in the neighbourhood of Senegal only; it is also found on most parts
of the coast, though the negroes have not yet got into the practice
of collecting it, which they might do with very little trouble. My
fellow-traveller, Dr. Sparrman, extracted a large quantity of the sap
of a small but most juicy tree, which grows in great abundance on the
coast, and exposing it to the sun for a few hours, had the satisfaction
to find it converted into an elastic gum, equal in all respects to that
which is known by the name of Indian rubber. The coast also produces a
great variety of the most valuable and beautiful woods, many of which
are scarcely known even to our botanists. I brought with me samples of
fourteen species, including one remarkable for its colour, which is
a very beautiful red. Among the different plants, which grow on the
coast, is a kind of aloes, of which the negroes make most excellent
ropes. Of several sorts of roots and leaves they make mats and baskets,
and their manufactures of this kind are really elegant;—this being
the principal art in which they appear to equal if not to excel the
Europeans.
_Minerals._——Except some trifling and unsuccessful attempts, made by
Chevalier de la Brue, in the beginning of this century, the Europeans
have never made any particular search for _Minerals_ on the coast,
which, however, it would be well worth while to attend to, especially
as it is well known in what abundance gold is found in the inland
parts, notwithstanding the negroes are very unskillful in collecting
it. An exact and regular examination of the metallick productions of
the mountains, particularly those of Sierra Leona, and the adjacent
country, would certainly be an object of great importance. In Gallam is
found a very tough and excellent kind of iron, and the negroes work it
with much ingenuity.[8]
SECT. V.
_Of the IMPEDIMENTS which will oppose European Settlements on the Coast
of Guinea._
CHAP. I.
_False Opinions._
The diminution of the value of the West Indian Islands will undoubtedly
be the strongest objection against forming settlements on the coast
of Guinea; but this objection, which is wholly resolvable into a
narrow policy, founded on false and interested principles, might be
easily obviated, if my necessary brevity would permit me to enter on
the discussion. To suppose that the European nations, which have West
Indian colonies, would be injured by forming others in Africa, is just
as unreasonable, as to suppose, that a man’s property would be injured
by putting him in possession of another estate, in addition to that
which he already enjoys. Allow the old colonies to be lessened in their
value, the loss will be more than compensated to the mother country, by
settlements formed in an extensive region, which yields spontaneously
the tropical productions now so much wanted in all luxurious and
civilized communities. I met the whole force of this objection on the
coast, and perceived clearly that this circumstance alone had hitherto
prevented the European governments from forming settlements in Africa.
I nevertheless saw that such settlements would be formed sooner or
later, and that they could not fail to acquire strength, and to produce
the most solid advantages to any nation possessed of them, especially
to that which shall first undertake so beneficial an enterprize.[9]
But if even the best monarchs be surrounded by courtiers, devoted to
partial and avaricious views, under the illusive semblance of national
interest, can it be expected that the light of enlarged policy,
dissipating the thick darkness in which they are enveloped, will
dispose them to adopt plans extensively beneficial to mankind, and
conformable to the great law of creation? Are not the governments of
the two most flourishing nations, England and France, who give laws to
the rest of Europe, influenced by powerful possessors of the ancient
colonies and opulent merchants of their productions? It is impossible
that information of so delicate a nature should be obtained pure and
unadulterated through the medium of surly, sordid planters and sugar
factors, who are acting only from a vile self-interest.[10]
CHAP. II.
_Of the Diseases._
The diseases to which the Europeans are subject from the climate
of the coast, may be reckoned among the greatest inconveniences to
establishments of white people in that part of the world. Fortunately,
however, they may in general be obviated by making choice of elevated
situations, and if possible by forming the first settlement on an
island; by keeping up the spirits of the new colonists, so that their
minds may be agreeably occupied to gratify the affections of the soul;
by accustoming them, as I have already observed, to a moderate degree
of exercise; guarding carefully against wet and damps in the rainy
seasons; by observing a good diet, or regularity of living, and keeping
the bowels open. Such precautions are the surest antidotes against most
of the bad effects usually resulting from a sudden change of climate.
