>, _ O N O A ^> v .u ^ aP *!*, < '' <£■ -^ * A* ^ .* so - )• ^ A^ ♦rAW/H, As 4* * €312$ * ^ A V *(CCCsrA <0 xD *' . . * 4 A <> - • • * a v ^r ^ 'If* **** •' V ... % v*Cr ^ v >:,* - cv jy s*^L% *> v* .: V^V° 'V* T ^\/ V^ f, V * • ° » ° ° V V t°, ° AT « s • ngcagoogaKggttRgimaaHg^ Sfe'EJ F r i= r r= l F l F l R l F ( k I SJSISJfi ABSTRACT OF A IOURNAI E. BACON., SISTANT AGENT C & 3* 3B 2 (& ii * WITH AN APPENDIX, RACTS FROM CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY m ENGLJt. K ABSTRACT 0^ THE, 30lIl\NAL 5 EEV J B. CATI TDLE MISSION AHIjfJS CEOTVt In an overland journey, performed in cornpai. ironths of February, March, and April, 1819. The whole showing tl> sons of the British and American Governments, In 'HIJUiDELPHlA >*WSO: dHKEli OF DiCATPR A3TD MARKET 1821 Price Fiftj Cents lSTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA, to +tr> BE IT REMEMBERKD, That on the twenty-second day £***» "J of November, in the forty-sixth year of the independence ot I U S ' 1 Ae Uritod&tS of America, A. D 1821. Ephraim Bacon of Ul the saJd District, hath deposited in this Office tjet.de * ■ Book, the right whereof he claims as author in the words following, to * it . "Abstract of a Journal of E. Bacon, assistant agent of the United States, to Aftica- with an Appendix, containing **^*"£Z»S*rR of the Church Missionary Society in England, for ? he yean ' "^J** To which is prefixed, an Abstract of the Journal of the Rev. J. »• CWes, Ine of tie l£SUi from Sierra Leone to Grand # ?^» "^2. land Tourney, performed in company with several natives, in the months of FebrCy March, and April, 1819. The whole showing Oh, sue cessful exertions of the British and American Governments, in repress- ing the Slave Trade." to conformity to the act of the Confess of the United States , en titled, « An Act for the encouragement of learning, ty«~" r ^ ff ^'?%S Ma7s, Charts and Books, to the authors mS proprietors ^ggj^g, duruur the times therein mentioned W -And also to the act, «"*»»!*" ATfuPplementary to an Act, entitled, « An Act for the encouragement of IS by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, o the IhorsTni' pSprSors ff such copies during ^^.^^TSl and extending Ae benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving » J etching historical and other prints." ^ CALDWELL, Clerk of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. ABSTRACT OF A JOURNAL \\ ASSISTANT AGENT OF THE UNITED STATES, TO WITH AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING EXTRACTS FROM PROCEEDINGS OP THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY IN* ENGLAND, FOR THE TEARS TO WHICH 13 PREFIXED AN ABSTRACT 0¥ THE, JOURNAL, OF THE REV. J. B. GATES, ONE OF THE MISSIONARIES FROM SIERRA LEONE TO GRAND BAS5A ; In an overland journey, performed in company with several natives, in the months of February, March, and April, 1819. The whole showing the sue • cessful exertions of the British and American Governments, in repressing PHILADELPHIA : Published by S. rotter, Sf Co. No. 87, Chesnut &ti ICKINSON, PRINTER, CORNER OF DECATffB AND MARKET STREETS £831, T?Rfc¥ACE. ~| || THE Public have been already informed of tJie strenuous exertions of the United States Government, in enacting nume- rous laws for the purpose of suppressing the Slave Trade; and of the successful vigilance of our naval officers, in de- tecting those desperadoes, the slave-traders, and bringing them to justice* The Public have also been informed of the benevolent ope- rations of the American Colonization Society, in endeavouring to form a settlement on the western coast of Africa, composed of those free people of colour who choose to emigrate thither* It is moreover known that this settlement, if established, may prove an asylum for those Africans, who shall be re-captured by the United States cruizers, and sent to the coast. There is reason to hope that these acts of mercy will con- tribute to meliorate the sufferings of a large portion of the human race, by the final abolition of the Slave Trade, that scourge of Africa and disgrace of the civilized world; by in- troducing the arts of civilization and the blessings of the Christian religion, among a race of beings who have hitherto lived in heathen darkness, destitute of the light of the Gospel, or knowledge of a Saviour, by teaching the children of Etlti- opia to stretch forth her hands unto GOD. Raving been employed as an assistant agent of the United States, along with J. B. Winn, Esquire, principal agent in transporting to the coast of Africa a number of re-captured Af- ricans and free people of colour; the author has had art oppor- tunity of witnessing the degraded state of that section of the earth, and feels it a duty he owes to the souls of his fellow creatures to lay before the Christian world a plain statement of facts in relation to the subject, which he doubts not tvill be interesting to all, and confidently trusts useful to many. It may be proper to mention, that Mr. Winn, and the au- thor, were at companied in the expedition by the Rev. J, R. Andrns yrit clpal, and Mr. C. Wiltberger, assistant agenis of the Colonization Society, together with Mrs. Winn and