TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE
This book was printed in 1754 and this etext is a careful
reproduction of that original text. No spelling and very few
punctuation corrections have been made in order to preserve the
historical value of the original work.
All dates in the book are prior to 1750, and so are Julian
calendar dates where a new year begins on March 25th. However
the book was published in the Gregorian era, so whenever a year
is given for a date between January 1st and March 24th, both the
Julian and Gregorian year were printed. This is shown in the book
with a hyphen, for example ‘the 10th day of _March_ 1718-19’.
The long-s ſ has been replaced by s throughout the etext.
Italic text is denoted by _underscores_.
A superscript x is denoted by ^x.
There is only one footnote in this book. The anchor is denoted by
(a), and the footnote itself has been placed at the bottom of that
paragraph.
All the changes noted in the ERRATA have been applied to the etext,
except for the change noted for p71, which could not be identified.
All occurrences of Testesole have been changed to Testefole.
A few minor corrections to obvious compositor errors are noted at
the end of the book. Some missing quote marks have been silently
added. All other misspellings in the text, and inconsistent or
archaic usage, have been left unchanged.
[Illustration: A New MAP of that part _of AFRICA called the_ Coast of
GUINEA
_From the River Senegal in Latt.^d 16.^d N.^o To Cape Lopez in 1.^d
00′. S.^o with the Inland Countries from the Sea so far as the Great
Rivers, Senegal and Niger._]
A NEW
ACCOUNT
OF
GUINEA,
And the Slave-Trade,
CONTAINING,
I. The History of the late Conquest of the Kingdom of _Whidaw_
by the King of _Dahomè_. The Author’s Journey to the Conqueror’s
Camp; where he saw several Captives sacrificed, _&c._
II. The Manner how the Negroes become Slaves. The Numbers of them
yearly exported from _Guinea_ to _America_. The Lawfulness of
that Trade. The Mutinies among them on board the Ships where the
Author has been, _&c._
III. A Relation of the Author’s being taken by Pirates, and the
many Dangers he underwent.
By Captain WILLIAM SNELGRAVE.
With a new and correct Map of the Coast of _Guinea_.
_LONDON_:
Printed for J. WREN, at the _Bible_ and _Crown_, in
_Salisbury-Court; Fleet-Street_. 1754.
TO THE
MERCHANTS
OF
_LONDON_,
Trading to the Coast of _Guinea_.
GENTLEMEN,
Some of you having been pleased to peruse the following Sheets in
Manuscript, and been so kind, as to express your Approbation of them,
it hath incouraged me to make them publick; and I take the Liberty to
address them to the Merchants trading to the Coast of _Guinea_, as
being the best Judges of the Truth of what is here related.
As it has been my good Fortune to be known for many Years to most of
you, and to have received Favours from several amongst You, so I beg
leave to subscribe my self, with the greatest Respect and Esteem,
Gentlemen,
_Your most obliged
humble Servant_,
W. SNELGRAVE.
PREFACE.
_The best part of the following Sheets were writ several Years ago,
more particularly the Account of my being taken by Pirates, in the
Year 1719: And being now induced to publish the History of the
Conquest of the Kingdom of_ Dahomè, _I have added the other, which is
as remarkable in its kind_.
_I am sensible that Objections may be made to the Account I have
given of the_ Dahomes, _by such of my Readers as are not acquainted,
either by Travelling or Reading, with the Manners and Customs of
several barbarous brutish Nations, that have been and are still on
the Globe_.
_As to human Sacrifices, they are no new thing in the World; for
it is recorded of the_ Mexicans _in particular, that they annually
sacrificed to their Gods, a great number of their Enemies taken in
War_.
_Mens eating of their own Species, seems to be the most incredible
and shocking; but this is practised by others at present_ (_besides
the_ Dahomes) _on the Coast of_ Guinea; _especially by a People
called_ Acquas, _on the River of old_ Callabar, _and amongst the_
Camarones _adjoining, where I have formerly been, and of which there
are some Witnesses now in_ London: _Captain_ Arthur Lone _and others,
having seen the same as well as my self_.
_As to the Story in general of the King of_ Dahomè, _there are
some Gentlemen now in Town, that know a great part of it; namely_,
Jeremiah Tinker _Esq_; _Governor_ Wilson, _and others, who have
formerly resided at_ Whidaw, _for the Royal_ African Company:
_Besides several that have been there in the Service of private
Merchants: As also_ Charles Dunbar _Esq; of_ Antegoa, _who bought
the_ Negroe-Woman _of me there, whose Story is so remarkable, on
account of her being thrown as a Sacrifice into the Sea, and her
wonderful Preservation afterwards, the Truth of which she has often
confirmed_.
_As to the Relation of my being taken by Pirates, there are several
in and about Town, that suffered by them, at the same time and place
with my self. And Mr._ James Bleau, _who was then my Surgeon, lives
now at_ Woodford, _in good Repute and Esteem with the Gentlemen of
that Village and Neighbourhood_.
_I shall say nothing with relation to the short Account I have given
of the manner how the_ Negroes _become Slaves, and of the Management
of them when on Shipboard, it being designed at first only for a
Friend’s Satisfaction, who had objected against the lawfulness of
that Trade_.
_As I love Freedom my self, so I readily leave the Reader to judge
and believe as he pleases, concerning what is here related: My
principal motive for publishing these Sheets, being the Persuasion of
some Friends, who had perused them in Manuscript, and thought they
might prove acceptable to the Publick._
INTRODUCTION.
That Part of _Africa_ commonly called _Guinea_, is of a large Extent,
beginning at _Cape Verd_, in 14 Degrees 30 Minutes North Latitude,
and extending to the South and East, as far as the Coast of _Angola_;
the River _Congo_, in 6 Degrees South Latitude, being the farthest
place where the _English_ carry on their Trade.
In this Country of _Guinea_, the _English_ have trafficked a great
many Years: But especially, since the Conclusion of the last _French_
War, it has been so improved, that whereas in the Year 1712, there
went only 33 Ships from _England_ to that Coast, in 1726, it was
proved before the _Commissioners of Trade_, that there had been there
the Year before above 200 Sail, to the great increase of Navigation,
and the advantage of our Plantations in _America_.
Such as are unacquainted with this Country, may reasonably suppose
we should have gained by this time a perfect account of the
Inland-Parts; yet perhaps we know the least of it of any Country
the _English_ have so long traded to, for reasons I shall give
hereafter. But as I design only to inform the Reader, (for his
better understanding the following Sheets) in a cursory manner, of
those parts of the Coast of _Guinea_, that I have been personally
acquainted with: So, as I go along, I shall intermix my Reasons with
the Account.
I have traded along this Coast for near 700 Leagues, from a River
called _Sherberow_, in the Latitude of 7 Degrees 30 Minutes North,
to _Cape Lopez Gonsalvez_, in 1 Degree South, near the Coast of
_Angola_: Now in so large an Extent, we meet with very different
People and Trade.
The first part I shall mention, is about 250 Leagues in length, from
the above-mentioned River of _Sherberow_, round _Cape Palmas_, to the
River _Ancober_ near _Axim_. This is commonly called the _Windward
Coast_, on which there is no Settlement or Factory of any _European_
Nation; but the Trade is carried on in this manner.
As soon as the Natives perceive a Ship on their Coast, they make
a smoke on the Sea-Shore, as a Signal for the Ship to come to an
Anchor, that they may come and trade with the People on board. As
soon as we are at an Anchor, they come to us in small Boats, called
_Cannoes_, being made of a single Tree, and bring their Commodities
with them.
Along the greatest part of this Coast, the _Europeans_ have been
cautious of venturing on Shore amongst the Natives, they being very
barbarous and uncivilized, as several have experienced to their
cost. In those few places where I have been on Shore my self, I
could never obtain a satisfactory account from the Natives of the
Inland Parts. Nor did I ever meet with a white Man that had been,
or durst venture himself, up in the Country; and believe, if any
had attempted it, the Natives would have destroyed them, out of a
Jealousy that they designed to make discoveries to their prejudice.
However, the Trade on this part of the Coast, has been exceedingly
improved within these 20 years past. It consists in Negroes,
Elephants Teeth, and other Commodities; which the Natives freely
bring on board our Ships, except when any Affront has been offered
them; which, to the great Scandal both of _English_ and _French_,
has too often been done, namely by their forcibly carrying away the
Traders, under some slight pretence of having received an Injury from
them. And this has put a stop to the Trade of the particular place
where it has happened for a long time; and innocent People, who
have come there to trade in small Vessels, have suffered for their
Countrymens Villany: Several in my time having been surprized by the
Natives, and the People destroyed out of revenge.
From the aforementioned River of _Ancober_ to _Acra_, is about 50
Leagues. This part is commonly called the _Gold-Coast_, and thereon
are many _English_ and _Dutch_ Factories, under each of which is a
_Negroe Town_, protected by them. The Reader may reasonably suppose,
that here we might have a perfect account of the Inland parts; but
we can have no such thing. For the Policy of the Natives does not
suffer white Men to go up any great way into the Country. Moreover,
the Inland People are very jealous of those Negroes, who are under
the Protection of the Factories; so that the account I have received
from both when at peace (which has brought some of the former to
the Sea side) has seemed so fabulous and contradictory, that it
could not be depended upon; for the Negroes are very apt to impose
on us. However, in this part called the _Gold Coast_, the Natives
near the Sea side are much civilized, by their conversing with the
_Europeans_, at their Settlements; and by going on board so many
Ships to trade, as frequent this part of the Coast. Here we can
venture on Shore amongst the Natives, without any hazard; for ’tis to
be noted, a large part of the Gold Coast is not in Subjection to them.
From _Acra_ (where stands the last of the _European_ Settlements,
on this part of the Coast,) to _Jaqueen_, is about 60 Leagues. In
this Tract there are no Factories but at two places, namely at
_Whidaw_, and _Jaqueen_. And tho’ they have been so long settled by
the _Europeans_, yet till the late Conquest of them by the King of
_Dahomè_, we could learn but little of the Inland parts; no white
Men having been permitted to go beyond the Kingdom of _Ardra_, which
is about 50 Miles from the Sea side. But, as I have related in the
following Sheets what I saw and heard when I was there; so I omit
farther mention of it here.
From _Jaqueen_ to the Bay of _Bennin_, and so round to the
_Callabars_, _Camerones_, and _Cape Lopez_, is above 300 Leagues, in
which long Tract there is no Settlement of any _European_ Nation;
so of course the Natives are for the most part barbarous and
uncivilized. I have, in my younger years, traded to many places in
this Tract, especially at _Old Callabar_, where, in the year 1704,
I saw a sad Instance of Barbarity. The King of the place, called
_Jabrue_, being fallen sick, he caused, by the advice of his Priests,
a young Child about ten Months old, to be sacrificed to his God, for
his recovery. I saw the Child after it was killed, hung up on the
Bough of a Tree, with a live Cock tied near it, as an addition to the
Ceremony.
