The Sun.
London, England, 1829-12-31 00:00:00

BRAZILIAN SLAVE TRADE.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN ENGLISH OFFICER,
DATED MAY 29, 1829.

During the afternoon► a large ship passed into the
harbour, loaded with a cargo of 580 slaves, and ano-
ther with 348 had previously arrived during the
week. This latter vessel I passed close alongside on
Saturday morning, and saw the long boat slung be-
tween the two masts, crowded with children from
seven to twelve years of age. They were naked,
and apparently in good health and spirits. The
deaths during the voyage in the large vessel
amounted to 40, and in the smaller to 10. The
price of a newly-arrived slave, in good condition,
here is about 501. sterling—a high price, occasioned
by the demand arising from the stipulated termina-
tion of the trade in February, 1830, according to a
treaty made with England. The Emperor, how-
ever, who derives a considerable portion of his reve-
nues from a duty on the importations, amounting to
about .5/. per head, is making great efforts to obtain
an extension of the period.
The number of slaves imported into this town
(Rio) last year was 40,000, and doubtless the
misery inflicted must have been great. I am, how-
ever,, of opinion that this traffic is carried on in a
system as mild (if such a term can be applicable to
it) as its horrid nature permits. The condition of
the slaves here does not appear to be a peculiarly
hard one—they are not, apparently, overworked.
They seem to be generally well made, their naked
shoulders, well-expressed muscular form, and fine
polished skins, often put one in mind of an antique
bronze statue.

On the 19th, a gentleman, whom I had met at
-, kindly conducted me to the street inhabited
principally by the slave-merchants. We entered
seven or.eight magazines, and saw probably nearly
1,000 exposed for sale. Four-fifths are children, of
all ages, from five to fourteen, they being preferred
on account of their greater docility than the full-
grown men or women. The wretched creatures in
one magazine were in a dreadfully emaciated state,
some being merely living skeletons. The contents
of the others were generally well-conditioned. Of
course, I attributed their difference of condition to
the comparatively mild or cruel treatment to which
they had been subjected during their transmission
here. They wear a narrow piece of blue striped
calico round the loins, and some of the females a
handkerchief over the bosom and another on the
head. They appeared generally pleased if noticed,
their eyes glistening when ordered to stand up fur
examination. One purchase was made in my pre-
sence, of five female and four male children. The
purchaser walks round the different groups who were
standing, sitting on benches, or squatting on their
hams, and having seen one which he thinks will
answer, beckons, and the slave is removed to a cor-
ner of the apartment. The number being completed,
they are brought in a line to the light, when they
are thoroughly examined, beginning with the teeth,
then the beard, if a male, nostrils, eyes, arms, legs,
and all over; the flesh is felt and kneaded, in order
to judge of its muscular texture. If approved, they
are generally clad with new garments, and marched
away. A little girl of eight or nine was examined,
for my curiosity, by my guide. She was asked by
a slave, who performed the part of interpreter, if she
would like me for a master, and, I believe, answered
in the affirmative; and whilst undergoing the exami-
nation, the agitation of the bosom and change of
the colour of her face (the flush of blood being dis-
tinctly visible) showed intense feeling; and I pleased
myself with the idea that more of hope than fear
prevaled. I sincerely wish the poor little wretch
good master. The price asked for the child above-
. mentioned was 440 milreas, equal to about ay.
sterling.

Sir GEORGE MURRAY was expected to leave
the residence of the Marquis and Marchioness of SALIS-
BURY, at Hatfield, Herts, yesterday afternoon, on his re-
turn to town.