The report then current was simply this, that the steward had been barbarously beaten one evening; that after this he was let down with chains upon him into a boat, which was alongside of the ship, and that the next morning he was found dead.
On my arrival at Liverpool, I resolved to inquire into the truth of this report.

On looking into one of the wet docks, I saw the name of the vessel alluded to.

I walked over the decks of several others, and got on board her.

Two people were walking up and down her, and one was leaning upon a rail by the side.

I asked the latter how many slaves this ship had carried in her last voyage.