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African Memoranda, 55 tated with sickness, the loss of their associates, and the disap- pointment of their hopes; and became extremely dissatisfied with June 7. their situation. The members of the council, on the contrary, attributed their principal misfortune to the unruly and disobedient conduct of the colonists; these general and reciprocal complaints, pro duced, in the minds of a few, contempt; but in the majority of the colonists, despondency. The first object after the junction of the ships was the re demption of our women and children. For this purpose I re turned the same evening to Bissau, to negociate with Mr. de Sylva Cordoza, the inode of affecting their ransom; which he readily undertook to accomplish, by dispatching some of his grumetas* in a sloop, to the Isle of Canabac, (whither they had been carried) with a proper assortment of goods. On my offer ing to accompany his grumetas to that island, Mr. de Sylva observed, that it would be highly improper for any white man to appear in the business, as he was firmly of opinion that it would inevitably enhance the price of their ransom, if not defeat the very end of our endeavours; which, with little or no difficulty, he doubted not, his own grumetas would in a few days ac complish. As nothing further could be done till the redemption of t ie captives, it was judged expedient to proceed with all the vessels to Bissao, and there wait their return, which would give us an opportunity of supplying the colonists with fresh provisions, fruit, and vegetables, which they stood much in need of, particularly * Generally speaking, native servants, or those who work for hire; though some times applied to confidential slaves.