession and property in the community, does
-not partake of the benefits and advantages accruing
-from the <em>African</em>, <em>North American</em>, and <em>West
-Indian</em> trades; and who would not be a sufferer in
-proportion to his situation in life, should they diminish,
-by falling into the hands of people belonging
-to any other nation? where, supposing it to
-be the case, the profit of those valuable trades
-must consequently center.</p>
-
-<p>For notwithstanding the advantage the French
-inhabitants would have had by our retention of
-those islands, they would take nothing from us for
-the use of themselves, or their plantations, but
-what they were obliged to out of the greatest necessity;
-as we have no wines to supply them with,
-which are proper for that country: so that they
-would have their wines, and every thing else they
-could possibly procure, from France; having been
-accustomed from their infancy to wear French,
-which they would ever look on as their own native
-manufactures. And <ins class="corr" id="tn-15" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'sorry I am to say'">
-sorry we are to say</ins>, too many
-of them are used in the British colonies, as well
-as in this country. For which reason they would
-always have a dislike to British manufactures, and
-that would induce them to pursue every measure
-to smuggle their own into those islands; and
-for the sake of profit, many English traders would
-be induced to carry them from the Isle of Man,
-Guernsey, Jersey, and other places, in preference
-to those of their own country, which has already
-been the case. But supposing it not so, the real
-profits of those islands, while possessed by French
-inhabitants, would not center in Great Britain,
-but in France; because, on account of the difference
-in religion, they would send their children
-thither for education, and make provision for themselves<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16"></a>[16]</span>
-to retire there, always looking upon it as
-their home. Even so our planters do in regard to
-Great Britain; for all those who go to the West
-Indies, or are born there, have no intention to end
-their days in that climate, but are always aiming
-to lay by a sufficiency to go home, as they call it;
-that is, the <em>English</em> planters to come to <em>Great Britain</em>,
-and the <em>French</em> to <em>France</em>.</p>
-
-<p>By what has hitherto been advanced, surely it
-will evidently appear to every impartial reader,
-that had we retain’d the French sugar islands, they
-would not have been of any advantage to this
-country, but on the contrary. It is not the number
-of islands, where sugar, tobacco, rice, and
-other plantation-products are raised, that will be
-advantageous to this or any other country, without
-they can be supplied with a sufficient number
-of Negroes for their cultivation; the land being
-all tilled by hand-labour with the hoe, as there
-is no ploughing with oxen and horses in the West
-Indies, except in Jamaica, where two or three
-planters have used the plough to some part of their
-plantations, where the soil was light, and of a sandy
-nature; and all other work is done by <em>Negroes</em>, as
-Europeans cannot do any laborious work there.</p>
-
-<p>Their field <em>labourers</em>, sugar <em>boilers</em>, <em>distillers</em>, <em>coopers</em>,
-<em>mill-wrights</em>, <em>carpenters</em>, <em>masons</em>, <em>builders</em>, <em>smiths</em>,
-and house <em>servants</em>, are <em>blacks</em>; therefore it is not
-the number of islands, but the greatest number of
-the <em>best Negroes</em> that benefit the mother-country,
-<em>which sort</em> we can make appear, the French since
-the year 1729, in times of peace, to the commencement
-of the present war, have been constantly
-supplied with. That is one of the true
-causes why they have produced such quantities of
-sugar, and other plantation-product; that for several
-years before the war, they were become our
-rivals at foreign markets, so far as to draw from<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17"></a>[17]</span>
-thence a great annual balance of trade in favour
-of France.<a id="FNanchor_6" href="#Footnote_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> But this <em>effect</em> would have been prevented,
-if proper measures had been pursued by
-us for the preservation of the <em>African</em> trade, to that
-part of <em>Africa</em> where the hardy Negroes, who are
-inured to labour in their own country, were to be
-purchased.</p>
-
-<p>The French, from the year 1729, to the end of
-the year 1738, carried from the <em>Gold Coast</em>, <em>Popo</em>
-and <em>Whydah</em>, <em>fifteen</em> or <em>seventeen thousand</em> of those
-valuable people annually; when <em>four thousand</em>, in
-any one year during that period, were not carried
-to the British plantations; which is the truest
-reason that can be assigned for the prosperity of
-the French colonies, and the main spring of the
-great increase of their product. For they do not
-understand the cultivation and management of a
-plantation in any degree equal to the British planters:
-therefore their advantage and success has
-been owing, in a great measure, to the good and
-hardy labourers they have had to till their land,
-and manufacture the product of it.</p>
-
-<p>We doubt not but the merchants trading to
-Africa will say, they have imported since the year
-1729, more Negroes into the <em>British</em> sugar islands,
-than the <em>French</em> have to theirs in time of peace (to
-the commencement of the present war). We admit
-they have, of Negroes from <em>Gambia</em>, <em>Calabar</em>, <em>Boney</em>,
-<em>Benin</em>, the <em>windward coast</em>, and <em>Angola</em>. But
-we take upon us to assert, they cannot with
-truth say, they have imported to the colonies as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18"></a>[18]</span>
-many Negroes from the <em>Gold Coast</em>, <em>Popo</em>, and <em>Whidah</em>,
-which are the most valuable for the laborious
-cultivation of the sugar cane, and other plantation-product,
-and manufacturing it into sugar and
-rum, for the following seasons.</p>
-
-<p>The <em>Gold Coast</em>, <em>Popo</em>, and <em>Whidah</em> Negroes are
-born in a part of Africa that is very barren; a
-small bullock carried thither from another part,
-when fatted, will sell for near 32<em>l.</em> a sheep for
-20<em>s.</em> four small fowls for 4<em>s.</em> sterling, and all other
-provisions in proportion, except fish; and their
-coarse kind of bread, which is their chief food.
-On that account, when able to take the hoe in
-hand, they are obliged to go and cultivate the
-land for their subsistance. They also live hardily;
-so that when they are carried to our plantations (as
-they have been used to hard labour from their infancy)
-they become a strong, robust people, and
-can live upon the sort of food the planters allow
-them; which is, bread made of Indian corn, and
-fish, such as herrings and pilchards sent from Britain,
-and dried fish from North America, being
-such food as they lived upon in their own country.
-Indeed they live better in general in our plantations;
-and they are always ready, on their arrival
-there, to go to the hard work necessary in
-planting and manufacturing the sugar cane.</p>
-
-<p>On the other hand, the <em>Gambia</em>, <em>Calabar</em>, <em>Boney</em>,
-and <em>Angola</em> Negroes are brought from those parts
-of <em>Africa</em>, that are extremely fertile, where every
-thing grows almost spontaneously; and where a
-bullock may be bought for less than 20<em>s.</em> a sheep
-for 1<em>s.</em> and a dozen of fowls for the same. They
-have every other necessary of life in great plenty.
-On that account, the men never work, but lead an
-indolent life, and are in general of a lazy disposition
-and tender constitution; for the necessary work
-among them is done by the women, which is little<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19"></a>[19]</span>
-more than fetching wood to dress their victuals:
-so that when those people are carried to our sugar
-islands, they are obliged to be nursed, to be taken
-great care of, and brought to work by degrees.</p>
-
-<p>The planters, when the <em>Gold Coast</em> and <em>Whidah</em>
-Negroes were carried to the sugar colonies, before
-the <em>French</em> interfered in that trade, found
-there was not a sufficient number to extend their
-cultivation, by carrying on all the different planting
-business, and therefore were accustomed to purchase
-those tender (the worst sort of) Negroes, and
-employ them for <ins class="corr" id="tn-19" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'houshold servants'">
-household servants</ins>, to raise corn,
-aloes, look after cattle, bring them up to trades
-and easy labour, knowing them unfit for the
-hard work necessary in sugar-plantations.</p>
-
-<p>The Negroes of the river <em>Gambia</em> are better than
-the last-mentioned; both of which are much more
-proper for the North American planters, as they
-have plenty of provisions at a small expence, and,
-on that account, can use them to gentle labour,
-and inure them, by degrees, to work with the same
-sort of food they were accustomed to in their own
-country.</p>
-
-<p>But that is not the case of the planters in the
-sugar islands; which sufficiently proves how disadvantageous
-it must be to have such imported there,
-in preference to those that would be so immediately
-useful and serviceable, or to let the French
-purchase the better sort.</p>
-
-<p>Yet such has been the case, it being for the interest
-of the African merchants to supply the <em>British</em>
-planters with the inferior sort, as each Negro
-costs much less on the coast of <em>Angola</em>, &amp;c. than
-those from the <em>Gold Coast</em>, &amp;c. which saves a great
-deal in the outset of the cargoes sent to <em>Africa</em>,
-and consequently greatly encreases the net profit
-on the voyages, as the tender and worst sort of
-Negroes will sell in the sugar islands for near as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20"></a>[20]</span>
-great a price each as the best, provided there is
-none of the latter at market; and a greater number
-of the former being subject to die, must encrease
-the demand.</p>
-
-<p><ins class="err" id="err-20" title="Erratum: was 'This I'">
-This we</ins> thought proper to take notice of, to shew
-how necessary it will be for the interest of this
-country, that the French should not for the future
-be allowed to trade in <em>Africa</em>, at cape <em>Appollonia</em>,
-or between it and the river <em>Volta</em>, where, and at
-<em>Popo</em> and <em>Whidah</em>, to the eastward of that river,
-the valuable Negroes beforementioned, adapted by
-their natural constitution for cultivating the sugar
-plantations, are to be purchased; otherwise in times
-of peace, they will be constantly making encroachments
-as heretofore; so that when the late
-company’s governor at <em>Cape Coast Castle</em> saw a
-<em>French</em> vessel upon the Gold Coast, he used to order
-an officer to go on board with a message to
-the following purport.</p>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>“You are ordered on board the <em>French</em> vessel,
-to tell the master, the governor and council do
-not make trade with the subjects of <em>France</em>,<a id="FNanchor_7" href="#Footnote_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a>
-nor do they suffer the natives to trade with them.
-But as there subsists a good friendship and alliance
-between the king of Great Britain and the
-French king, if the master should be distressed
-for water, or such like necessaries, he might
-have it upon application, by admitting an officer
-on board, to prevent his having intercourse
-with the natives, or others, till he should have
-received such supplies; but that he should not
-be allowed to trade to the westward of the river
-<em>Volta</em>, which if he attempted, proper measures
-would be taken to prevent and obstruct his commerce.
