This is to certify, that Robert Drury, fifteen years a slave in Madagascar, now living in London, was redeemed from thence, and brought into England, his native country, by myself. I esteem him an honest, industrious man, of good reputation, and do firmly believe that the account he gives of his strange and surprising adventures is genuine and authentic.

WILLIAM MACKETT.

May 7, 1728.

THE
ADVENTURES
OF
ROBERT DRURY.

As my design in the ensuing narrative, is to give a plain and honest account of matters of fact, I shall make use of no artful inventions, or borrowed phrases, to lengthen or embellish it; nor shall I introduce any other reflections, than what were the natural result of my many uncommon and surprising adventures. And,

Here, I hope, it will be no ways improper to inform my readers, that I was not fourteen years of age when these heavy misfortunes first befell me; so that my youth, as well as want of knowledge in the Madagascar language, rendered me incapable of making such curious observations, as one of a riper age, better judgment, and freed from slavery, might have done to much greater advantage. For,

I, Robert Drury, was born on the 24th of July, in the year 1687, in Crutched-friars, London, where my father then lived; but soon after he removed to the Old Jury, near Cheapside, where he kept for several years afterwards that noted house, called the King’s-head, or otherwise distinguished by the name of the Beef-steak-house; and to which there was, all his time, a great resort of merchants, and other gentlemen of the best rank and character.

Notwithstanding the education my father bestowed on me, I could not be prevailed on to think of any business but going to sea, to which course of life my genius wholly inclined me. And I well remember, that from eleven years of age, my mind was so intent on the profession of a sailor, that it grew up with me, and at length became such an obstinate resolution, that not all the entreaties of my dear and indulgent mother, (though she once begged me on her knees,) nor the persuasions of my father, or any other friends, could make the least impression upon me.

When they found their endeavours were ineffectual, they then formed a new scheme, and by a seeming compliance with my inclination, proposed to procure a short voyage for me, hoping that the many dangers and hardships to which I should naturally be exposed, and should see others undergo, would deter me from persevering in that course of life.