Note 3 — Chapter IX

A thoroughly efficient blockading squadron would consist of at least 13 steam-cruisers, besides a provision-ship, and a frigate for the Commodore’s flag, viz.:—

For the North Coast 3 The Bight of Biafra 1

The Bight of Benin 4 The South Coast 5

This is not more than the squadron which the French Government stations off Goree and St. Louis de Senegal, but I am convinced that the prevention of slavery would be more easily effected by land than by sea. The mere capture of slavers exasperates the evil by rendering other shipments necessary. The encouraging and supporting commerce, induces the people to turn their attention from illicit to licit traffic.