A new account of Guinea, and the slave-trade

Chapter 2: TO THE MERCHANTS OF LONDON,

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About This Book

The narrative combines eye‑witness travel reportage, military history, and commercial observation: it recounts a West African kingdom's recent conquest and the author's visit to the conqueror's camp where he witnessed captive sacrifices; explains how captives are taken and prepared for the Atlantic slave trade, estimates export practices and shipboard management including mutinies, argues about the trade's legality, and relates the author's capture by pirates and other maritime hazards. Interspersed are coastal descriptions, notes on local customs, and a contemporary map intended to inform merchants and seafarers.

TO THE
MERCHANTS
OF
LONDON,

Trading to the Coast of Guinea.

Gentlemen,

SOME of you having been pleased to peruse the following Sheets in Manuscript, and been so kind, as to express your Approbation of them, it hath incouraged me to make them publick; and I take the Liberty to address them to the Merchants trading to the Coast of Guinea, as being the best Judges of the Truth of what is here related.

As it has been my good Fortune to be known for many Years to most of you, and to have received Favours from several amongst You, so I beg leave to subscribe my self, with the greatest Respect and Esteem, Gentlemen,

Your most obliged
humble Servant,
W. SNELGRAVE.