The last Voyage I went to this place, was in the year 1713, when
I commanded the Ship _Anne_, belonging to Messieurs _Bradley_,
_Virginia_ Merchants; where I had the good fortune to save a
Child from being Sacrificed, as the other poor Infant had been.
And tho’ ’tis a long story, and therefore may not so well suit an
Introduction, yet on account of the singular Circumstances wherewith
it was attended, I believe the Reader may be pleased with it.
The chief King, or Lord of the Country (for there are several petty
Princes on that River) called _Acqua_, came on board, sometime after
my arrival, to see the Ship, and hear our Musick. Being highly
pleased with his Entertainment, he kindly invited me on Shore; so I
promised to wait on him in a few days. Accordingly I went; but as I
knew his People to be fierce brutish Cannibals, I took, by way of
precaution, ten of my Sailors as a Guard, with my Gunner to command
them. They were all well armed with Musquets and Pistols, which those
savage People I knew were much afraid of.
Upon my landing at the Water side, I was received by some persons,
whom the King had appointed to conduct me about a quarter of a mile
up, where I found him sitting on a Stool, under some shady Trees;
another being placed by his side, which I was desired to sit on. The
King did not speak one word, or moved in the least, till I was sat
down; but then he bid me welcome, enquiring after my health; as I did
after his, having first paid my respects to him, by bowing and taking
off my Hat. There were many of his Courtiers present, and I observed
above 50 of his Guard, stood at a little distance. They were armed
with Bows and Arrows, a Sword by their side, and a barbed Lance in
their Hands. My people ranged themselves opposite to them, at the
distance of about twenty paces.
After having presented the King with some things, which, tho’
trifling to us, he seemed highly delighted with; accidentally turning
my Head about, I saw a little Negroe-Child tied by the Leg to a
Stake driven in the Ground, the flies and other vermin crawling on
him, and two Priests standing by. Being surprized at this sight, I
asked the King, “What was the reason of the Child’s being tied in
that manner?” He replied, “It was to be sacrificed that night to
his God _Egbo_, for his prosperity.” Moved at the hearing of this,
I called (too hastily I must own) to one of my People, to take the
Child from the Ground, in order to preserve him. He had no sooner
done it, but one of the King’s Guard advanced towards him, in a
threatning posture with his Lance; and fearing he would run him
through, I immediately took out of my Pocket a small Pistol; at the
sight of which, the King rose from his Stool in a fright. But I
bid the Linguist tell him, “I would offer no Injury to him or his,
provided he ordered his Guard not to attack mine:” Which he readily
doing, and all things being quiet, I expostulated with him, “for his
breaking the Laws of Hospitality, in permitting one of his Guard
to threaten my Man with his Lance.” To this the King replied, “I
had not done well in ordering him to seize the Child, it being his
Property.” This I acknowledged, “excusing it on the account of my
Religion, which, tho’ it does not allow of forcibly taking away what
belongs to another, yet expresly forbids so horrid a Thing, as the
putting a poor innocent Child to death. And that this would, instead
of Blessings, certainly bring on him the Wrath of the most high God,
whom we white Men adored.” I also observed to him, “That the grand
Law of human Nature was, To do to others as we desir’d to be done
unto;” and many other Arguments I used, too long to repeat here. At
the same time I offered to pay him for the Child, which the King
readily accepted: And on my asking, what he desired for it? to my
surprize he only asked a bunch of sky coloured Beads, worth about
half a Crown Sterling. I expected he would have demanded at least ten
times that Value; for the Negroes, from the King to the Trader, are
generally very ready, on any extraordinary occasion, to make their
Advantage of us.
After this was over, I staid about an hour with the King, treating
him with _European_ Liquors and Victuals, which I had carried on
Shore for that purpose; but I took care not to drink any of his
Palm Wine, (which is a Liquor drawn from a Tree, and which they can
artfully poison) under pretence, it did not agree with me. But my
People did not spare it, drinking plentifully of it with his Guards;
and eating likewise heartily of their Victuals.
After this I took my leave, and the King expressed himself well
pleased with my Visit; promising to come on board again, before I
went out of the River.
As we were returning in our Boat, I told the Gunner, “That when we
came on board, he should pitch on some motherly Woman, to take care
of this poor Child.” To which he answered, “He had already one in
his Eye.”
It happened, the day before I went on Shore to see the King, I had
purchased the Mother of the Child (tho’ I knew it not then) from one
of his People; and at that time my Surgeon observing to me, she had
much Milk in her Breasts, I enquired of the Person that brought her
on board, whether she had a Child when he bought her from the Inland
Trader? To which he answered in the negative.
But now on my coming on board, no sooner was the Child handed into
the Ship, but this poor Woman espying it, run with great eagerness,
and snatched him out of the white Man’s Arms that held him. I think
there never was a more moving sight than on this occasion, between
the Mother and her little Son, (who was a fine Boy about 18 Months
old; for ’tis to be noted, the Negroe-Women generally suckle their
Children till they are above two years old) especially when the
Linguist told her, “I had saved her Child from being sacrificed.”
Having at that time above 300 Negroes on board my Ship, no sooner was
the Story known amongst them, but they expressed their Thankfulness
to me, by clapping their Hands, and singing a Song in my praise. This
affair proved of great service to us, for it gave them a good Notion
of white Men; so that we had no Mutiny in our Ship, during the whole
Voyage.
I went from the River of _Old Callebar_, to the Island of _Antegoa_,
where our Cargoe was sold; and upon my telling one Mr. _Studeley_
this remarkable story, he bought the Mother and her Son, and was a
kind Master to them.
I could give a farther account of some more extraordinary things,
that have happened in the many Voyages I have made to this Coast; but
am afraid of being tedious to the Reader: So I shall conclude with
observing, that Mynheer _Bosman’s Account of the Coast of_ Guinea,
is the most perfect History we have of that Country; and do readily
confess, that whatever he mentions, as far as my Observations have
reach’d, I have found to be true. To this Book therefore I refer the
Reader, who is curious to know, the _Manners_, _Customs_, _Trade_,
&c. of the _Negroes_ along the Sea-Coast.
[Illustration: (decorative icon)]
ERRATA.
Page 67. Line 1. _for_ eight _read_ eighty. p. 71. l. 6. _Jaqueens_
r. _Dahomes_. p. 123. l. 14. and in other places, _Testesole_ r.
_Testefole_. p. 190. l. 4. to _r._ from. p. 221. l. 23. at _r._ in.
Ibid. l. 24. in _r._ at. 230. l. 15. just on _Cocklyn_’s Anchor, _r._
just heaving up their Anchor.
A NEW
ACCOUNT
Of some Parts of
GUINEA,
And the Slave-Trade.
[Illustration: (decorative separator)]
BOOK I.
_Containing an Account of the Destruction of the Kingdom of_
Whidaw, _or_ Fida; _the Author’s Journey to the King of_
Dahomè’_s Camp; with several other remarkable Particulars_.
For the better understanding of the following Relation, it is
necessary to prefix some Account of the late State of the Country of
_Whidaw_, before the terrible Destruction and Desolation thereof, in
the Month of _March 1726-7_.
[Sidenote: Description of _Whidaw_, _Sabee_.]
The Reader then is to observe, That the Sea-coast of this Kingdom
lies in 6 Degrees 40 Minutes North Latitude. _Sabee_, the chief Town
of the Country, is situate about seven Miles from the Sea side. In
this Town the King allowed the _Europeans_ convenient Houses for
their Factories; and by him we were protected in our Persons and
Goods, and, when our Business was finish’d, were permitted to go away
in Safety. The Road where Ships anchored, was a free Port for all
_European_ Nations trading to those Parts for _Negroes_. And this
Trade was so very considerable, that it is computed, while it was
in a flourishing State, there were above twenty thousand _Negroes_
yearly exported from thence, and the neighbouring Places, by the
_English_, _French_, _Dutch_, and _Portuguese_. As this was the
principal Part of all the _Guinea_ Coast for the Slave Trade, the
frequent Intercourse that Nation had for many Years carried on with
the white People (a) had rendered them so civilized, that it was a
Pleasure to deal with them.
(a) So they call the _Europeans_, in Opposition to the _Negroes_.
The greatest Inconvenience we were exposed to, was the Thievery of
the common People, which it was hardly possible to guard intirely
against; so bold and dextrous were they at it: Tho’ if taken in the
Fact, they became our Slaves.
[Sidenote: Polygamy.]
The Custom of the Country allows Polygamy to an excessive degree;
it being usual for a great Man to have some hundreds of Wives and
Concubines, and meaner Men in proportion; whereby the Land was become
so stock’d with People, that the whole Country appeared full of Towns
and Villages: And being a very rich Soil, and well cultivated by the
Inhabitants, it looked like an intire Garden. Trade having likewise
flourished for a long time, had greatly enriched the People; which,
with the Fertility of their Country, had unhappily made them so
proud, effeminate, and luxurious, that tho’ they could have brought
at least one hundred thousand Men into the Field, yet so great were
their Fears, that they were driven out of their principal City, by
two hundred of their Enemies; and at last lost their whole Country,
to a Nation they formerly had contemned. And tho’ this may appear to
the Reader very incredible, yet it will sufficiently be illustrated
by the following Account.
[Sidenote: Account of the King of _Whidaw_.]
The King of _Whidaw_ came to the Crown when about fourteen Years
old, so that the Government was for many Years in the hands of the
great Men of the Country; who liked it so well, that tho’ he was past
thirty Years of Age when this Calamity happened, yet they had to this
time sought all ways to keep him from a Knowledge of governing. This
suited indeed with his Temper, for he was indolent and lascivious,
having in his Court several thousands of Women, by whom he was served
in all capacities; for no Men-servants were allowed to be there.
Being thus soften’d by his Pleasures, he grew intirely negligent
of his Affairs, which at last produced such a Weakness in the
Government, that it ended in its Ruin. For the great Men played the
petty Tyrants, often falling out, and pursuing their particular
Interests, without regarding the Good of their King or Country. By
this means the common People were divided, and such Parties arose
among them, as, added to their Fears, rendered them a Prey to their
Neighbours; so that tho’ they were able to have repelled any Force
which could have been brought against them by the neighbouring
Countries, they rather chose to abandon the Land, than join heartily
against the common Enemy; who brought at this time on them such a
terrible Desolation by the Sword, Fire and Famine, as hardly ever
befel any Country.
