This pamphlet contains a number of details that recur in Oroonoko, and for which it is sometimes the direct source: for example, the descriptions of armadillos and “cusharees” and the Caribs' inability to count in large numbers. Like Antoine Biet but unlike Behn, Warren has a high opinion of William Byam. Nothing further is known of the author.

I'le but name a third, which, for the strangeness of its Nature, deserves a more particular Description, 'Tis the Torpedo or Num-Eele, which, being alive, and touching any other Living Creature, strikes such a deadness into all the parts, as for a while renders them wholly useless, and insensible, which, is believ'd, has occasioned the Drowning of several persons who have been unhappily so taken, as they were Swiming in the River: It produces the like Effect if but touch'd with the end of a long Pole, or one man immediately laying hold of another so benumm'd: The Truth of this was experienced, One of them being taken and thrown upon the Bank, where a Dog spying it stir, catches it in his Mouth, and presently falls down, which the Master observing, and going to pull him off becomes motionless himself; another standing by, and endevouring to remove him, follows the same fortune; the Eele getting loose they Return quickly to themselves.