VISIT TO THE ‘ ALBERT.’ 
217 
which appeared to be somewhat bewildered ; and after a 
few complimentory remarks from Captain Trotter and 
the other Commissioners, the conference was opened. 
Captain Trotter, Senior Commissioner, explained to 
Obi Osai, that Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain 
had sent him and the three other gentlemen composing 
the Commission, to endeavour to enter into treaties with 
African Chiefs for the abolition of the trade in human 
beings, which Her Majesty and all the British nation 
held to be an injustice to their fellow-creatures, and 
repugnant to the laws of God ; that the vessels which he 
saw were not trading ships, but belonging to our Queen, 
and were sent, at great expense, expressly to convey the 
Commissioners appointed by Her Majesty, for the 
purpose of caiTying out Her benevolent intentions, for 
the benefit of Africa. Captain Trotter therefore requested 
the King to give a patient hearing to what the Com- 
missioners had to say to him on the subject. 
Obi expressed himself through his interpreter, or 
“ mouth,” much gratified at our visit ; that he under- 
stood what was said, and would pay attention. 
The Commissioners then explained that the principal 
object in inviting him to a conference was, to point out 
the injurious effects to himself and to his people of the 
practice of selling their slaves, thus depriving themselves 
of their services for ever, for a trifling sum ; whereas, if 
these slaves were kept at home, and employed in the 
cultivation of the land, in collecting palm-oil, or other 
