carried their Shields; and asked the Linguist, “What was the occasion
of it?” He told me, “That the King allowed every common Soldier a Boy
at the publick charge, in order to be trained up in Hardships from
their Youth; and that the greatest part of the present Army consisted
of Soldiers, bred up in this manner, and under this Establishment.”
By which I judged, it was no wonder the King had made so large
Conquests, with such regular Troops, and his Policy together.
After this Sight was over, we went again to the great Captain’s,
whose eldest Son had been General in the Expedition against the
_Tuffoes_. The _Mulatto Portuguese_ Gentleman being then present,
advised us to go and pay our Compliments to this Commander.
Accordingly we went, and were received by him with great Civility;
and having presented him with some Trifles, wherewith he was highly
delighted, we returned to his Father’s Tent. After a short stay,
telling him we were afraid we should not set out for _Jaqueen_ the
next day, he assured us we should certainly go the next morning
early; and that he would accompany us part of the way: which Promise
was highly pleasing to us, for we were quite tired of the Camp:
Moreover my Business very much required my presence at _Jaqueen_,
in order to begin trading. I observed in the Great Captain’s Tent
two black Gentlemen, who had long Gowns on, with a Cloth wreathed
about their Heads, like a _Turkish_ Turbant, and Sandals on their
Feet. This being a Dress I had never seen before amongst the Negroes,
I inquired of the Linguist, who they were? He replied, “They were
_Malayes_, which is a Nation far inland, bordering on the _Moors_;
and that these People were equal to the white Men in one thing,
namely in writing: That at this time there was about forty of them in
the Camp, who had been taken at several times in war, as they traded
from one Country to another: and that the King treated them kindly,
for they had the Art of dying Goat and Sheep-skins with divers
Colours, which they made into Cartouch-boxes for the Soldiers; and
also into Bags to hold loose powder, and for many other uses.” I was
desirous of discoursing with these People, but the Linguist declined
it, saying, “It would give offence to the Great Captain:” So we went
from hence to take our leave of the _Mulatto Portuguese_ Gentleman,
and afterwards to our Tent to supper, and slept all night in our
Hammocks.
[Sidenote: The Author’s return to _Jaqueen_.]
Next Morning we rose early, and prepared for our Journey. As soon as
all our things were in order, we sent the Duke word, that we waited
for him. The Messenger returned forthwith, and desired us to go to
the great Captain’s Tent, where we should find the Duke and his
People all ready for going. Accordingly we went, but the Ceremony
of taking leave of several great Men, who came to wish us a good
Journey, detained us till nine a clock in the Morning: And then we
set out; the musical Instruments of the _Negroes_ making a great
noise at our Departure. The great Captain, according to his Promise,
accompanied us for an hour on the Road, and then took his leave
under a Salute of Fire-Arms from his Soldiers, and our Servants. Our
Hammock-men had no need of being press’d to make haste, and travel
fast: For the Impression made on their Minds by the sacrificing the
poor People of _Tuffoe_, still so much affected them, that they
ran full speed with us, even beyond their Strength; so that by
five a clock in the Evening, they brought us into _Jaqueen_ Town,
where the People received us with much Joy, having been under great
apprehensions for our Safety, because we stayed longer than was
expected.
The next day, being the 15th of _April_ 1727, I paid the King of
_Dahomè_’s Officers the Custom agreed on; and in two days after, a
great many Slaves came to Town, being sent by his Majesty for me to
chuse such as I liked of them: Which having done, I offered to pay
the Lord of _Jaqueen_ his usual Duties, but he insisted on a larger
Custom than my Surgeon had agreed for with him at our first coming:
So I refused to pay it, and put him in mind of the Injunction the
King of _Dahomè_ had sent him by his Brother. This put him in a
Passion, and he asked me sternly, Whether I designed to bring War
on him, by informing the Conqueror of what he demanded? This being
a tender Point, and hoping Time and Patience might bring him to do
me Justice, I took my leave of him: For I had been told, it was not
possible, no more than prudent, to engage any one to go with a
Complaint to the King of _Dahomè_; for the Messenger would certainly
be murdered on the Road by the _Jaqueens_. Moreover, I was informed,
they and their Lord had sent their beloved Wives and best Effects to
an Island, which is about thirty Miles to the Eastward of _Jaqueen_
on the Sea-Coast, and under the Protection of the King of _Appah_,
whose Country extends as far as the Bay of _Bennin_. And as they
durst not trust intirely to the Conqueror’s Faith and Promises, so
the Men were always ready to fly there themselves, on the least
appearance of Hostility: There they could be in safety, the _Dahomes_
not having Cannoes to follow them, or if they had, none amongst them
understanding the Management of them.
A few days after the Lord of _Jaqueen_ had refused to take his usual
Customs, another difficulty arose; for the Porters refused to bring
up my Goods from the Sea side, except I would pay them double the
price I did at my first coming. Thereupon I sent my Complaint to
their Lord, who acknowledged it was a great Imposition, but he sent
me word, “It was not in his Power to oblige those sort of People to
do me Justice; for by the stranding of the _Dutch_ Ship, they had
got so many Goods, that it had made them rich and proud; and should
he go about to force them to bring up my Goods at the usual rates,
they would forthwith quit the Country, and fly to _Appah_.” Being in
these melancholy Circumstances, imposed on by all hands, and without
hopes of redress, an accident relieved me very unexpectedly. For a
few days after this, the Lord of the place sent for me; and going to
him, he told me, “He had just then received Advice, that an _English_
Ship was arrived in the Road of _Whidaw_; and he desired I would
send my Boat there, to persuade the Captain to come to _Jaqueen_.” I
answered, “I did not doubt but that Ship was the _Italian_ Galley,
Captain _Dagge_, who was known to him; for I had expected him some
time, his Ship belonging to the same Gentleman as mine did: But
since I had received such bad usage from him and his People, he could
not expect I would be so imprudent as to advise the Captain, who was
in the same Interest with me, to come and receive the like Treatment:
Adding, If I sent my Boat, it should be to desire Captain _Dagge_ to
stay at _Whidaw_, and send a Messenger to the King of _Dahomè_, to
represent the usage I had met with from him; tho’, to let him see how
loth I was to give any Offence that way, I should intirely forget
what was past, if he would make me easy.” This immediately brought
him to do me Justice: He took his usual Custom that very day, and
the following went himself to the Sea side, to the Towns where the
Porters lived, and persuaded them to carry my Goods at the usual
rates.
Soon after this I received a Letter from Captain _Dagge_, desiring I
would let him know how Affairs flood at _Jaqueen_. Having informed
him of all matters, he concluded, it would be for our Owner’s
Interest if he stayed at _Whidaw_, where he had great Success; for
that People being in a starving Condition, and obliged to sell their
Servants and Children for Money and Goods, to buy Food from their
Neighbours of _Popoe_; his Ship was soon filled with _Negroes_, and
he had the good fortune to sail from the Coast three days before
me. Not long after the Arrival of Captain _Dagge_, I was taken ill
of a Fever; my Surgeon, a very eminent Man for Trade as well as his
Profession, died in a few days after my being taken ill; and the
rainy Season coming on, my white People both on board and on Shore
grew sickly; and to add to my Misfortunes, the King of _Dahomè_’s
Traders began to grow troublesome and imposing. Indeed I had one
Comfort in this Distress; namely, that tho’ I was two days together
without a white Man in the Factory with me, (occasioned by the
Sickness) yet I had nothing stole from me, which I believe was owing
to the severe Charge given by the King to the Lord of _Jaqueen_ and
his Brother, to take care of me and my Goods. But as to the King of
_Dahomè_’s Traders, when I objected to them my Agreement with their
Master, producing the Writing I had made in his Presence, and calling
the Linguist to witness, that I was not to take any Slaves but such
as I liked; yet it signified nothing: For tho’ the Interpreter
was so honest as to own it, yet he was as imposing as any other,
pretending the King’s Orders for what they did. Nay, I began at last
not to think my self safe, one of the Traders being so insolent as
to present his Fusil at me, for refusing to take his bad Slaves.
