Page:Abstract of the evidence for the abolition of the slave-trade 1791.djvu/134

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CHAP. VIII.

Whether the Slave-Trade be not a Grave for the Seamen employed in it,—and whether a Trade in the Natural Productions of Africa would be the same.

Loss of Seamen in the Slave Trade while in the Service of their respective Ships.

The statements, made by the different evidences of the loss of seamen while on board their respective ships, unquestionably prove the slave-trade to be the grave of our marine. but as an account has been since made for the house of Commons expressly upon this point, taking all the slave-ships promiscuously from the ports of Liverpool and Bristol for a number of years back, and made up from the muster-rolls of each ship, it will be more proper to quote from so general and extensive an account, than from the testimony of a few, even the best informed, individuals.

Abstract of such of the muster-rolls of Liverpool and Bristol Slave Ships as were returned into the Custom-Houses there, from September, 1784, to January 5th, 1790.

Periods.	No. of Vessels.	Original Crews.	Died of Original Crews	Brought Home of Original Crews
From 1784 to 1785, -	74	2915	615	1279
From 1785 to 1786, -	62	2163	436	944
From 1786 to 1787, -	66	2136	433	1073
From 1787 to 1788, -	68	2422	623	1114
From 1788 to Jan. 5, 1790,	80	2627	536	1350
Total	350	12,263	2643	5760

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