When Hawkins returned to England with pearls, hides, sugar and ginger,
which he had received in exchange for his slaves, multitudes flocked
after him, to inquire into the nature, and learn the success of the new
and extraordinary branch of trade. At first the nation was shocked at the
unnatural trade of dealing in human flesh, and bartering the commodities
and trinkets of Europe for the rational race of Africa. The queen, though
a patroness of commerce, was doubtful of the justice and humanity of this
new branch, it appearing to her equally barbarous as uncommon, and
therefore sent for Hawkins to inquire into his method of conducting it.
Hawkins told her, that he considered it as an act of humanity to carry
men from a worse condition to a better, from a state of wild barbarism to
another where they might share the blessings of civil society and
Christianity; from poverty, nakedness and want to plenty and felicity. He
assured her, that in no expedition where he had the command should any
Africans be carried away without their own free will and consent except
such captives as were taken in war and doomed to death; that he had no
scruple about the justice of bringing human creatures from that barren
wilderness, to a condition where they might be both happy themselves and
beneficial to the world. Indeed it would appear that Hawkins had no idea
of perpetual slavery, but expected they would be treated as free
servants, after they had by their labours brought their masters an
equivalent for the expence of their purchase. Queen Elizabeth seemed
satisfied with his account, and dismissed him, by declaring, that while
he and his owners acted with humanity and justice, they should have her
countenance and protection.

Soon after Hawkins made preparations for a second voyage, in which the
Queen offered him a ship of war for his assistance and protection. But he
declined accepting her offer, by telling her Majesty, that the profits of
the trade would answer for all the risque and expences attending it. In