For tho’ they came to trade, yet they were always armed with Sword
and Dagger, and a Boy carried their Gun for them. These People were
far different from the Traders we used to deal with at _Whidaw_:
For these came always in a modest manner to deal with us, and tho’
sometimes I owed them Goods on my Notes for ten days together,
because the badness of the Sea prevented our landing them; yet they
shewed no Uneasiness about it: Whereas, on the contrary, these
_Dahomè_ Traders would come ten times a day with their Notes; tho’
they were sensible the Sea was so great on the Shore, that we could
land no Goods. And when I expostulated with them, about the needless
trouble they gave me and themselves, in coming so often to me to read
their Notes; it not being in my Power to pay them, ’till I could get
goods landed; they angrily replied, “They did not like a bit of Paper
for their Slaves, because the writing might vanish from it; or else
the Notes might be lost, and then they should lose their Payment.”
Upon that I used to shew them my Book, telling them their Notes were
entered therein, and should they lose them by any Accident, yet I
would pay them by my Book: And as to the writing it would never go
off the Paper; but this did no ways satisfy them.
About this time several _Portuguese_ Ships arrived in the Road of
_Whidaw_ and stay’d there, on a prospect of the Country’s being
settled again; for the King of _Dahomè_ had permitted a great number
of the common People to return, and they began to build them Houses
near the _English_ and _French_ Forts. But some time after it
appeared, that it was only done to deceive the _Europeans_. However
the King of _Dahomè_ being desirous of the _Portuguese_ Gold, which
they bring to purchase _Negroes_ with, his Majesty sent a great many
Slaves down to _Whidaw_, which made Trade dull with us at _Jaqueen_.
For tho’ formerly great Numbers came to this place, from other
Nations now destroyed by the _Dahomes_, there remains at present
only one Country called _Lucamee_, lying towards the North-East, for
_Jaqueens_ to trade to. Which Nation, by means of a wide River, has
escaped being made a Conquest to the barbarous and cruel _Dahomes_.
As I was in this melancholy state, one day, my old Acquaintance the
Captain (who had been so civil to me at the Camp) came to visit me;
and the Linguist not being in the way, I made use of a little black
Boy, who spoke pretty good _English_, and was entertained by me in
the Factory as a Servant, to be my Interpreter; ordering him to tell
the Captain my Grievances, for which he seemed concerned. He told me
he was a warlike Person, and so had no Knowledge of the Affairs of
the Traders; but he was confident the _Jaqueens_ were not tolerated
in such things by the King. Then I bid the little Boy further inform
him, That the Traders very much imposed upon the military Gentlemen
of his Country, in selling them Muskets bought out of the _French_
Factory, for the sake of a small Present. These being made in
imitation of _English_ Arms, were sent to the King, as if bought from
me, by which means a bad repute was brought on our Arms; because the
_French_ Guns split in firing, and hurt the Soldiers; which is owing
to their not being proved as ours are, with a good load of Gunpowder,
before they are put into a Stock and finished. I observed, this
very much moved him, so I made him a Present of some things, with a
promise of a greater Reward, if he would go to the King, and let his
Majesty know my Complaints. So having considered the matter a little
while, he agreed to go, charging the little Boy to keep the thing
secret, on pain of being put to cruel Torments if he divulged it; and
I soon after experienced the good Effects of his Journey.
The People of _Jaqueen_, as I mentioned before, were in very uneasy
Circumstances. The King of _Dahomè_ being informed of it, resolved to
send the great Captain to their Lord, to settle all things to their
Satisfaction. The Captain my Friend being got to the Camp before the
Great Captain set out, and acquainting the King with my Complaints,
it much incensed him against the Traders, and he caused the great
Captain to go forthwith to _Jaqueen_, to settle all matters. He made
such haste, that he brought the first news of his coming himself; and
because he had a great Retinue, on the first report of his arrival,
the Inhabitants of _Jaqueen_ were going to fly to _Appah_; believing
he was come in a hostile manner: But he soon made them easy, ordering
the far greater part of his People to remain on the other side of
the River, which runs on the back part of the Town; and he came only
with one hundred Attendants into the place. Upon the first notice
of his coming, the Duke, Brother to the Lord of _Jaqueen_, went to
receive him; and all the white Gentlemen in the Town, both Merchants
and Commanders of Ships, assembled at the Door of the _Dutch_
Factory, to salute him as he pass’d by that House. He was conducted
to the Duke’s Court, with all the Honours the place could possibly
afford. His Retinue was lodged near my Factory, which proved a great
disturbance to me; for they made a dismal noise with their musical
Instruments, both night and day; but on my complaining of it, they
were afterwards removed.
It seems the Great Captain, at his first coming into the Town, had
given orders to some of his Officers, to seize all the _Dahomè_
Traders. But by means of some Friend they had in their Retinue,
notice was given them; whereupon several of them fled. However, about
ten were seized, and immediately sent in Irons to the King: And the
Duke, brother to the Lord of _Jaqueen_, told me afterwards, “That
when the Great Captain began to talk of Business with him, the first
Question he asked, was, Whether the Traders had used me ill? To which
he replied in the affirmative; Adding, He was in my Factory, when
one of them presented his Piece at me, because I refused to buy the
bad Slaves brought by him.” The great Captain upon that asked him,
“Why he suffered me to be so used?” To which the Duke answered, “That
not only he himself, but his Brother, had been treated by them with
great Insolence; and that they were afraid to resent it, for fear
they should represent their Actions in a bad Light to the King.” On
this account the Great Captain said, they had talked enough upon that
Point.
We understood afterwards, that this great Man, at his return to the
King, acquainting him with the Misbehaviour of the Traders, his
Majesty ordered the Person who presented his Piece at me, to be
beheaded, with another, who had highly insulted me at the same time:
And the others were kept in bonds, fed only with Bread and Water;
and whenever it rained, they were put out into the Prison Court, and
exposed till it had done raining. By this I found, that the Traders
and the Linguist had shamefully belied the King; however, in Prudence
I did not think fit to complain of the Interpreter, but only chid him
in private; at which he was so frighted, that he left me, when the
great Captain returned to their King.
The next day after this Great Man’s arrival, all the white Gentlemen
in the place went to wait on him at the Duke’s House, carrying
him Presents; and I went amongst the rest. Upon my taking leave,
I invited him to dine with me at my Factory the next day. He came
accordingly with many Attendants, one of whom he admitted with the
Duke, to sit at Table with us. He seemed to be much pleased with
the Victuals, especially with a Ham; and was much surprized when I
told him, it was part of a Hog that had been killed six Months ago.
I was so much diverted to see him handle a Fork, which it seems he
had never used before, that I could hardly keep my Countenance, so
aukwardly did he manage it. Amongst other dishes there was brought
to the Table a Pye of minced meat. Of this he eat greedily, asking
me, “How it was prepared?” I told him the manner; adding it was done
by my Wife, and being put up in earthen Pans, it would keep in so
hot a Country as this was, for six Months at least. He then asked
me, “How many Wives I had?” I told him we were allowed by our Laws
but one; on which he fell a laughing, saying, “He had five hundred,
and wished fifty of them could prepare such meat for him as mine had
done.” After this the Servants brought _Bananas_, with other Fruit of
the Country, on _Delft_ Plates. These Plates he was much taken with,
and desired I would give him that he eat on, with the Knife, Fork,
and Napkin he used. I told him he was welcome to all on the Table:
Of which the Linguist had no sooner informed him, but he spoke to his
Servants, and they immediately swept all away, so suddenly, that they
had like to have broke all the Plates, but they luckily escaped. I
put on a good Face on the matter, tho’ I was something surprized to
be so soon taken at my word, with the manner of it; so I said to him,
“I would present him further with some Mugs and Cups, which I called
for.”
I had almost forgot to relate another Circumstance, full as odd
as this. When we first sat down to dinner, some of his principal
Servants who stood behind his Chair, would every now and then snatch
off his Plate, a Slice of Ham or Fowl; and observing he did not
rebuke them for it, I bid the Linguist tell him, “His Servants should
not want for Victuals after we had dined; for it was not the white
Peoples custom, to let their Guests Attendants go home hungry;” so he
ordered them to be quiet for the future.
After dinner we drank both our Kings healths, and he grew very merry,
preferring Punch to other Liquors. When he took his leave of me in
the Evening, he express’d great Satisfaction at his Entertainment:
Moreover he told me, “He design’d to go and see the Sea the next
day, (which was about three Miles off) and as he had never yet seen
it, nor a Ship, he should be glad of my Company.” But I was obliged
to excuse my self, on account of my late Illness, from which I was
not perfectly recovered. So I told him, “I would order my Officer in
the Tent, to entertain him in the best manner he could; and if he
would be pleased to go on board my Ship to see her, all possible Care
should be taken of him.”
