First Dutch edition of Adams The narrative of Robert Adams,... (1816). Robert Adams, an American sailor whose real name was Benjamin Rose, sailed in the Charles on a trading voyage along the west coast of Africa. Somewhere near Cape Blanc the ship struck ground, and after the crew had struggled ashore they were immediately taken prisoner by some 30 Moors, possibly with the intention of selling the crew as slaves. The prisoners were taken into the interior of Mauritania, and after the party had reached a hilly village, they were assaulted by a company of black Africans. Both the Moors and the captives were imprisoned and subsequently taken to the King in Timbuktu, where they arrived in February 1811. Adams, who stayed as a guest of the king, describes Timbuktu and its inhabitants at length. Timbuktu wasnt the thriving metropolis it was made out to be, but a small city with no walls, and houses made of clay and grass. However, after a time Adams was sold as a slave to a group of tobacco sellers. Over the next three years, Adams would change hands four more times before eventually being ransomed by the British consul.
Spine slightly damaged. In very good condition, untrimmed leaving all deckles intact. Howgego, 1800-1850, R24; NCC (4 copies); Saalmink, p. 31.