Mrs. Bacon, in the brig Nautilus, Captain Blair. •TV*. B. The Author's n, was caused by ill health, from which he has recovered, and is desirous to return to that injured couniru rad spend the remainder of his days for the benefit of its inhabitants. ABSTRACT, &c. WE left Norfolk on the 21st of January, 1821 ? and on the &3d, sailed from Hampton Roads. For about thirty days we encountered head winds and strong gales, and made slow progress. During this time 1 was very sea-sick, as were also Mrs. Bacon, and the Rev. Mr. Andrus. The other agents were less afflicted ; some of the colonists suffered from the same malady. Our Captain was remarkably kind and attentive to those who were sick, and particu- larly to Mrs. Bacon and myself, when we were un- able to wait upon ourselves, for which kindness I shall always feel myself under very many obligations to him; and I think I speak the sentiments of my col- leagues. Nothing uncommon occurred during our voyage, except that we experienced a very severe gale of wind, accompanied with a snow storm, which our Captain told us was more violent than any he had known during the preceding twenty years. It was indeed a time to try our faith. Well did it become us with the Psalmist to ex- claim : O that men would praise the Lord for his good- ness ; and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men ! That they would offer unto him the sacrifice of thanksgiving; and tell out his works with gladness! They that go down to the sea in ships ; and oc- cupy their business in great waters ; These men see the works of the Lord, and hi* wonders in the deep. For at His word, the stormy wind ariseth, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They are carried up to the heaven, and down again to the deep ; their soul melteth away because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man ; and are at their wits end. So when they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, he delivereth them out of their distress. He maketh the storm to cease, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad, because they are at rest ; and so he bringeth them unto the haven where they would be. O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness ; and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men I That they would exalt him also in the congrega- tion of the people ; and praise him in the seat of the elders ! Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost ; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. We established morning and evening prayers in the i,abin, as well as in the steerage; where, at the commencement of the voyage the coloured people were; in these we enjoyed the consolations of the religion we profess. We had all recovered from sea-sickness, and having arrived within the Tropics, where the weather was fine and the wind favourable, our passage was more agreeable. Nothing uncommon occurred during the remainder of our voyage. But a continuation of the mercies of our heavenly Father were daily bestowed upon us. On the morning of the 8th of March, we had a distant view of the mountains of Sierra Leone, which was really anima- ting to us after crossing the Atlantic. We 'felt our- selves approaching towards that much injured coun^ try, where we expected to labour, and to suffer many and great afflictions : We were cheered with the // hope, that through the assistance of Divine grace, wc should be in a greater or less degree, useful among the degraded children of Africa. The wind was fair but rather light, as is not uncommon in the dry season. We soon hove in sight of Cape Sierra Le- one, when we discovered for the first time, several native canoes approaching toward us. These excit- ed our curiosity. They were manned by the native Kroomen, in a state of nudity or nearly so : when I speak of naked people, it may be always understood that they wear a cloth about their loins, and that the men generally wear hats. These hats are manufac- tured out of a kind of grass. The Chiefs and head men often wear common English hats. We soon discovered a fine English barge ap- proaching us, rowed by natives. In this were the harbour master, George Macaulay and S. Easton, Esquires, (of the house of the honourable K. Macau- lay) who very politely gave us much interesting in- formation, relative to our American blacks at Sher- bro. As we approached near the harbour they gave the \merican agents a friendly invitation to go on shore in the barge, and take lodgings at their house. As the principal Agent concluded to remain on loard, Mrs. Bacon and myself thought proper not to slight their politeness, our accommodations in the Lrig being somewhat circumscribed, and the transi- tion from Norfolk, where the cold was excessive, to Sierra Leone, where the degrees of heat were at noon day from 85 to 87 1-2 in the shade, making a visit to land desirable. Moreover the services of all the agents were not required to attend to the wants of the people. We accordingly went on shore, where Ave were very politely and hospitably entertained for several days. The Agents of the United States together with those of the Society soon had an interview