Did not that British commerce consist among other things of the exportation of the merchandise of Britain to various places on the coast of Africa?—Certainly.
Do you not know that British merchandises, sometimes in British vessels, and at other times in other vessels, were exported to a very considerable extent to various parts of the coast of Africa?—Certainly, I do.
Now with respect to the Gallinas, do I understand you to say that no British merchandises were exported there, except for the purposes of the slave trade?—Any British merchandise exported there from the Gallinas?
No, I said imported into the Gallinas.—That question was not asked me.
Do you not know that British merchandise to a considerable extent was from time to time exported to the Gallinas in a lawful manner?—I have known English vessels arrive at the Gallinas and part with a little of their cargo; but I never knew an instance before the Augusta of a vessel arriving at the Gallinas consigned to deliver her cargo there.
I ask you, whether you have known of various British vessels, containing British merchandise, arriving there for a lawful purpose?—I have known one or two English vessels dispose of a part of their cargoes there; but I doubt its being for a legal purpose, because I am satisfied there is no export from the Gallinas but slaves, and therefore I do not think it could be lawful.
You say you have known them land part of their cargo there?—I have known them sell part of it.
And you gave as your reason for doubting whether it was for a lawful purpose, because you are not aware of any merchandise that is exported from there in return?—I said I should doubt whether it was lawful, because there was no produce in exchange for it.
Have you never known an instance of ivory and palm-oil being exported from Gallinas?—Never, and I believe it never was during the time I was there.
I am asking your experience; I will come to your belief presently. You say you doubt whether British merchandise has ever been landed there for lawful purposes; is that so?—I have given my reason for doubting it.