Abstract
This article examines the correspondence between the Portuguese rulers and Dahomean kings, in particular King Adandozan (r. 1797–1818). The letters provide us with new elements to understand West African-European reciprocal perceptions and relations. In describing the main political and military conflicts of Adandozan's reign, the letters also reveal to what extent West African rulers were aware of the Napoleonic Wars. The correspondence sheds light on the impact European conflicts had on Dahomey's economy and how those events contributed to the decline of the Atlantic slave trade in West African ports such as Ouidah, giving clues about the motivations that eventually led to Adandozan's deposition.
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