with the Rev. Daniel Coker, by whom we learnt the condi- 6 tion of the American settlers at Sherbro. He inform- ed us that the mortality, although severely felt in the loss of our valuable agents, and Mr. Townsend, commandant of the UniteS States schooner Augusta, together with six of his men, and a boy, was not so great as at first reported. The whole number of blacks,who died did not exceed twenty-three,out of the eighty-eight, sent out in the ship Elizabeth. Several of these deaths were not caused by the prevailing fever. The actual number of blacks who died with fever did not exceed eighteen or nineteen, all of whom died at Kizzell's place. Although very many of the settlers were extremely ill when they left Kiz- zell's place, and removed to Yonie, a more healthy part of Sherbro Island, and the time of their remo- val was the month of August, in the midst of the rai- ny season, still no deaths by fever occurred at Yonie; but on the contrary a general recovery took place; notwithstanding, there was no medical aid, the sickness at KizzelFs place was evidently in a great degree, owing to local causes; the water alone is said to be sufficiently bad to create malignant dis- orders, though, Kizzell was base enough to assert that it contained peculiar qualities highly conducive to health. That, and other false assertions, induced the former agents to receive his offer of friendship; pretending as he did to unbounded influence among the native chiefs; an ardent desire to further the be- nevolent objects of our government and the society; to benefit America; to meliorate the conditions of the African race; and propagate the glorious Gospel of GOD in a heathen land. After making other necessary inquiries of Mr. Coker, and of those gentlemen in Sierra Leone, with whom we were most conversant; also of some of the American blacks who went out with Paul Cuffee, and of Nathaniel Peck, who accompanied the first expe- dition; we were fully satisfied that Mr. Coker had managed the business of the expedition, after the de cease of the former agents in as judicious a manner as the circumstances of the case would admit. We lost no time after our arrival, in communi- cating with the acting governor, his Honour John Grant, upon the subject of our mission. The American agents received a polite invitation to breakfast with him at the Government House on Saturday morning, the 10th of March. We there met his Excellency, together with his Honourable Coun- cil, after partaking of a sumptuous breakfast of great variety, served up in elegant style. The several benevolent objects of our govern- ment, and those of the society were fully explained; and an open and candid exposition of our instruc- tions made after this friendly interview; his Excel- lency gave us a very polite invitation to dine at the Government house, on Tuesday the 13th of March; which we did accordingly, and partook of an elegant dinner, served up in much splendour. There were at table a number of the principle gentlemen, officers of the Colonial Government, Spanish Commission- ers, English Missionaries, and several Ladies. The very friendly disposition which the Colo- nial authorities manifested towards the objects of our Mission, may be seen by a reference to the Sierra Leone Gazette. (See Appendix.) A meeting of all the agents, together with Mr. Coker took place, when it was unanimously agreed to relinquish the idea of making any further attempt to negociate for lands in the Sherbro country; and that two of the agents should cause the U. S. Schoo- ner Augusta, which was lying at anchor in the har- bour at Sierra Leone, to undergo some slight repairs for the purpose of exploring the coast in search of a suitable site for an American settlement ; more- over, it was resolved that no time should be lost, as we were taught by our instructions to regard the ac- quisition of lands for a settlement, as a matter of pri mary importance. 8 Having a discretion on this subject, it was deter- mined after advising with the English missionaries and agents at Sierra Leone, that the Rev. Mr. Andrus and myself should be deputed to the ser- vice of exploring the coast, and entering into negociations with the native Chiefs. At the same time it was arranged that Messrs. Winn and Wilt^ berger should disembark the people and goods from the Nautilus, after a suitable place for their tempora- ry location should be determined upon; by, and with the consent of the Colonial authorities, who had po- litely proffered to provide such place, as soon as it could be selected. It was also agreed that Messrs. Winn and Wiltberger, should attend to the business at Sherbro — supply the wants of the people there, or remove them as should be found most expedient; so that as nearly as possible an equal partition of du- ties, was made. A suitable place was found about two weeks af- ter Mr. Andrus and myself had sailed on our ha- zardous excursion. We had been taught to expect the arrival of the Aligator, which was to accompany us. But it was not deemed advisable to wait, but to pro- ceed immediately to execute that part of our instruc- tions, which directed us to explore the coast; in this determination we were influenced by the following reasons: — 1. The assistance of all the agents was not ne- cessary, to administer to the wants of the pe *ple: circumstanced as they must be during their continu- ance at Sierra Leone, and some of us unless employ- ed in obtaining the lands, must have remained al- most or quite unoccupied. %. The period of the arrival of the Aligator ou the coast was entirely uncertain. But little more thau six weeks remained before the rains. The business of exploring therefore must be com menced immediately, or not completed until the rainy season; and as the event showed, had we waited for the arrival of the Alligator, it could not have been began before the commencement of the rains. 