[Sidenote: The King of _Dahomè_’s Invasion.]
This common Enemy was the King of _Dahomè_, a far inland Prince, who
for some Years past had rendered himself famous, by many Victories
gained over his Neighbours. He sent an Ambassador to the King of
_Whidaw_, requesting to have an open Traffick to the Sea side,
and offering to pay him his usual Customs on _Negroes_ exported:
which being refused, he from that time resolved to resent it, when
Opportunity offered. This the King of _Whidaw_ was so far from
apprehending, that in an Audience I had of him, soon after the
Ambassador’s Departure, he told me; if the King of _Dahomè_ should
offer to invade him, he would not use him when taken according to
their Custom, that is, cut off his Head, but would keep him for a
Slave to do the vilest Offices.
[Sidenote: His Conquests.]
And here ’tis necessary to make a short Digression concerning the
King of _Dahomè_’s Conquests. Being a politick and couragious Prince,
he had such Success against his Neighbours, in a few Years, that he
conquered towards the Sea Coast, as far as the Kingdom of _Ardra_,
which is the next inland Country adjoining to _Whidaw_; and then
resolved to remain quiet for some time, in order to settle his
Conquests. But an Accident soon called him again to Arms, for the
King of _Ardra_ having much injured his own Brother, named _Hussar_;
the latter sent privately to the King of _Dahomè_, and offered him
a large Sum of Money to revenge him for the many Affronts he had
receiv’d from the King his Brother. This the politick Prince soon
listen’d to; and the King of _Ardra_ having discovered the Matter,
sent to the _Whidaws_, representing to them, it was their common
Interest to oppose this Conqueror; but they most imprudently refused
to lend him their Assistance. So being obliged to encounter alone
the King of _Dahomè_, he met him with all the Forces he could raise,
which was about fifty thousand Men of his own People, and after a
three Days Engagement, his Army was totally defeated, and himself
taken Prisoner. Soon after which he was beheaded in the Conqueror’s
Presence according to the barbarous Custom of these black Princes.
[Sidenote: _Bullfinch Lambe._]
There was at that time in the Country of _Ardra_ a white Gentleman,
named _Bullfinch Lambe_, who was detained Prisoner by the King on
this occasion: Having been sent by the Governour of the _African
Company_’s Settlement at _Jaqueen_, on some Business to the King of
_Ardra_, this Prince detained him, under pretence the Company owed
him for one hundred Slaves, formerly sent down to their Factory; and
he sent word to the Governour, if he did not forthwith pay him this
Debt, he would make Mr. _Lambe_ a Slave. Which the Governour refusing
to do, he remained a Prisoner about two Years, being used very hardly
’till he was taken in this War by the King of _Dahomè_: Being brought
into the King’s Presence (who had never before seen a white Man) he
was treated very kindly by his Majesty, and had, in a short time
after, a Houshold appointed for him with many Servants, and the King
bestowed on him some of his near Relations for Wives. Having remained
with this Prince near three Years, he was at his own earnest Desire,
dismiss’d with a noble Present of Gold and Slaves, in order to go for
_Europe_: And his Majesty by a Messenger, to the Towns and Villages
he passed through, in his way to _Jaqueen_ on the Sea side, ordered
the Inhabitants to shew him all possible Respect, and provide nobly
for his Entertainment.
[Sidenote: _Whidaw_ invaded.]
After this Gentleman’s Departure, the King of _Dahomè_ resolved to
invade the Country of _Whidaw_; which, as I have been told, Mr.
_Lambe_ had dissuaded him from; representing the great number of the
Inhabitants, who were much used to Fire-Arms. Moreover, that the
white People resident and trading there, would no doubt assist them
for their own Interest: So that there was no probability of Success.
But this politick Prince finding by his Spies, how much the great
Men and People were divided, and that the King was only a Cypher
in the Government; he marched against them. The first part of the
Country he invaded was the northernmost, of which a great Lord named
_Appragah_ was hereditary Governour, who forthwith sent to his King
for Assistance: But through the Interest of his Enemies at Court,
who wished his Destruction, he was refused: So having made a little
Resistance, he submitted to the King of _Dahomè_, who received him
very kindly.
The Conquest of _Appragah_ gave the King an easy Entrance into the
Heart of the Country; but he was obliged to halt there by a river,
which runs about half a Mile to the northward of the principal Town
of the _Whidaws_, called _Sabee_, the Residence of their King. Here
the King of _Dahomè_ encamped for some time, not imagining he could
have found so easy a Passage and Conquest as he met with afterwards.
For the Pass of the River was of that Nature, it might have been
defended against his whole Army, by five hundred resolute Men; but
instead of guarding it, these cowardly luxurious People, thinking
the fame of their numbers sufficient to deter the _Dahomes_ from
attempting it, kept no set Guard. They only went every Morning and
Evening to the River side, to _make Fetiche_ as they call it, that
is, to offer Sacrifice to their principal God, which was a particular
harmless _Snake_ they adored, and prayed to on this occasion, to keep
their Enemies from coming over the River.
[Sidenote: Snakes worshipped.]
And, as worshiping a Snake may seem very extravagant to such as are
unacquainted with the Religion of the _Negroes_, I shall inform
the Reader of the Reasons given for it by the People of _Whidaw_.
This sort of Snake is peculiar to their Country, being of a very
singular Make; for they are very big in the middle, rounding on the
Back like a Hog, but very small at the Head and Tail, which renders
their Motion very slow. Their Colour is yellow and white, with brown
Streaks; and so harmless, that if they are accidentally trode on
(for it is a capital Crime to do it wilfully) and they bite, no bad
Effect ensues; which is one Reason they give for their worshipping
of them. Moreover, there is a constant Tradition amongst them, that
whenever any Calamity threatens their Country, by imploring the
Snake’s Assistance, they are always delivered from it. However this
fell out formerly, it now stood them in no stead; neither were the
Snakes themselves spared after the Conquest. For they being in great
Numbers, and a kind of domestick Animals, the Conquerors found many
of them in the Houses, which they treated in this manner: They held
them up by the middle, and spoke to them in this manner: _If you are
Gods, speak and save your selves_: Which the poor Snakes not being
able to do, the _Dahomes_ cut their Heads off, ripped them open,
broiled them on the Coals, and eat them. It is very strange, the
Conquerors should so far contemn the Gods of this Country, since they
are so barbarous and savage themselves, as to offer human Sacrifices
whenever they gain a Victory over their Enemies; an Eye-Witness to
which I was, as hereafter shall be related.
But to return to the King of _Dahomè_. He was so politick as to send
to the _Europeans_, then residing at _Whidaw_, to assure them, if
they stood neuter, and were not found in Arms they should receive no
Damage in their Persons or Goods, in case he proved Conqueror; and
that he would ease their Trade, and remove divers Impositions laid
on it by the King of _Whidaw_: On the contrary, if they appeared
against him, they must expect his Resentment. But they were in a
Dilemma; for tho’ the King of _Whidaw_ did not desire otherwise, yet
they would gladly have retired from _Sabee_ to two mud-walled Forts,
belonging to the _English_ and _French African Companies_, which are
within three Miles of the Sea side. However, finding it would have
been resented by the King as a Discouragement to his People, they
were obliged to remain in the Town, never suspecting the Inhabitants
would have run away in the cowardly manner they did; or that they
should share the Fate of War with them.
The Pass of the River being, as I have related above, wholly left
to the Care of the Snakes, whom the Enemy little feared; and they
having observed for several Days, that the _Whidaws_ kept no set
Guard there, it encouraged the King of _Dahomè_’s General to send two
hundred of his Soldiers to ford the River: Which having done without
Opposition, and being bold Fellows, they marched towards the Town
of _Sabee_, sounding their musical Instruments. This was about three
a Clock in the Afternoon, and the Outguards of the Town were almost
all asleep; but being roused by the Noise of the Enemy’s Musick and
Shouts, they fled into the Town, reporting, that all the _Dahomè_
Army was got over the River: Which soon reaching the King’s Ear, he
immediately fled, with all his People, making no Resistance. I was
informed by the white People, then in the _English_ and _French_
Forts, that about five a Clock the same Afternoon, they saw such
Numbers of People flying from all Parts of the Country towards the
Sea side, that it was very surprizing: For the Fields were covered
with them many Miles round, and their black Colour made them the
more conspicuous in a clear sunshiny Day, on a fine flat champaign
Country. The King, with a great number of his Subjects fled to an
Island on the Sea Coast, which was parted from the main Land by a
River, having ferried over in Canoes; but a great many that could not
have the same Benefit, being hurried on by their Fears, were drowned
in the Rivers, in attempting to swim to the Islands lying near
_Popoe_; which was the next neighbouring Country to their own, on the
Sea Coast to the Westward; and where they might have been secure from
their Enemies, had they escaped. Moreover, many thousands of these
poor People that sheltered themselves up and down the Country among
the Bushes, perished afterwards by Sword and Famine.
But now to return to the _Dahomè_ Soldiers: When they first came to
_Sabee_, it seems they marched directly to the King’s Court, where
not finding him, they set it on Fire; and then sent their General
word of what had happened, who brought the whole Army over the River
that Evening. He was in such a Surprize at his good Fortune, that
he could hardly believe what he saw; and the white Gentlemen were
as much amazed, to see the great Cowardice of these People, who had
vapoured so highly, and as ignominiously quitted, the Town without
opposing their Enemies in the least, leaving them intirely in the
Power of the Conquerors, with all their own Riches. Mr. _Duport_, who
was then the _African Company_’s Governour, told me, that when the
_Dahomè_ Soldiers, who had never seen white Men before, came to his
House, they stood in amaze, and would not venture near him, till he
beckon’d and held out his Hand to them. Whereupon they laid hold on
him, and finding him a Man like themselves in all Respects, except
Colour, soon laid aside their Reverence; and taking from him what
he had valuable in his Pockets, made him Prisoner, with about forty
other white Men, _English_, _French_, _Dutch_ and _Portuguese_, who
were served in the same manner. Amongst them was _Jeremiah Tinker_
Esq; who had just before resigned the _African Company_’s Affairs to
Mr. _Duport_, and designed, if this Accident had not prevented him,
to have embarked in a few Days for _England_. But Segnor _Pereira_
the _Portuguese_ Governour, had the good Fortune to escape from
_Sabee_, to the _French_ Fort. He told me, he was in great fear of
being smothered in the Press of the flying People, whom he could
hardly keep off with his Dagger, from the Hammock he was carried in
on Mens Shoulders. The Day after the taking of the Town of _Sabee_,
the white Men taken Prisoners, were sent into the Country to the King
of _Dahomè_, who lay then encamped with another Army, about forty
Miles off in the Kingdom of _Ardra_; some Hammocks being provided for
the principal white People amongst them, which is the usual way of
travelling in this Country for Gentlemen either white or black.
