Caulker's influence and protection. I have had frequent intercourse with
this chief, and I found him of a very superior understanding, and acute
intellect, to the generality of his countrymen; and if his jealousies could
be allayed by the emollients of superior advantage, his intelligence and
co-operation would much facilitate any operations in this quarter.

On the 10th of April we arrived at Goree Roads, and came to an anchor
nearly opposite to that part of the island of Goree, called the Point de
Nore, and opening Cape Emanuel, which is by much the most eligible position
in the event of tornados, as a ship may always run in safety to sea,
between the island and the main land.

Goree is a small island, or barren rock, little more than three quarters of
a mile in length, and a few hundred yards in breadth. Its native
inhabitants are of colour, and a spurious progeny from the French; for whom
they still retain a great predilection. The number of what are called
principal inhabitants, does not exceed 50 males, with their families,
dependants, and slaves; which may in the aggregate amount to frequently
between three and four thousand souls. Their principal trade is in slaves,
of whom they annually export about two thousand, with a small proportion of
dead cargo, chiefly procured from Gambia.

Religion, of any description, is little practised or understood among them;
although it is evident that Christianity has been introduced into the
island, as there are traces of a catholic chapel and a monastery remaining.
Custom here, as in all the maritime countries of Africa, is the governing
principle of all their actions, added to an avaricious thirst for gain, and
the indulgence of sensual gratification. The ceremony of marriage is too
offensive for delicacy even to reflect upon, much less for me to narrate:
it does not attach to the union any sacred obligation, the bond being