Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1812. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... 9$ master, and gave him his vessel, after an admonition to shew more respect in future to His Britannic Majesty's ships. CHAPTER IV. CAPE COAST.--THE CASTLE.--THE TOWN. SLAVE-TRADE.--ABUSES. FAN TEE COUNTRY. LAWS, CUSTOMS, &C. IMPROVEMENTS. GARRISON OP CAPE COAST. MOUREE. Cape Coast. About eight or nine miles east from Elmina, we come to Cape-Coast Castle, the head-quarters of the British forts and settlements on the Goldcoast and Whidah. It was built by the Portuguese, and, with Elmina, ceded to the Dutch; from whom it was taken in 1665; since which period, we have remained in quiet possession of it. The Portuguese named this place Cabo Corso, nd in course of time, to render it more familiar to an English ear, it was translated to the strange name of Cape Coast. In its primitive state, this .castle was an insignificant place in point of strength: but the Royal African Company en* larged and strengthened it considerably; and some additions have since* been made to it: and although some errors may be seen in these additions and improvements, it is, notwithstanding, a respectable fortress, and, with an adequate garrison, is capable of beating off a considerable force by sea. The Castle. The Castle is built upon a rock, which forms an admirable breast-work towards the South and West, and mounts about ninety pieces of cannon, from three to thirty-six pounders, with mortars and howitzers. It is not this numerous artillery alone that makes it a place of strength on the sea-side; large ships cannot approach sufficiently near it, to effect much injury, and if they should venture in shallow water, the loss of a cable or a mast might cause inevitable destruction. Although this castle presents a formidable appearance towards the sea, it is extremely vulnerable on th...