Mr. _Duport_ further told me, that as soon as they came into the
Camp, they were separated according to their Nations, being delivered
to, and put under the Care of, several principal black Gentlemen. At
first they were badly accommodated; for it was some Days before he
could obtain an Audience of the King; which when he did, he greatly
complained of the Usage he had met with in all Respects. On this his
Majesty said, “He was very sorry for what had happen’d, for he had
given Orders to his Captains, in case they met with Success, to use
the white Men well; but he hoped they would excuse what had befallen
them, which was to be attributed to the Fate of War: Confessing, he
was much surprized when he was first informed, so many white People
were made Prisoners, and soon after brought to his Camp. That in the
Confusion of Things he had not regarded them so much as he ought; but
for the future, they should have better Treatment.” Which accordingly
they found; but could never recover any thing taken from them, that
being put on the score of the Fate of War. However, a few Days after,
they were set at Liberty without any Ransom, and sent down to the
_English_ and _French_ Forts. The principal Gentlemen amongst them
were presented with Slaves, and his Majesty assured them, as soon as
he had settled his Conquest, he would make Trade flourish, and have a
particular Regard to their Interests.
The latter end of _March_, in the Year 1726-7, I arrived with the
_Katharine Galley_ in the Road of _Whidaw_, where I landed, and went
to the _English_ Fort, which is about three Miles from the Sea side,
and likewise to the _French_ Fort near adjoining. The white People
that had been taken Prisoners, being returned to those Places but a
few Days before, gave me a full account of the great Calamity fallen
on the Country, about three Weeks before my Arrival; which gave
me much Concern, I having traded there several Voyages. It was a
lamentable Story to hear, and a dismal Sight to see, the Desolation
of so fine a Country, lately exceeding populous, now destroyed in
such a manner by Fire and Sword. The Carnage of the Inhabitants was,
above all, a most moving Spectacle, the Fields being strewed with
their Bones. Moreover the Concern for the Interest of my Voyage
affected me not a little. But knowing it highly necessary to keep
up my Spirits in so hot a Country, I resolved (humbly relying on
Providence) not to be wanting in my Endeavours, for the Interest I
had under my Care; and I met with far greater Success than any way I
could have reasonably expected, considering the melancholy Prospect I
had then of Affairs, which shall be related hereafter.
Having stayed three Days on Shore with the _English_ and _French_,
who, I found, were in as great a Doubt as my self how to act in
their Affairs; I came to a Resolution to go for the Port or Road
of _Jaqueen_, which lies about seven Leagues to the Eastward of
_Whidaw_; and has about thirty Miles of Sea-Coast. This Place has
always been the Sea Port to the Kingdom of _Ardra_, and tributary to
it; having a hereditary Governour, who paid his Tribute in Loaves of
Salt, there being great Quantities made here.
As soon as the King of _Dahomè_ had conquered _Ardra_, the Lord of
this Place sent his Submission, offering the usual Tribute he used
to pay the conquered King; which was readily accepted. This shews
the Policy of the King of _Dahomè_; for tho’ he had made a terrible
Destruction of the Inhabitants of the inland Countries he had
conquered from Time to Time; yet he knew his Interest too well, to
destroy the People of this Country in the same manner; for having
now obtained his Desires, in gaining a free Passage to the Sea-Side,
he judged the _Jaqueens_ would be very useful to him, because they
understood Trade, and now by their means, he should never want a
supply of Arms and Gunpowder, to carry on his designed Conquests.
Moreover these People had ever been Rivals to the _Whidaws_ in Trade,
and had an inveterate Hatred against them, because they had drawn
almost the whole trade from the _Jaqueens_, to their own Country.
For, the Pleasantness thereof, with the good Government in former
Times, had induced the _Europeans_ to carry on the far greater part
of the Trade, at their principal Town of _Sabee_.
It was on the third of _April_ 1727, we anchored in the Road of
_Jaqueen_; and soon after I sent on Shore my Surgeon, to the Lord
of that Place, to settle an Agreement with him, before I landed my
self; for I had never been at this Place, and had a Hint given me not
to trust him, before all the Particulars I demanded were agreed to
by him; for he had formerly plaid base Tricks with some _Europeans_,
who had not taken such a Precaution. In the Evening my Surgeon
sent me a Letter, informing me, he had obtained all I desired;
For the Performance of which the Lord of the Place had taken his
_Fetiche_ or Oath, in presence of a _French_ and _Dutch_ Gentleman:
On this Assurance I landed the next Day, and went up to the Town of
_Jaqueen_, which lies about three Miles from the Sea side, where I
was received very kindly, the Promises and Agreement made with my
Surgeon being renewed, and a House appointed me to keep Factory in.
[Sidenote: The Author’s Journey to the King of _Dahomè_’s Camp.]
The next Day a Messenger came from the King of _Dahomè_, whose Name
was _Buttenoe_. He spoke very good _English_, and told me, “His
Majesty having heard there was an _English_ Ship arrived in the Road
of _Whidaw_, he had ordered him to go there and invite the Captain
to come up to his Camp; (which was about forty Miles directly within
the Land in the Country of _Ardra_) but being told there I was gone
for _Jaqueen_, he had followed me to make the King’s Desire known to
me: Assuring me in his Majesty’s Name, I should be intirely safe in
all Respects, and kindly used.”
To this I answered, “I would consider his Majesty’s kind Invitation,
and he should know my Resolution next Day.” But perceiving I had
some Distrust in my Mind, he represented to me, “That if I did not
go, it would highly offend the King; that he feared I should not be
permitted to trade, besides other bad Consequences might follow.”
This black Messenger, as mentioned above, spoke very good _English_,
having learnt it when a Boy in the _English_ Factory at _Whidaw_: He
belonged to Mr. _Lambe_, and was with him at the time he was taken
Prisoner by the King of _Ardra_. They both fell into the King of
_Dahomè_’s Power, as related above, where he learnt the Country
Language; and in this respect I had as capable an Interpreter as I
could desire. So, upon considering the matter, finding the Interest
of my Voyage depended on my going to the Camp to wait on the King, I
resolved to undertake it, tho’ the many Barbarities I had been told
his People had been guilty of, gave me some Concern. However, soon
after, I had further Encouragement, by others offering to accompany
me. For a _Dutch_ Captain’s Curiosity prompted him to it, whose Ship
had been destroyed just before by the _Portuguese_: Moreover the
_Dutch_ chief Factor proposed to send one of his Writers with large
Presents to the Conqueror; likewise the Lord of _Jaqueen_ offered to
send his own Brother, to pay his Duty, with great Presents to the
King; not having done it before. So having prepared all Things for
our Journey, which took us up three Days, we set out in the following
manner.
The eighth of _April_, at nine a Clock in the Morning, being
accompanied with the aforesaid Persons, we went to the Side of the
River that runs on the Back part of the Town of _Jaqueen_, having
in our Retinue One hundred black Servants. We ferried over the
River in _Canoes_, which are a sort of Boats, made of large Trees
hollowed. The People of the Town attended us in great numbers to the
water side, praying for our success: For they were under terrible
apprehensions for our safety, amongst such barbarous People as we
were going to: Especially they were highly concerned for the Duke,
their Lord’s Brother, who was a Person endowed with the most amiable
qualities I ever met with amongst Persons of his Colour.
Being landed on the other side of the River, we set out on our
Journey, the proper servants of each person attending in their
several places. I had six Hammock-men, who relieved one another by
turns; two at a time being only required to carry the Pole which
it is fastened to. I had likewise a small Horse to ride on, when
I was weary with lying in the Hammock. The other Gentlemen were
accommodated in the same manner. Our travelling was at the rate
of about four miles an hour; for we made frequent Stops for our
Baggage-carriers, there being no Carts nor good Horses at _Jaqueen_;
the few Horses that are there being but little bigger than our Asses.
The Country, as we travelled along, appeared beautiful and pleasant,
and the Roads good; but desolated by the War, for we saw the remains
of abundance of Towns and Villages, with a great quantity of the late
Inhabitants bones strewed about the Fields.
Noon time being past, we dined under some Cocoe-trees, on the cold
Provision we carried with us; and in the Evening being come to a few
sorry Hovels, we put up there for the night, and lay on the ground on
mats, (the huts not being big enough to hang our hammocks up in) and
the greatest part of our Attendants were obliged to lye in the open
Air.
The next day about seven a clock in the morning, we set out again,
and by nine came within half a mile of the King’s Camp. Here we
halted, and judge we had then travelled about forty miles from
_Jaqueen_. Soon after a Messenger came from his Majesty to compliment
and welcome us; and being told it was proper to prepare our selves,
we took our best apparel out of our trunks, and dress’d our selves
under the covert of an old wall; and soon after we advanced within
a little way of the Camp, where we were desired to wait for a great
Man who was to receive us. The King, it seems, to do us the more
honour, sent the principal person of his Court (whom the _Negroes_
distinguish’d to us by the Title of the _Great Captain_) to receive
us; which he did in a very extraordinary manner. For he came in the
midst of five hundred Soldiers, who had Fire-arms, drawn Swords,
Shields, and Banners in their hands, using so many odd and ridiculous
Ceremonies, (as they appeared to us) that at first we could not
judge, whether they meant us well or ill: For the Great Captain,
with some of his Officers, approached us, with their Swords drawn,
flourishing them over our heads, then pointing them to our Breasts,
and skipping and jumping about us, like so many monkies, showing as
many tricks and postures, as that animal generally does. At last,
after some time spent in this manner, the Great Man settled into a
sedate temper; Then he gave us his hand, welcoming us in the King’s
Name, and drank to us in Palm Wine, which is a Juice drawn from the
Palm-tree, which is very common in that Country. We returned the
Compliment, drinking the King’s health both in Wine and Beer we had
brought with us, which he seemed to be well pleased with: and all
Ceremonies being ended, he desired us to go with him towards the
Camp; and accordingly we proceeded, the Soldiers guarding us, and the
musical Instruments making a dismal noise.
In about half an hour’s time we arrived at the Camp, which was near
a very great ruin’d Town, late the principal place of the Kingdom
of _Ardra_. Here the Army lay in tents, which, according to the
_Negroe_-Custom, were made of small Boughs of Trees, and covered
with Thatch, very much resembling Bee-hives, but each big enough to
hold ten or twelve Soldiers, who crept in at a hole on one side,
and lay heads and points together. Upon our entring the Camp, we
were conducted to some large Trees, where Chairs, (taken from the
_Whidaws_,) were brought for us to sit on, under the Shade of the
Trees. Immediately such Numbers of People flock’d about us, that if
the Officers had not ordered the Soldiers to keep the Multitude off,
we should have been in danger of being smothered. For tho’ there
had been forty white men taken at _Whidaw_, who were all brought
up prisoners to this Camp, and afterwards released, as related
above, yet thousands of people, who came since out of the far inland
Countries, had never seen a white man before us.
