A NEWACCOUNTOFGUINEA,And the Slave-Trade.
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Containing an Account of the Destruction of the Kingdom ofWhidaw,orFida;the Author’s Journey to the King ofDahomè’s Camp; with several other remarkable Particulars.
Containing an Account of the Destruction of the Kingdom ofWhidaw,orFida;the Author’s Journey to the King ofDahomè’s Camp; with several other remarkable Particulars.
FOR the better understanding of the following Relation, it is necessary to prefix some Account of the late State of the Country ofWhidaw, beforethe terrible Destruction and Desolation thereof, in the Month ofMarch 1726-7.
Description ofWhidaw,Sabee.
The Reader then is to observe, That the Sea-coast of this Kingdom lies in 6 Degrees 40 Minutes North Latitude.Sabee, the chief Town of the Country, is situate about seven Miles from the Sea side. In this Town the King allowed theEuropeansconvenient Houses for their Factories; and by him we were protected in our Persons and Goods, and, when our Business was finish’d, were permitted to go away in Safety. The Road where Ships anchored, was a free Port for allEuropeanNations trading to those Parts forNegroes. And this Trade was so very considerable, that it is computed, while it was in a flourishing State, there were above twenty thousandNegroesyearly exported from thence, and the neighbouring Places, by theEnglish,French,Dutch, andPortuguese. As this was the principal Part of all theGuineaCoast for the Slave Trade, the frequent Intercourse that Nation had for many Years carried on withthe white People (a) had rendered them so civilized, that it was a Pleasure to deal with them.
(a) So they call theEuropeans, in Opposition to theNegroes.
The greatest Inconvenience we were exposed to, was the Thievery of the common People, which it was hardly possible to guard intirely against; so bold and dextrous were they at it: Tho’ if taken in the Fact, they became our Slaves.
Polygamy.
The Custom of the Country allows Polygamy to an excessive degree; it being usual for a great Man to have some hundreds of Wives and Concubines, and meaner Men in proportion; whereby the Land was become so stock’d with People, that the whole Country appeared full of Towns and Villages: And being a very rich Soil, and well cultivated by the Inhabitants, it looked like an intire Garden. Trade having likewise flourished for a long time, had greatly enriched the People; which, with the Fertility of their Country, had unhappily made them so proud, effeminate, and luxurious, thattho’ they could have brought at least one hundred thousand Men into the Field, yet so great were their Fears, that they were driven out of their principal City, by two hundred of their Enemies; and at last lost their whole Country, to a Nation they formerly had contemned. And tho’ this may appear to the Reader very incredible, yet it will sufficiently be illustrated by the following Account.
Account of the King ofWhidaw.
The King ofWhidawcame to the Crown when about fourteen Years old, so that the Government was for many Years in the hands of the great Men of the Country; who liked it so well, that tho’ he was past thirty Years of Age when this Calamity happened, yet they had to this time sought all ways to keep him from a Knowledge of governing. This suited indeed with his Temper, for he was indolent and lascivious, having in his Court several thousands of Women, by whom he was served in all capacities; for no Men-servants were allowed to be there. Being thus soften’d by his Pleasures, he grew intirely negligent of his Affairs,which at last produced such a Weakness in the Government, that it ended in its Ruin. For the great Men played the petty Tyrants, often falling out, and pursuing their particular Interests, without regarding the Good of their King or Country. By this means the common People were divided, and such Parties arose among them, as, added to their Fears, rendered them a Prey to their Neighbours; so that tho’ they were able to have repelled any Force which could have been brought against them by the neighbouring Countries, they rather chose to abandon the Land, than join heartily against the common Enemy; who brought at this time on them such a terrible Desolation by the Sword, Fire and Famine, as hardly ever befel any Country.
The King ofDahomè’s Invasion.
This common Enemy was the King ofDahomè, a far inland Prince, who for some Years past had rendered himself famous, by many Victories gained over his Neighbours. He sent an Ambassador to the King ofWhidaw, requesting to have an open Traffick to the Sea side, and offeringto pay him his usual Customs onNegroesexported: which being refused, he from that time resolved to resent it, when Opportunity offered. This the King ofWhidawwas so far from apprehending, that in an Audience I had of him, soon after the Ambassador’s Departure, he told me; if the King ofDahomèshould offer to invade him, he would not use him when taken according to their Custom, that is, cut off his Head, but would keep him for a Slave to do the vilest Offices.
His Conquests.
And here ’tis necessary to make a short Digression concerning the King ofDahomè’s Conquests. Being a politick and couragious Prince, he had such Success against his Neighbours, in a few Years, that he conquered towards the Sea Coast, as far as the Kingdom ofArdra, which is the next inland Country adjoining toWhidaw; and then resolved to remain quiet for some time, in order to settle his Conquests. But an Accident soon called him again to Arms, for the King ofArdrahaving much injured his own Brother,namedHussar; the latter sent privately to the King ofDahomè, and offered him a large Sum of Money to revenge him for the many Affronts he had receiv’d from the King his Brother. This the politick Prince soon listen’d to; and the King ofArdrahaving discovered the Matter, sent to theWhidaws, representing to them, it was their common Interest to oppose this Conqueror; but they most imprudently refused to lend him their Assistance. So being obliged to encounter alone the King ofDahomè, he met him with all the Forces he could raise, which was about fifty thousand Men of his own People, and after a three Days Engagement, his Army was totally defeated, and himself taken Prisoner. Soon after which he was beheaded in the Conqueror’s Presence according to the barbarous Custom of these black Princes.
