87-90.] [Footnote 53: _Calendar of State Papers, Colonial Series, America and West Indies_, 1701, pp.

720, 721.] The Whydahs, Nagoes and Pawpaws of the Slave Coast were generally the most highly esteemed of all.

They were lusty and industrious, cheerful and submissive.

"That punishment which excites the Koromantyn to rebel, and drives the Ebo negro to suicide, is received by the Pawpaws as the chastisement of legal authority to which it is their duty to submit patiently." As to the Eboes or Mocoes, described as having a sickly yellow tinge in their complection, jaundiced eyes, and prognathous faces like baboons, the women were said to be diligent but the men lazy, despondent and prone to suicide.

"They require therefore the gentlest and mildest treatment to reconcile them to their situation; but if their confidence be once obtained they manifest as great fidelity, affection and gratitude as can reasonably be expected from men in a state of slavery." The "kingdom of Gaboon," which straddled the equator, was the worst reputed of all.