hey promised that the free natives living
at Fort Louis should remain in quiet possession of their effects, and
in the free exercise of their religion; and that all negroes, mulattoes,
and others, who could prove themselves free, should have it in their
option either to remain in the place, or remove to any other part of the
country.*

* The victors, however, committed a very great mistake in
allowing them to carry off their books and accounts, the
perusal of which would have been of infinite service to the
English merchants, by informing them of the commodities,
their value, the proper seasons, and methods of prosecuting
the trade.

The captains Campbell and Walker were immediately sent up the river with
a flag of truce, to see the articles signed and executed; but they were
so retarded by the rapidity of the stream, that they did not approach
the fort till three in the morning. As soon as the day broke they
hoisted their flag, and rowed up towards a battery on a point of the
island, where they lay upon their oars very near a full hour, beating
the chamade; but no notice was taken of their approach. This
reserve appearing mysterious, they retired down the river to their
in-trenchment, where they understood that the negroes on the island
were in arms, and had blocked up the French in Fort Louis, resolving to
defend the place to the last extremity, unless they should be included
in the capitulation. This intelligence was communicated in a second
letter from the governor, who likewise informed the English commander,
that unless the French director-general should be permitted to remain
with the natives, as a surety for that article of the capitulation in
which they were concerned, they would allow themselves to be cut in
pieces rather than submit. This request being granted, the English
forces began their march to Fort Louis, accompanied by a number of long
boats, in which the artillery and stores had been embarked. The French
seeing them advance, immediately struck their flag; and major Mason took
possession of the castle, where he found ninety-two pieces of cannon,
with treasure and merchandise to a considerable value. The corporation
and burghers of the town of Senegal submitted, and swore allegiance to
his Britannic majesty: the neighbouring princes, attended by numerous
retinues, visited the commander, and concluded treaties with the English
nation; and the king of Portenderrick, or Leg