Bullfinch Lambe.
There was at that time in the Country ofArdraa white Gentleman, namedBullfinch Lambe, who was detained Prisoner by the King on this occasion: Having been sent by the Governour of theAfrican Company’s Settlement atJaqueen, on some Business to the King ofArdra, this Prince detained him, under pretence the Company owed him for one hundred Slaves, formerly sent down to their Factory; and he sent word to the Governour, if he did not forthwith pay him this Debt, he would make Mr.Lambea Slave. Which the Governour refusing to do, he remained a Prisoner about two Years, being used very hardly ’till he was taken in this War by the King ofDahomè: Being brought into the King’s Presence (who had never before seen a white Man) he was treated very kindly by his Majesty, and had, in a short time after, a Houshold appointed for him with many Servants, and the King bestowed on him some of his near Relations for Wives. Having remained with this Prince near three Years, he was at his own earnest Desire, dismiss’d with a noble Present of Gold and Slaves, in order to go forEurope: And his Majesty by a Messenger, to the Towns and Villages he passed through, in his way toJaqueenon the Sea side, ordered theInhabitants to shew him all possible Respect, and provide nobly for his Entertainment.
Whidawinvaded.
After this Gentleman’s Departure, the King ofDahomèresolved to invade the Country ofWhidaw; which, as I have been told, Mr.Lambehad dissuaded him from; representing the great number of the Inhabitants, who were much used to Fire-Arms. Moreover, that the white People resident and trading there, would no doubt assist them for their own Interest: So that there was no probability of Success. But this politick Prince finding by his Spies, how much the great Men and People were divided, and that the King was only a Cypher in the Government; he marched against them. The first part of the Country he invaded was the northernmost, of which a great Lord namedAppragahwas hereditary Governour, who forthwith sent to his King for Assistance: But through the Interest of his Enemies at Court, who wished his Destruction, he was refused: So having made a little Resistance, he submitted tothe King ofDahomè, who received him very kindly.
The Conquest ofAppragahgave the King an easy Entrance into the Heart of the Country; but he was obliged to halt there by a river, which runs about half a Mile to the northward of the principal Town of theWhidaws, calledSabee, the Residence of their King. Here the King ofDahomèencamped for some time, not imagining he could have found so easy a Passage and Conquest as he met with afterwards. For the Pass of the River was of that Nature, it might have been defended against his whole Army, by five hundred resolute Men; but instead of guarding it, these cowardly luxurious People, thinking the fame of their numbers sufficient to deter theDahomesfrom attempting it, kept no set Guard. They only went every Morning and Evening to the River side, tomake Feticheas they call it, that is, to offer Sacrifice to their principal God, which was a particular harmlessSnakethey adored, and prayed to on this occasion, to keep their Enemies from coming over the River.
Snakes worshipped.
And, as worshiping a Snake may seem very extravagant to such as are unacquainted with the Religion of theNegroes, I shall inform the Reader of the Reasons given for it by the People ofWhidaw. This sort of Snake is peculiar to their Country, being of a very singular Make; for they are very big in the middle, rounding on the Back like a Hog, but very small at the Head and Tail, which renders their Motion very slow. Their Colour is yellow and white, with brown Streaks; and so harmless, that if they are accidentally trode on (for it is a capital Crime to do it wilfully) and they bite, no bad Effect ensues; which is one Reason they give for their worshipping of them. Moreover, there is a constant Tradition amongst them, that whenever any Calamity threatens their Country, by imploring the Snake’s Assistance, they are always delivered from it. However this fell out formerly, it now stood them in no stead; neither were the Snakes themselves spared after the Conquest. For they being in great Numbers, and a kind of domestickAnimals, the Conquerors found many of them in the Houses, which they treated in this manner: They held them up by the middle, and spoke to them in this manner:If you are Gods, speak and save your selves: Which the poor Snakes not being able to do, theDahomescut their Heads off, ripped them open, broiled them on the Coals, and eat them. It is very strange, the Conquerors should so far contemn the Gods of this Country, since they are so barbarous and savage themselves, as to offer human Sacrifices whenever they gain a Victory over their Enemies; an Eye-Witness to which I was, as hereafter shall be related.
But to return to the King ofDahomè. He was so politick as to send to theEuropeans, then residing atWhidaw, to assure them, if they stood neuter, and were not found in Arms they should receive no Damage in their Persons or Goods, in case he proved Conqueror; and that he would ease their Trade, and remove divers Impositions laid on it by the King ofWhidaw: On the contrary, if theyappeared against him, they must expect his Resentment. But they were in a Dilemma; for tho’ the King ofWhidawdid not desire otherwise, yet they would gladly have retired fromSabeeto two mud-walled Forts, belonging to theEnglishandFrench African Companies, which are within three Miles of the Sea side. However, finding it would have been resented by the King as a Discouragement to his People, they were obliged to remain in the Town, never suspecting the Inhabitants would have run away in the cowardly manner they did; or that they should share the Fate of War with them.
