It Is Also Very Well Inhabited With Strong, Well-Limbed
Negroes, Whom We Found Very Daring And Bold At Several Places:
As
to the product of it, it is very probable this island may afford as
many rich commodities as
Any in the world; and the natives may be
easily brought to commerce, though I could not pretend to it in my
circumstances." If any objections should be raised from Dampier's
misfortune in that voyage, it is easy to show that it ought to have
no manner of weight whatever, since, though he was an excellent
pilot, he is allowed to have been but a bad commander; besides, the
Roebuck, in which he sailed, was a worn-out frigate that would
hardly swim; and it is no great wonder that in so crazy a vessel the
people were a little impatient at being abroad on discoveries; yet,
after all, he performed what he was sent for; and, by the discovery
of this island of New Britain, secured us an indisputable right to a
country, that is, or might be made, very valuable.
It is so situated, that a great trade might be carried on from
thence through the whole Terra Australis on one side, and the most
valuable islands of the East Indies on the other. In short, all, or
at least most, of the advantages proposed by the Dutch West India
Company's joining with their East India Company, of which a large
account has already been given, might be procured for this nation,
by the establishing a colony in this island of New Britain, and
securing the trade of that colony to the African Company by law; the
very passing of which law would give the company more than
sufficient credit, to fit out a squadron at once capable of securing
the possession of that island, and of giving the public such
satisfaction as to its importance, as might be requisite to obtain
further power and assistance from the State, if that should be found
necessary.
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