-Therefore, should he neglect those orders,
-and receive any damage thereby, it would<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21"></a>[21]</span>
-be his own fault; as the governor and council
-held the trade of the <em>Gold Coast</em>, the indubitable
-right and property of <span class="smcap">the Royal African
-company of England</span>.”</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>This warning sometimes had the desired effect;
-at others, the governor and council were obliged
-to arm vessels to drive them off, which occasioned
-the masters of French ships to protest against the
-said governor and council. The protests were sent
-to them by the chevalier <em>Glandeuves</em>, commodore
-of <i>le Content</i> and <i>Oriflamme</i>, two French men of
-war, in his letters dated <em>Annamaboa Road</em>, the 9th
-and 12th of February, 1751, wherein he insisted
-that the French had an undoubted right to trade
-to any part of Africa, out of gun-shot of any European
-fort.</p>
-
-<p>How far the then governor and council were
-justifiable, in arming private ships to defend and
-preserve the trade and commerce under their care
-in time of peace, or any future council may be
-for exerting themselves in a like manner, we will
-not undertake to say; but are fully satisfied the
-French will go thither, and that the governor of
-the fort at Annamaboa will not be able to prevent
-their having intercourse with the natives, but by
-arming vessels to see them to the eastward of the river
-<em>Volta</em>. For we are of opinion, property and right
-are not to be tamely given up in that part of the
-world, in hopes of relief from our administration
-at home; it being so remote from the giving of
-immediate redress, and distant from appeal; or at
-least, it has happened so in all complaints made to
-former ministers. Many instances thereof can be
-given, which <ins class="err" id="err-21" title="Erratum: was 'induced me'">
-induced us</ins> to lay before the public
-the foregoing observations, as the present seems
-the most proper time to have such rights settled, to
-prevent future disputes between the subjects of
-both nations, which if not prevented in an effectual<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22"></a>[22]</span>
-manner, by putting the forts upon an establishment,
-that the officers commanding them may
-be in such situation, as to protect the trade under
-their care from the encroachments of any foreigners,
-will inevitably happen.</p>
-
-<p>It is also necessary to remark, that the French
-should not be permitted to re-settle a factory they
-had before the war at <em>Abreda</em>, about a league below
-<em>James Fort</em>, in the river <em>Gambia</em>, which was
-destroyed by that gallant sea officer, and brave
-commander Sir George Pocock, in the year 1744,
-but settled again after the peace; and again destroyed
-this war by Capt. Marsh, commander of
-his majesty’s ship Harwich.</p>
-
-<p>If they are not permitted to re-establish that
-factory, and the trade of <em>Gambia</em> and <em>Senegal</em> rivers
-are pursued in a proper manner, <em>Goree</em> will be of no
-consequence, but an expence to France, for many
-good reasons we think it improper at present to enlarge
-upon; knowing there is a work in hand that
-will soon be published, wherein all the advantages of
-the <em>African trade</em> are fully considered from the
-time <span class="allsmcap">LETTERS PATENT</span> were granted by king
-Charles the second, the 27th day of September,
-1672, to establish and incorporate the late royal
-African company of England; shewing how the
-trade was carried on by that company, and the
-true cause of their having been rendered unable
-to support their forts and settlements without the
-aid of government, with the ill consequences that
-attended the decay of that valuable branch of British
-commerce, on which the prosperity of our colonies,
-and so many branches of our manufactures,
-depend; followed by observations on the qualities
-of manufactures sent thither, and the regulations
-that it is necessary should be made regarding the
-same. To which will be added, a plan to revive
-and extend that trade to the inland parts of <em>Africa</em>,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23"></a>[23]</span>
-so as the most valuable Negroes may be secured
-for the British planters, as the only means to prevent
-the growth of the French colonies, or at least
-to make them extremely expensive and burthensome
-to their mother-country; and, on the contrary,
-ours to become of the greatest benefit and
-advantage to Great Britain and Ireland.</p>
-
-<p>Senegal is most certainly a great and valuable acquisition
-to this country, if put upon a proper establishment,
-as it will secure to us all the gum trade,
-so useful in our manufactures, and will greatly
-encrease the slave, gold and ivory trades in <em>Gambia</em>
-river. For when Senegal was in possession of the
-French, by means of a fort they had at <em>Gallam</em>,
-about five hundred miles from the sea up that river
-(since the decline of the late Africa company,
-by no factory being kept at <em>Fatatenda</em>, about the
-same distance up <em>Gambia</em> river) intercepted the
-greatest part of the slave, ivory and gold trades,
-that came from the several inland countries to the
-north east of those rivers: therefore, if proper steps
-are taken, those trades may be greatly encreased
-and extended at an inconsiderable expence, not
-having the subjects of any foreign nation to <ins class="corr" id="tn-23" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'inteterest themselves'">
-interest themselves</ins> against such a scheme.</p>
-
-<p>The African merchants, to vindicate themselves
-in carrying on the trade for the <em>worst Negroes</em> in
-preference to the other, give out, that the better
-sort are not to be come at. But there is no other
-grounds for such an <ins class="err" id="err-23" title="Erratum: was 'assertions'">
-assertion</ins>, than that the roads to
-those great and populous inland countries lying at
-the back of the forts and settlements on the <em>Gold
-Coast</em>, have been stopt since the year 1738, which
-has prevented all intercourse with the natives, except
-those who live within about fifty miles of the
-sea-coast; whereby a stop was put to that great
-trade which came down, when the roads were kept
-open by the power and influence of the company’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24"></a>[24]</span>
-officers, and by their alliance and friendship with
-the several princes and people in power, living in
-the different <em>countries near</em>, and in the <em>towns</em> on the
-said <em>roads</em>, that were opened and settled by the
-late company’s officers at a very great expence.</p>
-
-<p>One great reason for the decline of their power
-and influence was, by the masters of private trading
-vessels putting in practice every measure they
-could invent to <ins class="corr" id="tn-24" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'villify and render'">
-vilify and render</ins> the company’s
-officers insignificant and contemptible to the inland
-people and Negroes under their command.</p>
-
-<p>By which sinister machinations, they lost that
-weight and authority so necessary for them to act
-as protectors of the injured, and mediators in adjusting
-and deciding disputes that frequently happen
-between <em>African</em> princes; which if the company’s
-officers cannot accomplish by policy, presents,
-or amicable measures, they should be maintained
-in such a respectable situation, as to be able
-to join the injured party, and to compel the refractory
-to accommodate matters<a id="FNanchor_8" href="#Footnote_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a>, so as to procure
-peace, and bring the country to a state of tranquillity.</p>
-
-<p>For it is a mistaken notion, that the company’s
-officers (during their command) created wars between
-the <em>African</em> chiefs, in order to purchase the
-prisoners, which should be made on either side.
-This falsehood was propagated also at a certain
-time, to serve particular purposes. On the contrary,
-slaves are bred in the inland parts of <em>Africa</em>,
-and sent for sale, according to the want those people
-are in for <em>European</em> manufactures; the same as
-an ox or horse is taken to market, when a farmer
-in England wants money to pay his rent, or for
-other purposes. Every man in Africa is looked<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25"></a>[25]</span>
-upon to be a man of property and power in proportion
-to the number of Negroes he is possessed
-of.</p>
-
-<p>When such disputes as above glanced at happen,
-the consequence is an immediate stoppage of the
-roads by those people nearest the sea-side, to prevent
-their adversaries getting guns, powder, or
-any other necessaries for war; which in 1738 occasioned
-the king of <em>Warsaw</em>, and his allies, to draw
-a discriminating line along the <em>Gold Coast</em> for that
-intent; and this hath ever since prevented all <ins class="corr" id="tn-25" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'intercouse and trade'">
-intercourse and trade</ins> with the inland natives in the
-direct way; as also any gold or slaves for sale coming
-from them, except a few stolen away by the
-king of <em>Warsaw</em>’s soldiers, with a little gold; and
-an inconsiderable number of slaves brought from
-the great kingdom of <em>Ashantee</em>, in a very difficult
-and dangerous way, by the traders of that country,
-in order to purchase guns and powder at the <em>British</em>,
-<em>Dutch</em>, and <em>Danish</em> forts at <em>Acra</em>.</p>
-
-<p>These traders are obliged to come and return in
-arm’d bodies, many miles round about through
-strange countries, where they are afraid of being
-plundered by the natives of their European goods,
-and are themselves in danger of being seized upon,
-and sold as slaves, which prevents their bringing
-the trade down as usual.</p>
-
-<p>Consequently, whenever the proper roads are
-open, and protection given, there will be a great
-number of slaves, gold dust and elephants teeth
-brought down to the sea-side, to purchase British
-manufactures for supplying the inhabitants of those
-extensive countries, that have stood in need of them
-so many years.</p>
-
-<p>The obstructing of such intercourse has occasioned
-our planters being deprived of fifteen or
-twenty thousand of the best and most useful Negroes<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26"></a>[26]</span>
-yearly for their plantations,<a id="FNanchor_9" href="#Footnote_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> and Great Britain
-has thereby also been prevented from receiving
-<em>fifty or sixty thousand ounces</em> of gold dust,<a id="FNanchor_10" href="#Footnote_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> besides
-thirty or forty tons of elephants teeth annually.<a id="FNanchor_11" href="#Footnote_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a></p>
-
-<p>It is highly probable that <em>Africa</em> abounds with
-gold mines, richer than those in the Brazil, or in
-any other country; for the late African company,
-in the infancy of their trade, imported from their
-settlements on that coast, from the year 1675 to the
-year 1690, as much gold as was coined at the
-Tower into 400,000 guineas<a id="FNanchor_12" href="#Footnote_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a>, exclusive of what
-was sent and brought home by their officers and
-servants, who were always paid their salaries and
-commissions upon the trade they made in that commodity,
-which must have been no inconsiderable
-quantity; because, as the company extended their
-forts and settlements upon the Gold Coast, their
-gold trade increased so much, that they were used
-to take in exchange for British manufactures, and
-East India goods in <em>Africa</em>, upwards of two thousand
-ounces of gold weekly, which can be proved
-from authentic vouchers, and continued so to do
-until such time as the private traders made incroachments
-upon them, and overstocked the country
-with goods by their competitions with each
-other, which the natives took the advantage of,
-and insisted upon the traders lowering the price of
-European merchandize, and raising <ins class="err" id="err-26" title="Erratum: was 'that'">
-those</ins> of Africa,
-by keeping their slaves, gold and ivory up to an
-exorbitant price, and thereby getting as great a
-quantity of goods, for a few slaves, as was sufficient
-for their consumption; and was the cause of fewer<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27"></a>[27]</span>
-being brought from the inland countries, as by the
-high prices, before observed, the Negroes got what
-goods they wanted for the small number sold, which
-also prevented their bringing gold to market, and
-by which means that valuable branch of the <em>African</em>
-trade, of such importance to this country, was in a
-great measure destroyed, and the profits thereof
-centered with the natives of <em>Africa</em>.</p>
-
-<p>We believe the private traders will admit they
-have not altogether imported from <em>Africa</em> into these
-kingdoms two thousand ounces of gold annually<a id="FNanchor_13" href="#Footnote_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a>;
-and that since the act of parliament for dissolving
-the late company, and putting the forts and settlements
-under the management of the committee of
-the company of merchants trading to Africa, the
-officers commanding there, have not taken gold
-sufficient to pay the annual salaries of their servants,
-though they are fewer in number than <ins class="err" id="err-27" title="Erratum: was 'those kept'">
-those that were kept</ins> by the late company.</p>
-
-<p>From what has been stated, we conjecture it will
-appear, that the <em>British</em> forts in <em>Africa</em> are not upon
-a proper plan; if they were, the commanding officers
-for the committee of the company of merchants
-trading to <em>Africa</em>, would, in eleven years and upwards,
-have opened those roads (which have been
-so long stopt) that the colonies and mother-country
-might receive those great benefits and advantages
-beforementioned, by having the trade brought
-down to the forts without interruption, from the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28"></a>[28]</span>
-remotest parts of <em>Africa</em>, as it was in the time of the
-late company’s prosperity; but that has not been
-done, and as the British traders declined that trade
-many years before the <em>French</em> seized the opportunity
-of stepping in, and reaped so great advantages
-thereby, as to have carried to their colonies, not
-fewer than one hundred and fifty thousand of those
-useful people, from the year 1729 to the year 1739.</p>
-
-<p>This induces us to think, that the <em>British</em> merchants
-forsook that trade, and made the opposition
-they did to the late company, to get the forts and
-settlements under their management, to prevent
-other people putting them upon a proper establishment,
-that might hinder the French making the
-encroachments they have made in time of peace
-(and consequently carrying to their plantations those
-most useful people) in order to follow their more
-favourite trades to <em>Benin</em>, <em>Calabar</em>, and the coast of
-<em>Angola</em>, because there they can purchase three hundred
-Negroes with a cargo of 3600<em>l.</em> value, when
-that number upon the Gold Coast would cost in
-March last 4950<em>l.</em><a id="FNanchor_14" href="#Footnote_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a>. Therefore we fear the private
-interest of said opposers rather gained an ascendency
-over them, to the great prejudice and disadvantage
-of the British colonies and the mother-country,
-and to the great emolument of the French;
-which we thought proper to observe at this juncture,
-and to hint also, that it will be more fully set
-forth in the description of the African trade beforementioned.</p>
-
-<p>We hope to see a minister at the head of the administration
-in this country, devoid of faction and
-corruption, that no private pique or prejudice
-against person or party will so far influence him, as
-not to pay a due and impartial attention to what is<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29"></a>[29]</span>
-laid before the legislative power, relative to that
-valuable branch of British commerce, the <em>African</em>
-trade.</p>
-
-<p>We shall rejoice that such enquiries will not for
-the future be prevented by ministerial direction, as
-happened at a certain period, when it had cost great
-pains and expence to bring a matter of the utmost
-importance to this country to a hearing, which was