I must now leave this great Man for a while, and give an Account of
a remarkable thing that happened whilst he was at the Sea side. For
the right understanding of it, the Reader is to know, That a few days
before the great Captain came to _Jaqueen_, the Linguist brought me
two Female _Negroes_, saying, “The King desired, I would buy them,
and promise I would not let them be redeemed by any one that should
offer to do it:” After I had viewed these Women, one of which was
turned of fifty, and the other about twenty Years old, I told the
Linguist, “The first was past her Labour, and not for my purpose; but
I would buy the other.” He replied, “He could not part them; adding,
It would highly oblige the King if I took them both:” But suspecting
he made use of the King’s Name, to get rid of an old Woman, I refused
it, and he carried them away. I little suspected then what would
happen to this poor Creature, which I shall presently relate.
The great Captain, as he had told me, went the next day to the Sea
side, accompanied by abundance of People who came from the inland
Country, which indeed they daily did in great Numbers, to see so
rare a sight, now the ways were open to them. There lay then at
Anchor, in the Road of _Jaqueen_, the _Katherine_ Galley which I
commanded, being a fine Ship of near three hundred Tuns burthen; and
two _Portuguese_ Vessels. This sight exceedingly surprized him, as
well as did the Sea, which came rolling and roaring with its Billows
on the Shore; so that he stood for some time fixed as if he had
been a Statue, till he heard the Guns fired from the _Katherine_,
wherewith I had ordered him to be saluted, on a signal made from our
Tent. Being by the Noise of the Guns roused out of his Astonishment,
my Officer then invited him to go to the Tent to dinner, which he
readily accepted. Whilst he was at dinner, he could not sit still
three minutes together, his Curiosity still prompting him to go and
look on the Sea and Ships.
As the Water near the Shore is very shallow, our Boats cannot
approach nearer than within two Cables length, so that we are obliged
to make use of _Cannoes_, which draw much less Water than our Boats,
to land our Goods: And also the fresh Water for the Ship’s use,
is rafted in Casks by Ropes from the Boats. The great Man was so
pleased with the sight, that he went too near the Sea to see it; in
which instant a Wave coming with great force, reached him so, that
with the surprize he fell on his back; by which Accident some salt
Water got into his Stomach. His Servants seeing him fall, immediately
run to his Assistance; and taking him up, carried him to our Tent,
where he drank half a pint of Brandy, to qualify the salt Water he
had swallowed down. Tho’ he had met with this mischance, he stay’d at
the Tent till the Evening, and then left the place with reluctance,
to come to Town; so much delighted was he with this sight. It was
about nine a clock at night when he returned to _Jaqueen_, being
usher’d in with the hideous noise of their musical Instruments, and
the Acclamations of the People.
Soon after, one of his principal Servants, together with the
Linguist, came to me, saying, “The Great Man had sent them to return
me thanks for the kind Entertainment he had received at my Tent;
that he designed to set out next day for the King’s Camp, and should
be glad to see me before he went.”
The Servant being gone, the Linguist told me in private, “That the
oldest Woman whom I had refused to buy, had that day been sacrificed
to the Sea, by order of the great Captain. For she had highly
offended the King, and as I would not take her, his Majesty had
ordered her to be destroyed this way, in the room of another Victim
that was designed for the same Purpose.” I asked him, What Crimes
she had committed? He replied hastily, “Did I think he knew the
King’s Secrets? adding, She had lived a long time in the Court, with
good Repute till now.” I then wish’d in my mind I had bought her;
but only said to the Linguist, “I wondered he should have a hand in
such Cruelty, having been bred up amongst white People.” To which he
answered, “Great Mens Commands were not to be disputed, especially
there being no one but himself of the _Dahomes_, that durst go off
in a Cannoe with her.” Whereupon he told me the following Story; “The
Woman’s Hands being tied behind her, and her Feet across, she was put
into the _Cannoe_, and carried off about half a Mile from the Shore:
And then he ordered the Rowers to throw her over board; which they
had no sooner done, but he saw some Sharks (voracious Fishes very
common in those Seas) tear her to pieces in an instant.” On hearing
this Account I pitied the Fate of this poor Creature, for I intirely
credited the Story, knowing full well the Barbarity of those People.
But the next day I was greatly surprized, with a Letter from my chief
Mate, informing me, that the Woman was on board our Ship: Which
happened in this manner. It seems, neither my People at the Tent,
nor those in our Boats, which lay at the Moorings near the Shore,
knew any thing of the real occasion of the Cannoe’s going off. For
the Woman was put very privately into the Cannoe. They only thought
the Linguist was gone, with a design to see some of the Ships. When
he came on shore again, one of our Boats went just then from the
Moorings, in order to go on board our Ship. Being got about half way,
the Officer in the Boat spied something floating on the Sea, which
at his coming nearer, he perceived to be a human Body lying on its
back; and now and then spurting Water out at the Mouth. This showing
it was still living, he ordered it to be taken into the Boat, being
bound in the same manner as the Linguist had told me. Immediately
they untied this poor Woman, chafed her Limbs, and rolled her Body
about, whereupon she discharged a good quantity of salt Water out
of her Mouth. Then they carried her on board the Ship, not knowing
in the least the occasion of her being in the Sea, and extremely
wondering she had escaped the Sharks, who are usually so voracious,
that when a dead Person is thrown overboard, or a living one falls
into the Sea by Accident, they are in an instant torn to pieces by
those voracious Animals. So that this poor Creature seemed to have
a miraculous Escape; and the knowledge of the greediness of these
Sharks, I suppose, induced the Linguist to tell me, that he actually
saw her torn to pieces; verily believing it would so happen, which
his Fears would not let him stay to see, on account of the great
swell the Billows of the Sea had at that time.
Upon my receiving the above-mentioned account from the Mate, tho’
pleas’d with the safety of the poor Woman, yet it filled me with
Apprehensions, if the King of _Dahomè_ should come to know it: For
he might pretend, his _Fetiche_, or God, being disappointed of this
Sacrifice by us, would revenge it on me, or at least oblige me to
make up the Affair with large Presents. So having considered of the
matter, I writ to the chief Mate, to charge our People to keep the
thing secret; it being of the utmost Consequence to us all to do it:
Which they accordingly did. Some time after, going on board the Ship,
I examined this Woman by the Linguist, but she would never confess
the reason of the King’s displeasure against her; alledging she knew
not that she had in any respect offended him. However, I found by the
Linguist, that he suspected, it was on account of her assisting some
of the King’s Women in their Amours.
This Woman being a sensible Person, did us good service in the
Voyage. For she was known to several of the Negroes on board, and by
her talking to and advising them, made them easy in their Minds: She
observed to them, amongst other things, “That as we had shown such
Kindness to her, first in saving her Life, and since in taking care
of her, who might be reckoned an useless Person to us, on account of
her Age; so they had all the reason in the World to believe we were
much better people than their own Countrymen; and that the strange
Stories they had been formerly told of white People, must be false.”
The female _Negroes_, who used always to be the most troublesome to
us, on account of the noise and clamour they made, were kept in such
Order and Decorum by this Woman, that I had never the like in any
Voyage before: And when I came to _Antegoa_, _Charles Dunbar_ Esq;
Surveyor General of _Barbadoes_, and the _Leeward Islands_, on my
Recommendation, bought her, and I was not a little pleased she had
got so generous and good a Master.
But to return again to the great Captain: When he was ready to depart
from _Jaqueen_, all the _Europeans_ in the Place waited on him to
the side of the River, that runs on the back part of the Town. Upon
taking leave I told him, “I wanted but eighty _Negroes_ to compleat
my Cargo,” and he promised he would acquaint the King with it; and
I might be sure his Majesty would send them down to me forthwith.
However, this did not happen according to my Expectation; for I
understood afterwards the King had no Slaves by him for sale, tho’ he
had great numbers of captive _Negroes_, which tilled his Grounds, and
did other Work. For, it seems, after they are once inrolled for that
Service, his Majesty never sells them, unless they are guilty of very
great Crimes.