Having rested our selves about two hours, under the Shade of the
Trees, and beheld divers Feats of Activity, performed by the Soldiers
to divert us, we were conducted to a thatch’d House, that had been
prepared for us; and tho’ we were obliged to stoop at our going in at
the Door, yet there was height enough within to hang our Hammocks up
to sleep in, which was no little Satisfaction to us, for our Bones
were hardly recovered, from the former night’s Lodging on the Ground.
After we had stowed our Baggage in the Tent, the great Man took his
leave of us, but left a Guard to prevent any of the People from
disturbing us, and he went to the King to give his Majesty an Account
of our Arrival.
By this time Noon was come, so we set down to dinner on cold Ham and
Fowls, which we had brought with us. Our Tent stood in the middle of
a large Court palisadoed round. We were surprized, that no People
came into the place to see us, they having crouded so much at first,
on our coming into the Camp: But I was told the King having been
inform’d how we were incommoded, had given strict Orders, no one, on
pain of Death, should, without leave of the Captain of our Guard,
come to see us. This was pleasing news; for by this we found his
Majesty was duly obeyed, and also had our safety at heart. But we
were plagued with a Vermin that greatly annoyed us; and that was such
an infinite number of Flies, that tho’ we had several Servants with
Flappers, to keep them off our Victuals, yet it was hardly possible
to put a bit of Meat into our Mouths, without some of those Vermin
with it. These Flies, it seems, were bred by a great number of dead
Mens Heads, which were piled on Stages, not far from our Tent, tho’
we did not know so much at that time.
After we had dined, a Messenger came to us, about three o’ clock
in the afternoon, from the _Great Captain_, desiring us to go to
the King’s Gate; accordingly we went, and in our way saw two large
Stages, on which were heaped a great number of dead Men’s Heads,
that afforded no pleasing sight or smell. Our Interpreter told us,
they were the Heads of four thousand of the _Whidaws_, who had been
sacrificed by the _Dahomes_ to their God, about three weeks before,
as an Acknowledgment of the great Conquest they had obtain’d.
When we came to the King’s Gate, as they call’d it, we found it only
an Entrance into a large Court, which was palisadoed round; there
being several mud-wall’d Houses in it. Here we were desired to sit
down on Stools brought to us; and an Officer presented us, in the
King’s name, with Cows, Sheep, Goats, and other Provision; with this
Compliment, that as his Majesty was then in a Camp, it was not in
his power to provide for us better at this time. Having returned
thanks for this unexpected favour, we went out of the Court, and
were surprized with a sight, at the Gate, of forty stout Men ranked
in file, with Fusees on their Shoulders, and broad Swords in their
Hands; who had about their necks strings of dead Mens Teeth, reaching
as low as their middle, both behind and before, in such Quantities,
as might furnish all the Barber-Surgeons Shops in _Europe_. Being
surprized at this extraordinary appearance, I asked the Linguist,
Why they were drest in this manner? To which he replied, They were
the King’s _Heroes_, or _Worthies_, who had killed a great many
People with their own hands, and were allowed, as a mark of their
great Valour, to string and wear their Enemies Teeth about their
Necks; and, I might observe, some of them had been more successful
than others, by the different quantities they had on: For that it
was made death by their Law, for any of those Gentlemen to string a
Tooth, without first making due Proof, before the proper Officers,
that it belonged to an Enemy slain with their own hand in Battle.
Having viewed this strange Sight, I bid the Linguist tell them, “They
appeared to be a Company of brave Gentlemen, and that I was their
humble Servant.” This Compliment pleased them, and they returned it,
saying, “They had a great Esteem for white Men.”
After this was pass’d, we returned to our Tent, and supped; then hung
up our Hammocks, and lay in them till Morning. I took notice, that
the Lord of _Jaqueen_’s Brother, who came from thence with us, was
entertained at the Tent of the _Great Captain_; and on my inquiring
the reason, I was answered, It was in respect to us, that we might
not be crouded in our Tent.
Next Morning, at nine a Clock, an Officer came from the King to
acquaint us, we should have an Audience forthwith. Accordingly we
prepared our selves; and then going to the King’s Gate, were soon
after introduced into his Presence. His Majesty was in a large Court
palisadoed round, sitting (contrary to the Custom of the Country)
on a fine gilt Chair, which he had taken from the King of _Whidaw_.
There were held over his Head, by Women, three large Umbrellas, to
shade him from the Sun: And four other Women stood behind the Chair
of State, with Fusils on their Shoulders. I observed, the Women were
finely dress’d from the middle downward, (the Custom of the Country
being not to cover the Body upward, of either Sex) moreover they had
on their Arms, many large Manelloes, or Rings of Gold of great Value,
and round their Necks, and in their Hair, abundance of their Country
Jewels, which are a sort of Beads of divers Colours, brought from a
far inland Country, where they are dug out of the Earth, and in the
same Esteem with the _Negroes_, as Diamonds amongst the _Europeans_.
The King had a Gown on, flowered with Gold, which reached as low as
his Ancles; an _European_ embroidered Hat on his Head; with Sandals
on his Feet. We being brought within ten Yards of the Chair of State,
were desired to stand still: The King then ordered the Linguist to
bid us welcome; on which we paid his Majesty the respect of our
Hats, bowing our Heads at the same time very low, as the Interpreter
directed us. Then I ordered the Linguist to acquaint the King, “That
on his Majesty’s sending, to desire me to come up to his Camp, I
forthwith resolved on the Journey; that I might have the pleasure of
seeing so great and good a King, as I heard he was; relying intirely
on the Promises his Messenger had made me in his Majesty’s Name.”
The King seemed well pleased with what I said, and assured us of
his Protection and kind usage. Then Chairs being brought, we were
desired to sit down, and the King drank our Healths; and then Liquor
being brought us by his Order, we drank his Majesty’s. After this the
Interpreter told us, “It was the King’s Desire we should stay some
time with him, to see the Method of paying the Soldiers for Captives
taken in War, and the Heads of the slain.”
It so happen’d, that in the Evening of the Day we came into the Camp,
there were brought above eighteen hundred Captives, from a Country
called _Tuffoe_, at the distance of six days Journey. The occasion
of warring on them, the Linguist thus related, “That at the time
his King was wholly employed in contriving the Destruction of the
_Whidaws_, these People had presumed to attack five hundred of his
Soldiers, sent by his Majesty as a Guard to twelve of his Wives, who
were going with a large quantity of Goods and fine things, carried
by Slaves, to the Country of _Dahomè_. The Guard being routed, and
the Women slain, the _Tuffoes_ possess’d themselves of the Goods; for
which Outrage, as soon as the Conquest of _Whidaw_ was compleated,
the King sent part of his Army against them, to revenge him for their
Villany; in which they had all desirable Success.” It was necessary
to mention this Affair, for the better understanding of what follows,
it being so very remarkable.
The King, at the time we were present, ordered the Captives of
_Tuffoe_ to be brought into the Court: Which being accordingly done,
he chose himself a great number out of them, to be sacrificed to his
_Fetiche_ or Guardian Angel; the others being kept for Slaves for
his own use; or to be sold to the _Europeans_. There were proper
Officers, who received the Captives from the Soldiers hands, and
paid them the Value of twenty Shillings Sterling for every Man, in
_Cowries_, (which is a Shell brought from the _East Indies_, and
carried in large quantities to _Whidaw_ by the _Europeans_, being the
current Money of all the neighbouring Countries far and near) and
ten Shillings for a Woman, Boy, or Girl. There were likewise brought
by the Soldiers some thousands of dead Peoples Heads into the Court;
every Soldier, as he had Success, bringing in his hand one, two,
three, or more Heads hanging in a String; and as the proper Officers
received them, they paid the Soldiers _five Shillings_ for each
Head: Then several People carried them away, in order to be thrown
on a great Heap of other Heads, that lay near the Camp; the Linguist
telling us his Majesty designs to build a Monument with them, and the
Heads of other Enemies formerly conquered and killed.
I observed, there were a great many of the principal Men of the Court
and Army present, all prostrated on the Ground; none being permitted
to go nearer, than within twenty foot of the King’s Chair; and
whatsoever they had to say to his Majesty, first kissing the Ground,
they whispered into the Ear of an old Woman, who went to the King;
and having received his answer, she returned with it to them. His
Majesty likewise showed his Liberality to his Courtiers and Officers,
in presenting them with at least two hundred Captives. As soon as
any person had a Slave presented to them, a proper Officer made
Proclamation of it, which was immediately echoed by the Populace, who
were waiting in great numbers at the King’s Gate for the Sacrifices.
After the Business of the Captives was dispatch’d, there came into
the Court two Fellows, with a large Tub, that had in it at least
six Gallons of Frumenty, or such like stuff, which they set on the
Ground; and then falling on their Knees, they took with their Hands
the Victuals out of the Tub, and threw it so fast into their Mouths,
that tho’ there was such a quantity of it, they dispatch’d it in a
few Minutes. The Linguist told us, this was their daily Practice; but
that these Gormandizers lived not many Years, and then others took up
their Trade; which is only in order to divert the King.
After this we saw several other things, full as ridiculous as this,
which would be tedious for me to relate, as well as to the Reader
to peruse; so having been near three Hours in the Court, exposed to
the great heat of the Sun, from which we had nothing but Umbrellas
to defend us, we desired his Majesty’s Leave, to retire to our
Tent, which was readily granted; accordingly we paid our Duty in a
compliment to the King, and went away.
Sometime after this, we sat down to Dinner in our Tent, being
accompanied with a great number of Flies, as formerly mentioned. Just
as we had dined, the Duke, Brother to the Lord of _Jaqueen_, came to
us in so great a fright, that after he had sat down, he could not
speak for some time: And tho’ he was at other times, of a comely
black colour, yet now his Countenance was changed to tawny: For as he
was coming to our Tent, he saw a great number of poor People going
to be sacrificed; whose Lamentations had made such an Impression,
that it had occasioned this great disorder in him. For the People of
the Sea-Coast abhor such things; especially the eating their Bodies
afterwards, as the _Dahomes_ do. And ’tis not to be imagined, what
service the report of this did them, when they first invaded the
Countries bordering on the Sea-Coast: On which I shall make a short
Digression, to inform the Reader.