-frustrated, by putting a previous question in a great
-assembly on purpose to prevent such enquiry; notwithstanding
-several persons had been examined
-with respect to the <em>African</em> trade, as well as the expenditure
-of public money<a id="FNanchor_15" href="#Footnote_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a>; and for no other reason,
-as we could learn, or can conceive, than<a id="FNanchor_15a" href="#Footnote_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> that
-one of the greatest planters in the world (who at
-this time so worthily fills the first office in this metropolis)
-promoted said enquiry; which, under a
-wise and able minister, would have been a sufficient
-reason for examining minutely into an affair of
-such national consequence.</p>
-
-<p>For what must be prejudicial to that planter’s interest,
-must in proportion be so to every other in
-the sugar colonies: and those of small property
-must feel the effects of being supplied with the worst
-sort of Negroes at exorbitant prices, more than
-those of affluent circumstances.</p>
-
-<p>We have the honour to know that gentleman
-well, and are fully satisfied he was induced to exert
-himself in behalf of that enquiry, not from a motive
-of private interest, but for the general good of
-all those interested in, and concerned for the prosperity
-of the <em>British</em> colonies.</p>
-
-<p>We therefore hope he will long live to employ
-his great abilities in promoting all good, and opposing
-all bad measures, with that zeal and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30"></a>[30]</span>
-spirit he hath always done, as also to prevent,
-to the utmost of his power, any minister (hereafter)
-daring to smuggle accounts into a certain assembly,
-although great objections had been made to them,
-before those objections were canvassed and cleared
-up; and that he will ever oppose the issuing public
-money intended for other services, till a satisfactory
-account is given, which has been the case<a id="FNanchor_16" href="#Footnote_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a>. However,
-we shall not at present enlarge further upon
-this head, because we know an abstract of the report
-of the committee, appointed by the honourable
-house of commons, will soon be published, to
-which we beg leave to refer our readers.</p>
-
-<p>When the enquiry, relative to the <em>African</em> trade,
-was under consideration before the honourable
-house of commons in the year 1758, Mr. Pitt, that
-wise, great and able statesman, who has done his
-king and country so many eminent and good services,
-was pleased to declare, that he believed the
-then method of carrying on the <em>African</em> trade
-wanted alteration and amendment. He also added,
-that when we should be so happy as to have a peace,
-he would be at all times ready to examine into it,
-and give all the assistance in his power to put it
-upon such a footing, that our plantations might be
-supplied with the best and most valuable Negroes
-at reasonable rates. We doubt not but he will
-make good his promise to lend his able assistance,
-and also to recommend it to the administration to
-begin such an enquiry, and continue it, in order to
-amend the present, or form such other plan, as will
-preserve and secure that valuable trade to the <em>British</em>
-subjects, as the only and certain means to encrease<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31"></a>[31]</span>
-the produce of the <em>British</em>, and lessen that of the
-<em>French</em> colonies. For, with the islands we already
-possess, and those which it appears by the preliminaries
-are to be ours, we shall have a sufficient
-number to raise sugar, <em>&amp;c.</em> for the consumption of
-all Europe, if our British planters are properly supplied
-with the best sort of Negroes for their cultivation.</p>
-
-<p>When that gentleman has assisted in doing this
-further service to his country, we sincerely wish
-him a long series of uninterrupted health, to enjoy
-the fruits of an honourable and permanent peace;
-and that he may be held in that esteem, reverence
-and honour, he so justly merits from all lovers of
-this country.</p>
-
-<p>Should <ins class="corr" id="tn-31" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'such an equiry'">
-such an enquiry</ins> be made, we hope some
-method will be found out, to examine all persons
-at the bar of the house of commons upon oath;
-for if that could be done, it would save the house
-a deal of trouble, and prevent their receiving false
-information in matters of the utmost consequence
-to this nation and its commerce. Because we have
-heard people assert at that bar, what, to our knowledge,
-they at the same time knew to be intirely
-false; which we most sincerely wish could be remedied;
-or at least that persons examined there,
-upon matters of importance, should be informed
-they will be examined with respect to the same matter
-upon oath, at the bar of the house of lords,
-which we presume may be done; and if done, will
-be attended with great and good consequences to
-the whole community.</p>
-
-<p>We cannot omit observing; that it was industriously
-reported, propagated, and even urged as an
-argument in a great assembly, when the state of the
-sugar islands was under their consideration in the
-year 1758, that the British planters had formed a
-scheme for a monopoly, by agreeing only to cultivate<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32"></a>[32]</span>
-such part of their lands as would produce but
-a certain quantity of sugar, in order to raise the
-price, and exactingly to obtain as much for a little
-as a great quantity; which was as true and likely
-to be the case, as if the farmers of <em>Great Britain</em>,
-<em>Ireland</em>, <em>France</em>, <em>Sweden</em>, <em>Poland</em> and <em>Denmark</em> were
-to enter into a combination to leave such parts of
-their lands uncultivated, with an unfair intent of
-raising the price of grain; which we believe any
-person will readily admit can never be brought
-about, although a correspondence may be easier,
-and in much less time carried on between the farmers
-of those nations, than the planters of our sugar colonies,
-as those of Jamaica cannot correspond
-with Barbadoes, or any other part of the sugar
-islands, sooner than by way of <em>Great Britain</em> or
-<em>North America</em>, which would at least be six months
-before they could hear from each other; that impediment
-alone is sufficient to shew, that people thus
-separated, though ever so well inclined, can never
-form a monopoly.</p>
-
-<p>Besides, would it not be absurd, even to suppose
-that the farmers of Great Britain, and other
-nations, who inhabit corn countries, do not raise
-as much grain upon their farms as they possibly
-can procure servants at reasonable wages, and can
-stock them with horses, cattle, <em>&amp;c.</em> at a cheap
-rate?</p>
-
-<p>But if they are obliged to pay great wages to
-their servants, and extravagant prices for their
-stock, they can then only put in execution the cultivation
-of their lands by degrees, which is exactly
-the case of the British planters; for had they a sufficient
-supply of the proper sort of Negroes at reasonable
-rates, they would not let any of their land
-lie idle that was worth being cultivated.</p>
-
-<p>Therefore the true reason why some lands may
-lie unplanted in the sugar islands is, it would
-greatly prejudice any planter in their circumstances,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33"></a>[33]</span>
-to attempt to make new plantations with those
-tender sort of Negroes, who have been carried to
-them in great numbers for several years past, and
-sold at the extravagant prices from 50<em>l.</em> to 54<em>l.</em>
-and upwards each; whereas the best sort of Negroes,
-at the time the late company cultivated and
-preserved the trade on the <em>Gold Coast</em>, <em>Popo</em>, and
-<em>Whidah</em>, so as to prevent the French carrying the
-best sort of Negroes to their plantations, who
-therefore were sold in ours at the moderate prices
-of 20<em>l.</em> to 25<em>l.</em> a head the highest; which was a
-very great encouragement to the planters to clear
-their lands, and cultivate new plantations, enabling
-them thereby greatly to improve and encrease the
-product of the islands, which it must be their interest
-to do to the very extent of their power, if their
-lands are situated with any sort of convenience for
-water, or other carriage, to convey the product of
-their plantation to the sea-ports, notwithstanding
-what was at that time advanced to the contrary, to
-serve particular purposes, and in order to divert
-the attention of the legislature from the real causes.</p>
-
-<p>For whatever people may think, who are not well
-acquainted with the colonies, because they see some
-of our planters come to settle here in great opulence;
-that is no reason why those remaining in the
-colonies are all rich; for if they were, few of them
-would stay there: on the contrary, they are obliged
-to cultivate their lands with the greatest pains and
-industry, in order to raise as much sugar and other
-product as they possibly can, to pay the debts they
-owe: for there is not a sugar island but what is
-considerably indebted to Great Britain; so that
-whatever disadvantages the planters of our colonies
-labour under, they must terminate by being prejudicial
-to this country.</p>
-
-<p>We cannot help once more observing, it is not
-having the most sugar islands that will be the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34"></a>[34]</span>
-greatest benefit and advantage to the mother-country,
-unless such islands can be supplied with a sufficient
-number of the best Negroes for their cultivation;
-therefore as <em>Great Britain</em>, <em>France</em>, <em>Spain</em>,
-<em>Holland</em> and <em>Denmark</em> have encreased their number,
-and extended their colonies to such a degree, that
-Africa cannot sufficiently supply them all with Negroes,
-including those that the Portuguese want
-and carry off. On that account, in our humble
-opinion, the contest ought to be, not who has
-the most islands, but who can secure the trade to
-those parts of Africa, where the best and greatest
-number of those useful people are to be procured,
-as the only means to promote the interest and prosperity
-of their colonies who may be so lucky to
-succeed in doing it, but will be very disadvantageous
-to their competitors.</p>
-
-<p>From what has been before observed, <ins class="corr" id="tn-34" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'I presume it'">
-we presume it</ins> will be admitted that every equitable
-method ought to be pursued and put in practice
-by Great Britain, to secure to herself as much as
-possible the African trade, in order to prevent the
-French purchasing Negroes. For the same reason
-we take all the measures we possibly can, to hinder
-<ins class="corr" id="tn-34a" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'the smuggling wool'">
-the smuggling of wool</ins>, or any of our artificers and
-manufacturers going to France. It cannot be too
-much insisted on that the Negroes are of as much
-consequence and use for the cultivation of our colonies,
-as the wool is to our manufactory, for these
-obvious reasons; that the Negroes are the artificers,
-manufacturers, and labourers in the colonies; because
-the whole process, from clearing and preparing
-the ground to plant the sugar cane, and
-manufacturing it into sugar and rum, and the putting
-it on board the ships, is the work of Negroes;
-therefore it surely must be very prejudicial to our
-interest to sell any of those useful people to the
-French, even were they to pay gold or silver for<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35"></a>[35]</span>
-them: there are, besides, much more cogent reasons
-to be given why we should exert ourselves to
-prevent the French, as much as we can, carrying
-<ins class="corr" id="tn-35" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'them frm Africa'">
-them from Africa</ins>.</p>
-
-<p>If there should at any time be more Negroes
-brought to the British colonies than are necessary
-for the cultivation there, which <ins class="err" id="err-35" title="Erratum: was 'I have'">
-we have</ins> great reason
-to believe is seldom, or perhaps will never be the
-case, then such Negroes may be sold to the Spaniards
-or Portuguese, because they would pay gold
-or silver for them; and moreover, the slaves so
-disposed of, would be employed in the mines of
-America, and not in cultivating sugar and other
-plantation produce, as would be the consequence if
-the French were allowed to be the purchasers; by
-which means they would be effectually enabled to
-become our rivals in trade, as well on account of
-their national encouragement and advantages peculiar
-to them, by which they may be capacitated to
-sell the product of their plantations considerably
-cheaper than we can ours at foreign markets<a id="FNanchor_17" href="#Footnote_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a>.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36"></a>[36]</span></p>
-
-<p>In order to remove the prejudices of many worthy
-and tender-minded persons against the Negro-trade,
-which from a delicacy natural to civilized nations,
-they declare to be quite contrary to all dictates of
-humanity, and a disgrace to the professors of the
-christian religion, we shall lay before them and the
-public a true state of the case. As there is no occasion
-to enlarge how essentially and absolutely necessary
-it is to have Negroes for the cultivation of our
-colonies, which is explained in the foregoing sheets;
-therefore we shall only beg leave to observe, by
-the best information that could be obtained, Africa
-in general is divided into little kingdoms and states,
-which, when at peace, the natives thereof breed
-slaves for sale, as our farmers do stock on their
-farms, and sell them as their necessity requires,
-which was a traffic carried on among themselves before
-Europeans traded thither; and when overstocked,
-their practice was putting to death (often
-with great torture) the prisoners taken in war. Those
-that are bred slaves, are always very desirous to be
-purchased by white people, as they are infinitely better
-used than by their black masters, who allow
-them but a bare subsistance, and treat them with
-the greatest barbarity; and were used to put several
-to death through custom, when they buried
-persons above the common rank, and oftentimes
-merely through wantonness, which is prevented by
-their having found an advantageous and lucrative
-market for them.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37"></a>[37]</span></p>
-
-<p>Those Negroes taken in war, or prisoners for feloniously
-committing <ins class="corr" id="tn-37" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'crimes in despight'">
-crimes in despite</ins> of the laws,
-made by the officers commanding the European
-forts, such laws having been agreed to by the natives
-under their command and protection, also by
-those laws made by the kings and princes in the inland
-countries, are now sold, but often unwilling to
-go on board ships; perhaps, on account of having
-lived in a better situation in their own country than
-those who have been bred up in slavery from their
-infancy; therefore they often contrive to make
-their escape, and by speaking the language, persuade
-others to join and assist them to take the ship
-from the Europeans, of which we have had too many
-fatal instances, and is entirely owing to their ignorance
-in not knowing the place they are destined
-to; and also that they will be much better treated
-and looked after in our colonies than they ever
-were in their country; so that when bought by Europeans,
-they are in a manner rescued from a state
-of misery as to treatment; for in the colonies,
-when they are sick, they have great care taken of
-them, and physicians to administer proper medicines
-for their relief; which, on a similar occasion,
-their black masters would give themselves no care
-or concern about them.</p>
-
-<p>Besides, many of them are instructed in the
-principles of religion, and become christians and
-men of property, which, from experience, we know
-to be true, having talked with several who had no
-desire to see their own country, living much more
-comfortably in our colonies. And we think it
-would be politic to send two or three Negroes on
-board every ship that goes to Africa, that can talk
-the different languages of the countries the master
-of such ship intends to trade to, that they might
-inform their countrymen how they had <ins class="err" id="err-37" title="Erratum: was 'ben'">
-been</ins> treated.
