MURDER OF RTJBAULT. 
169 
would have been considerably augmented during the stay of the 
fleet, as that was the period of the fair, and the general rendez- 
vous of all the African merchants ; in short, he had fully acquit- 
ted himself of his mission, as he had procured the company im- 
mense beneîîts, and had disposed the neighbouring princes to 
receive us on their territory. 
Such was the situation of Rubault at Galam, when I left Isle 
St. Louis on the 2 1st of July, 1786. I had made arrangements 
for the saihng of the fleet, which repaired to its destination, but 
too late, as Rubault no longer existed. He found it impossible 
to maintain, through nothing but the respect which was shewn 
to him, the great number of slaves which he had procured, and 
they became refractory and set themselves at liberty. He had 
for some time foreseen the fate which would befall him, and w as 
making arrangements to avoid it, by returning over land to Isle 
St. Louis; but while he hesitated, the others acted. One fatal 
night, the slaves revolted and pursued him with fury; the house 
which he inhabited, was a feeble structure^ and they easily forced 
the doors. Rubault jumped out of the window, but was imme- 
diately seized and massacred; the house and magazines were 
pillaged, and ail the property disappeared with its collector. 
This event arose from the discredit which our commerce expe- 
rienced : for it is not enou2;h with, the half-civilized nations in 
Afiica, to pay in merchandise, but there must be a rigorous 
punctuality m the times of payment. The most aflfticting result, 
however, of this catastrophe, was the abandonment of the dis- 
coveries which I had attempted to make in a country still un- 
known, as the documents which Rubault had collected were 
destroyed ; while in consequence of liis unfortunate end^ I could 
find no one who would attempt the journey again. Thus ail 
my hopes were defeated. 
During this horrible night, the prince of Galam, and the in- 
habitants reposed in peace. When they were informed of the 
insurrection, it was too late to stop its course, which was so ra- 
pid, that they had scarcely time to take measures for their own 
security. The inhabitants were so much afilicted at the event, 
that they sent a deputation to Isle St. Louis, to express their 
regret at what had happened ; but the evil was without a remedy, 
and it was agreed to think no more of it. 
The great mconvenience of the voyage to Galam is, thatthen is the 
only period at which a fleet can sail, as the river cannot be ascend- 
ed, except after the lirst rams, which are during the sickly season. 
The vessels generally leave Isle St. Louis at the end of July, or 
the beginning of August, when the current of the river has an 
incredible force, and the wind is almost always contrary, so that 
it is necessary to tow the ships by ropes over a difficult and uncut 
PURAND.] y 