Discoursing afterwards with some of the principal People of _Ardra_
and _Whidaw_, who had escaped the Conqueror’s Sword, and telling
them, what a Reproach and Disgrace it was to the latter Nation to
quit their Country to the _Dahomes_ in so cowardly a manner as
they had done; they answered, It was not possible to resist such
_Cannibals_, the very Report of which had extremely intimidated
their whole Nation. Whereupon I observed to them, It was all one to
a dead Carcase, whether it was eaten by their own kind, or by the
Vultures, (of which there are great numbers in the Country) on which
they shrugged up their Shoulders, saying, “The thoughts of being
eaten by their own Species, were far more terrible to them, than the
Apprehensions of being killed.”
[Sidenote: _Human Sacrifices._]
But to return again to the Duke, I endeavoured to allay his Fears,
by representing to him, we had the King’s Promise for our Safety;
and that sacrificing their Enemies being the usual custom of the
Country on any Conquest, he ought not to be so much surprized at
it. But he replied, As to his own Safety he was very doubtful of
it, the King not having yet admitted him to an Audience; so he
requested he might remain in our Tent, as thinking himself safer
with us, and accordingly we granted his request. Then sending for
our Linguist, we desired to know, Whether the _Dutch_ Captain and my
self might be admitted to see the manner of the Sacrifices: (As for
the _Dutch_ Writer, he chose to remain in the Tent with the Duke).
The Interpreter answered, He would go to the chief _Feticheer_, or
Priest, and know, whether he would be pleased to give us leave. Soon
after he returned, and informed us, Leave was granted: So we went
with him, about a quarter of a mile from the Camp. There we found
great numbers of People gathered together; and our Guard made way for
us through the Croud, till we came near four small Stages, which were
erected about five foot from the ground. We stood close to them, and
observed the Ceremony, which was performed in the following manner.
The first Victim we saw, was brought to the side of the Stage. It
was a comely old Man, between fifty and sixty Years of Age. His
hands were tied behind him; and in his behaviour, he showed a brave
and undaunted Mind, nothing like Fear appearing in him. As he stood
upright by the Stage, a _Feticheer_, or Priest, laid his Hand on his
Head, saying some words of Consecration, which lasted about two
Minutes. Then he gave the sign of Execution, to a Man that stood
behind the Victim with a broad Sword, who immediately struck him on
the nape of the Neck, with such force, that the Head was severed at
one Blow, from the Body; whereupon the Rabble gave a great Shout.
The Head was cast on the Stage, and the Body, after having lain a
little while on the Ground, that the Blood might drain from it, was
carried away by Slaves, and thrown in a place adjoining to the Camp.
The Linguist told us, the Head of the Victim was for the King; the
Blood for the _Fetiche_, or God; and the Body for the common People.
We saw many other Persons sacrificed in this lamentable manner, and
observed, That the Men went to the side of the Stages, bold and
unconcerned; but the Cries of the poor Women and Children were very
moving, and much affected the _Dutch_ Captain and My self, tho’ in a
different manner: For he expressed his Fears to me, That the Priests
might take it into their Heads, to serve us in the same manner, if
they should fancy white People would be more acceptable to their
God, than persons of their own colour. This notion raised some fear
in me, but recollecting my self, I told him, “As the King was so
greatly reverenced and feared, I was in good hopes nothing would be
attempted on us; and that we ought to put a good face on the matter,
and withdraw from so terrible a Sight, the first opportunity.” Soon
after, a principal Man of the Court came and stood by us, and bid the
Interpreter ask us, “How we liked the Sight?” To which we replied,
“Not at all: For our God had expressly forbid us using Mankind in so
cruel a manner: That our Curiosity had drawn us to come and see it;
which if we had not done, we could never have believed it.” Then I
asked the Linguist, Whether this Gentleman was accounted a generous
good humoured Man? To which the Linguist replying in the affirmative,
I ventured to put this Question to him, “That if his Fate had brought
him into the same Misfortune, as these poor Captives were now in,
how he should like it? He readily answered, Not at all. On this I
observed to him, that the grand Law both of Whites and Blacks, with
all their Fellow Creatures was: _To do to others no otherwise, than
as they desired to be done unto_: And that our God had enjoined this
to us on pain of very severe Punishments.” To which he answered, This
was the Custom of his Country; and so he left us.
Presently after this Gentleman’s departure, there came to us a
Colonel of the Army, whom we had seen at _Jaqueen_, the day before
we set out on our Journey. This person seemed very friendly and glad
to see us, and ready to resolve any Questions we put to him. Amongst
the rest, I told him, “That I wondered they should sacrifice so many
People, of whom they might otherwise make good advantage, by selling
them.” He replied, “It had ever been the Custom of their Nation,
after any Conquest, to offer to their God a certain number of
Captives, which were always chose out from among the Prisoners, by
the King himself: For they firmly believed, should this be omitted,
no more Success would attend them. And he argued for the Necessity
and Usefulness of their doing it, from the large Conquests they had
made within a few Years, without any Defeat.” Then I asked him, “Why
so many old Men were sacrificed in particular? He answered, It was
best to put them to death; for being grown wise by their Age and
long Experience, if they were preserved, they would be ever plotting
against their Masters, and so disturb the Country; for they never
would be easy under Slavery, having been the chief Men in their own
Land. Moreover, if they should be spared, no _European_ would buy
them, on account of their Age.” I then observed to him, That I had
seen several and some young People sacrificed, whom was sure the
_Europeans_ would gladly have bought. He replied, “They were designed
to attend in the other World the King’s Wives, whom the _Tuffoes_
their Countrymen had slain.” By which Answer I found they have a
Notion of a future State, tho’ a very rude one. And this put me upon
asking him, What Opinions they held concerning their God? To which
he gave a very confused and imperfect Answer; so that all I could
gather from his Discourse was, That they esteemed him as an invisible
Guardian Angel, subordinate to another God; adding, “Perhaps that
God might be ours, who had communicated so many extraordinary Things
to white Men; as he had been informed by Mr. _Lambe_: But as that
God had not been pleased to make himself known to them, they must be
satisfied with this they worshipped.”
By this time the Mob being grown thin, on the side where we stood,
I told the Linguist, we would return to our Tent; and I invited the
Colonel to go along with us, which he readily promised. Accordingly
our Guard having made way for us, we left this horrible Place and
Sight, not having received the least Affront, tho’ we were near two
Hours by the Stages.
At our return we understood, the King had sent the Duke word, he
should have an Audience that Evening; whereupon I endeavoured to
cheer him up by telling him, “That we had been civilly used at the
Sacrifices, and that nothing could more conduce to his Reputation,
than his appearing before the King, in his usual sprightly Carriage
and Behaviour,” which was indeed natural to him. On this he went from
us to the Great Captain’s Tent, in order to prepare himself to go to
the Audience. But the Colonel remained with us, drinking merrily of
_European_ Liquors, and in the Evening he asked us, “Whether we would
take a walk, and see that Quarter of the Camp where his Tent stood?”
This we readily agreed to, and in our way past by the place where the
sacrificed Bodies were thrown. There were two great heaps of them,
consisting, as they said, of four hundred Persons, and who had been
chose out by the King that very Morning.
After we had been at the Colonel’s Tent, where we were treated with
Palm Wine, we returned to our own, being accompanied by him, and we
desired him to stay to Supper. While we were eating, several Servants
came with Dishes of Flesh and Fish, dress’d after the Country manner,
and the Interpreter told us, they were sent by a Mulatto _Portuguese_
Gentleman, who had been taken in the _Ardra_ War. The King had ever
since detained him Prisoner, allowing him a handsome Maintenance, and
had given him a Wife much whiter than himself, who was born in the
inland Country. Soon after the Victuals were brought, the Gentleman
came himself, with his Wife, to see us; and after passing a handsome
Compliment, they sat down to Supper with us. We were very glad of
this new Acquaintance, the _Dutch Writer_ speaking good _Portuguese_,
and my self understanding a little; so that now we judged, we should
not be obliged to trust intirely to our Linguist, this Person
talking the Language of the Country fluently. I was much surprized
to see his Wife so white, equal to our _English_ Women, only of not
so lively a Colour. She had woolly Hair, like the blackest of the
Natives, with the same Features. Her Husband told us, she was born in
a far inland Country, of black Parents, who had never seen a white
Man, nor she before Mr. _Lambe_; whom he enquired affectionately
after, saying, “That when he returned, according to his Promise to
the King, his Majesty had promised to grant him his Liberty.” Then,
on his Importunity, we promised him a Visit at his House; and soon
after, he and his Wife, with the Colonel, took their leaves, wishing
us a good Night.
[Sidenote: _Cannibals._]
The next day, early in the morning, the Duke came to our Tent, and
told us, he had, in the night past, a long Audience of the King, who
treated him in a kind manner; so that his Apprehensions of being
kill’d and eaten were quite vanished: but he told us with the utmost
Horrour, that the sacrificed Bodies had been taken away in the night
by the common People, who had boiled and feasted on them, as holy
Food. This Story induced us to send for our Linguist, and take a walk
to the place where we had seen the Carcases the evening before; and,
to our great Surprize, we found they were all gone. Thereupon asking
the Interpreter, what was become of them? he replied smiling, the
Vultures had eaten them up. I told him, “That was very extraordinary
indeed, to swallow Bones and all;” there being nothing remaining
on the Place, but a great quantity of Blood. So he confessed, the
_Feticheers_, or Priests, had divided the Carcases amongst the
People, who had eat them in the manner the Duke had told us. And tho’
no doubt this will appear incredible to many Persons, yet I desire
they will only make this one Reflection, That those who could be so
cruel as to sacrifice their fellow-Creatures, might probably carry
their Barbarity a Degree further.
However, as I relate nothing for matter of Fact, but what I was an
Eye-witness to, so I shall leave the Reader to give what credit
he pleases thereto. But as a further confirmation of their being
Cannibals, I shall relate what I afterwards learn’d from one Mr.
_Robert More_, who was a person of great Integrity, and at that time
Surgeon of the _Italian Galley_. This Ship came to _Whidaw_ whilst
I was at _Jaqueen_, and Captain _John Dagge_, the Commander, being
indisposed, sent _More_ to the King of _Dahomè_’s Camp, with Presents
for his Majesty. There he saw many strange things, especially human
Flesh sold publickly in the great Market-place. As I was not in the
Market during the time I was in the Camp, I saw no such thing: But
I don’t doubt but that I should have seen the same, had I gone into
that place, for there were many old and maimed Captives brought from
_Tuffoe_, (besides those sacrificed) which no _Europeans_ would have
bought.
