Observations on the Slave Trade and a Description of Some Part of the Coast of Guinea, During a Voyage, Made in 1787, and 1788, in Company with Doctor a. Sparrman and Captain Arrehenius

A historical account published in the late 18th century. The book provides detailed observations made during a voyage to the Coast of Guinea with notable companions, focusing largely on the operations of the slave trade and the treatment of enslaved individuals. The author, who held a prominent position in Swedish society, approaches the topic with the intent to contribute to the discourse on humanity’s welfare and the potential for improvement in Africa through cultivation. In this work, Wadstrom chronicles the various methods through which slaves are procured, detailing the practices of war, pillage, and betrayal by both local chieftains and European traders. The first sections underscore the cruel realities of the slave trade, offering harrowing examples of violence and exploitation witnessed during his travels. Subsequent chapters delve into the deplorable conditions that enslaved individuals endure, contrasting the treatment of slaves with that of traders and their own people. Wadstrom argues against the perceptions of Africans as naturally inferior and posits that with proper cultivation and education, they could thrive. His reflections encompass both criticism of the existing slave trade and a call for the establishment of new settlements that prioritize humane treatment and the cultivation of Africa's fertile lands, ultimately advocating for an end to the slave trade through enlightened approaches to human development.