-Such measures, we are convinced, would prevent<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38"></a>[38]</span>
-the loss of many lives, by the Negroes being satisfied
-they were going where they would be better
-treated than in their own country; and, at the
-same time, to eradicate that opinion many of them
-have, that they are going to be fed and eaten,
-which, if effected, would be a means to quiet their
-minds, so as not to attempt rising on board of
-ships.</p>
-
-<p>In all fluctuating societies, such as merchants
-trading to a country so remote and little known as
-Africa, many more than the majority are liable to
-be imposed on, even in the trade they intend to
-support, a misfortune owing to the want of local
-knowledge, and personal experience.</p>
-
-<p>What chance for truth do those merchants in general
-stand, whose ears few other accounts reach,
-than the imperfect relation of some master of a
-ship, mariner or traditionalist, little to be credited,
-and less to be depended upon? As to the former (if
-capable) he has little time or opportunity to speculate
-into the <em>trade</em>, <em>manners</em>, <em>customs</em>, and <em>temper</em> of
-the <em>natives</em>, which they are seldom long enough at
-a place to do; and who, from motives of immediate
-profit, pursue measures they think most conducive
-to make a quick voyage, which is all they
-turn their minds to; yet many of them, when
-they arrive in Europe, will take upon themselves
-to give information in the most interesting matters;
-which, without having lived in the country for a
-considerable length of time, it is impossible for
-them to do with accuracy and any degree of truth,
-notwithstanding such impositions being propagated,
-have in general prevailed and influenced the minds
-of people to such a degree, that those of certain
-boroughs, far from having, as has been before observed,
-the least connection, interest, or so much
-as acquainted in the most minute manner with the
-African trade, presented their petitions to the honourable<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39"></a>[39]</span>
-house of commons to lay open the same;
-though many of the said boroughs have not since
-sent the most trifling adventure to Africa, which at
-that time, and before, when the forts were under
-the direction of the late royal African company,
-the trade was much more free and open than it has
-been since under the management of the committee
-of the company of merchants trading to Africa,
-which we conjecture will appear from the following
-extract of letters, certificates and affidavits<a id="FNanchor_18" href="#Footnote_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a>,
-we think it highly necessary, and even our duty,
-to lay before the public, thereby to shew how far
-they have been imposed on by false pretenders to
-knowledge.</p>
-
-<p class="negin1">Extract of a letter from on board the Fly sloop at
-Bristol, Alexander Graham, master, dated 16
-March, 1750, to the late royal African company’s
-governor at Cape Coast Castle.</p>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>“I write this to acquaint you, that the French
-vessels sailed two days ago; I acknowledge myself
-obliged to you for the method you have
-taken to send them off, am very much obliged
-to you for your advice; have sent my armourer
-to alter some handcuffs, your permission will
-much oblige, <em>&amp;c.</em>”</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="negin1">Extract of a letter from six British masters of vessels,
-dated on board the Polly in Annamaboa
-Road, 20 March, 1750. To the same.</p>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>“Your favour of yesterday we received, and
-thank you for the promise of assistance, in protecting
-the privileges of the British subjects trading
-to this place, too much invaded by the
-French, and too little protected from home, but<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40"></a>[40]</span>
-at this time shall have no occasion to trouble
-you. The French ship is sailed, <em>&amp;c.</em>”</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="negin1">Extract of a letter from Richard Haskins, master
-of a ship from Bristol; dated Annamaboa Road,
-27 Dec. 1750. To the same.</p>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>“Am much obliged to you for your kind intelligence,
-and all other favours; I shall be obliged
-to you to dispatch the carpenter as soon as possible,
-being in great want of him. I am, <em>&amp;c.</em>”</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="negin1">Extract of a letter from John Jepson, master of
-a snow from Rhode-Island, dated Annamaboa
-Road, 3 July, 1751. To the same.</p>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>“I am sorry you are going off the coast:
-but however, as I can do no more for you,
-beg to return you my hearty and sincere thanks
-for your many favours from time to time, not
-only from your willingness to supply us with
-any thing in your power of tradesmen’s work,
-or any other thing; but also for your pains
-and vigilance in protecting the trade, <em>&amp;c.</em>
-which will always be justifiable, and hope will
-redound to your honour and credit, which is the
-sincere wish, <em>&amp;c.</em>”</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="negin1">Extract of two letters from Henry Ellis, master of
-the ship Hallifax, from Bristol, dated Annamaboa
-Road, the 13th, and 28th July, 1751.
-To the same.</p>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>“The boards you sent me were of real service;
-I hope you will not omit charging any expence
-I put you to, as I can discharge that, though
-not so easily your good offices: we cannot help
-the death of the slaves, they are mortal; but do
-not think it adviseable to give them rice, as that
-kind of diet first gave them a swelling.”</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41"></a>[41]</span></p>
-
-<p><em>N. B.</em> He landed all his sickly slaves, which
-were kept and taken care of in the castle.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>“We are not a little astonished at the pains
-these new agents take to prejudice the shipping
-here, by settling factories ashore to intercept the
-trade, and by giving equal prices with us, in
-order to distress us the more; it has already been
-some money out of the merchants pockets; we
-have been obliged to raise the price, or lie idle,
-under the hardships we endure. I cannot help
-observing the chagrin of the Liverpool captains,
-who loudly complain of the new management.”</p>
-
-<p>“I entirely join issue with you, that this new-fram’d
-project will become an errand job, though
-but for a season; for I look upon it, the physic
-of commerce, which, though it may disorder,
-as at present, will in the end work its cure. I
-am, <em>&amp;c.</em>”</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="negin1">Extract of a certificate of eight British masters of
-vessels, dated Annamaboa Road, 3 July, 1751.
-To the same.</p>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>“We being informed that a report hath been
-spread, that the late royal African company’s
-governor commanding on this coast, hath, during
-his command, acted in an arbitrary tyrannic
-manner, both to Europeans and natives on
-this coast; do hereby, in justice to the reputation
-of that gentleman, voluntarily certify, that
-we never heard of, or experienced, any part of
-his character or behaviour but what was humane
-and good, tending to promote the British interest
-and trade in these parts. And farther, that
-he has, from time to time, readily assisted us
-with all things each or any of us stood in need
-of at cape Coast Castle, during his command
-there, to the utmost of his power, as we sincerely<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42"></a>[42]</span>
-believe. In witness whereof we have set
-our hands, <em>&amp;c.</em>”</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="negin1">Certificate from Capt. Thomas Derbyshire, of Liverpool,
-relating to the use granted him of
-Tantumquery fort.</p>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>“This is to certify whom it may concern, that
-during my making a voyage to the Gold Coast
-of Africa, and my lying at Annamaboa, I settled
-a factory at Lagoe; where from a disturbance
-there seemed likely to be in the country, I
-did not think my goods safe in the factory-house
-I had taken: and on my being at cape
-Coast Castle in the year 1750, and intimating
-the same to the then governor, he offered me
-the use of Tantumquery fort to carry on trade
-therein, which I accepted; and ordered my
-gunner to take my goods from the factory at
-Lagoe, and lodge them in Tantumquery fort,
-which he did, and continued in the same for
-upwards of three months to carry on his trade.
-And Mr. John Clifton, chief of said fort, had
-orders to render him every service and good
-office in his power, without fee or reward; neither
-did the said governor receive any benefit,
-profit or advantage in any shape or manner, in
-consideration for my having the use of the fort
-aforesaid. To certify which, I set my hand this
-16 Aug. 1751, <em>&amp;c.</em>”</p>
-</div>
-
-<p class="negin1">Extract of a certificate, dated 28 Dec. 1753, from
-seven masters of ships, that in the late company’s
-time traded to the coast of Africa.</p>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>“That the late company’s governor, during
-the continuance of his authority and command
-on the coast of Africa, did every thing in his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43"></a>[43]</span>
-power to promote the British interest and trade
-there: and from time to time assisted in doing
-us such service as our occasions required. In
-witness whereof we set our hands, <em>&amp;c. &amp;c.</em>”</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>We think it unnecessary to trouble the public
-with any further proofs relative to the conduct of
-the late royal African company and their officers,
-to shew that they did every thing in their power
-to promote the trade of the British subjects in
-Africa, as we shall reserve them for a work that is
-in hand; therefore will only state some facts regarding
-the African committee, their governors,
-and officers by them appointed to have the command
-and management on the Gold Coast and
-Whydah in Africa, for the public to form their
-judgment from.</p>
-
-<p>That by an act of parliament, passed in the 23d
-year of the reign of his late majesty, the trade to
-Africa was intended to be made free and open to
-all his majesty’s subjects, without distinction or
-preference. But contrary to the intentions of the
-said act, that trade has been engrossed and monopolized
-by the officers of the committee on the
-Gold Coast and Whydah, by their entering into a
-confederacy or joint stock, and intermixing the
-government supplies with their own merchandize,
-and by that means assorted themselves so as to
-command said traffic.</p>
-
-<p>Those officers have many other great advantages
-over free merchants and traders, such as having a
-considerable part of their private merchandize sent
-to them freight free, their extraordinary influence
-over the natives, by the command of the several
-castles to deposit their effects in, salaries, maintenance,
-European servants, artificers, doctors,
-castle-slaves, canoe-men, canoes, medicines,
-stores and necessaries of all sorts, being under
-their management and direction. Besides, the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44"></a>[44]</span>
-presents to princes, caboceers, and great men of
-the countries, being defrayed by the public, together
-with the said benefits arising from the government
-supplies; and many other advantages which
-they have taken, whereby they acquired such
-a superiority over the free traders, as obliged the
-merchants of Bristol and Liverpool to apply by
-memorial in the year 1753, stating therein the
-foregoing facts to the lords commissioners of trade
-and plantation for redress, which will appear by
-said memorial, supported by the following affidavits.</p>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>“Affidavit of William Brown, master of the
-Bristol, sworn 16 June, 1753, saith, that when
-he was last in Africa carrying on trade, was informed
-by Brew, chief of Tantumquery, and Withers,
-chief of Winnebah, that they were engaged
-in partnership in the slave trade with Melvil,
-Young, and the other officers at cape Coast Castle.”</p>
-
-<p>“That Melvil and others told deponent, they
-expected a ship from Holland with a Dutch
-cargo, which ship they had some time before
-sent to Jamaica with slaves.”</p>
-
-<p>“That he was in company with Dacres, chief of
-Accra, who informed him Young was coming
-to turn him out of the fort, by reason he would
-not enter into partnership with Melvil and
-Young; that Dacres declared he should have
-been glad to have continued his employ, but
-rather than be uneasy he would quit it, and
-soon after did so. That deponent could not
-purchase from the chiefs of forts, slaves under
-an ounce and half, or two ounces a head more
-than he gave for those of equal goodness to the
-Negro traders, occasioned by the trade being
-carried on by the chiefs of the forts.”</p>
-
-<p>“That deponent was informed by the Negroes
-at Annamaboa, if he wanted to trade under the
-forts, he must take canoes and canoe-men; for<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45"></a>[45]</span>
-the canoe-men under the forts were overawed
-by the chiefs, and they durst not assist him in
-trading; and deponent did so, and should have
-been under difficulties if he had not so done;
-and deponent found the Negroe traders under
-said forts, cautious and fearful of trading with
-him, lest the chiefs should know thereof, and
-sent to deponent in a private manner, when they
-had slaves to dispose of.”</p>
-
-<p>“That cape Coast, Tantumquery, Winnebah
-and Accra were used by the chiefs as repositories
-for their market slaves, and saw them
-lodged in said castle and forts; that Negroes
-will bear a high price as long as the chiefs are
-permitted to trade in them, which will destroy
-the trade with all persons, but the chiefs and
-those settled at the forts.”</p>
-
-<p>“Affidavit of James Hamilton, chief mate of
-the Polly of Bristol, sworn the same day as above.
