Voyage of the São Miguel: documentary record of Benin trade

The royal ship São Miguel under master Machim Fernandes left São Tomé in April 1522, reaching Ughoton on 16 May. The pilot and clerk proceeded to Benin City to pay presents to the Oba (coral, Indian caps, red satin), Osodin and the Uwangue. Trade in 83 slaves (81 female, 2 male), 228 ivory tusks, and 1,427 coris was conducted over more than three months. The ship left for Ughoton on 26 August and departed the river on 27 August 1522, reaching São Tomé in less than three weeks with over 200 slaves; five had died on the voyage. The ship's book survives as the most detailed record of early Benin-Portuguese trade.