The Pass of the River being, as I have related above, wholly left to the Care of the Snakes, whom the Enemy little feared; and they having observed for several Days, that theWhidawskept no set Guard there, it encouraged the King ofDahomè’s General to send two hundred of his Soldiers to ford the River: Which having done without Opposition, and being bold Fellows, they marched towardsthe Town ofSabee, sounding their musical Instruments. This was about three a Clock in the Afternoon, and the Outguards of the Town were almost all asleep; but being roused by the Noise of the Enemy’s Musick and Shouts, they fled into the Town, reporting, that all theDahomèArmy was got over the River: Which soon reaching the King’s Ear, he immediately fled, with all his People, making no Resistance. I was informed by the white People, then in theEnglishandFrenchForts, that about five a Clock the same Afternoon, they saw such Numbers of People flying from all Parts of the Country towards the Sea side, that it was very surprizing: For the Fields were covered with them many Miles round, and their black Colour made them the more conspicuous in a clear sunshiny Day, on a fine flat champaign Country. The King, with a great number of his Subjects fled to an Island on the Sea Coast, which was parted from the main Land by a River, having ferried over in Canoes; but a great many that could not have the sameBenefit, being hurried on by their Fears, were drowned in the Rivers, in attempting to swim to the Islands lying nearPopoe; which was the next neighbouring Country to their own, on the Sea Coast to the Westward; and where they might have been secure from their Enemies, had they escaped. Moreover, many thousands of these poor People that sheltered themselves up and down the Country among the Bushes, perished afterwards by Sword and Famine.
But now to return to theDahomèSoldiers: When they first came toSabee, it seems they marched directly to the King’s Court, where not finding him, they set it on Fire; and then sent their General word of what had happened, who brought the whole Army over the River that Evening. He was in such a Surprize at his good Fortune, that he could hardly believe what he saw; and the white Gentlemen were as much amazed, to see the great Cowardice of these People, who had vapoured so highly, and as ignominiously quitted, the Town without opposingtheir Enemies in the least, leaving them intirely in the Power of the Conquerors, with all their own Riches. Mr.Duport, who was then theAfrican Company’s Governour, told me, that when theDahomèSoldiers, who had never seen white Men before, came to his House, they stood in amaze, and would not venture near him, till he beckon’d and held out his Hand to them. Whereupon they laid hold on him, and finding him a Man like themselves in all Respects, except Colour, soon laid aside their Reverence; and taking from him what he had valuable in his Pockets, made him Prisoner, with about forty other white Men,English,French,DutchandPortuguese, who were served in the same manner. Amongst them wasJeremiah TinkerEsq; who had just before resigned theAfrican Company’s Affairs to Mr.Duport, and designed, if this Accident had not prevented him, to have embarked in a few Days forEngland. But SegnorPereirathePortugueseGovernour, had the good Fortune to escape fromSabee, to theFrenchFort. He told me,he was in great fear of being smothered in the Press of the flying People, whom he could hardly keep off with his Dagger, from the Hammock he was carried in on Mens Shoulders. The Day after the taking of the Town ofSabee, the white Men taken Prisoners, were sent into the Country to the King ofDahomè, who lay then encamped with another Army, about forty Miles off in the Kingdom ofArdra; some Hammocks being provided for the principal white People amongst them, which is the usual way of travelling in this Country for Gentlemen either white or black.
Mr.Duportfurther told me, that as soon as they came into the Camp, they were separated according to their Nations, being delivered to, and put under the Care of, several principal black Gentlemen. At first they were badly accommodated; for it was some Days before he could obtain an Audience of the King; which when he did, he greatly complained of the Usage he had met with in all Respects. On this his Majesty said,“He was very sorry for what had happen’d, for he had given Orders to his Captains, in case they met with Success, to use the white Men well; but he hoped they would excuse what had befallen them, which was to be attributed to the Fate of War: Confessing, he was much surprized when he was first informed, so many white People were made Prisoners, and soon after brought to his Camp. That in the Confusion of Things he had not regarded them so much as he ought; but for the future, they should have better Treatment.” Which accordingly they found; but could never recover any thing taken from them, that being put on the score of the Fate of War. However, a few Days after, they were set at Liberty without any Ransom, and sent down to theEnglishandFrenchForts. The principal Gentlemen amongst them were presented with Slaves, and his Majesty assured them, as soon as he had settled his Conquest, he would make Trade flourish, and have a particular Regard to their Interests.
The latter end ofMarch, in the Year 1726-7, I arrived with theKatharine Galleyin the Road ofWhidaw, where I landed, and went to theEnglishFort, which is about three Miles from the Sea side, and likewise to theFrenchFort near adjoining. The white People that had been taken Prisoners, being returned to those Places but a few Days before, gave me a full account of the great Calamity fallen on the Country, about three Weeks before my Arrival; which gave me much Concern, I having traded there several Voyages. It was a lamentable Story to hear, and a dismal Sight to see, the Desolation of so fine a Country, lately exceeding populous, now destroyed in such a manner by Fire and Sword. The Carnage of the Inhabitants was, above all, a most moving Spectacle, the Fields being strewed with their Bones. Moreover the Concern for the Interest of my Voyage affected me not a little. But knowing it highly necessary to keep up my Spirits in so hot a Country, I resolved (humbly relying on Providence) not to be wantingin my Endeavours, for the Interest I had under my Care; and I met with far greater Success than any way I could have reasonably expected, considering the melancholy Prospect I had then of Affairs, which shall be related hereafter.
