The late company, from their experience, insisted that sum was very insufficient; which it really was, even to give in presents annually to the principal natives, to cultivate such an interest as is not only necessary, but absolutely essential to support and promote the honour, power, jurisdiction, and trade of Great Britain on the coast of Africa. However, there has been granted, since the forts were put under the care of the present Africa committee for their support, from 2d February, 1751, to 2d February, 1763, 136,000_l._ which is 11,333_l._ 6_s._ 8_d._ _per annum_, exclusive of what was expended in building the fort at Annamaboa. Notwithstanding said grants, the forts have not been kept even[5] as marks of possession and sovereignty; which undeniable truth the editors are ready to prove, if called upon. Mourn! mourn! O _Liverpool_, for the loss of thy great hero and champion, who was at all times ready to enter the lists in defence of thy trade and commerce. But, Britain rejoice; for what may have been for the advantage of the town of _Liverpool_, might be greatly detrimental and prejudicial to the general trade and commerce of this country and its colonies; which surely must clearly appear from the beforementioned memorial. For we believe it will be allowed, if we were to encrease and extend the number of our colonies in North America, and the West Indies, it would be disadvantageous to Great Britain, unless they can be supplied with a sufficient number of people for their defence and cultivation, at as reasonable an expence as possible; without taking the hands that are useful and necessary in husbandry, and the several manufactures of the mother-country. Then surely, as Guadaloupe was surrendered by capitulation to the British arms, no longer than since the 4th day of May, 1759; and as the merchants of _Liverpool_ had imported 12,347 Negroes into that island some months ago, which must have been the case, or they could not have had so exact an account; we may well conclude that a great number of Negroes have also been carried to _Guadaloupe_, and the other conquered islands, by the merchants of _London_, _Bristol_, and other ports, that carry on a trade to _Africa_, and have been carrying negroes from the time they had the last accounts, which we may suppose to be at least six months preceding the merchants of _Liverpool_’s memorial being presented to lord Egremont.