XXX V iii 
D E D I C AT 1 0 N. 
It has been a f abject of much aftonlih- 
luent, that no European power hath as yet 
made a permanent fcttlement on the coail: 
of this prolific country, or traded with the 
natives for fcarcely any tiling but flaves.— . 
Now, Sir, what a fcene is here difplayed to 
the genius and commercial fpirty of the 
Englifh. If they retain the Cape of Good 
Hope, they at once con:^.mand the ifland of 
Madagafcar ; and that a rnoft extenfive 
cominerce may arife from the joint co-ope- 
ration of tlie two countries, under the con- 
troul of a liberal and enlio^htened Q;overn- 
niert^ is a {:ict that admits of no doubt or 
controverfV whatever. 
By endeavouring:^ to exnlain the advanta- 
ges, that, in my opinion, would arife to the 
States of America from a fcttlement in Af- 
rica, I have done no miore than Vv'hat I con- 
' ceive to be my duty.— Born in that coun- 
try, I feel the predominant imipulfe of our 
common nature, that gives the heart an in- 
tereft in all that concerns its native hom.e. 
But, Sir, as I have been apprehenfive that 
you v/ould conlider a fcttlem.ent of this de- 
fcription as a m.eafure which American poli- 
cy forbids, I have likewife directed my ob- 
fervations to the Enrfilh nation, whole prof- 
perity has ever had a fecond place in my af- 
fe<5lions. Their mdnifters feem to under- 
ftand the value of t.heir late conqueft in Af- 
rica ; and therefore, it is to be fuppofed^ 
will fl:rue:Qle hard to preicrve it. On this 