After the great Captain’s departure, I was obliged to wait a long
while for a dispatch; at last the desired Time came, and the King’s
Factors that brought the _Negroes_ behaved themselves so well towards
me, that I had no reason to complain of them. The principal amongst
them told me, “The King was much surprized, that I had not been
dispatch’d before; and that his Majesty had punished those severely,
who had been the occasion of my long stay at _Jaqueen_: That if my
Affairs would admit of my going to the Camp, the King was desirous
to see me again there, to discourse, and settle Matters, for the
mutual Interest of himself, and the _Europeans_ trading to his
Country; for when I was with him before, the great Hurry of Affairs
his Majesty had then on his Hands, did not allow him sufficient time
to talk of Business.” I desired the Gentleman to return the King
my due Acknowledgments for all his Favours; “and that I should have
been very glad and ready to have waited again on his Majesty at the
Camp: But the bad state of health I was then in, did not allow it;
of which himself being an Eye-Witness, I desired he would be pleased
to inform the King of it: Adding, I should not fail, on my arrival
into _England_, to tell my Countrymen who trade to this place, how
great and generous a Prince I had been entertained by; hoping (if
God bless’d me) to return again in a twelvemonth at farthest.” So
having made the Traders some small Presents, they took their Leaves,
returning many thanks for what I had given them.
As soon as I had finished my Affairs with these People, I waited
on the Lord of _Jaqueen_, and told him, “That having compleated my
Ship’s Cargoe of _Negroes_, I design’d to go on board in two days
time, desiring he would be pleased to pay me the ballance of an
account that was between us.” This he readily promised, but never
performed it. Moreover, the next day, having paid his Brother the
rest of the Customs, and my Servants their Wages, my Store-house was
soon after plundered in a violent manner: But, by good fortune, there
were in it, only things of small value. I complained of this Usage,
but had no Redress. However, I did not think proper to threaten, as I
had formerly done, “That I would inform the King of _Dahomè_ of it;”
but quietly putting up the Affront, I went to the Sea side the next
day, where I was obliged to lie all night in our Tent, because the
Sea ran high on the Shore; but the next morning it being calmer, I
got on board to my great Satisfaction, having, through the goodness
of Providence, compleated my Affairs, much beyond my Expedition,
considering I had so melancholy a Prospect, when I first came to this
Country.
The first of _July 1727_, we sailed from the Road of _Jaqueen_,
having on board above 600 _Negroes_. I had a tedious Passage to
the _West-Indies_ of seventeen Weeks, which obliged us to stop at
several places for Water and Provision. But at length we arrived at
_Antegoa_, where the Cargo of _Negroes_ (who had stood very well)
came to a good Market: And having lain there for a Cargo of Sugars,
we sailed from thence the latter end of _February_, and got safe into
the River of _Thames_, the 25th of _April_ 1728, having been sixteen
Months on this remarkable VOYAGE.
[Illustration: (decorative icon)]
A
SUPPLEMENT,
_Containing an Account of what happened to the King and People
of_ Whidaw, _and the_ Dahomes, _since I came away from thence, to
the Time of my return thither in the Month of_ February 1729-30.
_All which I was informed of, by some white Gentlemen of good
Credit, who resided at_ Jaqueen _all the Time I was absent_.
Upon my coming to _England_, being in a bad State of Health, I
desired leave of my Owner to stay at home a Season, which he was
pleased to grant me; and appointed Captain _John Dagge_ to command
the Ship I had been in. He made a successful Voyage, and returned
with her in the Month of _August_ 1729: As I was by that time very
well recovered, my Owner was pleased to send me again to the Coast
of _Guinea_ in the _Katherine Galley_. Having therefore spent some
time on the _Windward_ and _Gold Coast_, I proceeded for _Whidaw_.
In my way to that place I stop’d at _Great Popoe_, which lies a few
Leagues to the Windward of _Whidaw_. Being informed there, that the
late King of _Whidaw_ was near that place, with _Captain Ossue_, one
of his principal Cabociers or Lords, on two barren sandy Islands,
with many other People, I sent my first Mate on Shore with a Present
to each of them. He returned at night, with some of the King’s
People, who brought me a Goat from him: Saying, “Their Master being
in a poor Condition, had nothing better to send me.” And they having
bought some few things, I sent them on Shore again. After they were
gone, my Mate gave me the following account, “That the King and
Captain _Ossue_, had with them many Thousands of People who lived in
a miserable manner, the Islands they were on being so barren, that
they produced nothing: But by means of the River which separated them
from the Continent, they were very well secured from the _Dahomes_
Power; who not understanding the Management of _Cannoes_, could not
invade them. Moreover, they had planted several great Guns, which
secured the Passes, so that they were in no fear of the Enemies. But
then, on the other hand, they could not sow Corn, or other Pulse in
that barren place, but were supplied with what they wanted by their
Neighbours of _Great_ and _Little Popoe_. However, this constantly
decreased their Numbers, they being obliged to sell their Wives,
Children, and Servants for Provisions and other necessaries, because
they had no Money left.”
From _Great Popoe_ I went to the Road of _Whidaw_, where being
informed there was little Trade, I proceeded for _Jaqueen_, which is
seven Leagues to the Eastward of it; and anchored in that road the
20th of _February_ 1729-30: At my going on Shore there, the King of
_Dahomè_’s Agent came to see me; and upon my enquiring after his
Master’s welfare, he told me, “He would send a Messenger to inform
his Majesty of my Arrival: But as the King was then in his own
Country, far inland, it would be at least twenty days before he could
have an Answer.” At his taking leave, he promised to let me know
his Master’s Pleasure on the return of the Messenger. Accordingly
he came to see me again, about three weeks after his former visit,
and told me, “The King was very glad to hear of my being once more
arrived at _Jaqueen_; but as he was then far within Land, tho’ he was
desirous of seeing me again, yet he could not in reason require it:
His Master being sensible, such a long Journey would be neither safe
for my Health, nor suitable to my Business; but in case the King came
to _Ardra_, whilst I was at _Jaqueen_, which is but two days journey
off, and where I had formerly been with his Majesty, he should be
very glad to see me there once more.” However, this not happening, I
had not the Fortune to see the King a second time.
I now come to relate what I heard from several white Gentlemen
residing at _Jaqueen_, ever since my former Voyage, concerning the
_Whidaws_ and the _Dahomes_. The King of _Whidaw_, with abundance
of his People, having fled to the Islands formerly mentioned, the
King of _Dahomè_ was disappointed in his design of destroying
him, as he had always intended. So that he contented himself with
keeping Possession of the Country of _Whidaw_, by an Army encamp’d
at _Sabee_, which had been the principal place of the Kingdom, till
destroyed by him. But in time this Army being much diminished, it
incouraged Captain _Ossue_ to leave the Islands, and settle himself,
with many of his People, near the _French_ Fort, which is about four
Miles from _Sabee_; believing the great Guns therein would be a
sufficient Protection from the _Dahomes_, in case they should offer
to disturb him. This Fort had a dry Ditch, with mud Walls made of the
Earth that was dug out of it; and was a square place with Towers
at each Corner, on which were mounted several Cannons; and their
Lodgings, Storehouses, and even their Magazine of Gunpowder, were
covered with Rushes, according to the Custom of that Country; which
occasioned a terrible Misfortune, as shall be immediately related.
The King of _Dahomè_ being informed of Captain _Ossue_’s return
into his Country, resolved to send an Army to drive him out; which
the other having notice of, retired with many of his People into
the _French_ Fort: _Ossue_ little thinking at that time, that the
Governor was the occasion of his Enemies coming in order to betray
them.
The next day after he and his People were received into the Fort,
the _Dahomè_ Army came down, and being informed the _French_ had
given them Protection, contrary to a secret Promise their King had
received from the Governor, they assaulted the Fort. But having
nothing but small Arms to make their Attack, it would have availed
little, had not the Thatch of the Houses within the Fort taken
Fire. This Accident alarmed the white Men, who knowing there was a
great quantity of Gunpowder in their Magazine, and no possibility
of stopping the Fire, fled to the _English_ Fort, which was within
Musquet-Shot of their own, and so saved themselves: But the black
People not being so sensible of their Danger, suffered very much
by the blowing up of the Magazine, there being above one thousand
of them killed, besides many wounded by this Accident. However,
in the Confusion, and under cover of the Smoke, Captain _Ossue_,
and several of his People, escaped to the _English_ Fort: Where
Governor _Wilson_, who then resided there for the _African_ Company,
generously gave them Protection; and to prevent Accidents, ordered
immediately all the Houses in the Fort to be unthatch’d, and by
firing on the _Dahomes_ with his Cannon, killed several, and kept the
rest at a distance.
