Page:Abstract of the evidence for the abolition of the slave-trade 1791.djvu/147

( 113 ) in the Iris, a vessel trading for wood, gums, and ivory, near which the Nautilus lay for some weeks.

Lieutenant Simpson says, that on his first voyage, when lying at Fort Appolonia, the Fly Guineaman was in the roads. On the return of the Adventure's boat from the fort, they were hailed by some seamen belonging to the Fly, requesting that they might be taken from on board the Guineaman, and put on board the man of war, for that their treatment was such as to make their lives miserable. The boat, by the direction of Capt. Parry, was sent to the Fly, and one or two men were brought on board him. In his second voyage, he recollects, that on first seeing the Albion Guineaman, she carried a press of sail, seemingly to avoid them, but finding it impracticable, she spoke them; the day after which the Captain of the Albion brought a seaman on board the Adventure, whom he wished to be left there, complaining that he was a very riotous and disorderly man. The man, on the contrary, proved very peaceable and well-behaved, nor was there one single instance of his conduct, from which he could suppose he merited the character given him. He seemed to rejoice at quitting the Albion, and informed Mr. Simpson, that he was cruelly beaten both by the captain and surgeon; that he was half starved; and that the surgeon neglected the sick seamen, alleging that he was only paid for attending the slaves. He also informed Mr. Simpson, that their allowance of provisions was increased, and their treatment somewhat better when a man of war was on the coast. He recollects another instance of a seaman, with a leg shockingly ulcerated, requesting a passage in the Adventure to England; alleging that he was left behind from a Guineaman. He alleged various instances of ill treatment he had received, and confirmed the sailor of the Albion's account, that their allowance of provisions was increased, and treatment better, when a man of war was on the coast. During Mr. Simpson's stay at C. Coast Castle, the Adventure's boat was sent to Annamaboe to the Spy Guineaman; on her return, three men were concealed under her sails, who had left the slave-ship—they complained their P