With respect to their health in these voyages, the mortality, where the African constitution was the strongest, or on the windward coast, was only about five in a hundred.  In thirty-five voyages, an account of which was produced, about six in a hundred was the average number lost.  But this loss was still greater at Calabar and Bonny, which were the greatest markets for slaves.  This loss, too, did not include those who died, either while the vessels were lying upon the Coast, or after their arrival in the West Indies, of the disorders which they had contracted upon the voyage.  Three and four in a hundred had been known to die in this latter case.

But besides these facts, which were forced out of the witnesses by means of the cross-examination which took place, they were detected in various falsehoods.

They had asserted that the ships in this trade were peculiarly constructed, or differently from others, in order that they might carry a great number of persons with convenience; whereas Captain Parrey asserted that out of the twenty-six, which he had seen, ten only had been built expressly for this employ.

They had stated the average height between decks at about five feet and four inches.  But Captain Parrey showed, that out of the nine he measured, the height in four of the smallest was only four feet eight inches, and the average height in all of them was but five feet two.

They had asserted that vessels under two hundred tons had no platforms.  But by his account the four just mentioned were of this tonnage, and yet all of them had platforms either wholly or in part.

On other points they were found both to contradict themselves and one another.  They had asserted, as before mentioned, that if they were restricted to less than two full-grown slaves to a ton, the trade would be ruined.  But in examining into the particulars of nineteen vessels, which they produced themselves, five of them only had cargoes equal to the proportion which they stated to be necessary to the existence of the trade.  The other fourteen carried a less number of slaves (and they might have taken more on board if they had pleased):  so that the average number in the nineteen was but one man and four-fifths to a ton, or ten in a hundred below their lowest standard[A].  One again said, that no inconvenience arose in consequence of the narrow space allowed to each individual in these voyages.  Another said, that smaller vessels were more healthy than larger, because, among other reasons, they had a less proportion of slaves as to number on board.

[Footnote A:  The falsehood of their statements in this respect was proved again afterwards by facts.  For, after the regulation had taken place, they lost fewer slaves and made greater profits.]