Having stayed three Days on Shore with theEnglishandFrench, who, I found, were in as great a Doubt as my self how to act in their Affairs; I came to a Resolution to go for the Port or Road ofJaqueen, which lies about seven Leagues to the Eastward ofWhidaw; and has about thirty Miles of Sea-Coast. This Place has always been the Sea Port to the Kingdom ofArdra, and tributary to it; having a hereditary Governour, who paid his Tribute in Loaves of Salt, there being great Quantities made here.
As soon as the King ofDahomèhad conqueredArdra, the Lord of this Place sent his Submission, offering the usual Tribute he used to pay the conquered King; which was readily accepted. This shews the Policy of the King ofDahomè; for tho’ he had made a terrible Destructionof the Inhabitants of the inland Countries he had conquered from Time to Time; yet he knew his Interest too well, to destroy the People of this Country in the same manner; for having now obtained his Desires, in gaining a free Passage to the Sea-Side, he judged theJaqueenswould be very useful to him, because they understood Trade, and now by their means, he should never want a supply of Arms and Gunpowder, to carry on his designed Conquests. Moreover these People had ever been Rivals to theWhidawsin Trade, and had an inveterate Hatred against them, because they had drawn almost the whole trade from theJaqueens, to their own Country. For, the Pleasantness thereof, with the good Government in former Times, had induced theEuropeansto carry on the far greater part of the Trade, at their principal Town ofSabee.
It was on the third ofApril1727, we anchored in the Road ofJaqueen; and soon after I sent on Shore my Surgeon, to the Lord of that Place, to settle anAgreement with him, before I landed my self; for I had never been at this Place, and had a Hint given me not to trust him, before all the Particulars I demanded were agreed to by him; for he had formerly plaid base Tricks with someEuropeans, who had not taken such a Precaution. In the Evening my Surgeon sent me a Letter, informing me, he had obtained all I desired; For the Performance of which the Lord of the Place had taken hisFeticheor Oath, in presence of aFrenchandDutchGentleman: On this Assurance I landed the next Day, and went up to the Town ofJaqueen, which lies about three Miles from the Sea side, where I was received very kindly, the Promises and Agreement made with my Surgeon being renewed, and a House appointed me to keep Factory in.
The Author’s Journey to the King ofDahomè’s Camp.
The next Day a Messenger came from the King ofDahomè, whose Name wasButtenoe. He spoke very goodEnglish, and told me, “His Majesty having heard there was anEnglishShip arrived in the Road ofWhidaw, he had ordered himto go there and invite the Captain to come up to his Camp; (which was about forty Miles directly within the Land in the Country ofArdra) but being told there I was gone forJaqueen, he had followed me to make the King’s Desire known to me: Assuring me in his Majesty’s Name, I should be intirely safe in all Respects, and kindly used.”
To this I answered, “I would consider his Majesty’s kind Invitation, and he should know my Resolution next Day.” But perceiving I had some Distrust in my Mind, he represented to me, “That if I did not go, it would highly offend the King; that he feared I should not be permitted to trade, besides other bad Consequences might follow.” This black Messenger, as mentioned above, spoke very goodEnglish, having learnt it when a Boy in theEnglishFactory atWhidaw: He belonged to Mr.Lambe, and was with him at the time he was taken Prisoner by the King ofArdra. They both fell into the King ofDahomè’s Power, as related above,where he learnt the Country Language; and in this respect I had as capable an Interpreter as I could desire. So, upon considering the matter, finding the Interest of my Voyage depended on my going to the Camp to wait on the King, I resolved to undertake it, tho’ the many Barbarities I had been told his People had been guilty of, gave me some Concern. However, soon after, I had further Encouragement, by others offering to accompany me. For aDutchCaptain’s Curiosity prompted him to it, whose Ship had been destroyed just before by thePortuguese: Moreover theDutchchief Factor proposed to send one of his Writers with large Presents to the Conqueror; likewise the Lord ofJaqueenoffered to send his own Brother, to pay his Duty, with great Presents to the King; not having done it before. So having prepared all Things for our Journey, which took us up three Days, we set out in the following manner.
The eighth ofApril, at nine a Clock in the Morning, being accompanied with the aforesaid Persons, we went to the Sideof the River that runs on the Back part of the Town ofJaqueen, having in our Retinue One hundred black Servants. We ferried over the River inCanoes, which are a sort of Boats, made of large Trees hollowed. The People of the Town attended us in great numbers to the water side, praying for our success: For they were under terrible apprehensions for our safety, amongst such barbarous People as we were going to: Especially they were highly concerned for the Duke, their Lord’s Brother, who was a Person endowed with the most amiable qualities I ever met with amongst Persons of his Colour.
Being landed on the other side of the River, we set out on our Journey, the proper servants of each person attending in their several places. I had six Hammock-men, who relieved one another by turns; two at a time being only required to carry the Pole which it is fastened to. I had likewise a small Horse to ride on, when I was weary with lying in the Hammock. The other Gentlemen wereaccommodated in the same manner. Our travelling was at the rate of about four miles an hour; for we made frequent Stops for our Baggage-carriers, there being no Carts nor good Horses atJaqueen; the few Horses that are there being but little bigger than our Asses. The Country, as we travelled along, appeared beautiful and pleasant, and the Roads good; but desolated by the War, for we saw the remains of abundance of Towns and Villages, with a great quantity of the late Inhabitants bones strewed about the Fields.
