WADSTROM*S SETTLEMENT. 
whose cupidity even extended to parrots and natu- 
ral curiosities, rendered the interior entirely inac- 
cessible. These unexpected and irresistible events 
obliged Wadstrom and his companions to return 
to Europe, with the observations which they had 
made on the coast, and the oral information which 
they had been able to procure concerning the in- 
terior regions. To these travellers, Cape Verd 
appeared to be the most eligible situation for a 
new colony, but it was claimed by the French, 
who had twice purchased the whole peninsula. 
Almost surrounded by the sea, abounding in bold 
elevations, and rich valleys watered with springs, 
it seemed to be as healthful, fertile, and defen- 
sible, as any part of that coast, within a conve- 
nient distance from Europe. After Cape Verd, 
the most proper situations seemed to be Cape 
Monte and Cape Mesurado. These districts have 
been described by Des Marchais,* Villault, 
* The voyage of the Chevalier des Marchais to Guinea, 
the adjacent islands, and Cayenne, in 1725-6-7, was publish- 
ed by Labat at Amsterdam in 1731, in 4< vols. 8vo, with maps 
by D'Anville. The Chevalier appears to have been a man of 
great ability, and an adept in drawing, geometry, and navi- 
gation. His engaging address, and knowledge of the nume- 
rous languages on the coast, enabled him to gratify his curi- 
osity, by applying to the original sources of information, 
without hazard of imposition. His observations chiefly re- 
late to the Gold Coast, and the kingdoms of W^hidah and 
Ardra. 
* 
VOJ.. 11. T 