It is a fact confirmed by observation, that, excepting accidental or
violent deaths or infections, disorders to which every country as
well as Africa are subject, the evils I have been speaking of, prevail
chiefly among that class of people, who suffer their brutal passions
to get the upper hand of their reason, and whose will and affections
always govern their intellectual faculties. Nothing is more common and
fatal among this class, than excess in drinking. Nevertheless there are
remedies on the spot well known among the negroes, which effectually
cure the diseases that cannot be escaped.
CHAP. III.
_Of Musketoes._
The musketoes are generally very troublesome; but as they are only
generated in stagnant and putrid water, it is easy to perceive that
this evil is not without a remedy; because by draining the marshes, and
by cultivating the land, the cause which produces them will in a great
measure be removed. It is likewise certain, that it is not difficult
to accustom one’s-self to them, and it is astonishing to see with what
unconcern the negroes walk quite naked, surrounded by swarms of those
insects, without regarding their attacks. Smoke, in general, is a good
preservative against them.[11]
CHAP. IV.
_Of Thorns and Thistles._
The inconveniences of thorns and thistles that grow wild in very great
abundance among the trees, bushes, and grass, are likewise an hindrance
to the commencement of cultivation; but if the negroes were employed
to pull them up, this obstacle would be of little consequence; for
they are so used and accustomed to them, that they make no scruple of
penetrating across the thickets which most abound with them. Besides,
the cultivation of the country will soon exterminate these impediments,
as well as many others.
SECT. VI.
_REFLECTIONS._
From all that has been said, as well as from many other particulars,
unnecessary to be repeated here, as they are already laid before the
publick, it is evident, that the slave trade is a _Commerce_, carried
to the highest pitch of human depravity, and it is to be feared that
its total suppression by all the Europeans nations is a thing more
to be wished for than expected at once, unless some of the civilized
nations were to unite in establishing colonies on the coast of Guinea.
May therefore every nation, seriously engaged in the cause of liberty,
consider this efficacious remedy with the strictest attention, and
reap the great advantage to be derived from the fruitful soil of this
vast part of the globe, by the effectual means already pointed out,
namely, that of Cultivation[12]. But, as the settling of new colonies,
and the gradual abolition of this trade, require the most scrupulous
attention, I venture to flatter myself, that from some experience and
application to this matter, I shall be able to excite every feeling
and disinterested mind, to view this grand object in a proper point
of light: I consider it therefore as a duty to lay before them the
following reflections.
Though it be usual to compare nations and their colonies to parents
and their children, yet in reality the comparison is not just, as
things are circumstanced at present.
In every individual family, what is so highly regarded, or esteemed so
highly interesting, so useful, directing the attention to sound policy,
as the human production or propagation of mankind? Where is that
parent, who not only strives to give his children as good an education
as he himself has received, but impelled by affection even endeavours
to elevate them into a superior state? Acting thus, has he any other
end than that of introducing them as active, zealous, and laborious
citizens, from a principle of usefulness, as reasonable, beneficent,
and religious fathers of future families, into that society, of which
he himself forms a part?
From what has been said it follows, that children, when they arrive at
the age of maturity, although they have been useful to their parents
during their minority; yet it is not to be inferred, that from a
principle of obligation or false gratitude, they ought inseparably
to abide by their parents throughout life. No! in a more advanced
age, nature and reason combine to emancipate and justify them, even
though opposed by their parents; when in their turn they independently
establish themselves, and lay a foundation for new families, which
augmenting the prosperity, and strength of the community, necessarily
promotes those of their parents. How could any society whatever
otherwise continue to exist? In a word, a child is fruit hanging on the
tree;—man, arrived to full growth, is separated therefrom, which, under
the direction of Providence, reproduces in its turn, a new tree that
may do honour to the forest.
The gratitude and filial attachment which a child constantly preserves
for those who gave him being, is always proportioned to the education
he has received from them, and to the tie which has been mutually
formed on both sides, during the state of non-age.