Noon time being past, we dined under some Cocoe-trees, on the cold Provision we carried with us; and in the Evening being come to a few sorry Hovels, we put up there for the night, and lay on the ground on mats, (the huts not being big enough to hang our hammocks up in) and the greatest part of our Attendants were obliged to lye in the open Air.
The next day about seven a clock in the morning, we set out again, and by nine came within half a mile of the King’s Camp. Here we halted, andjudge we had then travelled about forty miles fromJaqueen. Soon after a Messenger came from his Majesty to compliment and welcome us; and being told it was proper to prepare our selves, we took our best apparel out of our trunks, and dress’d our selves under the covert of an old wall; and soon after we advanced within a little way of the Camp, where we were desired to wait for a great Man who was to receive us. The King, it seems, to do us the more honour, sent the principal person of his Court (whom theNegroesdistinguish’d to us by the Title of theGreat Captain) to receive us; which he did in a very extraordinary manner. For he came in the midst of five hundred Soldiers, who had Fire-arms, drawn Swords, Shields, and Banners in their hands, using so many odd and ridiculous Ceremonies, (as they appeared to us) that at first we could not judge, whether they meant us well or ill: For the Great Captain, with some of his Officers, approached us, with their Swords drawn, flourishing them over our heads, thenpointing them to our Breasts, and skipping and jumping about us, like so many monkies, showing as many tricks and postures, as that animal generally does. At last, after some time spent in this manner, the Great Man settled into a sedate temper; Then he gave us his hand, welcoming us in the King’s Name, and drank to us in Palm Wine, which is a Juice drawn from the Palm-tree, which is very common in that Country. We returned the Compliment, drinking the King’s health both in Wine and Beer we had brought with us, which he seemed to be well pleased with: and all Ceremonies being ended, he desired us to go with him towards the Camp; and accordingly we proceeded, the Soldiers guarding us, and the musical Instruments making a dismal noise.
In about half an hour’s time we arrived at the Camp, which was near a very great ruin’d Town, late the principal place of the Kingdom ofArdra. Here the Army lay in tents, which, according to theNegroe-Custom, were made of small Boughsof Trees, and covered with Thatch, very much resembling Bee-hives, but each big enough to hold ten or twelve Soldiers, who crept in at a hole on one side, and lay heads and points together. Upon our entring the Camp, we were conducted to some large Trees, where Chairs, (taken from theWhidaws,) were brought for us to sit on, under the Shade of the Trees. Immediately such Numbers of People flock’d about us, that if the Officers had not ordered the Soldiers tokeep the Multitudeoff, we should have been in danger of being smothered. For tho’ there had been forty white men taken atWhidaw, who were all brought up prisoners to this Camp, and afterwards released, as related above, yet thousands of people, who came since out of the far inland Countries, had never seen a white man before us.
Having rested our selves about two hours, under the Shade of the Trees, and beheld divers Feats of Activity, performed by the Soldiers to divert us, we were conducted to a thatch’d House, that hadbeen prepared for us; and tho’ we were obliged to stoop at our going in at the Door, yet there was height enough within to hang our Hammocks up to sleep in, which was no little Satisfaction to us, for our Bones were hardly recovered, from the former night’s Lodging on the Ground. After we had stowed our Baggage in the Tent, the great Man took his leave of us, but left a Guard to prevent any of the People from disturbing us, and he went to the King to give his Majesty an Account of our Arrival.
By this time Noon was come, so we set down to dinner on cold Ham and Fowls, which we had brought with us. Our Tent stood in the middle of a large Court palisadoed round. We were surprized, that no People came into the place to see us, they having crouded so much at first, on our coming into the Camp: But I was told the King having been inform’d how we were incommoded, had given strict Orders, no one, on pain of Death, should, without leave of the Captain of our Guard, come to seeus. This was pleasing news; for by this we found his Majesty was duly obeyed, and also had our safety at heart. But we were plagued with a Vermin that greatly annoyed us; and that was such an infinite number of Flies, that tho’ we had several Servants with Flappers, to keep them off our Victuals, yet it was hardly possible to put a bit of Meat into our Mouths, without some of those Vermin with it. These Flies, it seems, were bred by a great number of dead Mens Heads, which were piled on Stages, not far from our Tent, tho’ we did not know so much at that time.
After we had dined, a Messenger came to us, about three o’ clock in the afternoon, from theGreat Captain, desiring us to go to the King’s Gate; accordingly we went, and in our way saw two large Stages, on which were heaped a great number of dead Men’s Heads, that afforded no pleasing sight or smell. Our Interpreter told us, they were the Heads of four thousand of theWhidaws, who had been sacrificed by theDahomesto theirGod, about three weeks before, as an Acknowledgment of the great Conquest they had obtain’d.
