The native American., 1839-07-20
FROM THE PHILADELPHIA MESSENGER.
.HAyANN A-THE SLAVE TRADE.

In the beautiful harbor Of the HAVANA the prac-
,;sed eve Of the seaman detects at glance, from
amidst the large fleets of vessels from all quarters
of the world some half dozen or more splendid
brieantines which, for elegance and symmetry OF
model breadth of beam, and lightness of rig, are
unsurpassed by any vessels in the world; sharp
fore and aft, and lying low, they seem only to
touch the waler, and if zephyr would put them
in motion These beautiful vessels, which do
credit TO the skill! of the architect and as | was
informed, was chiefly built at or near Baltimore,
arc slavers-dcceitful in appearance as the unruf-
fed bosom of the on which they glide their
holds are the abodcs Of wretchedness, disease and
death.
In company with an English naval officer, |
made a visit across the bay to several OF those yes
sels We were permitted to walk over them, but
40 particular attention was taken Of US on the
contrary we were looked upon with suspicion,
and received short and unsatisfactory answers to
our questions; in general all attempts to enter into
conversation with those on board appeared useless.
With one however, we were more successful AN
old weather beaten Spanard was walking the
deck-although an old private, his expression of
countenance was fine. Taking seat undtr the
awning on the quarter deck, offering him bundle
Of cigartas, and lighting one ourselves, by degrees
induced him into conversation, and In course OF
one hour or more learned from him some horrid
truths He told us that in four voyages he had
brought, in the vessel upon which then were,
1000 human beings his fortunate vessel,
and seldom lost more than half dozen on
voyage ; once however, he told us he was not so
Iucky-a malignant disease broke out on board
soon after leaving the coast, and of three hundred
taken in Africa, but ninety-fre were landed, more
dead than alive, on the island.
The material, such as handouts, chains and
even the lower decks are taken out slowed in
pieces as cargo, and are fitted up on the coast of
Africa. We saw the apertures in the decks, to
admit the air, and as were leaving the brig in
our boat ongside, the captain told exultingly
that he knew we were officers of the British sloop
of war, pointing to the Champion" that was
riding at anchor at little distance from US but
added he, /" You are welcome: YESTERDAY showed
your captain (meaning of the Champion all over
nv trim vesscl-I have nothing to conceal-you
dare not touch me here, and once outside with
an expressive shrug OF the shoulders you may
catch me if you can.
About league from the gates of Havana, stu
ated delightfully."- upon gentle eminence, shaded
BY groves of the palm and the cocoa, overlooking
the Paseo Tacon and the governors Casa di Cam
po and gardens is tienda receptacle for new.
ly imported slaves it IS one OF the many that
abound on the island. In the cool of the evening
we made visit 10 this bazaar. newly imported
cargo Of 22O human beings were here exposed
for sale. They were crouched down upon their
forms around large room. During visit Of more
than On hour that we were there not word was
uttered by one Of them. On entering the room
the eyes of all were turned towards u.s. as il to
read in our coun.cnance their fate. They were
all nearly naked being but slightly clad in light
check shirt apon which mark upon the breast.
With few exceptions they were but skin and bone
too weak to support their anguid forms, that we're
reclining on the floor. their backs resting against
the wall. When purchaser came they were mo-
toned to stand, which they obeycd although with
apparent pain A fcw were Old and gray, butthe
greater proportion were mere children OF from 10
TO l3 or 10 years Of age. When they stood their
legs looked as thin as reeds and hardly capable OF
supporting the skeletons Of their wasted forms.
The keeper told us they were OF several distinct
tribes, and that they did not understand each other.
This was apparent from the formation Of the head.
While we were there, five little boys and girls
were selected and brought to 90 into the interior.
No regard is paid TO relationship, and once sepa-
rated they never meet again We left the tienda
and turning through the gateway we saw some
who were lying under the Shade Of the plaiptain.
whose appearance told that they, at least would
soon be liberated from bondage by death thew
were those who had suffered most during the
Aoyage their situation was most melancholy. |
offered to one the untasted bowl of coca milk I
about drinking she motioned it away with