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IV

A VOYAGE IN THE SLAVE TRADE (Continued)

Wednesday, Jany. 1st. 1800.

HE commencement of a New Year and a new

Century. This is commonly a day of rejoicing

among civilized people, a day of greeting and good wishes among friends. But between me and my friends (if I have any) rolls the immense Atlantic. Yes, I commence the New Year 500 miles in the interior of Africa. Well-what of that-tho' far distant from the country that gave me birth, tho' separated from the friends I love— yet my warmest wishes are with them and the same Benign Power to whom I commend them, I trust will still protect me-wherever I wander.

In the evening went with Capt. Tye in his sloop to Tuncacunda a port about 6 leagues up the river. Was present at a Mundingo wedding and much diverted with the novelty of the scene.

Saturday, Jany. 4th. Early in the morning returned from Tuncacunda—and having received on board several passengers prepared to go down the river to-morrow.

Sunday, Jany. 5th. At 2 P.M. there being a fresh breeze down the river, weighed and made sail from Newport-flood tide against us. The breeze soon failing dropt

*Slaves.

anchor and waited till ebb tide-then with a boat ahead proceeded.

Monday, Jany. 6th. Proceeded down the river-At day break a Canoe came along-side and brought me a note from Capt. N. Gladding informing me of his arrival in a Sloop from Bristol-that he was proceeding up the river -that he left our Bristol friends all well &c.

Tuesday, Jany. 7th. Just above Cowa met Capt. Gladding-we both came to-spent several hours in conversation with him. Altho' only one month later than me from Bristol yet it gave me the greatest satisfaction to hear of the welfare of my friends. In the evening he proceeded up the river and I went on to Cowa. My Cooper and Cook both unwell, to-day I gave the former an emetic.

Wednesday, Jany. 8th. At Meridian weighed and made sail-with a fine breeze, and at 8 P.M. came too off Dumasansa Creek on which is a town where once was a Portugese factory. My Cooper continuing ill and having a high fever I bled him. Three more of my people sick and Mr. Luther, the Mate, beginning to complain. opposite Dumasansa. The

Bled Potter and gave him

Thursday, 9th. Lying Cooper I think a little better. an Emetic. Job Lawton sick to-day, both he and the Mate have declined being let blood or taking an Emetic. I fear they will suffer for their obstinacy-being in great want of Coin* went up to the town with my Linguister.

*"In the earliest days rum was the best article for the purchase of slaves. At the end of the eighteenth century when slaves were obtained

It is about 5 miles up the Creek and returning in the middle of the day against flood tide, not a whisper of air and the direct rays of a vertical sun over my head. By the time I arrived on board I could scarcely stand or see. Determine to sweat to-night. Having but 2 men well I dare not take physic. Our situation is critical, but while I have the smallest portion of health or strength left they shall be exerted for the recovery of my People and the Success of the Voyage. Wrote with a trembling hand and swimming head.

Friday, Jany. 10th. Having sweat well last night I this day feel a little better. Gave Job Lawton an Emetic. Last night Louis taken sick, blooded him to-day. I have but one man now able to come on Deck. I am hardly able to crawl and have 50 souls on board.* 'Tis gloomyyes-but Hope, sweet flatterer still deceives.

Saturday, 11th Jany. At day-break sent my Linguister to Dumasansa. Finding myself much worse took an Emetic-not a soul to come near me. Some of my people a little better, but none able to go on Deck.

Tuesday, 14th. We are proceeding slowly down the river-how we get along God only knows. Yesterday I mustered strength enough to bleed myself. My only well Man, James, taken down last night. Bled and physik'd him this morn'g. Bled Joshua and gave him an emetic.

chiefly by murderous raids, arms were of first consequence. And then when the slavers established great depots and barracoons on the slavecoast a time came when coin was wanted more than any other commodity."-The American Slave Trade.

* Referring to the consignment of slaves.

I am not able to crawl on Deck but without eating or sleeping I am obliged night and day to attend to those who are sicker than myself.

Wednesday, 15th-Thursday, 16th. I think probably lost several days. Dropt anchor at Sea-all alive and that's all.

Wednesday, Jany. 29th, 1800. I quitted my journal with an aching head and throbbing heart, and now I renew it, if possible, in a more distressing situation. My Mate and one man gone to the Shades-the rest, all but one, able to go on Deck tho' all very weak—and myself can crawl ashore about once in two days, and find about half that is due me ready.* Flatter myself with sailing in 20 days at furthest―Capt. Gladding came down night before last -on board me yesterday, concerting scheme for my assistance-but Mark!-last night a little sloop from Goree with 16 men, armed with muskets took possession and huzza for Goree !!† Coming out of the river felt better -but on the passage had a relapse which has left me weak low and feverish. Did not reach Goree till Monday, Feby. 3d. All landed same day-a good room provided and indeed on the passage and ashore every personal attention has been paid us.

Goree, Thursday, Feby. 6th, 1800. Met with a Mr. Smith owner and Supercargo of a Danish Brig from St. Thomas last from Senegal-purchasing gum &c.-expect

* Slaves.

†The "little sloop" was a French privateer. Goree is still a French colonial settlement. It lies on a rocky island a mile southeast of the point of Cape Verde, and exports some gold dust and ivory.

ing to be long on the coast and then bound for Europe. No vessell here or at Senegal for the West Indies. Mr. S. made me friendly offers of assistance. His brig sails this day down the coast a little, to return in 2 or 3 weeks.

Friday, Feby. 7th. Had my second audience of the Governor. Gave in my deposition, prepared by them in French. As the papers must finally go to Senegal I prepared a memorial to the Gov. Genl. to accompany them. Saturday, Feby. 8th. Mr. St. John, a very respectable inhabitant and a noted friend to Americans called to see me-Mr. Pippin a noted merchant sent for me to his house-Myself and people thank God-all getting better. (illegible) by chance perhaps a beef bone to make soup. As to vegetables or fruit of any kind whatever you might as well look for an honest man. This makes it very hard for Invalids-and an Invalid I fear I shall be long.

Anxious days and wearisome nights are appointed unto me-when I lie down I say when shall I arise and the night be gone; and I am full of tossings to and fro till the dawning of the day, but-wherefore should a living man complain—I am better-I can even walk the streets morning and evening-walk-no-I can crawl and drag about with me a poor emaciated frame.

Tuesday, Feby. 25th. What can be more tedious than a continual state of suspense and expectation! On the 8th of this month a Courier was despatched from hence to Senegal with my papers. I was taught to expect his return in 10 days 'tis now 17 days and no news of the