The _Dahomes_ having taken the _French_ Fort, sheltered themselves
therein; and the next morning sent a principal Man amongst them
to Governor _Wilson_, to know the reason why he had fired on their
Army. To which he answered, “That they having come down out of the
Country in a hostile manner, without giving him the least notice, and
attacked his Neighbours the _French_, he looked on it as the common
Cause of all the _Europeans_ settled there, who were bound to assist
one another.” To this the _Dahomes_ replied, “That when they came
down, they had no design to attack the _French_ Fort, for the King
had no quarrel with the white Men: But the Governor having taken
Captain _Ossue_ and his People into the _French_ Fort, contrary to
his Promise, it obliged them to act as they had done.” At the same
time they told the Governor to his Face, “That he had first sent to
their King by a _French_ Surgeon, then residing with their Master,
to persuade his Majesty to send an Army down, to destroy Captain
_Ossue_ and his People; promising at the same time he would give
them no Protection.” This the _French_ Governor denied, but all that
were present believed it to be too true; and by this means he let the
_Dahomes_ see, that white Men (whom they had before a high opinion
of) could be the basest of Villains, when their Interest tempted them
thereto. For it was much suspected, that the Governour had contrived
the whole Affair, in order to squeeze a large Sum of Money from
Captain _Ossue_ to protect him, and for some other infamous Views.
However, he met afterwards with a suitable Reward, being killed by
the _Whidaws_, whom he had so much injured.
As soon as the King of _Dahomè_ was informed of the taking of the
_French_ Fort, he sent this Message to the _French_ Governor; “that
he had brought this Misfortune on himself by his Perfidy, for he had
no quarrel to his Nation; therefore he would order his Soldiers to
repair the Fort, which had been greatly damaged by the Powder: Or if
he did not desire this, he might depart with all the _Frenchmen_ to
his own Country.” After this, the Ships that lay then in the Road of
_Whidaw_ had good Trade for Women and Children, which the _Dahomes_
had taken of Captain _Ossue_’s People, but there were few Men taken;
many of them being lost when the Magazine blew up: and the rest
having fled to the Island which their King was in.
I come now to relate a great Misfortune which befel the _Dahomes_,
some Months after they had taken the _French_ Fort. For the better
understanding of it, the Reader is to know, that the King of
_Dahomè_ having conquered several Countries within a few Years, and
depopulated them; the King of _Weemey_’s Sons, with other Princes,
(whose Fathers this Conqueror had taken in War, and beheaded) fled to
a far Inland Potent Nation called the _J-oes_. The King of _Whidaw_
having, after _Ossue_’s Defeat, found means to send Messengers to
the King of this Country, they, and the others that had fled to him
for Protection, did at last, through their earnest Sollicitations,
obtain an Army to march against the King of _Dahomè_, whom they all
look’d upon as a most cruel Destroyer of Mankind. This Nation of
_J-oe_ fight all on Horseback, and living a great way on the North
towards _Nubia_, they can at no other time march to the Southward,
but when the Season for Forage, and the dry Weather sets in. The
King of _Dahomè_ had notice of their coming, a few days before they
reached his Country; and he having formerly experienced how terrible
such Numbers of Horse had been to his Army, which consists of none
but foot Soldiers; he resolved to bury his Riches, burn his Towns,
and then fly into the Woods and Thickets with his People; which is a
common thing amongst the _Negroes_, for the weaker side to do, when
at War; for they have no fortified Towns as in _Europe_: So they that
are Masters of the Field command the Country far and near.
The King of _Dahomè_ having thus in time provided for his Safety by
Flight, the _J-oes_ were disappointed: But one _Appragah_ and his
People, formerly subject to the King of _Whidaw_, but now under the
Dominion of the _Dahomes_, did not escape so well. For not moving so
soon by two days as they did, the _J-oes_ came up with him and his
People, and took abundance of them, with all _Appragah_’s Riches; and
he himself was hardly put to it to escape, with a few of his Servants.
After this the _J-oes_ marched on in quest of the _Dahomes_, but
finding they were got into the thick Woods and Bushes, they incamped
near them; making frequent Assaults, and often taking some of the
_Dahomes_ Prisoners. At last, they so distressed them, that for
want of other Provision, they were obliged to eat many of their own
Slaves. Yet the _Dahomes_ patiently endured these Calamities, knowing
the _J-oes_ would be obliged to retire in a little time, on account
of the rainy Season that was approaching, and for want of Forage:
Accordingly they were obliged to retire soon after; and the _Dahomes_
then returned to their own Country, and rebuilt their Towns again.
During these Misfortunes of the _Dahomes_, which lasted several
Months, various Reports came to _Whidaw_. Sometimes it was said,
“That the King of _Dahomè_ was killed:” But that was again
contradicted: And it was reported, “he had lost so many of his
People, that he never could be again in a Condition to disturb his
Neighbours;” and this was so currently believed that no one doubted
of it.
About this time, which was in the beginning of _July_ 1729, Governor
_Wilson_ departed from _Whidaw_, in order to return to _England_.
He left in his room one Mr. _Testefole_, who had resided there many
Years, but was no ways equal to him in Prudence and Conduct, as his
unhappy Fate will afterwards show. For tho’ this Person had been
often at the King of _Dahomè_’s Camp, where he was always used with
great Civility, yet now believing that King was so far reduced, that
the People of _Whidaw_ had nothing more to fear from him; he too
hastily advised their King, to leave the barren Islands wherein he
had fled with his People, and come and take again Possession of his
Country.
Hereupon the King of _Whidaw_ resolved to return; and, to provide
against the worst, he desired his Neighbours of _Popoe_ to lend him
some of their Forces; which they readily did. For these People, with
all the _Coast-Negroes_, mortally hate the _Dahomes_, on account
of their Cruelty, and their Barbarity in eating human Flesh. And,
besides that the _Popoes_ are little afraid of the _Dahomes_ Power,
because they live in Islands, they now assisted the _Whidaws_ out of
Policy; thinking, if they were reinstated in their Country, Trade
would soon revive, which had been so long interrupted on account of
the War. So they sent them some thousands of their People; and at
their Arrival the King of _Whidaw_ joined them with his Forces. Tho’
he was a very fat unwieldy Man, yet he marched at the head of his
Army, which consisted of about fifteen thousand Men, including the
_Popoes_, and incamped in his own Country for some time, near the
_English_ and _French_ Forts. This the _Dahomes_ knew nothing of;
for they had so mean an opinion of the _Whidaws_, that they never
thought they would attempt to settle again in their own Country:
Neither had they, since the departure of the _J-oes_, sent any of
their People to the Sea side, having been employed in repairing
their Towns, and about other Affairs. These being near finished, the
King of _Dahomè_ sent some of his Traders down with Slaves, to the
_English_ and _French_ Forts: But his People were much surprised to
see such an Army of _Whidaws_ incamped near them. So they returned in
great haste to inform their King, who upon the receipt of this News,
was greatly embarassed; for he had lost many of his best Soldiers
whilst the _J-oes_ remained in his Country, and kept him so long in
the Bushes. Moreover, his Majesty had lately sent an Army into the
inland Country, to take Slaves: For as I have formerly observed, he
drives no regular Trade in Slaves, but only sells such as he takes in
his Wars.
Being in this State of Perplexity (when he had not a sufficient
Number of Soldiers to encounter the _Whidaws_ and _Popoes_ together,
and, on the other hand, could not bear to see himself braved by such
a cowardly Race as the _Whidaws_,) his Policy extricated him out of
this Difficulty. He ordered a great number of Women to be armed like
Soldiers, and appointed Officers to each Company, with Colours, Drums
and Umbrellas, according to the _Negroe_ Fashion. Then ordering the
Army to march, the Women Soldiers were placed in the Rear, to prevent
Discovery. When they came in sight of the _Whidaw_ Army, the latter
were much surprized to see such Numbers of _Dahomè_ Soldiers, as
they supposed them all to be, marching against them: For they had
much depended on the former Reports, that they were so far reduced,
as not to be able (at least so soon) to have made Head against them.
At this unexpected sight the _Whidaws_ were divided: Some were for
retiring back to the Islands; but others who were commanded by
Captain _Ossue_, with the _Popoes_, were for fighting. During this
Dispute, the _Dahomè_ Army marched on boldly, and Captain _Ossue_,
with the _Popoe_ General, as bravely advanced to meet them; and
attacked their right Wing so briskly, that they drove them for some
time before them. But the _Whidaws_ who were with the King, at that
instant cowardly fled; tho’ his Majesty used his utmost endeavours
and Intreaties to stop them, and at last wounded several with his
Lance, to oblige them to second Captain _Ossue_’s People: But all
in vain. This being observed by the left Wing of the _Dahomes_,
they fell on the Rear of _Ossue_’s Soldiers, and soon obliged them
and the _Popoes_, to fly in their turn; which the King of _Whidaw_
perceiving, and being so very unwieldy and fat, he had no other way
to save his Life, but to fly into the dry Ditch of the _English_
Fort; where, by the help of two of his Sons, his Majesty got over the
Wall, and so escaped the fury of his Enemies: But many of his People
were killed, and others taken.