When we came to the King’s Gate, as they call’d it, we found it only an Entrance into a large Court, which was palisadoed round; there being several mud-wall’d Houses in it. Here we were desired to sit down on Stools brought to us; and an Officer presented us, in the King’s name, with Cows, Sheep, Goats, and other Provision; with this Compliment, that as his Majesty was then in a Camp, it was not in his power to provide for us better at this time. Having returned thanks for this unexpected favour, we went out of the Court, and were surprized with a sight, at the Gate, of forty stout Men ranked in file, with Fusees on their Shoulders, and broad Swords in their Hands; who had about their necks strings of dead Mens Teeth, reaching as low as their middle, both behind and before, in such Quantities, as might furnish all the Barber-Surgeons Shops inEurope. Being surprized at this extraordinary appearance,I asked the Linguist, Why they were drest in this manner? To which he replied, They were the King’sHeroes, orWorthies, who had killed a great many People with their own hands, and were allowed, as a mark of their great Valour, to string and wear their Enemies Teeth about their Necks; and, I might observe, some of them had been more successful than others, by the different quantities they had on: For that it was made death by their Law, for any of those Gentlemen to string a Tooth, without first making due Proof, before the proper Officers, that it belonged to an Enemy slain with their own hand in Battle. Having viewed this strange Sight, I bid the Linguist tell them, “They appeared to be a Company of brave Gentlemen, and that I was their humble Servant.” This Compliment pleased them, and they returned it, saying, “They had a great Esteem for white Men.”
After this was pass’d, we returned to our Tent, and supped; then hung up our Hammocks, and lay in them tillMorning. I took notice, that the Lord ofJaqueen’s Brother, who came from thence with us, was entertained at the Tent of theGreat Captain; and on my inquiring the reason, I was answered, It was in respect to us, that we might not be crouded in our Tent.
Next Morning, at nine a Clock, an Officer came from the King to acquaint us, we should have an Audience forthwith. Accordingly we prepared our selves; and then going to the King’s Gate, were soon after introduced into his Presence. His Majesty was in a large Court palisadoed round, sitting (contrary to the Custom of the Country) on a fine gilt Chair, which he had taken from the King ofWhidaw. There were held over his Head, by Women, three large Umbrellas, to shade him from the Sun: And four other Women stood behind the Chair of State, with Fusils on their Shoulders. I observed, the Women were finely dress’d from the middle downward, (the Custom of the Country being not to cover the Body upward, of either Sex) moreoverthey had on their Arms, many large Manelloes, or Rings of Gold of great Value, and round their Necks, and in their Hair, abundance of their Country Jewels, which are a sort of Beads of divers Colours, brought from a far inland Country, where they are dug out of the Earth, and in the same Esteem with theNegroes, as Diamonds amongst theEuropeans.
The King had a Gown on, flowered with Gold, which reached as low as his Ancles; anEuropeanembroidered Hat on his Head; with Sandals on his Feet. We being brought within ten Yards of the Chair of State, were desired to stand still: The King then ordered the Linguist to bid us welcome; on which we paid his Majesty the respect of our Hats, bowing our Heads at the same time very low, as the Interpreter directed us. Then I ordered the Linguist to acquaint the King, “That on his Majesty’s sending, to desire me to come up to his Camp, I forthwith resolved on the Journey; that I might have the pleasure of seeingso great and good a King, as I heard he was; relying intirely on the Promises his Messenger had made me in his Majesty’s Name.” The King seemed well pleased with what I said, and assured us of his Protection and kind usage. Then Chairs being brought, we were desired to sit down, and the King drank our Healths; and then Liquor being brought us by his Order, we drank his Majesty’s. After this the Interpreter told us, “It was the King’s Desire we should stay some time with him, to see the Method of paying the Soldiers for Captives taken in War, and the Heads of the slain.”
It so happen’d, that in the Evening of the Day we came into the Camp, there were brought above eighteen hundred Captives, from a Country calledTuffoe, at the distance of six days Journey. The occasion of warring on them, the Linguist thus related, “That at the time his King was wholly employed in contriving the Destruction of theWhidaws, these People had presumedto attack five hundred of his Soldiers, sent by his Majesty as a Guard to twelve of his Wives, who were going with a large quantity of Goods and fine things, carried by Slaves, to the Country ofDahomè. The Guard being routed, and the Women slain, theTuffoespossess’d themselves of the Goods; for which Outrage, as soon as the Conquest ofWhidawwas compleated, the King sent part of his Army against them, to revenge him for their Villany; in which they had all desirable Success.” It was necessary to mention this Affair, for the better understanding of what follows, it being so very remarkable.
The King, at the time we were present, ordered the Captives ofTuffoeto be brought into the Court: Which being accordingly done, he chose himself a great number out of them, to be sacrificed to hisFeticheor Guardian Angel; the others being kept for Slaves for his own use; or to be sold to theEuropeans. There were proper Officers, who received theCaptives from the Soldiers hands, and paid them the Value of twenty Shillings Sterling for every Man, inCowries, (which is a Shell brought from theEast Indies, and carried in large quantities toWhidawby theEuropeans, being the current Money of all the neighbouring Countries far and near) and ten Shillings for a Woman, Boy, or Girl. There were likewise brought by the Soldiers some thousands of dead Peoples Heads into the Court; every Soldier, as he had Success, bringing in his hand one, two, three, or more Heads hanging in a String; and as the proper Officers received them, they paid the Soldiersfive Shillingsfor each Head: Then several People carried them away, in order to be thrown on a great Heap of other Heads, that lay near the Camp; the Linguist telling us his Majesty designs to build a Monument with them, and the Heads of other Enemies formerly conquered and killed.
