Travels in Western Africa in 1845 & 1846, Volume 1 (of 2): comprising a journey from Whydah through the Kingdom of Dahomey to Adofoodia in the interiorDuncan, John
History
Travels in Western Africa in 1845 & 1846, Volume 1 (of 2): comprising a journey from Whydah through the Kingdom of Dahomey to Adofoodia in the interior
Duncan, John
Africa, West -- Description and travel; Benin -- Description and travel
On a small island, on the opposite side of the lagoon from Popoe, is
a large slave establishment with several barracoons, belonging to
Isidore de Suza, son of M. de Suza of Whydah, who is the greatest
slave-dealer in all Africa, although in other respects a very kind and
generous man. Mr. Hutton and myself visited the island, and called upon
Isidore. We were ushered into a large hall, or principal apartment,
beautifully arranged in the Spanish style, and richly furnished with
European materials. Round this apartment were arranged prints, in
rich gold frames, of Napoleon in his principal battles, as well as
his disinterment at St. Helena, and second funeral in France. In a
few minutes Isidore himself made his appearance, and gave us a hearty
reception. His house is very pleasantly situated, commanding a full
view of the Atlantic Ocean. It is well situated for his trade of
slave-dealing. Isidore is a tall, stout man, of pleasing expression
and agreeable manners. He is kind and generous to all his domestics,
who live in ease and indolence. The greater part of his domestic slaves
are at all times either playing at some game which can be enjoyed
either lying down or sitting, or stretched at full length in the dirt,
like so many pigs. The African does not play any games requiring
exercise of body, but will lie for a whole day scarcely changing his
position, except to eat; and on these occasions he generally eats as
much as three or four Europeans.
On this island I observed the finest cattle I had seen on this part
of the coast. They are properly attended to, having proper sheds, and
slaves appointed to attend to them. I also saw a very handsome pony
here, and in good condition. Isidore is of Portuguese parents.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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