His method of procuring slaves is worthy of remark.  He induces the Captains to deposit a quantity of goods in his hands, which he sorts into such portions as would form an ordinary load for a man to carry on his head.  He then sends his agents into the country with the goods to purchase slaves, promising the Captains their cargoes, amounting to any given number, within a stated time; in the meanwhile he employs other persons to collect in his own town and neighbourhood, and if he is very hard pressed, (for the Captains of slavers are always very impatient), he obliges his great men to furnish him with a certain number each.  This is done by sending him every individual from the neighbouring villages, who have committed any crime or misdemeanor; and should he still continue unable to make up the specified demand, they sell their own servants to him.  The Duke has profited largely by this system, for he has several warehouses full of goods, some of which he has had in store for years, such as wines, spirits, liqueurs, sail-cloth, cordage, manufactured goods, copper rods, iron bars, &c. &c.

The palm-oil he collects in small quantities from his subjects, in the neighbourhood of the Calabar, and other small rivers that fall into it.  The Duke, however, does not engross the whole trade, for the commerce being once regularly opened, may be carried on by any person who has property to barter.  Their mode of proceeding is as follows:—­Those who desire to traffic, come on board and select whatever they want, making their agreement with the captain as to what they are to bring in return.  If the captain knows them to be honest men, they are allowed to take the goods away at once; but if they have not sufficient credit with him, they must get the Duke, or some trustworthy person, to be responsible for them.  I was fortunate enough to be present during the time they were carrying on business.

The principal part of the cargoes of the Liverpool vessels who trade for palm-oil, is salt, of which the natives are very fond; but they consider it more a luxury, than a necessary condiment; the article next in estimation is rum; after which, they eagerly desire all descriptions of manufactured articles; such as cotton cloths, especially those printed with fancy patterns:  all sorts of beads, glass or china-ware, umbrellas, hats, &c. for which they frequently send orders on board the vessels, written in the following style.

  NOTES.

  (NO. 1.)

  “Captain Cummins Sir please Let the Bearer have fifteen and the 13
  Crew Cask to fill at Toby Creek.

  “Duke Epbraim.”

  (NO. 2.)

  “Captain Image Sir Please Give King Eyo Trust for 800 Crews of Oil be
  down for it if his no pay I will pay.

  “Duke Ephraim.”

  (NO. 3.)

“Dear my good friend Captain Halmaga Sir I have send you this letter to let you know that I send you 1 Goat and I send my Dear John to send me that Rum you promised me yeseday and I thank you to let me know what Hour you want me to come down to take my Trust.

  “I am your Best friend