The mass execution of 335 Moroccans by the Sultan Muley Abdallah: a group of men shackled by chains to each others' necks are beheaded outside the Emperor's tent in the presence of English slaves. Etching by T. Reynolds.

Date:
[1768]
Reference:
43037i
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Description

"One morning, about eleven o'clock, the emperor came to Buscoran castle, and having surveyed the English slaves for about three hours, he went to the other castle, where the alcaide and his miserable companions were confined, and having reviewed them, he withdrew to about sixty paces from the castle, and then turned about, and gave orders for them being brought before him, which being done, the alcaide and four of the principal people were set a-part from the rest. After this, with all the composure and serenity imaginable, he called for his scymiter, which being delivered to him, he drew it out of the scabbard with a peculiar air, and ordered one of the delinquents to be taken out of his chain, and brought before him. The unhappy victim now fell prostrate on the ground, and with tears implored his pardon: but the emperor, deaf to all his entreaties, stretched out his arm, and crying, "In the name of God," struck off his head at one blow. This being done, he delivered his scymiter to his sword-bearer, to whom, and others, he gave orders for their following the example he had set them: and then retired to a small distance, where he stood to see his commands puncttually obeyed. At this time there were no Iess than three hundred and thirty-five miserable wretches that lost: their lives in this arbitrary manner, including forty bravoes, who had been kept in chains several days before the English arrived at the camp."--Drake, loc, cit.

Publication/Creation

[London] : [J. Cooke], [1768]

Physical description

1 print : etching, with engraving ; image 16 x 23.5 cm

Lettering

Muley Abdallah, Emperor of Morocco, ordering the massacre of 335 of his own subjests, in the presence of the English slaves, who were the crew of the Inspector Privateer, which was wrecked on the coast of Barbary. Engrav'd for Drakes Voyages: T. Reynolds sc.

Reference

Wellcome Collection 43037i

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