Chapter VI: Book I (3)

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.

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.