Mr. _Testefole_, the Governor, was at a great loss how to act on
this occasion. For he foresaw the _Dahomes_ would demand the King,
and insist on his being delivered to them, as soon as they should
know he was in the Fort. Which if he refused to do, he was sensible,
they could oblige him in time to do it, by starving him. Moreover,
he could not but sustain a great loss by the Interruption of Trade.
So the Governor persuaded the King to leave the Fort that Night, and
he happily escaped to his barren Islands again. However, the King
of _Dahomè_ was afterwards fully informed of all this, and likewise
that the Governor had been the principal occasion of the _Whidaws_
endeavouring to regain their Country: Which he highly resented.
The _Dahomes_, after this, retired from about the Forts, and, leaving
a small Army at _Sabee_, returned to their own Country; where many
Banditti of other Nations resorting to them, their King, in a few
Months, found his Strength and Power as much increased, as when he
fled from the _J-oes_. But the Countries being laid waste far and
near by his former Wars, tho’ he has large Territories of many
hundred Miles, and as fine a Country under his Dominion, as any in
the Southern Parts of _Africa_; yet he is only a great King in name
for want of Subjects, by reason of his having destroyed in so cruel a
manner the Inhabitants of all the Places he has conquered. This has
obliged many hundred thousands to fly from his Arms, into foreign
Countries; that are by Situation secured from his rambling Bands,
either by great Rivers, Mountains or Lakes.
He has acted since as impolitick a part in another matter. For he
gave his word to a great number of the former Inhabitants, If they
would return again into their own Country, they should quietly enjoy
it, upon paying a certain Tribute. On this many thousands returned
into the Kingdom of _Ardra_, where they built Houses, sowed Corn,
and planted Potatoes; but no sooner were these poor People settled,
than the _Dahomes_ surprized them, and killed or took captive all
that could not escape from them. The King having thus broken his
promise, I believe no others will ever venture to trust him: And the
Country, in all Probability, will remain uninhabited, during his
Life: Moreover, by this means the Trade at _Whidaw_ is almost ruined;
for the far inland People having now no Markets to carry their Slaves
to, as formerly, and the _Dahomes_ using no Trade but that of War,
few _Negroes_ are now brought down to be sold to the _Europeans_.
Whether it was the badness of Trade, occasioned by the _Dahomes_
acting in this manner, or any thing else, that enraged Mr.
_Testefole_ against them; he was so imprudent, that on all
Opportunities he used their People ill, when they came to the
_English_ Fort: And at last whipped one of their principal Men at
the Flag-Staff; and upon his complaining of this great Indignity,
_Testefole_ rashly replied, _He would serve his King in the same
manner if he was in his Power_. All this being afterwards reported
to his Majesty, it highly offended him: And he said, “Surely this
Man must be full of Malice against us, else he could never have so
suddenly forgot our former Kindnesses to him.”
The King upon this ordered his People to watch for an Opportunity
to surprize the Governor, and make him Prisoner; and his Imprudence
soon made him fall into their Hands in the following manner. There
was a _French_ Captain who had a Factory, at some distance from the
_English_ Fort: This Gentleman had been drinking with the Governor
all night, and when the day came, he persuaded Mr. _Testefole_ to go
and drink Coffee with him at his Factory. The _Dahomes_, who were
on the Watch, seeing him go to the _Frenchman_’s House, went and
surrounded it, demanding to have the Governor delivered to them.
This the Captain at first refused, but they threatning to burn his
Factory; he told them, He would forthwith bring him out. So he went
into the House, and advised Mr. _Testefole_ to make his Escape; which
he refusing to do, the Captain put him by force into a large Chest,
and lock’d him in: Then he went out, and told the _Dahomes_, “He
could not find the Governor, and that he believed he had escaped.”
This so enraged them, that they fired a Pistol at the Captain, which
shot him in the Arm, and thereupon broke into his House, where they
at last found the unfortunate Man in the Chest; whom they took
out, tied his Hands and Legs, and putting him into a Hammock, sent
him away to their King, who was at that time encamp’d up into the
Country, four days journey off.
This unhappy Gentleman flattered himself, that the former Kindness
the King had shown for him, would now save him; but his Majesty was
so highly offended, that he would not vouchsafe to see him; so that
he gave himself up for lost. However, a few days after this he was
sent down to _Sabee_, about four Miles from the Fort, where he was
given to understand, “If he would write to the Person that commanded
in his Abscence for several things, which they named for his Ransom,
that on their being sent he should have his Liberty.”
This he readily complied with, and they instantly allowed him more
Freedom, permitting two of his own Negroe Servants to wait on him; so
that he began to be easy in his Mind: But the Scene soon changed; for
on their receiving the Things he had writ for, and which were of a
considerable Value, these cruel base Villains seized his Person, and
made his Body fast to Stakes drove in the Ground: Where, spreading
him on his Belly, they with sharp Knives cut open his Arms, Back,
Thighs and Legs in several places, and filled the Wounds with a
mixture of Limejuice, Salt and Pepper mixed together; which put him
to inexpressible Torment. However, they soon after put him out of
his pain, by cutting off his Head. Then they cut his Body in pieces,
broiled them on the Coals, and eat them.
Thus this poor Gentleman lost his Life in a terrible manner. And tho’
the King of _Dahomè_ has since denied to some white People, “That he
gave Orders to have him put to death;” His Majesty saying, by way of
Excuse, “He only told some of his principal People to carry him to
_Sabee_, and there do with him what they thought fit, not suspecting
they would have used a white Gentleman in such a manner;” Yet it is
not to be doubted but they knew their Master’s Mind too well in this
Affair. For his Majesty punished none of those that were Actors in
this cruel Tragedy; tho’ it was earnestly insisted on. Nay some of
them that eat part of his Flesh, have been since so audacious, as to
tell several _Portuguese_ Gentlemen, that talked with them about it;
“That _English_ Beef was very good.”
After Mr. _Testefole_’s unhappy Fate, two white Men running away
from the _English_ Fort, one of them went to the King of _Dahomè_,
and informed him, “There were but four white People left in the
place, so that he might easily take it.” The King replied, “He had
no quarrel with the _English_ Nation; for what had been done to the
late Governor, he by his Imprudence had brought on himself: And he
hoped, the _African_ Company would send a fitter Person to command
the _Fort_ for the future.”
Sometime after this the King of _Dahomè_ considering he should
certainly be invaded again by the _J-oes_, as soon as the Season
permitted them to march, and dreading very much their power, he sent
Embassadors with large Presents to their King, together with one of
his handsomest Daughters. These were civilly received, and had the
good fortune to succeed in their Negotiations. For they so gained
some great Men about the King, by presenting them with large pieces
of _Coral_ (which the _J-oes_ esteem above all things) that by their
means an advantagious Peace was obtained for their Master, and they
were civilly dismissed with handsome Rewards. For a Confirmation of
the Peace, the King of _J-oe_ sent, a little while after, one of his
Daughters to the King of _Dahomè_ for a Wife; and she was received
with great Joy by the King and his People.
At my going on Shore at _Jaqueen_, the latter end of _February_
1729-30: I was informed of all that I have here related; and tho’ I
found Trade very dull, yet all the white Gentlemen residing at that
place, were full of Expectations, That, now a Peace was concluded
between the _J-oes_ and the _Dahomes_, we should soon have a great
many _Negroes_ brought down for Sale. But tho’ I was there above two
Months, Trade did not mend in the least: And I am afraid it will not
for many Years, because of the great Destruction of the Inhabitants
of the neighbouring Countries, who used to carry on a regular Trade
with the far inland People: Neither will those that had the good
fortune to escape the _Dahomes_ Cruelty, dare to return during the
Life of the present Conqueror, whose Perfidiousness and Treachery
they have often experienced.
I shall conclude this first Book with an account of a Misfortune
that befel me by Fire, whilst I was at _Jaqueen_. The relation,
if I mistake not, may be acceptable to the Reader, and give him a
true notion of the Buildings, and some other Matters amongst the
_Negroes_.
