A new account of Guinea, and the slave-trade
"A New Account of Guinea, and the Slave-Trade" by William Snelgrave is a historical account published in the mid-18th century. The work details the author's experiences as a trader along the Guinea coast, where he witnessed the horrors of the slave trade and the cultural practices of various African kingdoms, particularly focusing on the Kingdom of Dahomè. Snelgrave's narrative aims to shed light on the complexities of the region's interactions with European traders and the devastating impact of the slave trade. At the start of the narrative, Snelgrave establishes the context of his travels along the Guinea coast, referencing past encounters with the local populace and the geopolitical dynamics that influenced trade. He recounts his observations of indigenous customs, including the shocking practice of human sacrifice, which he derides while also contextualizing within the local belief systems. The reader is introduced to the author's journey to the camp of the King of Dahomè, where he witnesses both displays of power and brutality, including the sacrifice of captives following military conquests. Snelgrave presents a vivid picture of the cultural clashes and moral dilemmas faced by European traders in a land where their values starkly contrasted with those they encountered.