All this I thought in my favour, as I should more easily, or with less obnoxiousness, come to the knowledge of what I wanted to obtain.
My friend William Rathbone, who had been looking out to supply me with intelligence, but who was desirous that I should not be imposed upon, and that I should get it from the fountainhead, introduced me to Mr.
Norris for this purpose.

Norris had been formerly a slave-captain, but had quitted the trade, and settled as a merchant in a different line of business.

He was a man of quick penetration, and of good talents, which he had cultivated to advantage, and he had a pleasing address both as to speech and manners.

He received me with great politeness, and offered me all the information I desired.

I was with him five or six times at his own house for this purpose.