But, at
present, we know nothing certain of this, although but a few days'
journey from the scene where the disaster took place - so miserable are
our means of information for enabling us to put an end to this system of
Christian slavery. Certainly some representations should be made to the
Emperor, who pretends to have jurisdiction over Wadnoun, and the
adjacent countries, that these captives may be delivered up to the
Consuls of Mogador. A fair remuneration might be given to the persons
bringing them safely to this town.
I am told, the Ironmongers' Company of London have at their disposal
funds for the liberation of such British captives as are enslaved in
Southern Morocco. This money was left by a merchant who himself was made
a slave there; and since that time, owing to the few British captives
redeemed, it has increased to an enormous amount. Not knowing what to do
with the money, the Company, it is said, are about to petition
Parliament to build a school with a portion; but I should suggest that
it would be more in accordance with the original object, and declared
intention of the benevolent, donor, were this large surplus fund devoted
to the redemption of all other Christian captives, of whatever nation or
country. Because two hundred dollars are not forthcoming which could
easily be supplied from the Ironmongers' Company's funds, a poor
Spaniard is condemned to a cruel and hopeless slavery, wandering in the
wilds of the great African wilderness. It is impossible to tell the
number of Christian slaves who perish in the South of Morocco. Many of
the Consular agents of this city are as ignorant of the country as
persons residing in London. This subject absolutely demands the
attention of the governments of Europe. Our humanity and civilization
are in question.
The opinions of the Jews here, are the same as those of American
slave-holders, with this slight difference, that they consider it right
to make slaves of white men and Europeans, as well as of black men,
negroes, and Africans, in which idea they are more consistent than their
Yankee men-selling brethren.
As there are many Barbary Jews at Mogador, more or less under British
protection, I took the liberty of reminding them of their liabilities as
British subjects, by circulating among them copies of Lord Brougham's
Act.
I had some conversation with Rabbi-El Melek and other Jews about the
question of abolition,
_Traveller_. - "What is the opinion of the Jews of this country on the
matter of slavery?"
_Rabbi-El-Melek._ - "I will show you," (taking the Hebrew Bible he read)
"'Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his
brethren.'"
