When he had finished his narrative, and answered the different questions which I had proposed to him concerning it, I asked him in as delicate a manner as I could, How it happened, that, seeing the trade in this horrible light, he had consented to follow it again?  He told me frankly, that he had received a regular medical education, but that his relations, being poor, had not been able to set him up in his profession.  He had saved a little money in his last voyage.  In that, which he was now to perform, he hoped to save a little more.  With the profits of both voyages together, he expected he should be able to furnish a shop in the line of his profession, when he would wipe his hands of this detestable trade.

I then asked him, Whether upon the whole he thought he had judged prudently, or whether the prospect of thus enabling himself to become independent, would counterbalance the uneasiness which might arise in future?  He replied, that he had not so much to fear upon this account.  The trade, while it continued, must have surgeons.  But it made a great difference both to the crew and to the slaves, whether these discharged their duty towards them in a feeling manner, or not.  With respect to himself, he was sure that he should pay every attention to the wants of each.  This thought made his continuance in the trade for one voyage longer more reconcileable.  But he added, as if not quite satisfied, “Cruel necessity!” and he fetched a deep sigh.

We took our leave, and departed, the one a few minutes after the other.  The conversation of this young man was very interesting.  I was much impressed both by the nature and the manner of it.  I wished to secure him, if possible, as an evidence for Parliament, and thus save him from his approaching voyage:  but I knew not what to do.  At first, I thought it would be easy to raise a subscription to set him up.  But then, I was aware that this might be considered as bribery, and make his testimony worth nothing.  I then thought that the commitee might detain him as an evidence, and pay him, in a reasonable manner, for his sustenance, till his testimony should be called for.  But I did not know how long it would be before his examination might take place.  It might be a year or two.  I foresaw other difficulties also; and I was obliged to relinquish what otherwise I should have deemed a prize.

On reviewing the conversation which had passed between us after my return home, I thought, considering the friendly disposition of Gardiner towards us, I had not done all I could for the cause; and, communicating my feelings to Walter Chandler, he procured me another interview.  At this, I asked him, if he would become an evidence, if he lived to return.  He replied, very heartily, that he would.  I then asked him, if he would keep a journal of facts during his voyage, as it would enable him to speak more correctly, in case he should be called upon for his testimony.  He assured me, he would, and that he would make up