-Swears to the same purport and effect as above
-set forth by Brown, in regard to the chiefs copartnership
-conversation with Dacres, and his
-being displaced, and the high price of slaves,
-and the reasons, <em>&amp;c.</em> And then saith, that during
-his voyage, he hired a factory at Lagoe, and
-endeavoured to purchase slaves; on which Brew
-sent Negro traders and goods thither to oppose
-deponent; and Brew told deponent, it was impossible
-for him to trade to same advantage as
-Brew could, as he had so good assortment of
-goods; that if deponent gave eight ounces a
-head for slaves<a id="FNanchor_19" href="#Footnote_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a>, Brew would give eight and
-half; and to intimidate deponent, declared he
-would send the servants of the forts up the paths,
-and prevent the trade coming down, and accordingly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46"></a>[46]</span>
-did send them with liquor, and carried the
-traders to his own fort. That Brew refused to
-sell deponent slaves; and his reason was, Melvil
-had wrote him not to sell, as he could get a
-better price at cape Coast. That Young at Winnebah
-refused deponent slaves at ten ounces per head,
-unless deponent would give him the very best of
-his cargo, which would have unsorted him.”</p>
-
-<p>“That Young refused him water for fifteen
-slaves, and deponent was obliged to give the
-natives fifteen shillings for forty gallons. That
-he went on shore with his gold <ins class="err" id="err-46" title="Erratum: was 'taken'">
-taker</ins> at Succondee
-to trade, carried some checks with him:
-that Hippesly, the chief there, took the gold
-taker on one side, whispered him, and threatened
-to whip him if he ever saw him bring
-goods there to trade with the natives.”</p>
-
-<p>“That the natives and canoe-men at all the forts
-were fearful of trading with deponent, and declared
-they were afraid of being seen by the
-chiefs; that the forts were used as repositories
-for slaves, and that the trade will be hurt by
-the chiefs trading, as set forth by Brown.”</p>
-
-<p>“Affidavit of Alexander Graham, master of
-the Fly, sworn the same day, saith, that when
-he and Jenkins, commander of the Silvia, were
-trading at Annamaboa, they at first bought
-slaves at five ounces and half, and from thence
-to seven and a half per head, and went on in a
-good way. On a sudden found a stagnation, enquired
-the occasion, and were informed the
-prices were raised at the neighbouring forts;
-and this deponent was obliged to give an advanced
-price; that if the chiefs trade, the prices
-will be high, and the trade hurt.”</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>On the foregoing affidavits, and other allegations
-and facts, “the merchants of Bristol and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47"></a>[47]</span>
-Liverpool presented a memorial to the lords of
-trade, setting forth among other things,</p>
-
-<p>“That an act was passed in the year 1750, for
-making the trade to Africa free and open, for
-which end the management of the forts and affairs
-were trusted to the care of nine persons, a
-committee, as there set forth; that the said committee
-had the power of appointing officers and
-servants for managing their affairs in Africa,
-and discharging them at pleasure for not obeying
-their orders, or other misdemeanors; and
-they were to take care that the orders given
-their servants did not extend to public detriment,
-or the hurt of the free traders.”</p>
-
-<p>“That officers were appointed, and leave given
-to trade (but not with foreigners, except Portuguese,
-for gold and tobacco) so that they became
-the regulators of the market. <ins class="corr" id="tn-47" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'The committe, by'">
-The committee, by</ins> the act, are annually to lay before the
-general meeting of the company of the chambers
-of London, all resolutions, orders and instructions
-given their servants previous to such
-meeting, and copies to be sent to Bristol and
-Liverpool; but they have not so done.”</p>
-
-<p>“That the committee’s chief agents, instead of
-regarding the interest of their constituents, have
-acted opposite thereto, as soon as in power. Instead
-of assisting the free trader, they entered
-into a joint stock copartnership, and attempted
-a monopoly more formidable than any could
-have been at home, as they were on the spot,
-and had the whole power.”</p>
-
-<p>“That the merchants of Bristol had advice
-of the chief proceedings from their commanders,
-which on their return they found too
-true; and that by the attempts of the chiefs to
-engross the trade, the prices of slaves were raised
-much higher than ever known. Also that the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48"></a>[48]</span>
-commanders were denied what strangers were
-always before assisted with, <em>viz.</em> canoes, canoe-men,
-wood, water, <em>&amp;c.</em>”</p>
-
-<p>“That a memorial was laid before the committee
-for their relief, but, to their great surprize,
-they found their complaints were treated
-as groundless surmizes, and unjust aspersions of
-the character of their officers, arising only from
-personal prejudice and party interest; a second
-and several repeated applications were made,
-and the committee at last informed <ins class="corr" id="tn-48" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'the mananagers, that'">
-the managers, that</ins> they had referred the matter to the
-lords of trade.” Accordingly their lordships
-heard the matters in dispute between the merchants
-of Bristol and Liverpool, and that of the
-committee.</p>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>“And were of opinion, that the officers and
-servants employed by the committee,
-ought not to be allowed to trade for Negroe-slaves
-further than the amount of
-the salaries allowed them by the committee;
-and that such slaves should be
-disposed of for ivory, gold, bills of exchange,
-or other proper returns to England
-only.”</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>The committee paid no regard to their lordships
-opinion, consequently we conjecture, no regulation
-or orders has since been given by them to their servants;
-or if there has, the execution of such orders
-have not been enforced; for it is a truth which cannot
-be contradicted, that governor Melvil to his death,
-and the other officers of the committee, during his
-command, carried on the Negroe trade, and sent
-them from Africa to America for their own accounts,
-without the least reserve or restraint; also
-that governor Senior, and the officers under his
-command, did the same; and that governor Bell,
-who commanded at cape Coast Castle, when the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49"></a>[49]</span>
-last advice came from thence, did carry on a trade
-for Negroes, and continues to send the Negroes so
-purchased, to America, in the same manner his
-predecessors had done; which the gentlemen of
-the African committee must know was, and is the
-practice; and also that it is most certainly contrary
-to the true <em>spirit</em>, <em>meaning</em> and <em>intention</em> of the <em>act</em>
-of <em>parliament</em>, passed in the 23d year of his late
-<em>majesty’s reign</em>, for <em>extending</em> and <em>improving</em> the <em>trade</em>
-to <em>Africa</em> (by which the African <ins class="err" id="err-49" title="Erratum: was 'committee'">
-company</ins> was established) and the opinion of the lords of trade
-and plantation; for the legislative power could
-mean no other than to put all his majesty’s subjects
-upon an equal footing.</p>
-
-<p>But lest the gentlemen of the African committee’s
-memories should fail, we will remind them of
-some things that surely could not have happened
-without their knowledge; (to wit) the committee
-appointed Mr. <em>Richard Brew</em> in the year 1761, to
-the command of <em>Annamaboa</em> fortress; although at
-the same time they could not but know that he
-had fitted out the Brew, a large ship at Liverpool,
-and another in the river Thames; the former with
-a large cargo for Africa; the latter went to Holland
-for Dutch merchandize, to compleat her
-cargo, to the manifest disadvantage of this country,
-because it prevents so much of our manufactures
-and East India goods being exported; and
-the <em>Dutch brandy</em> and <em>Geneva</em> interfere with the
-exportation of <em>British spirits</em>, besides being of
-great disadvantage to the rum trade from the <em>British
-colonies</em> to <em>Africa</em>. Said ship returned from Holland,
-and arrived at Portsmouth in or about the
-month of July 1761, where Mr. Brew went on
-board; and also Messrs. Westgate and Flemming,
-who had been in the committee’s service upon the
-coast of Africa: but, as we have been informed, they
-are now gone out in partnership with said Brew. We<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50"></a>[50]</span>
-have also been informed, that the cargoes of the
-said ships were landed in Africa, and deposited in
-the fort of Annamaboa; and that Negroes were
-purchased with said cargoes, and sent from thence
-to Jamaica for the account of Mr. Brew, and those
-concerned with him.</p>
-
-<p>It is also as true that Mr. Samuel Smith, merchant,
-in the Old Jury in London, one of the
-committee of the company of merchants trading
-to Africa, was the acting agent for Messrs. Brew,
-Westgate and Flemming, during their residence
-in Africa; that he received their consignments from
-thence, and acted for them by commission after
-their arrival in England; likewise during their
-stay there, and since their arrival in Africa; and
-also that Mr. Smith lately fitted in the river Thames
-a large ship with a great cargo: and we have reason
-to believe from good authority, that said ship
-and cargo was fitted out for the account of Mr.
-Brew, and others concerned with him; which ship
-is now on a voyage to Annamaboa; but whether
-any of the African committee are concerned or interested
-in said ship, besides Mr. Smith, we cannot
-take upon us to say.</p>
-
-<p>We conjecture it never was intended by those
-gentlemen who prepared the act of parliament,
-which appointed there should be a committee of
-nine persons, who were to have the care of the
-forts in Africa, with the charge and application
-of the monies granted by parliament for their support,
-that any one of those persons should supply
-merchandize to be paid for with the public money
-under their care and management. However, such
-has been the case, as appears by the committee’s
-accounts laid before parliament. The following is
-an abstract of their last account for the year 1761,
-so far as it relates to any of the committee-men
-furnishing merchandize; by that our readers may<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51"></a>[51]</span>
-form a judgment on their other annual accounts,
-they being nearly the same as to the amount of
-what the African committee supplied the public with.
-Abstract of the beforementioned account as follows:</p>
-
-<table class="autotable">
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl pad3">Messrs. Touchett and company</td>
-<td class="tdr"><em>l.</em></td>
-<td class="tdr"><em>s.</em></td>
-<td class="tdr"><em>d.</em></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl">for Manchester goods</td>
-<td class="tdr">1774</td>
-<td class="tdr">14</td>
-<td class="tdr">9</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl pad3">Smith and company for Irish linen</td>
-<td class="tdr"></td>
-<td class="tdr"></td>
-<td class="tdr"></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl">and provisions</td>
-<td class="tdr">796</td>
-<td class="tdr">12</td>
-<td class="tdr">11</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl pad3">Aufere and company for East</td>
-<td class="tdr"></td>
-<td class="tdr"></td>
-<td class="tdr"></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl">India goods</td>
-<td class="tdr">349</td>
-<td class="tdr">1</td>
-<td class="tdr">6</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl pad3">Cust and company for ditto ditto</td>
-<td class="tdr">250</td>
-<td class="tdr">2</td>
-<td class="tdr">6</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl pad3">Mr. William Boden for tobacco</td>
-<td class="tdr">39</td>
-<td class="tdr">0</td>
-<td class="tdr">6</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl"></td>
-<td class="tdr bb" colspan="3"></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-<td class="tdl"></td>
-<td class="tdr bb">3209</td>
-<td class="tdr bb">12</td>
-<td class="tdr bb">2</td>
-</tr>
-</table>
-
-<p>The following are clauses of the act of parliament
-that provides for the election of the African
-committee.</p>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>“Page 550. And it is hereby further enacted,
-by the authority aforesaid, that in all future
-elections, the said committee of nine persons
-shall annually, on the third day of July in every
-year, be nominated and chosen as follows; that
-is to say, three of the said committee shall be
-nominated and chosen by the major part of the
-freemen of the said company, admitted to the
-freedom of the said company in London, who
-shall assemble for that purpose at London; three
-other persons to be of the said committee, shall
-be chosen and nominated by the major part of
-the freemen of the said company, admitted to
-the freedom of the said company in Bristol, who
-shall assemble for that purpose at Bristol; and
-three other persons to be of the said committee,
-shall be chosen and nominated by the major part
-of the freemen of the said company, admitted<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52"></a>[52]</span>
-to the freedom of the said company in the town
-of Liverpool, who shall assemble for that purpose
-at Liverpool.”</p>
-
-<p>“Page 554. And be it further enacted, by the
-authority aforesaid, that no person shall be capable
-of being chosen, or acting as a committee-man
-above three years successively.”</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>By the foregoing clauses it was most certainly
-intended that the election for committee-men
-should be free and uninfluenced, but that has not
-happened; for there was great interest made by
-those who were chosen committee-men the first
-year after the act passed, for establishing <em>the company
-of merchants trading to Africa</em>. After which,
-the several tradesmen employed by the African
-committee in London, and by their friends in Bristol
-and Liverpool, took up their freedom of the
-new company, in order to vote for committee-men;
-so that, at the expiration of the first year,
-when the committee-men that had been chosen for
-<em>London</em>, <em>Bristol</em> and <em>Liverpool</em> for the preceding
-year, could act no longer, then, or at the expiration
-of the three years (which we cannot now
-take upon us to say) three new committee-men
-were chosen instead of three that went out, which
-nine committee-men so chosen, continued to act
-for three years, when the three other were again
-elected; by which means there are twelve persons
-who take it by rotation alternatively, to be of the
-committee or not, as they agree among themselves;
-on which account it is a folly for any person,
-not being one of the twelve, to attempt getting
-elected a committee-man for either <em>London</em>,
-<em>Bristol</em>, or <em>Liverpool</em>; there having been as great
-interest made against such persons who have offered
-themselves, as hath happened on some occasions
-preceding the election of a member of parliament;
-therefore we have the greatest reason to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53"></a>[53]</span>
-believe, there is not any person who will again
-attempt to stand a candidate in opposition to
-one of the twelve persons who have had the direction
-and management so long, of which number
-those gentlemen are, we have mentioned in the
-account of the merchandize supplied by the
-committee-men, page 51.</p>
-
-<p>The several articles of merchandize purchased
-in Holland, are paid for in money, or bills of exchange,
-which is very disadvantageous to this
-country; and such goods may serve to make an
-assortment with those paid for by the government,
-and sent to Africa for the support of the forts
-there; which has been proved to have been the
-case before, consequently may be so again. That
-fact being admitted, and indeed it would be folly
-to think otherwise; what chance can any private
-traders have, when the committee’s servants have
-such a glaring emolument, besides so many other
-advantages over them? Were there any reason to
-ground the least supposition, that all things in
-Africa are carried on upon the square, and no methods
-practiced by the officers that command the
-several forts to monopolize the trade; can any one
-think even in such case, that private merchants,
-or matters of ships, who are obliged to pay <em>customs</em>,
-<em>house</em> and <em>warehouse rents</em>, <em>servants</em>, and all
-sorts of other contingent expences, can possibly
-carry on a trade in any degree of equality with
-those persons, who are, as hath been before observed,
-exonerated from every article of expence?</p>
-
-<p>The committee’s servants having such advantages,
-can it be supposed any private trader can
-stand any chance in trade with them, as said trader
-must settle in a negroe town, in a mud house covered
-with thatch, there being no other sort of
-dwelling to be got, without carrying tradesmen of
-all sorts from Europe to build it, which would be<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54"></a>[54]</span>
-attended with too great an expence and risk for any
-private adventure to undertake? Therefore, on account
-of the frequent fires that happen in negroe
-towns, persons well acquainted with them, would
-not insure any property lodged therein for twenty-five
-<em>per cent.</em> annually. That alone is sufficient to
-deter any one from settling, except some of the
-old or new companies discarded servants, whose
-narrow circumstances discourage them from returning
-to Europe, not knowing what else to do
-with themselves; for there has not one of the
-young men from Bristol or Liverpool, <em>&amp;c.</em> that
-were to have been intrusted with cargoes by their
-relations and friends, to go and settle under the
-protection of the British forts in Africa, has yet
-made a single attempt to do it, though that was
-made use of as an argument, and enforced with
-great energy by gentlemen, to obtain a dissolution
-of the late royal African company (and in
-which they succeeded). But no such boasted consequence
-has taken place, because the people of
-those places were not to be lulled on to adventure
-their property, under the notion of a free trade.
