Now, by these means it is that so many of the Negroes become Slaves, and more especially by being taken Captives in War. Of these the Number is so great, that I may safely affirm, without any Exaggeration, that the _Europeans_ of all Nations, that trade to the Coast of _Guinea_, have, in some Years, exported at least seventy thousand. And tho’ this may no doubt be thought at first hearing a prodigious Number; yet when ’tis considered how great the Extent of this Coast is, namely from _Cape Verd_ to _Angola_, which is about four thousand Miles in length; and that _Polygamy_ is allowed in general amongst them, by which means the Countries are full of People, I hope it will not be thought improbable that so many are yearly exported from thence. [Sidenote: Lawfulness of that Trade.] Several Objections have often been raised against the Lawfulness of this Trade, which I shall not here undertake to refute. I shall only observe in general That tho’ to traffick in human Creatures, may at first sight appear barbarous, inhuman, and unnatural; yet the Traders herein have as much to plead in their own Excuse, as can be said for some other Branches of Trade, namely, the _Advantage_ of it: And that not only in regard of the Merchants, but also of the Slaves themselves, as will plainly appear from these following Reasons. First, It is evident, that abundance of Captives, taken in War, would be inhumanly destroyed, was there not an Opportunity of disposing of them to the _Europeans_. So that at least many Lives are saved, and great Numbers of useful Persons kept in being. Secondly, When they are carried to the Plantations, they generally live much better there, than they ever did in their own Country; for as the Planters pay a great price for them, ’tis their interest to take care of them. Thirdly, By this means the _English_ Plantations have been so much improved, that ’tis almost incredible, what great Advantages have accrued to the Nation thereby; especially to the _Sugar Islands_, which lying in a Climate near as hot as the Coast of _Guinea_, the _Negroes_ are fitter to cultivate the Lands there, than white People. Then as to the Criminals amongst the _Negroes_, they are by this means effectually transported, never to return again; a Benefit which we very much want here. In a word, from this Trade proceed Benefits, far outweighing all, either real or pretended Mischiefs and Inconveniencies. And, let the worst that can, be said of it, it will be found, like all other earthly Advantages, tempered with a mixture of Good and Evil. [Sidenote: Mutinies among the Negroes, in the Ships where the Author has been.] I come now to give an Account of the Mutinies that have happened on board the Ships where I have been.