yearly imported directly from Africa into Jamaica, since the
24th of June, 1698, to the 25th of December, 1707, and at
what rate per head they have been sold each year, one with
another, distinguishing the numbers that have been imported
on account of the Royal African Company, and those which
have been imported by separate traders; as likewise the
rates at which such negroes have been sold by the company
and by separate traders. We must recommend it to your care
to be as exact and diligent therein as possibly you can, and
with the first opportunity to transmit to us such accounts
as aforesaid, that they may arrive here in due time, as also
duplicates by the first conveyance.

"And that we may be the better able to make a true judgment
of the present settlement of that trade, we must further
recommend it to you to confer with some of the principal
planters and inhabitants within your government touching
that matter, and to let us know how the negro trade was
carried on, and the island of Jamaica supplied with negroes
till the year 1698, when that trade was laid open by act of
Parliament; how it has been carried on, and negroes supplied
since that time, or in what manner they think the said trade
may best be managed for the benefit of the plantations.

"We further desire you will inform us what number of ships,
if any, are employed from Jamaica to the coast of Africa in
the negro trade, and how many separate traders are concerned
therein.

"Lastly, whatever accounts you shall from time to time send
us touching these matters of the negro trade, we desire that
the same may be distinct, and not intermixed with other
matters; and that for the time to come, you do transmit to
us the like half yearly accounts of negroes, by whom
imported and at what rates sold; the first of such
subsequent accounts, to begin from Christmas, 1707, to which
time those now demanded, are to be given. So we bid you
heartily farewell,

"Your very loving friends,
"STAMFORD,
HERBERT,
PH. MEADOWS,
I. PULTENEY,
R. MONCKTON.

"P.S. We expect the best acc