The Fetish they brought off, on this dangerous Voyage, was a Bundle of small, black Sticks, like a hundred of Sparrowgrass put into a Bag, knit of Silk-grass, and hanging over one of their Shoulders, seeming to place a Security and Confidence in it; for I would have handled and tasted it, but found it put them in a Fright, saying, to deter me, You didee, you kicatavoo, (i. e.) if you eat, you die presently.
The mutual Distrust between us, made their present Business only begging old Breeches, Shirts, Rags, Biskett, and whatever else they saw, parting in some hurry, and calling to one another for that end, in a Note like what Butchers use in driving Cattle. They have plenty of Milhio, Rice, Yamms, and Salt hereabouts.
We found in our coasting by Bashau, and other trading Towns, the same Fears subsisting, coming off every day in their Canoos, and then at a stand whether they should enter: The boldest would sometimes come on board, bringing Rice, Malaguetta, and Teeth, but staying under Fear and Suspicion. Here we may take these Observations.
1. Canoos are what are used through the whole Coast for transporting Men and Goods. Each is made of a single Cotton-tree, chizelled and hollowed into the shape of a Boat; some of them 8 or 10 Foot broad, carrying twenty Rowers. The Negroes do not row one way and look another, but all forward, and standing at their Paddles, they dash together with dexterity, and if they carry a Cabiceer, always sing; a Mark of Respect.
2. Cabiceers are the principal of the trading Men at all Towns; their Experience, or Courage having given them that Superiority: All Acts of Government in their several Districts, are by their Votes.
They came off to us with some English Title and Certificate; the Favour of former Traders to them, for their Honesty and good Service; and were they done with Caution, might be of use to Ships as they succeed in the Trade: Whereas now they contain little Truth, being done out of Humour, and learn them only to beg or steal with more Impudence.
3. The Negrish Language alters a little in sailing, but as they are Strangers to Arts, &c. restrained to a few Words, expressive of their Necessities: This I think, because in their Meetings they are not talkative; In their Trading the same Sound comes up often; and their Songs, a Repetition of six Words a hundred times.
Some Negrish Words.
Didee, Eat.
Malafia, }
Govina, } Ivory.
Malembenda, Rice.
Cockracoo, Fowl.
Praam, Good.
Nino, Sleep.
Sam sam, all one.
Acquidera, Agreed.
Oura, Very well.
Tomy, Arse-clout.
Attee, ho, How do you?
Dashee, a Present.
Kickatavoo, Killed, or Dead.
Tossu, Be gone.
Yarra, Sick.
Fabra, Come.
Brinnee, White Man.
Bovinee, Black Man.
Soquebah, Gone, lost.
Tongo, Man’s Privities.
Bombo, Woman’s.