The ship carries a cargo of slaves, described with derogatory terms. Different European nations are mentioned in connection to the trade: Portuguese, Swiss, Dutch, and British.
The speaker complains about the smell, attributing it to the slaves' poor hygiene due to their treatment and conditions.
The captain emphasizes the importance of hygiene to maintain the value of the cargo, saying he throws overboard those who get too sick to prevent the spread of disease.
A count of 326 slaves is mentioned, including a woman referred to as a "wench".
Slaves are described as being closely packed with each slave having a space of six foot by two foot.
Reference to sexual activity among the slaves during the voyage, even with chains.
The women are noted to be with children or pregnant, complicating their situation.
Economic Transactions and Dehumanization
The price offered for the slaves starts at $300 each but is negotiated down based on weight rather than per head.
The slaves are watered excessively, supposedly to clean them, but viewed as almost drowning them.
The slaves' quarters are described as a "pest hole," with diarrhea being a common ailment.
A cure for their ailments involves sugarcane and a cork. If they don't respond to the cure there bowels are locked up.
Feeding Practices and Ailments
Slaves are fed molasses and beef grease, and some have to be force-fed to prevent starvation.
Reference to a slave who is starving himself to death.
The price negotiation continues, with figures like $150 a head, then switching to a dollar per pound, and subsequent offers ($1.25, $1.50, $1.75).