The Houses in that Country are built with mud-Walls, one Story high.
The Rafters that support the Roof are made of _Bamboes_, which is
a light spungy Wood. On these they lay a great quantity of Thatch,
which in the dry Season of the Year is like Tinder: Yet the Natives
are so careless, that many Fires happen in that Season; there having
been no less than five during the two Months I was there, in which
some thousands of their Houses were burnt down. This carelesness of
the _Negroes_, I judge, chiefly proceeds from the little regard they
have for their Furniture. For it is very mean, except amongst some
of the principal People, consisting of _Matts_ to sleep on, earthen
_Pots_ to boil their Victuals in; with a few other things of small
value. Moreover, the Walls of their Houses being made of Clay, the
Fire does them rather good than hurt, as it bakes them harder. And
to new cover them it costs but little. So that the _Europeans_ that
have Factories in the Town of _Jaqueen_, are often great Sufferers
by these frequent Fires, occasioned generally by the stupid
Carelessness of the Negroes, which proceeds from the Reasons just now
mentioned.
I thought our Factory pretty safe from it, for we lived in a large
Court belonging to the Duke, who was the only Brother of the Lord
of the Place by the same Mother, and his chief Minister. This House
joined to the Apartments of the Duke’s Women, which it being a
capital Crime for the Natives to go into, so it would have been very
imprudent for any white Man to have attempted it: Yet the Fire,
obliged us to save our selves that way, as I shall just now relate.
The other side of the Court we lived in, opened into the Fields; and
just by our Door a narrow Street began, where the Lord of _Jaqueen_’s
_Feticheer_ or Priest lived with his Family.
Two Fires having happened in the Town, within a few days one of the
other, in which some _Portuguese_ suffered a great Loss in their
Goods, I express’d my apprehensions of the like Danger. But the Duke
assured me, “It was never known, that either his Brother’s Houses,
or his own had been burn’d. For they having abundance of Servants, if
any Fire began near them, their People, by unthatching the Houses,
soon put a stop to it. Moreover, all the Inhabitants who lived near
the Court, were very careful of Fire; because it was death by their
Law to all the Family where it began.” These Reasons made me more
easy than I had been for some time. But on the fifteenth of _March_,
being _Sunday_, what I long feared came to pass.
My hired black Servants asked me leave after Dinner, to go to the
Burial of one of their acquaintance; and several of my white People
did the same, being desirous to see the Customs of the Blacks on this
occasion: In which indeed they are very ridiculous and expensive,
drinking as much Brandy and other Liquors, as the Circumstances of
the deceased Person will allow. I granted them all their request;
and by that means there remained only two white Men with me in the
Factory.
The Fire began about two a clock that afternoon, in the _Feticheer_’s
House, just opposite to our Door, which immediately taking Fire,
prevented our Escape that way. However in the first Surprize, I gave
my Box of Books and Accounts to one of my young Men, who ventured
through the Door-way with them, tho’ he was scorched by the Flames;
and so I luckily saved them. My next care was to save our _Gold_,
which I kept in a large _Dutch_ Chest, thinking it safer there than
in a Portmanteau, or a small Box, which our black Servants might have
been tempted to run away with. But, in the hurry, I could not find
the Key of the Chest, to take the Money out; and the Fire having
taken hold of the Thatch of the room wherein it stood, I and the
other white Man then remaining with me, took it up, and carried it
into the Apartments belonging to the Duke’s Women: Where we met him
and his Brother with many People, going to endeavour to stop the
Fire, by unthatching the adjoining Houses; but the Flames were got to
such a head, that they were soon forced to fly before them. My Man
and I having carried the Chest through several windings and turnings
in the Duke’s Houses, we began to be quite tired, (for it was very
heavy) when, just in the nick of time, five black People came running
towards us, and the way was so narrow they could not easily pass by
us. One of these Men I knew, who spoke good _English_, “so I desired
him and the others to save the Chest, for which I would well reward
them.” He answered, “They durst not assist me; being obliged, on
no less a Penalty than the loss of their Heads, to go and save the
Duke’s Goods.” By good fortune I had my Cane then hanging on my
Wrist, which I used to such purpose, that two of them immediately
took up the Chest; whereupon I let the other three pass by: So, with
the help of the two Men I had obliged to assist us, we got the Chest
at last over a Wall ten foot high, into the Street, and so to the
_Dutch_ Factory in safety. But we had the Misfortune to lose in our
Factory a large quantity of Goods, with all my Necessaries, except
what was in the Chest. All the Duke’s houses, and the greatest part
of his Furniture was destroyed; but his Brother’s were preserved, by
unthatching the Houses that stood next his Court. I think, for the
time this Fire lasted, which was but about an hour, nothing could
be fiercer or quicker; and had it happened in the night, we should
certainly have been burnt; for we could never have found our way
out, amongst so many Turnings and Windings, as were in the Dukes
Apartments.
When the hurry was pretty well over, the Lord of _Jaqueen_ inquired
after me, being under some concern about me; for he did not see me as
he passed along in his Brother’s Rooms: As soon as he was informed
of my Safety, he sent a Messenger to enquire, “How I did, after so
severe a Misfortune?”
It is remarkable, we could never learn how this Fire happened, for
tho’ I often press’d the Duke to make an inquiry after it, yet he
always declined it; which I believe was on account of his Brother’s
_Feticheer_, in whose Family the Fire began. However, they were so
wise as not to let them repair their Houses, but obliged them to
build further from the Court which belonged to the Duke.
Adjoining to the _Feticheer_’s House that was burnt, there was a
large square Court, adorned with many handsome Trees that grew
round it. In the middle of this place stood the Lord of _Jaqueen_’s
_Fetiche_. It was made in the fashion of a large Hay-cock, and
covered over with Thatch: On the top of this was placed a dead Man’s
Scull, before which Offerings were made for the Duke’s Health and
Preservation. This _Fetiche_ escaped being burn’d, tho’ all the
Houses adjoining to the Court wherein it stood were consum’d. This
was cryed up by the People as a great Miracle; saying, “Their Lord’s
God had taken care to preserve his own House:” Tho’ by what I could
judge it was impossible this _Fetiche_ should be burn’d, because
it was at a considerable distance from the Fire, and guarded by so
many Trees full of Branches and Leaves. But it was in vain to argue
against their superstitious Notion.
After this Misfortune, I sent my People on board to get them more
necessaries; during which time I remained in the _Dutch_ Factory.
On their return ashore, I was obliged, tho’ much against my will,
to take a new-built house belonging to the Duke, but finding no one
durst let me one (which it seems had been forbidden for the sake of
the Duke’s Advantage) I complied. But what I feared came to pass, for
we all got Fevers in a few days after we had been in this House.
About ten days after this, another terrible Fire happened, which
began in a _Portuguese_ Factory, and in this manner. A _Negroe_ Cook
frying some Fish in Palm-Oyl, the Oyl took fire; and he imprudently
throwing Water thereon, the Flame of the Oyl ran up the side of the
Wall, (for the _Negroe_ Houses have no Chimneys) and instantly fired
the Thatch. Whereupon the Wind then blowing very fresh, it spread in
a moment and consumed, in two hours time, one third of the Town, in
which stood several thousands of their little Houses: However, this
did not come near our Factory.
Soon after this, my People grew so bad, that I was obliged to send
them on board the Ship, and have others ashore in their room: In
a little while after, the House we had been burnt out of, being
repaired, we removed into it; and by this means had the Opportunity
of seeing daily thousands of People bring _Bamboes_ and Thatch, to
repair the Duke’s Houses with; it being the Custom of the Country so
to do, when either their Lord or his Brother wants it. But the noise
of the People’s Musick, and antick dancing, on this occasion, gave me
much Disturbance: Moreover, Trade continuing still very dull, it gave
me no little concern; and having got rid of my Fever for a few days,
it returned again. Being in these unhappy Circumstances, I received
advice, that two of my Owner’s Ships were arrived in the Road of
_Jaqueen_. Whereupon I left my Factory, and went on board my Ship;
and there, the Commanders of the other two and I agreed, “It would be
for our Owner’s Interest that I should go directly for _England_.”
So, delivering to one of them what _Negroes_ I had on Board, and
receiving what Elephants Teeth, and Gold they had, I left the Road of
_Jaqueen_ the first day of _May_: And having had a fine Passage, in
which I intirely lost my Fever, and recovered my Strength a little, I
arrived safe in the River of _Thames_ the 13th of _July_ 1730.
