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( 16 ) ſhackled. Theſe accidents, although unavoidable, are productive of continual quarrels, in which ſome of them are always bruiſed. In this diſtreſſed ſituation, unable to proceed, and prevented from getting to the tubs they deſiſt from the attempt; and, as the neceſſities of nature are not to be repelled, eaſe themſelves as they lie. This becomes a freſh ſource of broils and diſturbances, and tends to render the condition of the captives ſtill more uncomfortable. The nuiſance ariſing from theſe circumſtances, is not unfrequently increaſed by the tubs being much too ſmall for the purpoſe intended, and their being uſually emptied but once every day. The rule for doing this, however, varies in different ſhips according to the attention paid to the health and convenience of the ſlaves by the captain.

About eight o'clock in the morning the negroes are generally brought upon deck. Their irons being examined, a long chain, which is locked to a ring-bolt, fixed in the deck, is run through the rings of the ſhackles of the men, and then locked to another ring-bolt, fixed alſo in the deck. By this means fifty, or ſixty, and ſometimes more, are faſtened to one chain, in order to prevent them from riſing, or endeavouring to eſcape. If the weather proves favourable, they are permitted to remain in that ſituation