middle of the day until night. After that they went to their different camps: seven days after that they gathered up again, and commenced the war in the town Anacco, where they fought exceedingly, and there were many lives lost on both sides; but Abdengara's army, being stronger than the king of Gounah's, took possession of the town. Some of Gounah's people were obliged to fly to Cong, and on that very day they made me a captive. As soon as I was made prisoner, they stripped me, and tied me with cord, and gave me a heavy load to carry, and led me into the country of Buntocoo,-from thence to the town of Cumasy, where the king of Shantee reigned, whose name is Ashai, and from thence to Assicuma,-and from thence to Agimaca, which is the country of the Fantees; from thence to the town of Dago, by the sea-side (all the way on foot, and well loaded); there they sold me to the Christians in that town -there one of the ship's captains purchased me, and delivered me over to one of his sailors: the boat immediately pushed off, and I was carried on board of the ship. We were three months at sea before we arrived in Jamaica, which was the beginning of bondage.—I have none to thank but those that brought me here. But, praise be to God, who has every thing in his power to do as he thinks good, and no man can remove whatever burthen he chooses to put on us. As he said

'Nothing shall fall on us except what he shall ordain; he is our Lord, and let all that believe in him put their trust in him.' My parents' religion is of the Mussulman: they are all circumcised, and their devotions are five times a day; they fast in the month Ramadan; they give tribute according to their law; they are married to four wives, but the fifth is an abomination to them. They fight for their religion, and they travel to the Hedjaz (those that are capable). They don't eat any meat except what they themselves kill. They do not drink wine nor spirits, as it is held an abomination so to do. They do not associate with any that worship idols, or profane the Lord's name, or do dishonour to their parents, or commit murder, or bear false witness, or who are covetous, proud, or boastful; for such faults are an abomination unto my religion. They are particularly careful in the education of their children, and in their behaviour, but I am lost to all these advantages: since my bondage I am become corrupt; and I now conclude by begging the Almighty God to lead me into the path that is proper for me, for he alone knows the secrets of my heart and what I am in need of.

"Kingston, Jamaica,

66

Sept. 20, 1834."

"ABON BECR SADIKI."

The above was written in Arabic. The man speaks English well and correctly for a negro, but does not read or write it. I caused him to read the original, and translate it word by word ; and, from the little knowledge I have of the spoken language, I can safely present you with this version of it as a literal translation. There are other letters of his, and some of his brethren, which I will send you in my next. The letter of the latter, addressed to me by some native Africans, who have obtained their liberty in this city, is written in English by one of them, and is an epistle which, I think, you will read with much interest.

I am, my dear Sir,

Yours very truly,

R. R. M.

LETTER XXXII.

CAPABILITIES OF NEGROES.

To DR WM. BEATTIE.

My dear Sir,

Kingston, October 20, 1834.

The day after the proceedings described in my last letter took place, I received the following letter from a Member of the House of Assembly-a gentleman generally esteemed for his abilities, as well as for his amiable disposition. The suggestion it offers is one that, I think, is deserving of attention; and it serves, moreover, to exhibit the private feelings of benevolence towards the negro, which can actuate the conduct of those whose public sentiments are not in unison with the opinions of those who are favourable to the abolition of slavery. This letter is from a gentleman who made the most decided stand for what is called colonial interests at the passing of the late measure-from one, in short, who took, what I thought, a very strong part against that measure.

Truth, however, obliges me to add, that a more humane master to his negroes is not to be found. I do not think I have ever witnessed in England kindness, and even affectionate regard to servants, so strikingly displayed, as I have observed in the uniform humanity of this gentleman towards his sable domestics. His letter was to this effect:

"While perusing the interesting case which. occurred yesterday at your court, as reported in the Herald, I was struck so forcibly with the advantage with which the Landers, and other explorators of Africa, would derive through the acquisition of such an individual, that I laid down the paper, to suggest to you some observations, which may lead as well to his advantage, as to that of the country of his ancestors. I am delighted that I should have been so fortunate as to be sitting alongside of you when that case was called on. I had often heard the man spoken of, but I never saw him until he stood before you. I had often heard, too, of the beauty of his penmanship; but the idea I had formed of it fell infinitely short of the specimen you had put into my hands; and then the able and affecting address delivered on the occasion will long live in my memory, while the interesting history, for which we are indebted to you, cannot fail to insure the gratitude of all beneficent minds. I should hope you would pause,