War, Therefore, Is Certainly The Most
General And Most Productive Source Of Slavery, And The Desolations
Of War Often (But Not Always) Produce The Second Cause Of Slavery,
FAMINE; In Which Case A Freeman Becomes A Slave To Avoid A Greater
Calamity.
Perhaps, by a philosophic and reflecting mind, death itself would
scarcely be considered as a greater calamity than slavery;
But the
poor negro, when fainting with hunger, thinks like Esau of old,
"Behold, I am at the point to die, and what profit shall this
birthright do to me?" There are many instances of freemen
voluntarily surrendering up their liberty to save their lives.
During a great scarcity, which lasted for three years, in the
countries of the Gambia, great numbers of people became slaves in
this manner. Dr. Laidley assured me that at that time many freemen
came and begged, with great earnestness, TO BE PUT UPON HIS SLAVE-
CHAIN, to save them from perishing of hunger. Large families are
very often exposed to absolute want; and as the parents have almost
unlimited authority over their children, it frequently happens, in
all parts of Africa, that some of the latter are sold to purchase
provisions for the rest of the family. When I was at Jarra, Daman
Jumma pointed out to me three young slaves whom he had purchased in
this manner. I have already related another instance which I saw at
Wonda; and I was informed that in Fooladoo, at that time, it was a
very common practice.
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