Page:Slave trade.pdf/22

( 22 ) numbers which die at Bonny, and at Old and New Calabar, where they are obtained much faſter; the latter being of a more delicate make and habit.

As very few negroes can ſo far brook the loſs of liberty, and the hardſhips they endure, with any degree of patience, they are ever upon the watch to take advantage of the leaſt negligence in their oppreſſor. Inſurrections are frequently the consequence; which are ſeldom ſuppreſſed without much bloodſhed. Sometimes theſe are ſucceſsful, and the whole ſhip's company cut off. They are likewiſe always ready ſeize every opportunity for committing ſome act of deſperation to free themſelves from their miſerable ſtate; and notwithſtanding the reſtraints under which they are laid they often ſucceed.

An Account of the Manner in which Slaves are ſold in the Plantations.

HEN the ſhips arrive in the West Indies, theſe ſlaves are diſpoſed by different methods.

Sometimes the mode of diſpoſal is that ſelling them by what is termed a ſcramble and a day is ſoon fixed for that purpoſe. But previous thereto, the ſick, or reſul ſlaves, of which there are frequently many are uſually conveyed on ſhore, and ſold at a tavern by vendue, or public auction.