The African's Speech, as
translated, is as follows.
"_Allah Bismillah, &c.
God is great, and Mahomet is his Prophet._
"Have these _Erika_ considered the Consequences of granting
their Petition? If we cease our Cruises against the Christians, how
shall we be furnished with the Commodities their Countries produce,
and which are so necessary for us? If we forbear to make Slaves of
their People, who in this hot Climate are to cultivate our Lands?
Who are to perform the common Labours of our City, and in our
Families? Must we not then be our own Slaves? And is there not more
Compassion and more Favour due to us as Mussulmen, than to these
Christian Dogs? We have now above 50,000 Slaves in and near Algiers.
This Number, if not kept up by fresh Supplies, will soon diminish,
and be gradually annihilated. If we then cease taking and plundering
the Infidel Ships, and making Slaves of the Seamen and Passengers,
our Lands will become of no Value for want of Cultivation; the Rents
of Houses in the City will sink one half; and the Revenues of
Government arising from its Share of Prizes be totally destroy'd!
And for what? To gratify the whims of a whimsical Sect, who would
have us, not only forbear making more Slaves, but even to manumit
those we have.
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