ADDITIONS
_To the foregoing Account_.
As the Publication of this Book has been deferred till the Winter
Season, it may not be unacceptable to the Reader, to have a farther
Account of the King of _Dahomè_, according to the latest Advices come
from those Parts.
I ended the first Book with an account of that King’s having
concluded a Peace with the most powerful of his Enemies, the King of
_J-oe_. This put the _Europeans_ then residing at _Jaqueen_ in great
hopes, that those Countries would be settled, and Trade flourish
again; tho’ at my departure from that Place, in _May_ 1730, I saw but
little prospect of it: And indeed it has been quite ruined since, by
the Destruction of the Country of _Jaqueen_, on the 22nd of _March_
1731-2.
For the King of _Dahomè_ being a restless ambitious Prince, instead
of endeavouring (after the concluding of the Peace with the _J-oes_)
to settle his conquered Countries, he marched far Inland against a
Nation called the _Yahoos_.
These People valiantly defended themselves for many Months, having
retired amongst their Mountains and Woods, where they were besieged
by the _Dahomes_. The rainy Season coming on, the _Dahomè_ Soldiers
were desirous of returning to their own Country, but the King was
highly incensed at it, and put several of the principal Officers to
death, only for mentioning it to him. This caused great Murmurings in
the Army, which were increased by their Sufferings from the Rains; so
that some of his Captains deserted him with many Soldiers, amongst
whom was one of his Sons, who fled with four thousand Men to the King
of _Weemey_.
Finding himself in these Circumstances, he resolved to make one grand
Effort on the _Yahoos_, in which he prevailed; but tho’ he beat them
out of their Fastnesses, he gain’d little by it, they making a brave
Retreat, in which his wearied Soldiers could not pursue them; and
soon after he returned to his own Country, with the loss of most of
his Forces and of his Reputation.
At this the People of _Jaqueen_ were not a little pleased; for they
always stood in fear of him, but now began to entertain Hopes, he
might at last be destroyed.
There resided at that Place, a _Dutch_ Gentleman named _Mynheer
Hertog_. This Person carried on a considerable Trade, with the help
of his black Servants, into several distant Countries, by means of
a River that runs from _Jaqueen_ into the Bay of _Bennin_. Having
gained a great influence over the King of _Jaqueen_, they often
consulted together, sending private Messages by the Traders to the
King of _Weemey_, and other neighbouring Princes, to stir them
up against the King of _Dahomè_, and withal supplied them with
Ammunition. Of this the King of Dahomè having received Intelligence,
and also that the People of _Jaqueen_ were going to build a
Fortification by the Directions of the _Europeans_ residing there; he
resolved to attack them, in order to be revenged.
The better to deceive them, he gave out, that he intended a second
Expedition far inland: And to blind the _Jaqueen_ Spies, he gave
Order to his General to march towards the inland Parts, but in the
Night the Army wheeled about, and with great Expedition (tho’ there
were above fifteen thousand men in this Army) they came by the way of
_Whidaw_ to _Jaqueen_, without being discovered, till they were just
entring the Town.
As the People of _Jaqueen_ stood always in dread of the King of
_Dahomè_, (as I have just now mention’d) they kept in readiness a
great many _Cannoes_ in the River that runs on the back part of
the Town, to save themselves, in case they should be attacked and
defeated. But being now surprized, they had little time to provide
for their own Safety: However, the King and many of his principal
People escaped in the Cannoes, to an Island he had fortified against
such an Accident, and which lies in the middle of the River towards
_Appah_. By that means he escaped the fury of the _Dahomes_; but he
lost all his Riches, and, to add to his Misfortune, his Mother, (that
was highly reverenced by him and his People) was taken Prisoner by
the Enemy, and carried to the King of _Dahomè_; and what became of
her afterwards is unknown.
_Mynheer Hertog_, the _Dutch Chief_, was at dinner, when the
_Dahomes_ entered the Town: And knowing how obnoxious he had made
himself to their King, he immediately fled, being defended by four
hundred of his People from the Enemy, till he got into a Cannoe;
and then they shifted for themselves. He lost every thing in the
Factory, which at that time was full of _European Goods_ to a very
great Value. This Gentleman escaped to _Appah_, which lies on the Sea
Coast, about ten Leagues to the eastward of _Jaqueen_. He was kindly
received by the King and People, who have a great aversion for the
_Dahomes_.
In the Town of _Jaqueen_ the Conquerors met with a great deal of
Plunder, the Inhabitants not having had time to carry any thing away.
But not satisfied with this, they made, according to their barbarous
Custom, a terrible Carnage of the People; and to compleat the
Destruction of the Country, set all the Towns and Villages on fire.
There were at this time in _Jaqueen_ several _Europeans_, who fared
little better than the Natives; their Factories being plundered
of every thing. Amongst the rest there was Captain _Robert More_
Commander of the _Squirrel Galley_, belonging to the late _Humphrey
Morrice_ Esq; This Gentleman being taken Prisoner with the white
Men in his Factory, (as the _French_ and _Portuguese_ also were in
theirs) was obliged to travel with them to the King of _Dahomè_, who
then resided at _Ardra_, about fifty Miles within Land. And they were
not so much as provided with Hammocks, or any other Carriages, but
forced to walk on foot in the scorching Sun, which had like to have
kill’d them.
Upon their appearing before the King, Captain _More_ complained
of his hard usage; telling his Majesty, “They had had no Victuals
nor any Refreshment since they had been taken Prisoners.” The King
thereupon rose up, and went into an inner room; whence coming out
again with a Hatchet in his Hand, the sight of it so frightned some
of the _Portuguese_, that they fell on their Knees to implore his
Mercy; imagining their Heads were going to be cut off. But Captain
_More_ severely upbraiding them for their cowardly Behaviour, so
disgraceful to white Men, they rose up: And had soon after the
pleasure of seeing a small Cask of Beef opened with it, and several
pieces ordered to be dress’d for them. This Cask of Beef, it seems,
was found by the Soldiers in the Captain’s Factory, and sent up with
other Plunder, to the King, the day before.
Then they were distributed according to their different Nations,
and put under the care of several great Men. Captain _More_ and his
People were delivered to _Allegee_ the _English_ Cabocier; (as he
was termed) that is, the Person appointed to Trade with them in
particular. This black Gentleman treated them with great Civility;
but they had the Mortification, a few days after, to hear, he was
seized and beheaded; tho’ they could never learn the Cause.
It seems the King of _Dahomè_ is grown exceedingly cruel towards his
People, being always suspicious, that Plots and Conspiracies are
carrying on against him: So that he frequently cuts off some of his
great Men on bare Surmises. This, added to the many Disappointments
he has met with from the _J-oes_, has so soured his Temper, that
he is likewise greatly altered towards the _Europeans_, as Captain
_More_ experienced. For this Gentleman had been at his Camp formerly,
and was known to him soon after the Conquest of _Whidaw_, as I have
related in the former part of this Book.
Besides, both King and People continue as savage as ever, tho’ they
have conversed for several Years past with white Men. For one day
the Council having begged a Captive, his Majesty readily gave them
one, whom they killed and feasted on.
But to return to Captain _More_. He and the other _Europeans_ having
continued a good while Prisoners, Mr. _Dean_, the _African_ Company’s
Governor of the Fort at _Whidaw_, came to _Ardra_, and interceded
with the King for them: Representing, “As they had been at _Jaqueen_
only on account of Trade, it was very unjust to detain them.” With
these and many other Arguments, he at last obtained their Freedom:
And a Guard was ordered to see Captain _More_ safe down to _Jaqueen_.
But he reflecting on the hard usage he had received at that place
from the Soldiers, when at first taken Prisoner; and that they still
were encamped there, he chose to go by the way of _Whidaw_: From
whence he got on board a _French_ Ship, and borrowed their Boat,
which carried him to his own Ship, that lay in the Road of _Jaqueen_.
From this and the foregoing Account the Reader may observe, that
now all the Countries near the Sea side, which the King of _Dahomè_
could possibly get at, are not only conquered, but also turned into
Desolation, with the Inland Parts, in so terrible a manner, that
there is no Prospect of Trade’s reviving there again for many Years,
or at least so long as the Conqueror lives. What little there is, is
carried on chiefly at _Appah_, a place secured from him by a Morass
and a River.
_The End of_ BOOK I.