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| William Loney RN - Background |
| Home-Loney-Background-Niger Expedition |
- The Colonial Secretaries proposal to the Treasury
- The Admiralty proposal for the vessels
- The Treasury acceptance of the Colonial secreatries proposal
COPY of a LETTER from Lord JOHN RUSSELL to the LORDS COMMISSIONERS of HER MAJESTY'S TREASURY.
Downing-street, 26th December, 1839.
My Lords,
THE state of the foreign Slave Trade has for some time past engaged much of the attention of Her Majesty's Confidential Advisers. In whatever light this traffic is viewed, it must be regarded as an evil of incalculable magnitude; the injuries it inflicts on the lawful commerce of this country, the constant expense incurred in the employment of ships of war for the suppression of it, and the annual sacrifice of so many valuable lives in this service, however deeply to be lamented, are not the most disastrous results of this system. The honour of the British Crown is compromised by the habitual evasion of the treaties subsisting between Her Majesty and Foreign Powers for the abolition of the Slave Trade, and the calamities which, in defiance of religion, humanity, and justice, are inflicted on a large proportion of the African continent, are such as cannot be contemplated without the deepest and most lively concern. The Houses of Lords and Commons have, in their addresses to the Crown, expressed in the most energetic terms the indignation with which Parliament regards the continuance of the trade in African slaves, and their anxious desire that every practicable method should be taken for the extinction of this great social evil.
To estimate the actual extent of the foreign Slave Trade is, from the nature of the case, an attempt of extreme difficulty; nor can anything more than a general approximation to the truth be made. But after the most attentive examination which it has been in my power to make of official documents, and especially of the correspondence communicated to Parliament from the department of Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, I find it impossible to avoid the conclusion, that the average number of slaves introduced into foreign states or colonies in America and the West Indies, from the western coast of Africa, annually exceeds 100.000. In this estimate, a very large deduction is made for the exaggerations which are more or less inseparable from all statements on a subject so well calculated to excite the feelings of every impartial and disinterested witness. But making this deduction, the number of slaves actually landed in the importing countries affords but a very imperfect indication of the real extent of the calamities which this traffic inflicts on its victims. No record exists of the multitudes who perish in the overland journey to the African coast, or in the passage across the: Atlantic, or of the still greater number who fall a sacrifice to the warfare, pillage, and cruelties by which the Slave Trade is fed. Unhappily, however, no fact can be more certain than that such an importation as I have mentioned presupposes and involves a waste of human life, and a sum of human misery, proceeding from year to year, without respite or intermission, to such an extent as to render the subject the most painful of any which, in the survey of the condition of mankind, it is possible to contemplate.
The preceding statement unavoidably suggests the inquiry why the costly efforts in which Great Britain has so long been engaged for repressing the foreign Slave Trade have proved thus ineffectual? Without pausing to enumerate the many concurrent causes of failure, it may be sufficient to say that such is the difference between the price at which a slave is bought on the coast of Africa and the price for which he is sold in Brazil or Cuba, that the importer receives back his purchase-money tenfold on the safe arrival of his vessel at the port of destination. It is more than probable that the general profits of the trade, if accurately calculated, would fall exceedingly below this estimate, as indeed it is certain that in many cases it is carried on at a ruinous loss. But your Lordships are well aware how powerful, and constant an impulse may be given to any species of illegal traffic, however hazardous, when they who engage in it are allured by the hope of very large and quick returns, if their good fortunes could enable them to escape the penalties of the law. It may, therefore, be readily understood how effective is such a stimulus, when as in the case in question, the law itself is regarded with general disfavour in the society to which the violater of it belongs, and is reluctantly executed by the government of that society. We must add to this exciting motive the security which is derived from insurances, and insurance companies, which are carried on to a great extent, and combined powerful interests. Under such circumstances, to repress the foreign Slave Trade by a marine guard would scarcely be possible if the whole British navy could be employed for that purpose. It is an evil which can never be adequately encountered by any system of mere prohibition and penalties.
Her Majesty's Confidential Advisers are, therefore, compelled to admit the conviction that it is indispensable to enter upon some new preventive system, calculated to arrest the foreign Slave Trade in its source, by counteracting the principles by which it is now sustained. Although it may be impossible to check the cupidity of those who purchase slaves for exportation from Africa, it may yet be possible to force on those by whom they are sold the persuasion that they are engaged in a traffic, opposed to their own interests when correctly understood.