-They very well knew what hardships must attend
-those who <ins class="corr" id="tn-54" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'were ncecessitate to'">
-were necessitated to</ins> settle in a negroe
-town, from a knowledge, as soon as they did, they
-must become subservient in a manner, and brother
-citizens with the negroes. It is a joke to think
-they can make use of the forts to lodge and defend
-their properties in; for the very persons who
-(we should imagine) by the spirit and intention of
-the act of parliament, ought to be their defenders,
-will take every measure, in proportion as they rival
-them, and curtail their trade, to exercise
-their power over the natives, to prevent the private
-trader succeeding with them, which will create
-disputes between the officers commanding the
-forts and the towns people under them, in which<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55"></a>[55]</span>
-every private trader must bear a part; for no man
-can settle in a negroe town without paying his
-<em>freedom</em>, and entering into a league to become a
-<em>native</em>, and partake of that <em>township’s misfortunes</em>,
-<em>advantages and customs</em>. Is there any difference then
-between a European trader and an African?
-None! one is a native black Negroe, and the
-other is become a white one: so that whenever a
-dispute happens between <em>the natives</em> and the officers
-aforesaid, the <ins class="corr" id="tn-55" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'indenizend European'">
-indenizened European</ins> will be
-under the compulsive necessity of joining his black
-fellow <em>townsmen</em> against his <em>countrymen</em> and <em>fortress</em>,
-which the <em>British</em> nation intended for his <em>preservation</em>
-in time of <em>danger</em>, and last <em>resort</em>.</p>
-
-<p>From what we have before advanced, our readers
-may naturally wonder if the trade to Africa,
-where the forts are situated, is carried on so much
-to the disadvantage of the British traders, and so
-greatly for the benefit of the officers of the African
-committee, why said traders do not continue their
-complaints, in order to have their grievances redressed.
-We conjecture one reason for their not
-doing so, is the difficulties they had to encounter
-when they presented their former complaint to obtain
-satisfaction, which arose from the opposition
-raised against them by the African committee, who
-refused to give their officers such orders, as would
-have obliged them to put in execution the <em>lords of
-trade and plantations opinion</em>. Being defeated in
-their first attempt, it is natural to suppose they
-were fearful of applying again to the legislative
-power, lest the methods pursued to carry on that
-valuable branch of commerce, since it has been
-under the management of the African committee,
-should be maturely and attentively enquired into;
-for there has been, and is now, as much reason for
-such examination, as there was in the year 1753,
-1755, 1756 and 1758. But then it began to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56"></a>[56]</span>
-<ins class="corr" id="tn-56" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'become to serious'">
-become too serious</ins>; and if continued fairly, might
-have been a means of putting the forts upon a new
-and respectable establishment, such as would have
-enabled the officers commanding them, to have
-secured the natives under their protection from
-the danger they may be in from enemies of
-their own colour, and the arbitrary injustice often
-imposed upon them by the officers of our
-good friends and allies. The Dutch residing in
-Africa, to have prevented said <em>Dutch officers</em>, by
-their superior power, from wresting violently and
-unfairly any part of the territories belonging to
-the <em>British forts</em>, or detaining and imprisoning any
-of the natives living under their protection, both
-which they have illegally done since the decline of
-the late company’s power, and confined a number
-of them, notwithstanding all remonstrances made
-by the British officers, till that <em>noble</em> and <em>gallant</em>
-commander, the present honourable lord <em>How</em> arrived
-in his majesty’s ship <em>Glory</em>, with the <em>Swan</em>
-sloop under his command, upon the Gold Coast, in
-the year 1751, who soon after his arrival, did examine
-with the greatest attention, all the original
-papers relative to the cause of the dispute that happened
-between the officers of the English and
-Dutch companies. After such examination, he demanded
-from the Dutch general the prisoners he
-had confined during said dispute in the castle of
-St. George’s D. Elmina, the principal Dutch fort
-upon the coast of Africa in that noble manner which
-it has everbeen the invariable rule of that judicious,
-worthy, and great commander to pursue in the
-service of his country<a id="FNanchor_20" href="#Footnote_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a>.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57"></a>[57]</span></p>
-
-<p>It is to be hoped that the British forts will be put
-upon such an establishment, that the officers commanding
-them will be sufficiently empowered to
-hinder the Dutch officers from exercising that arbitrary
-power they have done, and continued to
-do, over the <em>Portugueze</em> upon the <em>Gold Coast</em> of
-<em>Africa</em>, to prevent their trading at the British settlements,
-in open violation of a treaty concluded
-between the English and Dutch principal officers
-in Africa, and ratified by both <em>companies</em> in <em>Europe</em><a id="FNanchor_21" href="#Footnote_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a>.</p>
-
-<p>If the African committee has not represented
-that affair in a true light to the government, we are
-surprized they have neglected it, as it is a very
-valuable commerce now wholly engrossed by the
-Dutch; who will not suffer the master or supercargo
-of any <em>Portugueze</em> vessel to trade at the English
-<em>forts</em>, or with the <em>British</em> subjects, notwithstanding
-the beforementioned treaty, which, perhaps,
-might be deemed obsolete, since the dissolution
-of the late company. If that should be the
-case, then, in our humble opinion, it ought to be
-renewed, as well as many other regulations made
-between the English and Dutch in Africa.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58"></a>[58]</span></p>
-
-<p>If the British officers should once again obtain
-that influence and power so essentially necessary for
-them to have, in order to open the trading roads
-to the most distant inland countries of Africa, so
-long stopped, which would be of immense advantage
-to this country, and, at the same time, to
-prevent the subjects of France hereafter carrying
-to their colonies the most valuable Negroes, as we
-have observed they did before the war, and which
-will in a great measure be proved, by the extracts
-of the following letters from the captains Strange
-and Wyndham, commanders of two of his majesty’s
-ships war, dated Africa, 20th Sept. 1740,
-and 30th Aug. 1742.</p>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>Capt. Strange writes to the following purport:</p>
-
-<p>“The French, by the advantages of their
-goods, especially Brandies, occasions a great
-price they give for their slaves, which has
-brought the English and Dutch trade to the
-lowest ebb.”</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>Capt. Wyndham writes as follows:</p>
-
-<p>“This concludes the present state of the royal
-African factories; and as to the Dutch factories,
-they, as far as I can learn, make no great
-hand of their trade any more than the English;
-the French, who has ten ships on the coast to
-our one, seem to flourish and carry all before
-them.”</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>We think it necessary here to observe, that notwithstanding
-almost all the trade had been for
-some years before, and at that time, carried on by
-the French on that part of the coast where the
-most valuable Negroes were to be got; the separate
-British traders made no application to the legislative<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59"></a>[59]</span>
-power to prevent such pernicious commerce,
-though several remonstrances were made
-for that purpose by the late royal African company
-to the government; who also did lay before the
-public, in several letters inserted in the daily papers,
-as well as by pamphlets, the danger of the
-French incroachments.</p>
-
-<p>Yet as soon as the private traders found the said
-company applying to parliament for money, to
-put their forts upon a proper and respectable footing,
-to prevent foreign innovations upon the territory
-and trade under their care, they took the
-alarm, awaked from their lethargy, strained
-every nerve, and put every scheme in execution
-their invention pointed out, to prevent the company’s
-succeeding, and to obtain their dissolution,
-which they compleated in the year 1750. But how
-far the African trade has been improved thereby,
-in upwards of twelve years that the African committee
-have had it under their direction and management,
-will appear from the facts and truths
-we have before stated, to which we beg leave to
-refer, and to the judgment of our readers.</p>
-
-<p>Thus far we can undertake to say with truth,
-notwithstanding the great noise and clamour raised
-at that time by the African merchants for an open
-trade; it was then much more open and free for
-all British subjects trading thither, than it has been
-since under the direction of the African committee,
-and the national grants of money more regularly
-and fairly accounted for, as the late company had,
-for some years before, sent no ship to Africa, but
-freighted the merchandize, stores and provisions
-purchased with the money granted by parliament
-on board private ships; nor were their officers or
-servants permitted to trade otherwise than to barter
-to the best advantage. The merchandize purchased
-with the <em>public money</em> for the better support<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60"></a>[60]</span>
-of the <em>forts</em>, out of which said servants could
-neither make embezzlement or advantage to themselves,
-according to the established rules laid down
-by the company, and the method by which their
-principal officers and other servants were to account
-for the same, who were obliged to give ample
-and sufficient security, strictly to adhere and
-conform to such rules. All persons in the late
-company’s service, of what station soever, that
-were entrusted with any of their or the government’s
-effects, whether the value was much or
-little, they were obliged to keep a true account
-of all their receipts and disbursements in writing,
-and at the end of every two months at farthest, to
-render to the council, which presides at the principal
-fort, <ins class="corr" id="tn-60" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'two orignals signed'">
-two originals signed</ins> by said person so
-intrusted, and attested to be true by some other
-of the company’s servants, who had been privy to
-his transactions. That the then accountant residing
-at the principal fort, examined and made his
-remarks upon the account so rendered; and required
-vouchers in writing for such transactions as
-were therein mentioned to have been had with Europeans,
-it being impracticable to have written
-vouchers for dealings with the natives<a id="FNanchor_22" href="#Footnote_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a>.</p>
-
-<p>That said accountant laid all accounts so rendered,
-with his remarks thereon, before the said
-<em>council</em>, who <em>examined</em>, <em>allowed</em>, or <em>disallowed</em>
-such accounts, <em>&amp;c.</em> made such <em>deductions</em> or <em>abatements</em>
-to as they saw cause. That afterwards every
-such account was returned to the accountant as one
-of the vouchers from which he was to compose the
-general books to be sent home to the company.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61"></a>[61]</span>
-That by general Books is meant, journals and
-ledgers, where the collections, arising from the
-vouchers beforementioned, were reduced into order
-and method. That the council abroad had not
-power to pass, or allow any <em>account</em> or <em>voucher
-finally</em>; every thing being subject to the <em>company’s</em>
-future <em>examination</em> and <em>approbation</em> in <em>England</em>.</p>
-
-<p>That each journal and ledger contained the accounts
-of six months, which after having been
-duly <ins class="corr" id="tn-61" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'stated and ballanced'">
-stated and balanced</ins> abroad, they were sent
-home to the company by the first conveyance, together
-with all the original vouchers from which
-they were composed and signed; duplicates thereof
-were deposited in the principal forts, in case of loss
-or accident. That as soon as possible after the
-arrival of the said journals and ledgers in England,
-they were compared by the company’s accountant
-general (who was one of the first accountants in
-Europe) with the vouchers, and the said vouchers
-themselves were examined; that objections and
-deductions were thereupon made by the company,
-when due cause was found for so doing. It must
-now surely clearly appear, that so many examinations
-of the books and accounts, made by persons
-whose private interest had not the least connexions
-with each other, must render it extreamly difficult
-for the late company’s servants to <em>embezzle</em> or
-<em>misapply</em> any of the effects committed to their
-charge with <em>impunity</em>, or without being <em>detected</em>.</p>
-
-<p>That after the examinations aforesaid of the accounts,
-they were delivered to the <em>auditor</em> of his
