The _Dahomes_, after this, retired from about the Forts, and, leaving a small Army at _Sabee_, returned to their own Country; where many Banditti of other Nations resorting to them, their King, in a few Months, found his Strength and Power as much increased, as when he fled from the _J-oes_. But the Countries being laid waste far and near by his former Wars, tho’ he has large Territories of many hundred Miles, and as fine a Country under his Dominion, as any in the Southern Parts of _Africa_; yet he is only a great King in name for want of Subjects, by reason of his having destroyed in so cruel a manner the Inhabitants of all the Places he has conquered. This has obliged many hundred thousands to fly from his Arms, into foreign Countries; that are by Situation secured from his rambling Bands, either by great Rivers, Mountains or Lakes. He has acted since as impolitick a part in another matter. For he gave his word to a great number of the former Inhabitants, If they would return again into their own Country, they should quietly enjoy it, upon paying a certain Tribute. On this many thousands returned into the Kingdom of _Ardra_, where they built Houses, sowed Corn, and planted Potatoes; but no sooner were these poor People settled, than the _Dahomes_ surprized them, and killed or took captive all that could not escape from them. The King having thus broken his promise, I believe no others will ever venture to trust him: And the Country, in all Probability, will remain uninhabited, during his Life: Moreover, by this means the Trade at _Whidaw_ is almost ruined; for the far inland People having now no Markets to carry their Slaves to, as formerly, and the _Dahomes_ using no Trade but that of War, few _Negroes_ are now brought down to be sold to the _Europeans_. Whether it was the badness of Trade, occasioned by the _Dahomes_ acting in this manner, or any thing else, that enraged Mr. _Testefole_ against them; he was so imprudent, that on all Opportunities he used their People ill, when they came to the _English_ Fort: And at last whipped one of their principal Men at the Flag-Staff; and upon his complaining of this great Indignity, _Testefole_ rashly replied, _He would serve his King in the same manner if he was in his Power_. All this being afterwards reported to his Majesty, it highly offended him: And he said, “Surely this Man must be full of Malice against us, else he could never have so suddenly forgot our former Kindnesses to him.”