Societies at large ought to act precisely on the same principle in
forming colonies, since these are nothing else but their own children,
or the superfluity of their population.
When therefore a large Society thus gives birth to a small one, in the
establishing thereof, can it possess a more noble view than that of
regarding in the first place the interest of mankind, or _universal
Society_, and afterwards the advantage of its own colony or _Society in
particular_? Standing thus between them both, will not the happiness
of both center in itself? Does not the father of a family rejoice in
the happiness both of his country and his children? But is there any
colony existing founded on these truly humane principles? Does not
the education which the present colonies have received, and do still
receive from their interested and imprudent parents, prove the rankest
hatred between beings that ought to be united by the tenderest ties?
Whence proceeds the cause, that smaller societies have been compelled
by misunderstanding to separate from the greater which gave them
existence, but perverted education, combined with the false principle
of endeavouring to keep the child, arrived to its maturity perpetually
in leading firings, like an infant?
Since my short stay in London, I have weighed with the stricted
impartiality the argument for and against slavery; I hope, therefore,
I may be permitted to communicate my ideas on this delicate and
interesting subject, making man always the principal object of
comparison, as being the most exact form, and the most perfect model
existing in the creation.
No one will deny that the two distinct and principal faculties, which
essentially constitute man, are _Will_ and the _Understanding_: the
former is derived from some kind of love, and being from the birth
possessed by man in common with all other animals, he would become
even more savage and destructive, if he had not the opportunity in
society of cultivating his other faculty, the _Understanding_, which
by instruction is capable of infinite elevation. But when this latter
faculty comes to maturity, it then acquires a right of directing the
_Will_ in the way most conformable to wisdom, and bears the same
relation to it as a helm to a ship, which is constantly directed
thereby in the course most favourable to the voyage.
This elevation of the _Understanding_ above the _Will_ or _Passions_,
is the same as what we call _Education_ or _Civilization_, Education
with respect to every man in particular, and civilization to mankind in
general.
The greatest human societies may in general be divided into two
classes; the _civilized_ and the _uncivilized_; and the obligations
the former are under to the latter, are precisely the same as those of
parents towards their children. From this analogy between children and
uncivilized nations, it may then easily be concluded, that the one as
well as the other are governed by their passions, in consequence of
their understanding not being cultivated.
If we feel within us an interior but distinct voice, dictating that we
ought to seek our own happiness in promoting that of our posterity;
in ascending from particular to general, we shall also feel that
the instructed and civilized nations for their own advantage must
of necessity act unanimously for the happiness of the barbarous and
uncivilized.
If the tutelage of children be regarded as a period of slavery, I
allow that the civilized nations have some right to exercise a certain
dominion over the uncivilized, provided that this happy dominion be
considered as a paternal yoke, and that the duration do not exceed the
period of the child’s maturity.
Let us then form new settlements along the African coast; settlements
which shall have no other aim than that of inviting those nations to
the riches which will arise from the cultivation of their own country,
and thence the enjoyment of civilization, to both which they are
capable of applying themselves with ardour and joy.—Let us thus on the
wreck of tyranny raise altars to humanity. Let us give to this weak,
timid, and ignorant people, a masculine and courageous education. Let
us make them feel the nobility of their origin, that under our tuition
they may become generous from sound political interest; and may they
no longer be slaves, but men. Let us for our own part freely assist
them in tilling the fine country they inhabit. Let us prove to those
innumerable multitudes of men, by the force of example, that they
possess the most fertile soil. Let us also, by example, teach them no
longer to suffer themselves to be torn from their native shores. Let
us teach them to shake off the irons, and to revenge themselves on the
blind tyrants, who shackle them, by becoming more useful to them in a
state of freedom.
_Note to Sec._ III. _and Chap._ I.