With this view it is proposed to establish new commercial relations with those African chiefs or powers within whose dominions the internal Slave Trade of Africa is carried on, and the external Slave Trade supplied with its victims. To this end the Queen has directed Her Ministers to negotiate Conventions or Agreements with those Chiefs and Powers, the basis of which conventions would be, first, the abandonment and absolute prohibition of the Slave Trade; and, secondly, the admission for consumption in this country, on favourable terms, of goods the produce or manufacture of the territories subject to them. Of those Chiefs, the most considerable rule over the countries adjacent to the Niger and its great tributary streams. It is, therefore, proposed to dispatch an Expedition which would ascend that river by steam-boats, as far as the points at which it receives the confluence of some of the principal rivers falling into it from the eastward. At these, or at any other stations which may be found more favourable for the promotion of a legitimate commerce, it is promised to establish British factories, in the hope that the natives may be taught that there are methods of employing the population more profitable to those to whom they are subject than that of converting them into slaves, and selling them for exportation to the slave traders.
In this communication it would be out of place, and indeed impracticable, to enter upon a full detail of the plan itself; of the ulterior measures to which it may lead, or of the reasons which induce Her Majesty's Government to believe that it may eventually lead to the substitution of an innocent and profitable commerce, for that traffic by which the continent of Africa has so long been desolated. For my immediate purpose it will be sufficient to say that, having maturely weighed these questions, and with a full perception of the difficulties which may attend this undertaking, the Ministers of the Crown are yet convinced that it affords the best, if not the only, prospect of accomplishing the great object so earnestly desired by the Queen, by her Parliament, and her people.
Having instituted a careful inquiry as to the best and most economical method of conducting the proposed Expedition, I find from the enclosed communication from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that it will be necessary to build three iron steam-vessels for this service, and that the first cost of those vessels, including provisions and stores for six months, will amount to 35,000 l. It further appears that the annual charge of paying and victualling the officers and men will be 10,546 l. The salaries of the conductors of the Expedition, and of their chaplain and surgeon, will probably amount to 4.000 l. In addition to this expenditure, presents must be purchased for the Chiefs, and tents. mathematical instruments, with some other articles of a similar kind, will be indispensable for the use of the persons who are to be engaged in this service, when at a distance from their vessels. I have some time since given directions for the completion of this additional estimate, but with those directions it has not hitherto been found practicable to comply. The charge for this branch of the proposed service will not be very considerable.
I have to convey to your Lordships my recommendation that in the estimates to be laid before the House of Commons for the services of the year 1840, the sums be included which are necessary to provide for the expenses of the promised Expedition to the Niger, on the scale already mentioned, under the several heads of expenditure.
I have, &c.
(Signed) J. RUSSELL
The Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury.
Sir EDWARD PARRY's report with reference to Mr. More O'Ferrall's Minute on Mr. Stephen's Letter of the 6th November, 1839.
In order to afford a reasonable prospect of success in the object which Her Majesty's Government has in view in sending an expedition up the River Niger, I conceive that three steam-vessels are indispensable. In many cases a fourth vessel of the smaller class might afford very important facilities, but in the estimates of the expense I am about to offer the calculations are confined to three.
The vessels should be built very strongly of iron, expressly for this service, the two larger to have very roomy and airy accommodations for their officers and crews, and to be of exactly the same size, rig, and power, with all their stores precisely alike. The third vessel, intended for detached service up smaller rivers, for conveying intelligence or sick persons, and especially for sounding ahead of the other vessels in difficult or unknown navigation, should also have her stores of every kind as much like those of the other two as possible.
The steam-engines of the three vessels, that is, two in each of the larger and one in the other, should be of the same power, constructed by the same manufacturer, and precisely alike in the most minute particular, so that the duplicate (or spare) parts may fit any of the engines without selection or alteration.
This arrangement, both as regards the engines and all the other parts of the equipment. is obviously of the greatest importance, in increasing the resources of the Expedition, where the means of repair must he limited, and the distance from any regular establishment great, for a considerable time. It rrfay also be observed, that the expense of duplicate parts for the engines, and the quantity of spare stores of every other kind, are greatly reduced by this arrangement.
After consulting with Captain Trotter and other competent persons, I am of opinion that the vessels should be of about the following dimensions: -
| The two larger vessels | |
| Length on deck | 136 feet. |
| Breadth of beam | 27 " |
| Depth of hold | 10 " |
| Tonnage, about | 440 tons |
| Draught of water not to exceed | 4 feet 9 inches |
| Two sliding keels | 6 feet deep |
Each of the larger vessels to have two engines of 35 horse power each engine, that is, an aggregate power of 70 horses: to carry coals for 15 days (of 12 hours), and to be fitted with projections over the gunwale on each side, like the vessels on the American rivers, for the convenience of stowing a supply of wood for fuel.
| The smaller vessel | |
| Length on deck | 110 feet. |
| Breadth of beam | 22 " |
| Depth of hold | 8 feet 6 inches |
| Draught of water not to exceed | 3 feet |
To carry one engine of 35-horse power, and coal for 10 days (of 12 hours).
