Page:Slave trade.pdf/19

( 19 ) Upon the negroes refuſing to take ſuſtenance, coals of fire are put on a ſhovel, and placed ſo near their lips, as to ſcorch and burn them; accompanied with threats, of forcing them to ſwallow the coals, if they perſiſt in refuſing to eat.

Exerciſe being deemed neceſſary for the preſervation of their health, they are ſometimes obliged to dance when the weather will permit their coming on deck. The poor wretches are frequently compelled to ſing alſo; but when they do to, their ſongs are generally melancholy lamentations of their exile from their native country.

The women are furniſhed with beads for the purpoſe of affording them ſome diverſion. But this end is generally defeated by the ſquabbles which are occaſioned, in conſequence of their ſtealing them from each other.

On board ſome ſhips, the common ſailors are allowed to have intercourſe with ſuch of the black women whoſe conſent they can procure. And ſome of them have been known to take the inconſtancy of their paramours ſo much to heart, as to leap overboard and drown themſelves. The officers are permitted to indulge their paſſons among them at pleaſure, and ſometimes are guilty of ſuch brutal exceſſes, as diſgrace human nature.

Negroes are far more violently affected by ſea-ſickneſs than Europeans. It