242 HISTORY OF THE [boor m 
the sentiments which freedom alone can inspire, 
were not so great objects of commiseration, as 
those who, having always enjoyed the sweets of 
unbounded liberty, were suddenly deprived of it, 
and urged to tasks of labour which their strength 
was unable to perform. Las Casas could neither 
prevent, nor foresee, the abuses and evils that-have 
arisen from the system of traffic recommended by 
him, and is not therefore justly chargeable with- 
the rashness, absurdity, and iniquity, which have 
since been imputed to his conduct. 
Of the English, the first who is known to have 
been concerned in this commerce, was the celebra¬ 
ted John Hawkinsj who afterwards received from 
queen Elizabeth the honour of knighthood, and 
was made treasurer of the navy. His adventures 
are recorded by Hakluyt, a cotemporary historian. 
Having made several voyages to the Canary islands, 
and there received information (says Hakluyt) Cf that 
“ negroes were very good merchandise in Hispani- 
“ ola, and that store of negroes might easily be had 
£c on the coast of Guinea, he resolved to make 
£f trial thereof, and communicated that device, 
“ with his worshipful friends of London, Sir Lionel 
te Ducket, Sir Thomas Lodge, Master Gunson (his 
<c father-in-law), Sir William Winter, Master Brom- 
“ field, and others; all which persons liked so well 
“ of his intention, that they became liberal contri- 
“ butors and adventurers in the action; for which 
“ purpose there were three good ships immediately 
provided, the Salomon of 120 tunne, wherein 
