Page 691 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

SLAVE TRADE. 647
cargo, to a hired dwelling, where they are sold privately, or to a
Karavanserai, where they are publicly exposed for sale. Should the
market happen to be overstocked, or the owner find any obstacle to the
expeditious disposal of his property, they are re-shipped, and conveyed to
Mohumrah or JBussora, or even to Bagdad, at cither of which places they
arc pretty certain of finding a ready sale.
The treatment of the African slaves is at no time either severe or
cruel. During the sea voyage they are not bound, or kept under parti­
cular restraint. Rice, dates, and fish in sufficient quantities form their
food, and a coarse cloth round the middle of the body constitutes their
only clothing.
From the moment of their purchase at their eventual destination,
however, their condition is materially improved, and, considered in the
light of valuable property, liable to loss from sickness or death, they are
comfortably provided for, and amply fed by their masters. They in return
work hard, willingly, and well, and are apparently happy and contented.
Mules are furnished for their conveyance when purchased for re-sale
in the interior. The males are employed in all hard and out-door work;
the females in cooking and other domestic, but menial duties, and but
very rarely as concubines, except among the poorer and lower classes.
The Hubshee slaves of either sex are at all times much cared for,
well clothed, and well fed, and treated by their masters with almost
equal attention with the members of their own families.
The males are early sent to school, and, having learnt to read and
write, are employed in the performance of house duties as Peish Khid-
muts, &c., and not unfrequently, if intelligent, in the most trustworthy
situations, as supercargoes of vessels, stewards, and superintendents.
The females are most generally retained as concubines, or employed as
attendants in the Harem, in bringing Kaleeoons, and other light duties.
The honesty and intelligence of the Hubshee slaves are almost proverbial.
Nubian and Hubshee eunuchs are rare, of very great price, and only
purchased for the service of the king, nobles, and very rich merchants.
Boys are made eunuchs previous to their embarkation, and it is re­
ported that in consequence of the ignorance of the operators, and the
cruel mode of operation, of ten thus mutilated one only on an average
survives.
The following statement of the number annually imported and sold
in the Persian ports is the result of inquiries made at Bushire :—
Africans. Abyssinians.
At Bushire.......... 250 25
At Lingah............ 350 15
At Congoon........ 150 10
At Bunder Abbas 300 20