J. A. Carnes’ “Journal of a Voyage from Boston to the West Coast of Africa: with

J. A. Carnes’ “Journal of a Voyage from Boston to the West Coast of Africa: with a full description of the manner of trading with the natives on the coast”. First edition, 1852.

An American trading voyage which called at several points along the coast from Cape Verde to Principe. Carnes is an astute observer and his narrative provides some fascinating details, whilst he also provides some powerful arguments against slavery. The appendix contains a lengthy consideration of West African peoples, in particular their skill as hunters and craftsmen.