APPENDIX. 
425 
wards, as opportunities may occur, transmit to me the most 
accurate information you can obtain upon the Slave Trade, 
whether carried on by the Chief only, or by his subjects only, or 
by both; the income derived therefrom by the Chief; the average 
number of slaves shipped, or otherwise taken olF, in the course of 
a season ; the countries or places from which they are supposed to 
have come, and the routes by which they are generally brought, 
and the circumstances by which in general they are supposed to 
have become slaves ; the nations and the individuals by whom 
they are supplied, and the price paid for them, both in the country 
from whence they come, and at the place at which you make the 
inquiry ; their course down to the spot, where they are finally 
embarked for the foreign Slave Trade ; and the means whereby 
that trade can at any of those places be best prevented or stopped 
in its progress. 
38. You will likewise make special inquiries as to the state of 
slavery existing in any country you may visit. As far as you can, 
you will endeavour to ascertain the numbers so enslaved ; what 
proportion they bear to the whole population ; to what extent 
predial slavery prevails ; the condition and treatment of slaves ; 
whether liable to be sold, put to death, or how otherwise punished 
at the pleasure of the owner ; whether the numbers are increasing 
or diminishing ; who are liable to be made slaves, and for what 
causes ; whether emancipation is in any , and what cases allowed 
to take place ; what powers the Chief possesses in respect of 
emancipating or improving their condition ; what is the average 
value of slaves of different ages and sexes ; and every other 
important particular calculated to throw light upon the character 
of domestic slavery at present existing in Africa, 
39. You will also collect and transmit to me, in like manner, 
the most accurate information you can obtain as to the extent of 
the possessions of each Chief you may visit ; and as to his 
influence beyond those possessions; as to the number of his 
towns and villages, and whether they are walled or open ; as to 
the number of the inhabitants in the principal towns, and the total 
supposed population of his possessions ; as to the rivers which run 
through those possessions, their source and mouth, and how far 
and for what boats navigable; as to the numbers and condition 