-<em>majesty’s imprest</em>, and after they were examined
-and compared by the deputy-auditor with the
-vouchers, and certified by him they were right,
-then the company obtained a <em>quietus</em> to discharge
-them from any <em>sum</em> or <em>sums</em> of <em>money</em> so accounted
-for, that they had received from the <em>public</em>; having<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62"></a>[62]</span>
-first sworn to the truth of such part of said
-accounts as had been transacted under their own
-inspection, in Europe before one of the barons of
-his majesty’s exchequer.</p>
-
-<p>The following is the copy of a clause from the
-act of parliament <em>for extending and improving the
-trade to Africa</em>, directing in what manner <ins class="corr" id="tn-62" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'the committe are to'">
-the committee are to</ins> account for the monies they receive
-from the public for the support of the forts
-in Africa. In page 556.</p>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>“It is enacted that the committee shall, within
-one month after the expiration of the year, for
-or during which they shall have been chosen
-committee-men, lay before the cursitor baron
-of the exchequer, an account of all the money
-received by the committee during the preceding
-year, and of the application thereof, upon
-oath. And the said cursitor baron shall, within
-one month after the said account shall be laid
-before him, examine, pass, and audit the same;
-and for the better discovering of the truth of
-such account, the said cursitor baron is hereby
-empowered to examine any of the said committee-men,
-and such other person or persons as
-he shall judge necessary, upon oath, touching
-the articles or particulars in such account expressed,
-or such of them as the said cursitor baron
-shall think fit; which account, so audited
-and passed by the cursitor baron, shall be
-final and conclusive, and shall be a full and
-absolute discharge to the said committee-men,
-without their being compelled to give or render
-any further or other account thereof.”</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>By the foregoing clause, the African committee
-is only obliged to account for the application in
-<em>Europe</em> of any monies they receive from government,
-or otherwise, for the support of the <em>African
-forts</em>, by laying their annual account before the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63"></a>[63]</span>
-cursitor baron, how they have appropriated said
-monies, whether by purchasing and shipping merchandizes,
-stores, and other supplies for the use of
-the forts, or of any other manner they might have
-disposed of the same<a id="FNanchor_23" href="#Footnote_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a>.</p>
-
-<p>By said clause, the cursitor baron is obliged to
-audit and pass the committee’s account in one
-month after it is laid before him; though he should
-have objections thereto, as he had to their accounts
-for years 1754, 1755 and 1756. However, he
-passed them, but submitted it to the house of commons
-to allow some charges in said accounts, or not,
-that he certainly thought were charged contrary to
-act of parliament, or he would not have objected
-to them. But that would have appeared as well as
-many other facts, with respect to their management
-and accounts, if the report, consisting of 87 pages,
-of the committee, appointed by the honourable house
-of commons to examine into the state and condition
-of the forts in Africa in the year 1758, had
-been examined into. All we can take upon us to
-say with respect to that affair is, said report was
-prevented being taken into consideration by the
-house, in consequence of a <em>motion</em> being <em>made</em> and
-<em>seconded</em> for such <em>purpose</em>, by the <em>African committee’s
-friends</em>.</p>
-
-<p>We can with truth undertake to say, that many
-irregularities in the African committee’s accounts
-were pointed out during the examination before
-the several committee’s appointed by the house;
-upon which they desired leave to bring in subsequent<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64"></a>[64]</span>
-accounts to clear up such objections as had
-been made, one of which was presented to the committee
-the 22d April, 1756, wherein the African
-committee deducted <ins class="corr" id="tn-64" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'from the ballance of'">
-from the balance of</ins> a former
-account they had presented 1891<em>l.</em> sterling. We shall
-only quote this one instance, to shew how necessary it is
-that the African committee and their servants should
-be accountable to the public in the same manner the
-late African company was, for any monies they are
-intrusted with by government, for the application of
-said monies on the coast of Africa, before they
-should obtain a discharge for the same, which
-would lay them under a necessity to examine minutely
-into the accounts they receive from their officers
-in Africa, of the application of said monies
-there; which, as they are now no-ways accountable
-for, we may, we hope without being thought severe,
-presume is not done; which will, in a great
-measure, appear by the subsequent account before
-quoted: besides, we fear people, who have accounts
-of their own to look after, seldom give themselves
-much trouble about those of the public, unless
-obligated thereto.</p>
-
-<p>When the officers, who have the application of the
-public money in Africa, are once satisfied that their
-accounts will undergo a strict examination by the
-committee, and also at the auditor of the imprests
-office; that it will induce them to be careful how
-they dispose of the merchandize, <em>&amp;c.</em> committed to
-their charge; as such <em>officers</em> and their <em>sureties</em> will
-be liable to make good any deduction there,
-may be made from their accounts. It will likewise
-be very advantageous to the inferior servants of the
-committee; for such good purpose, a method can be
-pointed out to prevent the merchandize purchased
-with the public money being made use of by the
-superior officers in trade, for their own account and
-emolument, to the great injury of the others, many<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65"></a>[65]</span>
-instances of which we have to produce; also that
-the soldiers, under-servants, and company’s slaves
-have been paid out of the refuse goods that the
-commanding officers had taken in the course of
-their trade.</p>
-
-<p>A single instance of such inhumanity to the inferior
-servants we think sufficient to trouble the
-public with, which happened during governor Melvil’s
-command; and that we should not now particularly
-take notice of, but as it fell under our observation
-when we were upon the spot. It also was
-a charge urged against Mr. Melvil when living,
-which he never attempted to contradict, to wit,
-that John Sweidger, a Prussian, and Gardiner at
-Cape Coast, desired his discharge, wanting to go to
-his own country. Mr. Melvil, the then governor
-and treasurer at Cape Coast Castle, whose business
-it was to give written orders upon the warehouse
-(or storekeeper) to pay the servants, gave said
-Sweidger a note upon the warehouse-keeper, for
-wages due to him, amounting to 28<em>l.</em> gold value,
-which is about 27<em>l.</em> 2<em>s.</em> 6<em>d.</em> sterling, which said
-warehouse-keeper offered to pay in guns, that would
-not even purchase the poor man a little fresh provisions
-for his voyage. After repeated applications to
-the governor and warehouse-keeper, finding he could
-not obtain any thing else, he offered the governor’s
-note for 28 <em>l.</em> to sale to several of the servants in the
-castle; and at last sold it to James Hinch, the
-overseer of the slaves, for eight pounds. That oppressive
-transaction fully points out how necessary it
-is that some other method of accounting for the
-government’s supplies should be adopted, and carried
-into execution, which surely there cannot be
-the least objection to.</p>
-
-<p>For example, we will suppose any gentleman in
-England to have an estate in Africa, and that he
-was to order Messrs. Trueman and company, or<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66"></a>[66]</span>
-any other respectable merchants in the city of London,
-to send out a steward to superintend and take
-care of the <ins class="corr" id="tn-66" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'improvemeut of such'">
-improvement of such</ins> estate; and that
-they were to take security from said steward for the
-value of any monies or merchandize, <em>&amp;c.</em> that he
-may be entrusted with, to pay the servants residing
-thereupon, and other expences; also charges of
-building and repairs. Is it to be supposed said
-gentlemen, notwithstanding he had the greatest faith
-in, and opinion of the integrity and honesty of said
-merchants, would be satisfied with their giving him
-an account only of their having sent such steward,
-merchandize, stores and provisions to his estate,
-without an account from the steward, properly
-vouched, of the application thereof in Africa?
-Surely no! then if a private person thinks it necessary
-to have such an authenticated account, we
-submit it to the judgment of our readers to determine,
-whether they think it reasonable the public
-should expect the same or not. We, for our own
-parts, are inclined to believe, that people intrusted
-with the application of public monies, at so great
-a distance as Africa, when they can make such
-immense advantage of it as the <ins class="corr" id="tn-66a" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'committe’s officers'">
-committee’s officers</ins> can, will be induced to embrace the opportunity,
-however disadvantageous it may be to their country,
-when they are satisfied little care will be taken
-how they account for the same.</p>
-
-<p>We shall conclude this pamphlet, with inserting
-a copy of a petition, signed by the planters of
-the island of Barbadoes, in the year 1710. The reasons
-and observations contained therein, in our
-humble opinion, fully point out, that they foresaw
-what has in effect since happened; therefore
-we beg leave to submit it to our readers to form
-their own judgment upon.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67"></a>[67]</span></p>
-
-<p class="p2 pad2">To the queen’s most excellent majesty,</p>
-
-<p class="negin1">The humble petition of several planters and others,
-inhabitants of your majesty’s island of Barbadoes,</p>
-
-<p class="p1 pad2">Sheweth,</p>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>“That the tender care and regard your majesty
-hath constantly had of all your subjects, encourages
-your petitioners, who are deeply concerned
-in the trade to Africa. The constant
-supply of Negroes at moderate prices, being the
-chief support of this colony; whereby we can
-only be enabled to preserve the staple of sugar, and
-other commodities, and to afford them in greater
-quantities, and cheaper than other nations; most
-humbly beg leave to lay before your majesty,
-that for many years, while the royal African
-company had the sole management of that trade,
-this island was duly supplied with a sufficient
-number of Negroes at moderate prices, from
-10 <em>l.</em> to 20 <em>l.</em> per head the highest, which was a
-very great encouragement; and enabled us
-greatly to improve the manufacture of this island.
-But for several years past, since the trade has
-been laid open, the number of Negroes imported
-by the royal African company, and separate
-traders together, have not been sufficient
-to supply this island; and those which have been
-imported, have been sold at extravagant prices,
-from 20 <em>l.</em> to 40 <em>l.</em> per head, especially those
-which are tolerably good; which your petitioners
-conceive to have been occasioned by the different
-interests of the separate traders, each bidding
-upon the other; of which the natives upon the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68"></a>[68]</span>
-coast taking advantage, have raised the price of
-their own commodities, and sunk the price of
-those of Great Britain, and this island; which
-is an unspeakable damage, and discouragement
-to your petitioners, tends to the ruin of this
-trade, the lessening your majesty’s revenue, and
-the navigation of Great Britain.”</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="pad2 blockquot">
-
-<p>“Therefore your petitioners humbly pray,
-that the British interest on the coast of
-Africa may be preserved; and the trade
-put upon such a foot, that a sufficient
-number of Negroes may be had upon
-the coast, on moderate terms, and your
-petitioners supplied at reasonable rates
-here.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="blockquot">
-
-<p>“And your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall
-ever pray.”</p>
-</div>
-
-<p>
-Barbadoes,<br />
-Aug. 1, 1710.<br />
-</p>
-
-<p class="right">
-<span class="padr6">“Robert Vaughan,</span><br />
-“Thomas Carney, <em>&amp;c. &amp;c. &amp;c.</em>”</p>
-
-
-<p class="p2 pfs120 lsp3"><em>FINIS.</em></p>
-
-
-<p class="p2 pfs90 lsp3" id="ERRATA"><em>ERRATA.</em></p>
-
-<div class="blockquot fs90">
-
-<p><a href="#err-10">Page 10, last line</a>, for <i>this I</i>, read <i>this we</i>; <a href="#err-11">p. 11. l. 19</a>,
-for <i>editor is</i>, r. <i>editors are</i>; <a href="#err-14">p. 14, l. 2</a>, for <i>made me</i>, r. <i>made us</i>;
-<a href="#err-20">p. 20, l. 5</a>, for <i>this I</i>, r. <i>this we</i>; <a href="#err-21">p. 21, l. 3</a>, for <i>induced
-me</i>, r. <i>induced us</i>; <a href="#err-23">p. 23, l. 30</a>, for <i>assertions</i>, r. <i>assertion</i>; <a href="#err-26">p. 26,
-l. 28</a>, for <i>that</i>, r. <i>those</i>; <a href="#err-27">p. 27, l. 18</a>, for <i>those kept</i>, r.
