Mr. _Duport_ further told me, that as soon as they came into the Camp, they were separated according to their Nations, being delivered to, and put under the Care of, several principal black Gentlemen. At first they were badly accommodated; for it was some Days before he could obtain an Audience of the King; which when he did, he greatly complained of the Usage he had met with in all Respects. On this his Majesty said, “He was very sorry for what had happen’d, for he had given Orders to his Captains, in case they met with Success, to use the white Men well; but he hoped they would excuse what had befallen them, which was to be attributed to the Fate of War: Confessing, he was much surprized when he was first informed, so many white People were made Prisoners, and soon after brought to his Camp. That in the Confusion of Things he had not regarded them so much as he ought; but for the future, they should have better Treatment.” Which accordingly they found; but could never recover any thing taken from them, that being put on the score of the Fate of War. However, a few Days after, they were set at Liberty without any Ransom, and sent down to the _English_ and _French_ Forts. The principal Gentlemen amongst them were presented with Slaves, and his Majesty assured them, as soon as he had settled his Conquest, he would make Trade flourish, and have a particular Regard to their Interests. The latter end of _March_, in the Year 1726-7, I arrived with the _Katharine Galley_ in the Road of _Whidaw_, where I landed, and went to the _English_ Fort, which is about three Miles from the Sea side, and likewise to the _French_ Fort near adjoining. The white People that had been taken Prisoners, being returned to those Places but a few Days before, gave me a full account of the great Calamity fallen on the Country, about three Weeks before my Arrival; which gave me much Concern, I having traded there several Voyages. It was a lamentable Story to hear, and a dismal Sight to see, the Desolation of so fine a Country, lately exceeding populous, now destroyed in such a manner by Fire and Sword. The Carnage of the Inhabitants was, above all, a most moving Spectacle, the Fields being strewed with their Bones. Moreover the Concern for the Interest of my Voyage affected me not a little. But knowing it highly necessary to keep up my Spirits in so hot a Country, I resolved (humbly relying on Providence) not to be wanting in my Endeavours, for the Interest I had under my Care; and I met with far greater Success than any way I could have reasonably expected, considering the melancholy Prospect I had then of Affairs, which shall be related hereafter.