This common Enemy was the King of _Dahomè_, a far inland Prince, who for some Years past had rendered himself famous, by many Victories gained over his Neighbours. He sent an Ambassador to the King of _Whidaw_, requesting to have an open Traffick to the Sea side, and offering to pay him his usual Customs on _Negroes_ exported: which being refused, he from that time resolved to resent it, when Opportunity offered. This the King of _Whidaw_ was so far from apprehending, that in an Audience I had of him, soon after the Ambassador’s Departure, he told me; if the King of _Dahomè_ should offer to invade him, he would not use him when taken according to their Custom, that is, cut off his Head, but would keep him for a Slave to do the vilest Offices. [Sidenote: His Conquests.] And here ’tis necessary to make a short Digression concerning the King of _Dahomè_’s Conquests. Being a politick and couragious Prince, he had such Success against his Neighbours, in a few Years, that he conquered towards the Sea Coast, as far as the Kingdom of _Ardra_, which is the next inland Country adjoining to _Whidaw_; and then resolved to remain quiet for some time, in order to settle his Conquests. But an Accident soon called him again to Arms, for the King of _Ardra_ having much injured his own Brother, named _Hussar_; the latter sent privately to the King of _Dahomè_, and offered him a large Sum of Money to revenge him for the many Affronts he had receiv’d from the King his Brother. This the politick Prince soon listen’d to; and the King of _Ardra_ having discovered the Matter, sent to the _Whidaws_, representing to them, it was their common Interest to oppose this Conqueror; but they most imprudently refused to lend him their Assistance. So being obliged to encounter alone the King of _Dahomè_, he met him with all the Forces he could raise, which was about fifty thousand Men of his own People, and after a three Days Engagement, his Army was totally defeated, and himself taken Prisoner. Soon after which he was beheaded in the Conqueror’s Presence according to the barbarous Custom of these black Princes. [Sidenote: _Bullfinch Lambe._]