The following Circumstance is related by Mr. _de la Blancherie_, from
an _Extract of the Journal of his Voyages_, published at Paris, in 2
vols. 1775.[13]
An inhabitant of St. Domingo had a negro, who for a long time had
solicited for his liberty, and which he had fully merited by his
services; but that which ought to have procured it for him, was
precisely what prevented his master from granting it, namely, his
being essentially useful to him. The more the negro pressed to obtain
his freedom, which had been promised him, the more pretences were
found for eluding and deferring the execution of the promise; the
master himself no longer hid from his slave his great attachment to
him. Yet flattering as this kind of refusal was, far from diminishing
his desire of liberty, it served to encrease it. He resolved then
to employ another means, which was to buy his freedom; appreciating
himself according to the reasons his master had given him, for not
fulfilling his promise. In some parts of St. Domingo, the inhabitants
do not enter into the detail of the food and clothing of their negroes.
They give them two hours in a day for cultivating a certain portion of
land, granted to them for their subsistence; those who are industrious,
not only obtain what is necessary, but even that which enables them
to carry on a commerce, more or less considerable, according to their
ability. Our black, at the end of some years, gained more money than
was requisite to redeem himself, and presenting the gold to his
master, told him that he was resolved to gain his liberty, and offered
to pay the price of another negro. The planter surprized, says to him,
“Go, I have sufficiently trafficked in my fellow-creatures, enjoy what
is your own: you have restored me to myself.” He immediately sold his
plantation, and only remained long enough at St. Domingo to collect
his property. He returned to France, and in the way to his province,
was obliged to pass through Paris. Remaining in that seductive town,
he spared nothing that could give an idea of that opulence which is
attached to the name of an _American_. Women, high living, gaming,
parties of pleasure of all kinds, he gave himself up to, without
restraint, embracing every opportunity of expence. His fortune was
soon dissipated. In that wretched situation, it was necessary to
determine on something, but on what was the question. To remain in
France a ruined man was impossible; to return to the islands, what an
embarrassing humiliation. Nevertheless, on reflection, he flattered
himself he should find more resources there than elsewhere, depending
rather on the attachment of those whose fortunes he had made in St.
Domingo, than on the friendship of those who had been the promoters
of his ruin in France, he determined to embark. His arrival at the
Cape surprized every body acquainted with his misfortune. They pitied
him, but no one gave him the least assistance. His ancient friends
only permitted him to be a witness of the pleasures he had procured
them, without making him a partaker in their enjoyments. Many who had
personal obligations to him, were never at home when he visited them; a
dreadful example this, joined to many others which present themselves
daily, and are yet insufficient to prevent men from desiring to form
such connexions. Thus reduced to live in the wretched inns on the
port, which are only suited to the poorest, he had not yet been to
see his negro; whether he had been prevented from not knowing where
he was, or from being ashamed of presenting himself in the condition
to which he was reduced, I know not; but the black, who had a house,
having learnt his misfortune, and discovered his retreat, soon threw
himself at the feet of his dear master and benefactor (for these were
the terms he made use of) accompanied with tears at considering his
situation. His zeal was not confined to words, he made him master in
his house; but on reflection, putting himself in his place, he saw his
self-love mortified by the contempt inseparable from indigence, and
the pain which is induced by the consciousness of being in a state of
dependance; he felt all the weight his benefits must have on a generous
and liberal mind. “My dear master,” said he, embracing his knees, “I
owe to you all I am; dispose of every thing I have, quit this country,
where your past misfortunes will give birth to new ones; abandon
those ungrateful people whom you did not oblige with a view to their
future services.” How shall I be able to live in France? “Ah, my dear
master, shall your slave be happy enough to induce you to accept of a
tribute of his gratitude? will you do him that kindness?” The master
quite affected, knew not how to answer. The negro continued, “fifteen
hundred livres, will that be sufficient?” Ah, it will certainly be too
much answered the master, dissolved in tears. Immediately the black
quitted him, and returning, put into his possession a deed, which
insured him for life fifteen hundred livres. The planter is now in
France, and actually receives every year his pension, six months in
advance. The negro’s name is Lewis Desrouleaux, and I saw him at the
Cape, where he continued to keep house.
