al and _bona fide_ English travellers.

I have before stated that Drury did not skulk in the background when he
published his book in 1727; but, on the contrary, invited the public to
Tom's Coffee-house, where he engaged to satisfy the incredulous, and
resolve the doubting. By the 3rd edition of _Madagascar_, 1743, it farther
appears that he continued "for some years before his death" to resort to
the above-named house; "at which place several inquisitive gentlemen
received from his own mouth the confirmation of those particulars which
seemed dubious, or carried with them the air of romance." The period was
certainly unpropitious for any but a writer of fiction, and Drury seems to
have anticipated no higher rank for his _Treatise_, in point of
authenticity, than that occupied by the several members of the Robinson
Crusoe school. He, however, positively affirms it to be "a plain honest
narrative of the matter of fact;" which is endorsed in the following terms
by "Capt. William Mackett:"

"This is to certify, that Robert Drury, fifteen years a slave in
Madagascar, now living in London, was redeemed from thence and brought
into England, his native country, by myself. I esteem him an honest
industrious man, of good reputation, and do firmly believe that the
account he gives of his strange and surprising adventures is genuine
and authentic."

Mackett was a commander in the E. I. Comp. service; and the condenser of
Drury's MSS., after showing the opportunities the Captain had of assuring
himself upon the points he certifies to, characterises him as a well-known
person, of the highest integrity and honour: a man, indeed, as unlikely to
be imposed upon, as to be guilty of lending himself to others, to carry out
a deception upon the public. {105}

Mr. Burton, in his lately published "Narratives," points out another source
of information regarding Drury, in the _Gent. Mag._ for 1769, where will be
found an account of W. Benbow; in this, allusion is made to his brother
John Benbow, who was wrecked with Drury in the "Degrave" Indiaman, on
Madagascar. W. D., who communicates the information to SYLVANUS URBAN,
asserts that he recollects hearing the MS. Journal of this John Benbow
read; and that it afforded to his mind a strong confirmation of the
truthfulness of Drury's _Madagascar_. He adds the following curious
particulars anent our subject:--"Robin Drury," he says, "among those who
knew him (and he was k