But to return from this Digression: On our return to the Tent, we
sent our Linguist to the great Captain, to desire he would procure
us an Audience from the King, to treat of Business: But he sent us
word, That as his Majesty was very much engaged, we could not be
heard that day; there being some Embassadors come from the inland
Countries, who were to have an Audience forthwith. On this I sent
again to the Great Captain, desiring he would please to be mindful
of us, on the first Opportunity; and he was unexpectedly so that
Afternoon.
Having then nothing to do but sit in our Tent, and make Memorandums
of what we heard and saw; we asked the Linguist, “Whether we might,
without Offence, go to see the Mulatto _Portuguese_ Gentleman?”
Thereupon he consulted with a principal Person belonging to the
Court, who often came by the King’s Order to us, to enquire if we
wanted any thing; And he approving of it, we prepared to go, but
first had this Caution given us; that there being two Embassadors
in the Camp from the King of _Whidaw_, to offer his Subjection, if
we should meet with any of their People in the Street, we should
not hold any Conference with them. Which having promised, we went
to the _Portuguese_ Gentleman’s House, who received us very kindly,
thinking he could not make us welcome enough; and as we could
understand him, we sent our Interpreter away, under pretence of an
Errand to the Duke. After he was gone, the first thing we desired of
this Gentleman, was, to give us some hints, how we should behave,
when we came to treat of Business with the King; which he readily
did, speaking so highly of the King’s Policy and Generosity, that
we were much surprized, tho’ afterwards we experienced the full of
what he told us. This Person had in the Court of his House two pretty
Horses, each about thirteen hands high, which were every way much
better than those we had seen at _Jaqueen_. Upon our asking him,
from whence he had them, he replied, “They came from the Kingdom of
_J-oe_; which lies towards the North-East, many days Journey off,
beyond a great and famous Lake, which is the Fountain of several
large Rivers, that empty themselves into the Bay of _Guinea_. And
he further added, that several fugitive Princes, whose Fathers the
King of _Dahomè_ had conquered and beheaded, fled to the King of
this Country for Protection, and at last prevailed with him to make
War on the King of _Dahomè_, which he did soon after the latter had
conquered _Ardra_. The King of _J-oe_ sent, under the Command of a
General, a great Army of Horse, consisting of many Thousands, (for
they never use Infantry) wherewith he invaded the _Dahomes_ in their
own Country: On this sudden and unexpected Invasion, the King of
_Dahomè_ marched immediately from _Ardra_ into his own Kingdom, and
made Head against the _J-oes_. But as he had none but Infantry, whose
Arms were Guns and Swords, he was hard put to it: For the Country
being open and without Inclosures, the Horsemen, who were armed
with Bows and Arrows, Javelins and cutting Swords, had certainly
conquer’d, if the unusual noise of the _Dahomè_’s Fire-Arms had
not so frightned the Horses, that their Riders could never make a
home-Charge on the Enemies Foot. However, the Dispute having lasted,
at times, four days, and the King of _Dahomè_ finding his Soldiers so
fatigued, that they could hold out but a little longer, he contrived
this Stratagem: he had great quantities of Brandy by him, formerly
bought at _Whidaw_, which is a principal Commodity the _French_ Ships
bring there, to exchange for Negroes. So the King resolved to retreat
in the Night with his Army, and leave the Liquor as a Bait for the
Enemy, with great quantities of valuable Goods, which were in store,
in a large Town near the Camp. When Day came, the _J-oes_ thinking
the _Dahomes_ were fled, fell to plundering and destroying the Town,
and drinking greedily of the Brandy: And as they seldom had tasted
of that Liquor before, it so intoxicated them, that they fell asleep
in great numbers on the Ground. The King of _Dahomè_ being informed
of this by his Spies, returned with the utmost speed, and attacking
them while they were in this Disorder, routed them; but the greater
part of the _J-oes_ escaped with the help of their Horses, and fled
out of the Country: However, their Loss was so great, that the others
esteemed it a compleat Victory. The _Portuguese_ Gentleman added,
that at the time of this Rout, he took the two Horses we had seen in
his Yard, and a great many more were seized at the same time by the
_Dahomè_ Soldiers. He said further, (but enjoined us Secrecy) That
tho’ the _Dahomes_ were exceeding proud of this Victory, they were
still much afraid of a second Invasion, an Army of Horses being very
terrible to them: And that the King had lately sent great Presents
to the King of _J-oe_, to prevent his attacking him a second time.
However, in case he did it, and they should not be able to withstand
them, they comforted themselves with this Thought, that they might
save their Persons, by flying to the Sea Coast, to which the _J-oes_
durst not follow them. For as their national _Fetiche_ was the Sea,
they were prohibited by their Priests from ever seeing it, under no
less a Penalty than Death; which they made the People believe, would
by their God, if they were so presumptuous, be inflicted on them.”
This last Story seemed nothing strange to us, who had conversed with
the Coast _Negroes_; for they have all their particular _Fetiches_
after the same manner; some being prohibited eating Fowls that have
white Feathers; others, on the contrary, are to eat none that have
black: Some are to eat no Sheep, others no Goats. And abundance
of such other superstitious Observances they have, which are most
religiously kept, being assigned them by the Priest, the Day they
have their name given them.
By this time it was past Noon, so we took our leave of the
_Portuguese_, and went to our Tent to Dinner.
[Sidenote: The Author has an Audience of the King of _Dahomè_.]
About three a Clock that Afternoon, a Messenger came from the great
Captain, to inform us, the King had appointed immediately to give
us an Audience. This was an agreeable Surprize to us, for now we had
hopes of being quickly dispatch’d, so we prepared our selves, and
went to the King’s Gate, our Presents for his Majesty being carried
before us.
On our coming into the Court, where we had seen the King at our
former Audience, we were desired to stay a little, till the Presents
were carried into the House, that his Majesty might view them. Soon
after we were introduced into a small Court, at the further end
of which the King was sitting cross-legg’d on a Carpet of Silk,
spread on the Ground: He was himself richly dress’d, and had but few
Attendants. When we approached him, his Majesty enquired in a very
kind manner, How we did? ordering we should be placed near him; and
accordingly fine Mats were spread on the Ground for us to sit on.
Tho’ sitting in that Posture was not very easy to us, yet we put a
good Face on the matter, understanding by the Linguist, that it was
their Custom.
As soon as we were placed, the King ordered the Interpreter to ask
me, What I had to desire of him? To which I answered, “That as my
Business was to trade, so I relied on his Majesty’s Goodness, to
give me a quick dispatch, and fill my Ship with _Negroes_; by which
means I should return into my own Country in a short time; where
I should make known how great and powerful a King I had seen.” To
this the King replied by the Linguist, “That my desire should be
fulfilled: But the first Business to be settled was his Customs.”
Thereupon I desired his Majesty to let me know what he expected?
There was a Person then present (I believe on purpose) whose name
was _Zunglar_, a cunning Fellow, who had formerly been the King’s
Agent for several Years at _Whidaw_; where I had seen him in my
former Voyages. To him I was referred to talk about the Affair. So
_Zunglar_ told me, “his Master being resolved to encourage Trade,
tho’ he was a Conqueror, yet he would not impose a greater Custom
than used to be paid to the King of _Whidaw_.” I answered, “As his
Majesty was a far greater Prince, so I hoped he would not take so
much.” This _Zunglar_ not replying readily to, and the King observing
it, (for the Linguist told him every word that pass’d between us)
His Majesty himself replied, “That as he was the greater Prince,
he might reasonably expect the more Custom; but as I was the first
_English_ Captain he had seen, he would treat me as a young Wife or
Bride, who must be denied nothing at first.” Being surprized at this
turn of Expression, I told the Linguist, “I was afraid he imposed on
me, and interpreted the King’s words in too favourable a manner.” His
Majesty observing I spoke with some Sharpness, asked him what I said?
Which the Linguist having told him, his Majesty smiled, and expressed
himself again to the same purpose: Adding, “I should find his Actions
answerable to his Words.” Being greatly encouraged by the King’s
gracious Expressions towards me, I took the Liberty to represent to
his Majesty, “That the best way to make Trade flourish, was to impose
easy Customs, and to protect us from the Thievery of the Natives, and
the Impositions of great Men; which the King of _Whidaw_ not doing,
had greatly hurt the Trade. For the ill usage the _Europeans_ had met
with of late from him and his People, had caused them to send fewer
Ships than formerly they did. And tho’ a large Custom might seem at
first for his Majesty’s Advantage, yet it would soon be found, that a
great number of Ships would thereby be hindred from coming to trade;
so that in this respect he would lose far more in General, than he
would gain by that Particular.”
The King took what I said in good part, telling me, “I should name
my own Custom,” which I at first declined: But being prest to do
it a second time, I told the Linguist to ask his Majesty, “Whether
he would be pleased to take one half of what we used to pay at
_Whidaw_?” To this the King readily agreed; adding, “He designed to
make Trade flourish; and I might depend upon it, he would prevent
all Impositions, and Thievery, and protect the _Europeans_ that came
to his Country, saying, that his God had made him the Instrument to
punish the King of _Whidaw_, and his People, for the many Villanies
they had been guilty of towards both Whites and Blacks: That the
Embassadors now in his Camp from the said King, had informed him of
me and my Character, and that by the account they had given him of
my former dealings in their Country, he could put much Confidence in
me.” Then his Majesty having asked me divers Questions concerning our
former ill usage in the Country of _Whidaw_, to which I answered as
I thought proper; I took this Opportunity of pleading for the common
People of that Kingdom; representing, “It was the great Men amongst
them that had encouraged their thieving, in which they shared: But if
his Majesty would be pleased to receive them to Mercy, and restore
them to their Country, on paying a certain Tribute, they would be
of great advantage to him; because they were very industrious in
cultivating the Land, and many of them understood Trade exceeding
well, which his own People were little versed in. Moreover it was a
Maxim amongst the white Princes, that the number of useful Subjects
was their greatest Glory and Strength; and if his Majesty thought
the same, he had an opportunity of adding many hundreds of thousands
to his former Vassals.” To this the King replied, “He was sensible
of the truth of what I alledged, but that the Conquest of _Whidaw_
could not be secured, till he had the King’s Head; and he had already
offered the People to restore them to their Country, as soon as they
should send him alive or dead to his Camp.” I did not think proper,
on hearing this, to say any thing more on the matter, or observe to
his Majesty, how wrong a Policy it was, to oblige Subjects to act so
villanous a part towards their Sovereign. For as the Custom of these
black Princes was little known to us, I was afraid of giving offence:
So I only answered, “That as the King of _Whidaw_ was on an Island
by _Popoe_, with many thousands of his People, the rest that were
dispersed up and down the Country in the Bushes, could not possibly
perform what his Majesty required of them: For if they were ever so
ready to do it, yet having no Cannoes to ferry over to the Island,
it was not in their Power to take the King from thence; and that I
believed if he did not receive them to Mercy quickly, the far greater
part of them would perish by Famine.”