I observed, there were a great many of the principal Men of the Court and Army present, all prostrated on the Ground;none being permitted to go nearer, than within twenty foot of the King’s Chair; and whatsoever they had to say to his Majesty, first kissing the Ground, they whispered into the Ear of an old Woman, who went to the King; and having received his answer, she returned with it to them. His Majesty likewise showed his Liberality to his Courtiers and Officers, in presenting them with at least two hundred Captives. As soon as any person had a Slave presented to them, a proper Officer made Proclamation of it, which was immediately echoed by the Populace, who were waiting in great numbers at the King’s Gate for the Sacrifices.
After the Business of the Captives was dispatch’d, there came into the Court two Fellows, with a large Tub, that had in it at least six Gallons of Frumenty, or such like stuff, which they set on the Ground; and then falling on their Knees, they took with their Hands the Victuals out of the Tub, and threw it so fast into their Mouths, that tho’ there was such aquantity of it, they dispatch’d it in a few Minutes. The Linguist told us, this was their daily Practice; but that these Gormandizers lived not many Years, and then others took up their Trade; which is only in order to divert the King.
After this we saw several other things, full as ridiculous as this, which would be tedious for me to relate, as well as to the Reader to peruse; so having been near three Hours in the Court, exposed to the great heat of the Sun, from which we had nothing but Umbrellas to defend us, we desired his Majesty’s Leave, to retire to our Tent, which was readily granted; accordingly we paid our Duty in a compliment to the King, and went away.
Sometime after this, we sat down to Dinner in our Tent, being accompanied with a great number of Flies, as formerly mentioned. Just as we had dined, the Duke, Brother to the Lord ofJaqueen, came to us in so great a fright, that after he had sat down, he could not speak for some time: And tho’ he was at othertimes, of a comely black colour, yet now his Countenance was changed to tawny: For as he was coming to our Tent, he saw a great number of poor People going to be sacrificed; whose Lamentations had made such an Impression, that it had occasioned this great disorder in him. For the People of the Sea-Coast abhor such things; especially the eating their Bodies afterwards, as theDahomesdo. And ’tis not to be imagined, what service the report of this did them, when they first invaded the Countries bordering on the Sea-Coast: On which I shall make a short Digression, to inform the Reader.
Discoursing afterwards with some of the principal People ofArdraandWhidaw, who had escaped the Conqueror’s Sword, and telling them, what a Reproach and Disgrace it was to the latter Nation to quit their Country to theDahomesin so cowardly a manner as they had done; they answered, It was not possible to resist suchCannibals, the very Report of which had extremely intimidated their whole Nation. WhereuponI observed to them, It was all one to a dead Carcase, whether it was eaten by their own kind, or by the Vultures, (of which there are great numbers in the Country) on which they shrugged up their Shoulders, saying, “The thoughts of being eaten by their own Species, were far more terrible to them, than the Apprehensions of being killed.”
Human Sacrifices.
But to return again to the Duke, I endeavoured to allay his Fears, by representing to him, we had the King’s Promise for our Safety; and that sacrificing their Enemies being the usual custom of the Country on any Conquest, he ought not to be so much surprized at it. But he replied, As to his own Safety he was very doubtful of it, the King not having yet admitted him to an Audience; so he requested he might remain in our Tent, as thinking himself safer with us, and accordingly we granted his request. Then sending for our Linguist, we desired to know, Whether theDutchCaptain and my self might be admitted to see the manner of the Sacrifices: (As for theDutchWriter, hechose to remain in the Tent with the Duke). The Interpreter answered, He would go to the chiefFeticheer, or Priest, and know, whether he would be pleased to give us leave. Soon after he returned, and informed us, Leave was granted: So we went with him, about a quarter of a mile from the Camp. There we found great numbers of People gathered together; and our Guard made way for us through the Croud, till we came near four small Stages, which were erected about five foot from the ground. We stood close to them, and observed the Ceremony, which was performed in the following manner.
The first Victim we saw, was brought to the side of the Stage. It was a comely old Man, between fifty and sixty Years of Age. His hands were tied behind him; and in his behaviour, he showed a brave and undaunted Mind, nothing like Fear appearing in him. As he stood upright by the Stage, aFeticheer, or Priest, laid his Hand on his Head, saying some words of Consecration, which lastedabout two Minutes. Then he gave the sign of Execution, to a Man that stood behind the Victim with a broad Sword, who immediately struck him on the nape of the Neck, with such force, that the Head was severed at one Blow, from the Body; whereupon the Rabble gave a great Shout. The Head was cast on the Stage, and the Body, after having lain a little while on the Ground, that the Blood might drain from it, was carried away by Slaves, and thrown in a place adjoining to the Camp. The Linguist told us, the Head of the Victim was for the King; the Blood for theFetiche, or God; and the Body for the common People. We saw many other Persons sacrificed in this lamentable manner, and observed, That the Men went to the side of the Stages, bold and unconcerned; but the Cries of the poor Women and Children were very moving, and much affected theDutchCaptain and My self, tho’ in a different manner: For he expressed his Fears to me, That the Priests might take it into their Heads, to serve us in the same manner,if they should fancy white People would be more acceptable to their God, than persons of their own colour. This notion raised some fear in me, but recollecting my self, I told him, “As the King was so greatly reverenced and feared, I was in good hopes nothing would be attempted on us; and that we ought to put a good face on the matter, and withdraw from so terrible a Sight, the first opportunity.” Soon after, a principal Man of the Court came and stood by us, and bid the Interpreter ask us, “How we liked the Sight?” To which we replied, “Not at all: For our God had expressly forbid us using Mankind in so cruel a manner: That our Curiosity had drawn us to come and see it; which if we had not done, we could never have believed it.” Then I asked the Linguist, Whether this Gentleman was accounted a generous good humoured Man? To which the Linguist replying in the affirmative, I ventured to put this Question to him, “That if his Fate had brought him into the sameMisfortune, as these poor Captives were now in, how he should like it? He readily answered, Not at all. On this I observed to him, that the grand Law both of Whites and Blacks, with all their Fellow Creatures was:To do to others no otherwise, than as they desired to be done unto: And that our God had enjoined this to us on pain of very severe Punishments.” To which he answered, This was the Custom of his Country; and so he left us.
