From A Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture, a Native of Africa:But Resident above Sixty Years in the United States of America, Related by Himself by Venture Smith. (New London, 1798), excerpts from Chapter 1. CHAPTER I. CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF HIS LIFE, FROM HIS BIRTH TO THE TIME OF HIS LEAVING HIS NATIVE COUNTRY
I was born in Dukandarra, in Guinea, about the year 1729.
My father’s name was Saungin Furro, Prince of the tribe of Dukandarra. My father had three wives. Polygamy was not uncommon in that country, especially among the rich, as every man was allowed to keep as many wives as he could maintain. By his first wife he had three children. The eldest of them was myself, named by my father.
Invaders pinioned the prisoners of all ages and sexes indiscriminately, took their flocks and all of their effects, and moved their way toward the sea. On the march, the prisoners were treated with clemency, on account of being submissive and humble. Having come to the next tribe, the enemy laid siege and immediately took men, women, children, flocks, and all their valuable effects. They then went on to the next district, which was contiguous to the sea, called in Africa, Amamaboo [Anomabu]…. All of us were then put into the castle and kept for market.
On a certain time, I and other prisoners were put on board a canoe, under our master and rowed away to the vessel belonging to Rhode Island, commanded by Captain Collingwood and the mate, Thomas Mumford. While we were going to the vessel, our master told us to appear to the best possible advantage for sale. I was bought on board by one Robertson Mumford, steward of said vessel, for four gallons of rum and a piece of calico, and called VENTURE, on account of his having purchased me with his own private venture. Thus I came by my name.