FINIS.
ADVERTISEMENT.
The Author has lately published TWO VIEWS of the COAST of GUINEA,
with separate Descriptions, embellished with four small Prints.—In
these Views are introduced some historical facts related in this
pamphlet, pages 9, 11, & 12. The size 22 inches by 17, and the
price 15s.—His view, in undertaking to publish them, was more
essentially to serve the cause of humanity, and he has therefore
offered them at the same price which they cost him, not wishing
to have any emolument from this sale.—They are to be had of the
Author, No. 6, in the Poultry; at Mr. J. Phillips’s, George-Yard,
Lombard-Street; Mr. B. Evans, Printseller, in the Poultry; Mr. S.
Walter, Homer’s Head, Charing-Cross; Mr. W. Dickinson, Printseller,
No. 158, New-Bond-Street; Mess. Robson and Clarke, New-Bond-Street;
and Mr. B. Chastanier, No. 62, Tottenham-Court-Road.
[Illustration: (Decorative header line)]
ERRATUM.
Page 13, Line 16, for lum, read Salum.
[Illustration: (Decorative footer line)]
FOOTNOTES:
[1] The treatment the sex experience from the white traders on all
occasions, is such, as decency forbids me to describe.
[2] Since my arrival in London, this horrid practice has been
authenticated by the respectable authority of several French gentlemen.
[3] A remarkable and well authenticated proof of the above interesting
fact will be given at the end of this little tract.
[4] The marabous are the chief priests among the negroes, and are the
only people who can read and write Arabic.
[5] By LUXURY, I understand, all enjoyments beyond the necessaries of
mere animal life. Consequently to live in a civilized community is
already a sort of luxury; and if the cultivation of our understanding
be necessary, we ought also to be indulged in the use of a word which
is now so generally abused.
[6] It is worthy of remark, that since wine was substituted for the
brandy, which till within these last three years was served out to the
French troops on the coast, they have been incomparably healthier.
[7] The first considerable exportation of cotton and indigo from the
Coast to Europe, as far as I have been informed, was made in the year
1787, while I was at Goree, by a Frenchman, who had resided some time
in that island.
[8] The mineralogical observations made by my fellow-traveller, Capt.
Arrhenius, on that part of the coast where we travelled, particularly
respecting the Volcanoes, will undoubtedly prove very interesting, when
he has leisure to put them in proper order for publication.
OBSERVATION.——_I cannot omit to mention in this place, that Mr.
Geoffrey de Villeneuve, a young French officer, and skilful naturalist,
who made a very extensive journey in the year 1787 into the interior
parts of the country above Goree, will probably soon entertain
the publick with a faithful description thereof, so much the more
interesting, as he has with indefatigable pains and deep knowledge,
examined the disposition of the inhabitants, and the nature of the
country, in a manner which certainly will do honour to the philosophy
of this century._
[9] That it is necessary for a _free_, _commercial_, and _laborious_
nation to look out for foreign settlements, when _population_ and
_manufactured products_ encrease in a similar proportion, is a truth
as evident as that without _enlarging space_ for the former, and
_seeking for an emporium_ for the latter, the progress of _population_
and _commerce_ must necessarily and of course cease. Hence sound
policy dictates that the government of such a nation should with the
affectionate care of a provident father, prepare proper places for
receiving the superabundance of population and products—a principle
which few mother countries seem to have observed in the settlement
of colonies. In a future treatise the author will endeavour to shew,
that this fundamental mistake is the true cause of the ruinous and
unsupportable expence in which all the European colonies have involved
their respective mother countries. He will propose a plan, the adoption
of which he is of opinion would effectually prevent such ruinous
consequences in any settlement that may hereafter be established by
the Europeans. He will also enumerate the productions of the coast of
Guinea, and the European commodities preferred by the inhabitants,
adding some directions and cautions proper to be observed in trading
and conversing with them, together with several other interesting
particulars.