-<i>those that were kept</i>; <a href="#err-35">p. 35, l. 7</a>, for <i>I have</i>, r. <i>we have</i>; <a href="#err-37">p. 37,
-l. 37</a>, for <i>ben</i>, r. <i>been</i>; <a href="#err-46">p. 46, l. 12</a>, for <i>taken</i>, r. <i>taker</i>; <a href="#err-49">p. 49,
-l. 10</a>, for <i>committee</i>, r. <i>company</i>; <a href="#err-56">p. 56, in note, l. 1</a>, for <i>this
-ship</i>, r. <i>the ship</i>.</p>
-</div>
-
-
-<div class="footnotes"><h2>FOOTNOTES:</h2>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> It is here humbly meant, not to send those sailors that may
-be pressed out of colliers, or coasting vessels, directly on southern
-voyages, till they have been used to live upon salt provisions for
-some time on board ships of war in a cold climate.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">[2]</a> Supposed to be paid for in plantation-produce.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">[3]</a> It appears by the accounts of that board, there has been expended
-by them to the 31st March, 1761, in finishing said fort
-15,024<em>l.</em> 18<em>s.</em> 3<em>d.</em> so that rebuilding it has cost 34,590<em>l.</em> 12<em>s.</em>
-5<em>d.</em> sterling, which fort is only useful for the defence of the
-Negroes in the town under it, and to protect them from their
-enemies of their own colour, who have no cannon or mortars,
-and to defend the landing-place, that no ship of force can get near.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_4" href="#FNanchor_4" class="label">[4]</a> His grace the d—e of N——le, s——y of st——e; the
-right honourable H—y P—lh—m, first lord of the t——y, and
-c——r of the e——r.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_5" href="#FNanchor_5" class="label">[5]</a> The African committee have also received to the end of the
-year 1756, 1620<em>l.</em> 8<em>s.</em> 8<em>d.</em> for some of the late company’s effects,
-and for admissions into the new company.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_6" href="#FNanchor_6" class="label">[6]</a> For several years before the war, the French received from
-foreign nations above 1,000,000<em>l.</em> sterling for the article of sugar
-only; besides a large sum for indigo, and other West India
-products; the loss of which will induce them, without delay,
-to push on their trade to Africa with the utmost vigour, which,
-we know, they are making great preparations to do, that sufficiently
-points out the necessity for some measures to be speedily
-taken to prevent their succeeding.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_7" href="#FNanchor_7" class="label">[7]</a> The officers commanding the out-forts, had absolute orders
-not to trade with the French.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_8" href="#FNanchor_8" class="label">[8]</a> For mercenary troops are to be hired in Africa, as well as
-in Europe, and at a much cheaper rate.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_9" href="#FNanchor_9" class="label">[9]</a> In case the French were not permitted to carry them away,
-as they did before the roads were stopt.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_10" href="#FNanchor_10" class="label">[10]</a> 50,000 ounces of gold dust at 3<em>l.</em> 17<em>s.</em> 6<em>d.</em> an ounce, is
-193,750<em>l.</em></p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_11" href="#FNanchor_11" class="label">[11]</a> 30 tons of ivory, <ins class="corr" id="tn-26" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'on an average, is worth about'">
-on an average worth about</ins> 220<em>l.</em> a
-ton, is 6,600<em>l.</em></p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_12" href="#FNanchor_12" class="label">[12]</a> Which was upwards of 26,666 guineas annually.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_13" href="#FNanchor_13" class="label">[13]</a> We think it proper to observe, which we conjecture
-the merchants will not attempt to deny, that they only put on
-board their ships such cargoes as the masters judge will be sufficient
-to purchase the number of Negroes each ship will carry,
-which when compleated, they will sell any small remainder of
-their cargoes for gold or ivory, if to be got: but they often
-find a difficulty in doing it, for the reasons before advanced; and
-they have many times been obliged to carry them from Africa
-for want of purchasers, entirely owing to their giving such great
-prices for Negroes.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_14" href="#FNanchor_14" class="label">[14]</a> If the French are allowed to trade on the Gold Coast, a
-cargo to purchase 300 Negroes, will cost, if we may judge by
-former times, above 6000<em>l.</em></p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_15" href="#FNanchor_15" class="label">[15]</a> As would have appeared by the report of the committee
-of the honourable house of commons, in the year 1758, had
-it been examined into.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_16" href="#FNanchor_16" class="label">[16]</a> There was issued to the African committee, by warrant
-from the right honourable the lords commissioners of the treasury,
-in the year 1751, 7140<em>l.</em> 14<em>s.</em> 3<em>d.</em> out of the vote of
-credit for 800,000<em>l.</em> notwithstanding several objections were
-made before the committee of the honourable house of commons
-that such sum was not due.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_17" href="#FNanchor_17" class="label">[17]</a> Because it will employ a great number of French ships and
-sailors, and be a market for their manufactures, which they
-sell, and also their East India goods, cheaper considerably than
-we can purchase ours, which must consequently be hurtful to
-our navigation, lessening at the same time the consumption of
-our manufactures.</p>
-
-<p>Besides, the competition between the traders of both nations
-would give to the black dealers an opportunity of raising the
-price of their Negroes, which advance the French can better
-afford than we, as must appear from what is beforementioned,
-as well as from the following fact; which is, they pay an anchor
-of brandy or two, and at some places three or four, in the
-price of a slave, at the rate of four pounds each anchor, containing
-about eight gallons, and costs in France but from eight
-to ten shillings. Whereas there is not any article can be bought
-in England so profitable and vendable a commodity among the
-blacks for thirty shillings (as French brandy) that will pay in
-the purchase of a slave at four pounds.</p>
-
-<p>This observation is chiefly meant to point out how necessary
-it is to hinder, as much as possible, the French from trading to
-Gambia, Senegal, or between cape Appolonia and the river
-Volta, where the British forts are situated, and where much the
-greatest numbers of the most valuable Negroes are to be procured,
-which surely we have a right to do, and may be effected,
-if proper measures are pursued for so desirable a purpose.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_18" href="#FNanchor_18" class="label">[18]</a> The original letters and certificates, with authentic copies
-of the affidavits, are in the hands of the publisher.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_19" href="#FNanchor_19" class="label">[19]</a> An ounce is a nominal value set upon goods, which cost
-about 40<em>s.</em> in Europe; but sold in trade on the coast of Africa
-at 4<em>l.</em></p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_20" href="#FNanchor_20" class="label">[20]</a> He came to an anchor nearer to Elmina fort, with
-<ins class="err" id="err-56" title="Erratum: was 'this ship'">
-the ship</ins> and sloop under his command, than any merchant ship ever
-had been, and sent an officer on shore to demand the prisoners,
-which the Dutch general immediately complied with, to the
-great joy of their countrymen residing under the British forts,
-at their being restored to their liberty.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_21" href="#FNanchor_21" class="label">[21]</a> “That such Portugueze ships as shall come to anchor
-in any of the English roads belonging to any of the English
-forts or factories, shall not be molested by any Dutch ship
-or ships belonging to the said company, nor be blocked up
-by them in the said English roads, nor attacked and seized at
-their going out of the said roads; neither shall they offer to
-seize any ship or ships, that have first put themselves under
-the protection of any British fort, or being in possession of any
-English vessel, they having one of the said royal African
-company’s servants on board certifying the same.”</p>
-
-<p>“That on the other side, none of the English forts, or company’s
-ships, shall attack, or seize, any Portugueze which
-were first in possession of any Dutch West India company’s
-ships; neither shall the English general, or chief director for
-the time being, grant passports to any Portugueze ships, going
-to or from Brazil, or any of the Portugueze islands.”</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_22" href="#FNanchor_22" class="label">[22]</a> What was paid to the natives for ground-rent, or water-custom,
-or to the company’s slaves, which appeared by their
-lists, or to canoe-men, or other free Negroes, each article was
-particularized in the late company’s officers accounts in such
-manner, as that no fraud could be committed.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p><a id="Footnote_23" href="#FNanchor_23" class="label">[23]</a> By such mode of accounting, the committee may obtain a
-discharge for the money granted by parliament, before the ship
-or ships that have the merchandize, stores, <em>&amp;c.</em> on board said
-money purchased, sails out of the <em>river Thames</em>. Therefore, if
-said <em>merchandize</em> or <em>stores</em> are never landed in <em>Africa</em> for the use of
-the <em>forts</em>, we presume the <em>committee</em> are no farther <em>accountable</em>
-for <em>them</em>.</p>
-
-</div>
-</div>
-
-
-<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-
-<div class="p4 transnote">
-<a id="TN"></a>
-<p><strong>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE</strong></p>
-
-<p>Footnote [15] is referenced twice from <a href="#Page_29">page 29</a>.</p>
-
-<p>Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been
-corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within
-the text and consultation of external sources.</p>
-
-<p>Some hyphens in words have been silently removed, some added,
-when a predominant preference was found in the original book.</p>
-
-<p>Except for those changes noted below, all misspellings in the text,
-and inconsistent or archaic usage, have been retained.</p>
-
-<p>
-<a href="#tn-iii">Pg iii:</a> ‘above allegagations’ replaced by ‘above allegations’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-1">Pg 1:</a> ‘meer alienation’ replaced by ‘mere alienation’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-3">Pg 3:</a> ‘many falshoods’ replaced by ‘many falsehoods’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-4">Pg 4:</a> ‘make the ballance’ replaced by ‘make the balance’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-6">Pg 6:</a> ‘to undersel them’ replaced by ‘to undersell them’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-11">Pg 11:</a> ‘For I believe it’ replaced by ‘For we believe it’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-12">Pg 12:</a> ‘for so I must’ replaced by ‘for so we must’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-14">Pg 14:</a> ‘a ballance of trade’ replaced by ‘a balance of trade’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-15">Pg 15:</a> ‘sorry I am to say’ replaced by ‘sorry we are to say’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-19">Pg 19:</a> ‘houshold servants’ replaced by ‘household servants’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-23">Pg 23:</a> ‘inteterest themselves’ replaced by ‘interest themselves’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-24">Pg 24:</a> ‘villify and render’ replaced by ‘vilify and render’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-25">Pg 25:</a> ‘intercouse and trade’ replaced by ‘intercourse and trade’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-26">Pg 26 Footnote 11:</a> ‘on an average, is worth about’ replaced by ‘on an average worth about’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-31">Pg 31:</a> ‘such an equiry’ replaced by ‘such an enquiry’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-34">Pg 34:</a> ‘I presume it’ replaced by ‘we presume it’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-34a">Pg 34:</a> ‘the smuggling wool’ replaced by ‘the smuggling of wool’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-35">Pg 35:</a> ‘them frm Africa’ replaced by ‘them from Africa’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-37">Pg 37:</a> ‘crimes in despight’ replaced by ‘crimes in despite’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-47">Pg 47:</a> ‘The committe, by’ replaced by ‘The committee, by’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-48">Pg 48:</a> ‘the mananagers, that’ replaced by ‘the managers, that’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-54">Pg 54:</a> ‘were ncecessitate to’ replaced by ‘were necessitated to’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-55">Pg 55:</a> ‘indenizend European’ replaced by ‘indenizened European’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-56">Pg 56:</a> ‘become to serious’ replaced by ‘become too serious’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-60">Pg 60:</a> ‘two orignals signed’ replaced by ‘two originals signed’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-61">Pg 61:</a> ‘stated and ballanced’ replaced by ‘stated and balanced’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-62">Pg 62:</a> ‘the committe are to’ replaced by ‘the committee are to’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-64">Pg 64:</a> ‘from the ballance of’ replaced by ‘from the balance of’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-66">Pg 66:</a> ‘improvemeut of such’ replaced by ‘improvement of such’.<br />
-<a href="#tn-66a">Pg 66:</a> ‘committe’s officers’ replaced by ‘committee’s officers’.<br />
-</p>
-</div>
-
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-</html>
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