[Sidenote: Account of _Bullfinch Lambe_.]
After this his Majesty fell into a variety of Discourse, and amongst
other things complained of Mr. _Lambe_, (who, as I have related in
the beginning of this Book, had been taken Prisoner in the _Ardra_
War,) saying, “That tho’ he had given him, at his leaving the Court,
three hundred and twenty ounces of Gold, with eighty Slaves, and
made him promise with a solemn Oath to return again in a reasonable
time, yet twelve Moons had now pass’d, and he had heard nothing from
him: Adding, He had sent a black Person with him, whose name was
_Tom_, one who had been made a Prisoner at the same time, being a
_Jaqueen-man_, who spoke good _English_; and this Man he had ordered
to return again with Mr. _Lambe_, that he might be informed, whether
what that Gentleman had reported concerning our King, Customs,
and manner of Living was true.” To this I replied, “That I had no
personal Knowledge of Mr. _Lambe_, but had been informed, before I
left _England_, that he went from _Whidaw_ to _Barbadoes_, which is a
Plantation where the _English_ employ their Slaves in making Sugar,
and which is at a great distance from our own Country; But I hoped he
would prove an honest Man, and return again to his Majesty, according
to his Promise and Oath.”
To this the King replied, “Tho’ he proved not as good as his Word,
other white Men should not fare the worse on that account; for as
to what he had given _Lambe_, he valued it not a Rush; but if he
returned quickly, and came with never so large a Ship, she should be
instantly filled with Slaves, with which he might do what he thought
proper.”
[Sidenote: Account of the black Man.]
It may not be improper here to give a short account of the _black
Man_ the King mentioned to me, because he was in _England_ last year,
and the Affair was brought before the Lords of Trade, by whom I was
examined about him.
Mr. _Lambe_ carried this Person to _Barbadoes_, and several other
Places, but at last left him with a Gentleman in _Maryland_.
Afterwards Mr. _Lambe_ trafficked for some Years, from one place to
another in the _Plantations_; and coming to the Island of _Antegoa_,
where I had been in the year 1728, and told the foregoing story to
some Gentlemen, and how kindly the King of _Dahomè_ had express’d
himself with regard to the said Mr. _Lambe_, being by them informed
of it, this induced him to return to _Maryland_; and the Gentleman
who had _Tom_ in his Custody was so good, as to deliver him again to
Mr. _Lambe_, who came with him to _London_, the beginning of the year
1731.
Mr. _Lambe_, soon after his arrival, came to see me at my house,
enquiring particularly about what I had related at _Antegoa_; which I
confirmed to him. Then he desired my Advice about his going back to
the King of _Dahomè_. To this I frankly answered, “It was my opinion,
he had miss’d the opportunity, by not returning in a reasonable
time, according to his promise; several years being now pass’d since
he came from thence, and the State of Affairs much altered for the
worse: Besides, he might justly fear the King’s resentment, as Mr.
_Testefole_ had experienced lately to his cost, for abusing his
Goodness; for tho’ he was Governour for the _African_ Company at
_Whidaw_, yet he had been put to death in a cruel manner.”
On this he left me; and the next news I heard, was, That Mr. _Lambe_
had delivered a Letter to his Majesty King George as from the King of
_Dahomè_, which being referred to the Lords of Trade, the Merchants
trading to the Coast of _Guinea_ were sent for; and I being ordered
to attend, informed their Lordships of what I knew of the matter.
The report from the Lords of Trade was to this Purpose, “That the
Letter in their opinion was not genuine, but that the _black Man_
ought to be taken care of, and returned to his King:” Accordingly he
was put into the hands of the _African_ Company, who took care of him
for many Months; but he growing impatient, applied to their Graces
the Dukes of _Richmond_ and _Montague_, who procured him a Passage on
board his Majesty’s Ship the _Tiger_ Captain _Berkeley_, then bound
to the Coast of _Guinea_.
Moreover, their Lordships having shewed him great Kindness, most
generously sent by him several rare Presents to his King, which, no
doubt, will make a good impression on him in favour of our Nation;
and I have lately heard, that on his being put on Shore at _Whidaw_,
he was forthwith sent to the King, who was then in his own Country
of _Dahomè_, and was received graciously by him: That his Majesty
sent down handsome Presents for Captain _Berkeley_, but before the
Messengers got to _Whidaw_, he was sailed, not having patience to
wait so many days, as the return from so far inland a place required.
I had not made this Digression, but only to set this Affair in a
true light; and undeceive those that may read this Book, and were
so far imposed upon, as to suppose the _Black Man_ to have been an
Embassador from the King of _Dahomè_, to his Majesty King _George_.
I met with several that believed so, till I satisfied them of the
contrary; for the jest was carried on so far, that several Plays were
acted on his Account, and it was advertised in the News-Papers, that
they were for the Entertainment of Prince _Adomo Oroonoko Tomo, &c._
these jingling Names being invented to carry on the Fraud the better.
This black Person was born at _Jaqueen_, and being from a Boy
conversant with the English trading there, learned so well our
Language, that he was employed by them, when grown up, as an
Interpreter.
He happen’d to be at _Ardra_ on some business, at the time that
Country was conquered, and so became Prisoner to the King of
_Dahomè_. But ’tis time to have done with this Story, and go on where
I left off.
After this Discourse concerning Mr. _Lambe_ was over, I acquainted
the King, that I daily expected another Ship belonging to my
Owner, (who had five large Ships that used the _Whidaw_ Trade in
particular) and I hoped his Majesty would not take more Custom from
the Commanders of them, than he had been pleased to take of me. To
which he answered with a Smile, “That it was a particular Grace to my
self. However when any of them came, they should be used kindly in
that matter, and the Captains might stay at _Jaqueen_ and _Whidaw_
as they thought fit, for that he now was Lord of both places.” And
then his Majesty asked me, “Whether I would chuse the Slaves that
were now in the Camp, or have them first sent down to _Jaqueen_?”
To which I answered, “I chose the latter; desiring the King would
now please to fix the Price, with other matters.” Accordingly
_Zunglar_ was called again, to inform his Majesty, what were the
last Prices the _Europeans_ had paid for Negroes at _Whidaw_, before
the Conquest: But on my representing, That the Price had been raised
there, much above what had been customary, on account of the War; the
King moderated it himself, and I writ down with my Pencil, in his
presence, every thing agreed on: Amongst which one was, That I should
have three Males to one Female, and take none but what I liked. The
reason of my mentioning this, is to explain more fully what happened
to me afterwards, on account of these two Articles.
After this was done, the Duke, Brother to the Lord of _Jaqueen_,
was sent for, and the King recommended me to the care of them both,
declaring, “If I suffered by their People, either in Person or Goods,
he and his Brother should answer for it: Moreover, if any Person
stole my Goods, and could be taken, his Majesty ordered, they should
be impaled alive on the Sea side, for an Example to the Porters, and
others that bring our Merchandise from thence to the Town.”
By this time it was near nine a clock at night, and the Linguist was
ordered by the King to tell us, his time of washing was come; so we
rose up in order to take our leaves, humbly thanking his Majesty for
all his Favours, and for his great Goodness towards us, in giving
us so long an Audience; desiring he would be pleased to permit us
to return next day to _Jaqueen_: adding, I hoped God would give him
many Days, for the good of his own People, and of the _Europeans_
that should come to his Country. The King thanked us for our good
Wishes, saying, he would dispatch us the next day, and then we paid
our Respects, and so parted.
As we were almost five hours so near the King, I had a good
opportunity of taking an exact View of him. He was middle-sized, and
full bodied; and, as near as I could judge, about forty five years
old: His Face was pitted with the Small Pox; nevertheless, there was
something in his Countenance very taking, and withal majestick. Upon
the whole, I found him the most extraordinary Man of his Colour,
that I had ever conversed with, having seen nothing in him that
appeared barbarous, except the sacrificing of his Enemies; which the
_Portuguese_ Gentleman told me, he believed was done out of Policy;
neither did he eat human Flesh himself.
Being made easy in all respects by this Audience, we returned to our
Tent, and spent the evening cheerfully, the _Mulatto Portuguese_,
with several Courtiers supping with us. The next morning we were
sent for again to the King’s Gate, and the Officers told us, “It
being the King’s _Fetiche_-day, his Majesty could not see us; but
that he had ordered them to present us with something in his name;
adding, I might depend on what had been promised me, and that we were
at Liberty to go for _Jaqueen_ when we pleased:” Our black Servants
had likewise handsom Clothes given them to wear about their middle;
(according to the custom of the Negroes, who never cover more than
that part) with a small sum of Money to each of them, which made them
very jocund, and almost forget the fear they had been put in at the
sight of the Sacrifices.
This being over, our servants carried the Presents to our Tent, which
consisted of Slaves, Cows, Goats and Sheep, with other Provisions:
And then we went to the great Captain’s Tent, to take our leave of
him. There we found the Duke, who told us, he could not have his
Audience of leave from the King till the Evening; and earnestly
desired us not to go without him; for that he would certainly
accompany us the next Morning to _Jaqueen_. Tho’ the _Dutch_
Gentlemen and my self were very desirous of going before, yet we
could not in honour leave the Duke; so we consented to stay for him,
and went to our Tent to Dinner.
In the Afternoon, the Linguist came and told us, that the remainder
of the Army, who had been plundering the Country of _Tuffoe_, were
returning; and asked us, whether we would go and see them pass by
the King’s Gate? We went accordingly to that place, and soon after
they appeared, marching in a much more regular Order than I had ever
seen before, even amongst the _Gold Coast Negroes_; who were always
esteemed amongst the _Europeans_ that used the Coast of _Guinea_,
the best Soldiers of all the Blacks. I observed, this Army consisted
of about three thousand regular Troops, attended by a Rabble of ten
thousand at least, who carried Baggage, Provisions, dead Peoples
Heads, _&c._ The several Companies of Soldiers had their proper
Colours, and Officers, being armed with Musquets and cutting Swords;
and with Shields. As they passed by the King’s Gate, every Soldier
prostrated himself, and kissed the Ground; then rose with such
agility, as was very surprizing. The place before the King’s Gate
was four times as large as _Tower Hill_; there they performed their
Exercises, in the sight of innumerable Spectators, and fired at least
twenty rounds with their small Arms, in less than two hours time:
Then, by the General’s Order, the Soldiers retired to the part of the
Camp they belonged to. This sight was well worth seeing even by us
_Europeans_.