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When the ships arrive in the West-Indies, (the chief
mart for this in human merchandize), the naves are
disposed of, as I have before observed, by different
methods. Sometimes the mode of disposal, is that
of selling them by what is termed ascramble; and a day
is soon fixed for that purpose. But previous
thereto, the sick, or refuse slaves, of which there are
frequently many, are usually conveyed on shore, and sold
at a tavern by vendue, or public auction. These,
in general, are purchased by the Jews and surgeons, but
chiefly the former, upon speculation, at so low a price
as five or fix dollars a head. I was informed by a
mulatto woman, that she purchased a sick slave at
Grenada, upon speculation, for the small sum of one
dollar, as the poor wretch was apparently dying of the
flux. It seldom happens that any, who are carried
ashore in the emaciated state to which they are
generally reduced by that disorder, long survive their
landing. I once saw sixteen conveyed on shore, and
sold in the foregoing manner, the whole of whom died
before I left the island, which was within a short time
after. Sometimes the captains march their slaves
through the town at which they intend to diſpose of
them; and then place them in rows where they are
examined and purchased.
The mode of selling them by scramble having fallen
under my observation the oftenest, I shal be more
particular in describing it. Being some years ago,
at one of the islands in the West In-
Pg. 34 -
dies, I was witness to a sale by scramble, where about
250 negroes were sold. Upon this occasion all the
negroes scrambled for bear an equal price; which is
agreed upon between the captains and the purchasers
before the sale begins.
On a day appointed, the negroes were landed, and placed
altogether in a large yard, belonging to the merchants
to whom the ship was consigned. As soon as the
hour agreed on arrived, the doors of the yard were
suddenly thrown open, and in rushed a considerable
number of purchasers, with all the ferocity of brutes.
Some instantly seized such of the negroes as they could
conveniently lay hold of with their hands. Others,
being prepared with several handkerchiefs tied together
encircled with these as many as they were able.
While others, by means of a rope, effected the same
purpose. It is fearcely possible to describe the
confusion of which this mode of selling is productive.
It likewise causes much animosity among the purchasers,
who, not unfrequently upon these occasions, fall out and
quarrel with each other. The poor astonished
negroes were so much terrified by these proceedings,
that several of them, through fear, climbed over the
walls of the court yard, and ran wild about the town;
but were soon hunted down and retaken.
While on a former voyage from Africa to Kingston in
Jamaica, I saw a sale three by scramble, on board a
snow. The negroes were collected together upon the
main and quarter decks, and the ship was darkened by
sais suspended over them, in order to prevent the
purchasers from being able to see, so as to pick or
chuse. The signal being given, the buyers rushed
in, as usual, to seize their prey; when the negroes
appeared to be extremely terrified, and near
Pg. 35 -
thirty of them jumped into the sea. But they were
all soon retaken, chiefly by boats from other ships.
On board a ship, lying at Port Maria, in Jamaica, I saw
another scramble; in which, as usual, the poor negroes
were greatly terrified. The women, in particular,
clang to each other in agonies scarcely to be conceived,
shrieking through excess of terror, at the savage manner
in which their brutal purchasers rushed upon, and seized
them. Though humanity, one should imagine, would
dictate the captains to apprize the poor negroes of the
mode by which they were to be sold, and by that means to
guard them, in some degree, against the surprize and
terror which must attend it, I never knew that any
notice of the scramble was given to them. Nor have
I any reason to think that it is done, or that this mode
of sale is less frequent at this time, than formerly.
Various are the deceptions made use of in the disposal
of the sick slaves; and many of these, such as must
excite in every humane mind, the liveliest sensations of
horror. I have been well informed, that a
Liverpool captain boasted of his having cheated some
Jews by the following stratagem: A lot of slaves,
afflicted with the flux, being about to be landed for
sale, he directed the surgeon to stop the anus of each
of them with oakum. Thus prepared, they were
landed, and taken to the accustomed place of sale;
where, being unable to stand but for a very short time,
they are usually permitted to fit. The Jews, when
they examine them, oblige them to stand up, in order to
see if there be any discharge; and when they do not
perceive this appearance, they confider it as a symptom
of recovery.
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In the present instance, such an appearance being
prevented, the bargain was struck, and they were
accordingly fold. But it was not long before a
discovery ensued. The excruciating pain which the
prevention of a discharge of such an acrimonious nature
occasioned, not being to be borne by the poor wretches,
the temporary obstruction was removed, and the deluded
purchasers were speedily convinced of the imposition.
So grievously are the negroes sometimes afflicted with
this troubleome and painful disorder, that I have seen
large numbers of them, after being landed, obliged by
the virulence of the complaint, to stop almost every
minute, as they passed on.
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