The estimated expense of building and equipment is as follows :-
| £ | |
| Cost of the two larger vessels, including engines, masts, rigging, sails, anchors, cables, and fixtures | 24,000 |
| Cost of the smaller vessel, including the same | 6,750 |
| Ordinary provisions for six months | 1,146 |
| Preserved meats and soups extra for sick | 1,104 |
| Stores for six months | 2,000 |
| Total first cost, and equipment for six months | 35,000 |
It will be necessary also to furnish the Expedition with a supply of articles as presents to the natives, which are not included in the foregoing estimate.
The annual charge for paying and victualling the officers and men upon the annexed scale of establishment (which is considered to be a proper one), will be nearly as follows:-
| 1st Vessel | 2d Vessel | 3d Vessel | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Wages | 3032 | 2789 | 2077 |
| Victuals | 990 | 974 | 684 |
| 4022 | 3763 | 2761 | |
| Total Annual Charge for Wages and Victuals £10,546 | |||
It will, in my opinion, be highly expedient to contract with one iron shipbuilder for the whole of the vessels and engines; the selection of the manufacturer of the engines, as well as the plan of their construction, being strictly subject to the approval of the Admiralty.
And as there are only two or three individuals who understand the peculiar art of iron shipbuilding, and Messrs. Laird, of Liverpool, are the most eminent and experienced in this line, I recommend that they be desired to furnish plans and estimates for this undertaking. Messrs. Laird have already built several iron vessels for enterprises of this nature; among the rest, for the Euphrates expedition; and one of these gentlemen being himself an African traveller of considerable reputation, they would not only bring to the subject much more information and experience than any other persons can possess, but would also take a deep personal interest and pride in making the vessels in all respects fit for this important undertaking. I may add, that Messrs. Laird are now under contract with the Admiralty for furnishing an iron steam-vessel for a Dover packet, with her engines and everything complete for sea, in the manner above recommended.
I find on inquiry, that one of such larger vessels as I have proposed might with great exertion be completed, with her engines, in eight months from the date of the order, a second in nine months, and the third in ten months. But as their complete equipments for sea would require some weeks after they are out of the manufacturer's hands, and the Expedition ought to be bona fide ready to leave England by the 15th of October, no time should be lost in calling for the plans and estimates. Indeed I have reason to believe that the demand for iron vessels, especially for foreign countries is becoming so urgent, that unless the order be very soon given, it is doubtful whether the vessels could be completed in time to proceed to the Niger next year at all.
As vessels of the description here proposed, though in all respects adapted to river navigation, cannot carry out with them, across the sea, anything like sufficient resources for an enterprise of this nature, it will be necessary that they should be accompanied, or perhaps preceded, by a transport to convey a supply of provisions and stores; a portion of these to be put on board the steam-vessels at the mouth of the Niger, and the remainder to be landed at Fernando Po, or some other convenient place, as a depot for future use.
(Signed) E.W. Parry.
Admiralty, 14th November, 1839.
| Classes | First Vessel | Second Vessel | Third Vessel | Total |
| Captain (6th rate) | 1 | - | - | 1 |
| Commander | - | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Lieutenant | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| Master | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Chaplain | 1 | - | - | 1 |
| Surgeon | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Purser | 1 | 1 | - | 2 |
| Assistant Surgeon | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Mates or Midshipmen | 4 | 4 | 3 | 11 |
| Master's Assistant | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Clerk | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 1st Class Engineer | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 2nd ditto | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| Stokers | 4 | 4 | 4 | 12 |
| Seaman's Schoolmaster | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Gunners' Mates | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| Carpenters' Mates | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Caulker | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Boatswains' Mates | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| Quartermasters | 3 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
| Captain's Coxwain | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Sailmaker | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Captain of Forecastle | 1 | 1 | - | 2 |
| Ship's Cook | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Captain of Main and Foretop | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| Cooper | 1 | 1 | - | 2 |
| Carpenter's Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| Purser's Steward | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Able Seaman | 4 | 4 | 2 | 10 |
| Captain's Steward | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Captain's Cook | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Gun-room Steward | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Young Gentlemen's Steward | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Serjant of Marines | 1 | 1 | - | 2 |
| Corporal | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Privates | 6 | 6 | 3 | 15 |
| Fifer | 1 | 1 | - | 2 |
| Total | 58 | 57 | 40 | 155 |
Treasury Chambers, 30th December, 1839.
Sir,
THE Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury having had under their consideration the letter addressed to them by Lord John Russell on the 26th instant, submitting a plan for the effectual abolition of the slave trade, and recommending that the expenses thereof may be included in the estimates to be submitted to Parliament. I have it in command to request you will state to his Lordship that my Lords will be prepared to sanction such estimates as may be required for the service in question.
I have, &c.
(Signed) , G. J. Pennington.
R. Vernon Smith.
James Stephen, Esq.
Colonial Department, Downing-street, 7th February, 1840.
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