Presently after this Gentleman’s departure, there came to us a Colonel of the Army, whom we had seen atJaqueen, the day before we set out on our Journey. This person seemed very friendly and glad to see us, and ready to resolve any Questions we put to him. Amongst the rest, I told him, “That I wondered they should sacrifice so many People, of whom they might otherwise make good advantage, by selling them.” He replied, “It had ever been the Custom of their Nation, after any Conquest, to offer to their God a certain number ofCaptives, which were always chose out from among the Prisoners, by the King himself: For they firmly believed, should this be omitted, no more Success would attend them. And he argued for the Necessity and Usefulness of their doing it, from the large Conquests they had made within a few Years, without any Defeat.” Then I asked him, “Why so many old Men were sacrificed in particular? He answered, It was best to put them to death; for being grown wise by their Age and long Experience, if they were preserved, they would be ever plotting against their Masters, and so disturb the Country; for they never would be easy under Slavery, having been the chief Men in their own Land. Moreover, if they should be spared, noEuropeanwould buy them, on account of their Age.” I then observed to him, That I had seen several and some young People sacrificed, whom was sure theEuropeanswould gladly have bought. He replied, “They were designed to attend in the other World theKing’s Wives, whom theTuffoestheir Countrymen had slain.” By which Answer I found they have a Notion of a future State, tho’ a very rude one. And this put me upon asking him, What Opinions they held concerning their God? To which he gave a very confused and imperfect Answer; so that all I could gather from his Discourse was, That they esteemed him as an invisible Guardian Angel, subordinate to another God; adding, “Perhaps that God might be ours, who had communicated so many extraordinary Things to white Men; as he had been informed by Mr.Lambe: But as that God had not been pleased to make himself known to them, they must be satisfied with this they worshipped.”
By this time the Mob being grown thin, on the side where we stood, I told the Linguist, we would return to our Tent; and I invited the Colonel to go along with us, which he readily promised. Accordingly our Guard having made way for us, we left this horrible Place and Sight,not having received the least Affront, tho’ we were near two Hours by the Stages.
At our return we understood, the King had sent the Duke word, he should have an Audience that Evening; whereupon I endeavoured to cheer him up by telling him, “That we had been civilly used at the Sacrifices, and that nothing could more conduce to his Reputation, than his appearing before the King, in his usual sprightly Carriage and Behaviour,” which was indeed natural to him. On this he went from us to the Great Captain’s Tent, in order to prepare himself to go to the Audience. But the Colonel remained with us, drinking merrily ofEuropeanLiquors, and in the Evening he asked us, “Whether we would take a walk, and see that Quarter of the Camp where his Tent stood?” This we readily agreed to, and in our way past by the place where the sacrificed Bodies were thrown. There were two great heaps of them, consisting, as they said, of four hundred Persons, and who had been chose out by the King that very Morning.
After we had been at the Colonel’s Tent, where we were treated with Palm Wine, we returned to our own, being accompanied by him, and we desired him to stay to Supper. While we were eating, several Servants came with Dishes of Flesh and Fish, dress’d after the Country manner, and the Interpreter told us, they were sent by a MulattoPortugueseGentleman, who had been taken in theArdraWar. The King had ever since detained him Prisoner, allowing him a handsome Maintenance, and had given him a Wife much whiter than himself, who was born in the inland Country. Soon after the Victuals were brought, the Gentleman came himself, with his Wife, to see us; and after passing a handsome Compliment, they sat down to Supper with us. We were very glad of this new Acquaintance, theDutch Writerspeaking goodPortuguese, and my self understanding a little; so that now we judged, we should not be obliged to trust intirely to our Linguist, this Person talking the Language of the Country fluently. I wasmuch surprized to see his Wife so white, equal to ourEnglishWomen, only of not so lively a Colour. She had woolly Hair, like the blackest of the Natives, with the same Features. Her Husband told us, she was born in a far inland Country, of black Parents, who had never seen a white Man, nor she before Mr.Lambe; whom he enquired affectionately after, saying, “That when he returned, according to his Promise to the King, his Majesty had promised to grant him his Liberty.” Then, on his Importunity, we promised him a Visit at his House; and soon after, he and his Wife, with the Colonel, took their leaves, wishing us a good Night.