Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1788. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... I shall conclude with my best wishes for your health and happiness -t And believe me, Dear Sir, Your's truly. LETTER VII. Sierra-Leone, February 15, 1787. SEAR. SIR, Your last letter reached me, I presume, much sooner than, you would expect, as it was only five weeks from the date in coming to Africa. Your pointing out to me those subjects concerning which you wisli to be informed, is a pleasing and convincing proof of your confidence and esteem. teem. I shall make this letter the best answer I am able to your first inquiry, namely, the present slate and manner of the African trade., The Portuguese were the original discoverers of the whole coast of Africa, and most of the trading places still retain the names given them by the first adventurers; they also formed many considerable settlements, vestiges of which are still remaining, not more remarkable for the durability of the materials with which they were constructed, than the excellence of the situations, which no doubt were then, and still ' are, the best that could possibly be fixed upon for trade; but the only settlements they now have on the coast of Africa are, Loanga St. Paul's, and Bassou, and a small fort at Whydah; from the former, which is their prfncipal settlement, they send a great number of slaves to the Brasils. In the infancy of the African trade, gold, ivory, wax, gums, ostrich feathers, and fe? veral species of medicinal, and dye woods, constituted what might then be termed the staple commodities of the country, and which were purchased from the natives with glass beads, coarse woollen cloths, brandy; and and sundry coarse and cheap ornaments of brass or iron. Nor was it 'till the Europeans had formed settlements in the West Indies, that slaves became an article of traffick. In proportion a...