3. But our principal reason for embarking in the business immediately, was the certainty that the pre- sence of an armed force would hinder rather than assist our negotiations with the natives. In this opinion we were confirmed by the unanimous judg- ment of all our English friends, consulted on the sub- ject. It will be seen by a reference to dates, that we had concluded our contract for the lands, and return- ed to Sierra Leone, two weeks or more before the arrival of the Aligator. The vessel in which we were to sail, not being- ready, and some information concerning our route being necessary, Mr. Andrus and myself visited the Rev. Mr. Johnson, a minister of the Church Missionary Society, at Freetown. We found him just recovering from ill health. He gave us a polite invitation to visit Regentstown, and appointed Sat- urday the 17th of March; on that day he furnished us with horses, and accompanied us with his Lady and several other Missionaries. Mrs. Bacon not be- ing accustomed to ride on horseback, was carried in a palanquin, by some of the captured Africans. At about 7 o'clock, A. M. we left Freetown, and arrived at Gloucestertown about 9 or 10 o'clock, where we took some refreshment with the Rev. Mr. Daring. Under his care is a fine flourishing town of captured negroes; in which have been erected and are nearly finished, alarge stone church, a commodious parsonage house, anil a school house. [See Appendix.]] At about 1 o'clock, P. M. we arrived at Regents- town. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had been at Free- town, where Mr. J. was sick several weeks; on our arrival great numbers of his people came to shake hands with him, and inquired affectionately after his health; even the expression of every countenance bore strong testimony of their ardent love for him, and the joy which filled their hearts on his recovery from sickness and safe return to his flock. The peo- o 10 pie generally came, and shook hands with us, and said on seeing Mrs. Bacon, "another white Mama come! another white Mama come!" We had previously been informed by Mr. John- son of a Missionary tour, performed by Mr. Cates, an English missionary from Sierra Leone, in an over land journey to Grand Bassa, a distance of about 400 miles, accompanied by William Yamba and William Davis, native missionaries. We had also been advised to select the Bassa coun- try as the most eligible for the location of our settle- ment: the natives having manifested not only a wil- lingness, but an ardent desire to receive instructions, and the King and head men having entered into a covenant with Mr. Cates to receive and protect any Missionaries which should be sent from Sierra Le- one. We had moreover had an interview with Tam- ba and Davis on the subject, and came to a conclusion to explore the coast to the southward and eastward. Mr. Johnson having politely proposed that Tamba and Davis should accompany us as interpreters. These men were able to speak all the different languages of the tribes as far as the Bassa Country. At six o'clock on the evening of our arrival, the bell at the church rang for Divine service: The peo- ple were immediately seen walking from different parts of the town; the parsonage house being so situa- ted that there is a fair view of almost the whole set- tlement, and it was delightful to observe the eager- ness which people manifested to hear the w T ord of GOD. A prayer meeting was held by the commu nicants after the usual evening prayers, it being ex- pected that the LORD's supper would be celebrated the next day. Sunday Morning the 18th of March, 1821, at six o'clock, the bell rang for morning prayers, when the church was again filled. O! how pleasing to behold hun- dreds of those who were once wretched inmates of the holds of slave ships, assembled in the house of GOD. on the morning of that holy day on which our h\p^ 11 sed Saviour rose from the dead and ascended up to heaven! With a 100 copies of the Holy Bible spread open before their black faces, their eyes were fixed intently on the words of the lesson which their godly pastor was reading. Almost all of Mr. Johnson's peo- ple, who can read the blessed Book, are supplied with Bibles, from that best of institutions the Brit- ish and Foreign Bible Society. 'Surely Christians ought to feel themselves encouraged in the support of missions, when such cheering fruits present them- selves to view. At 10 o'clock the bell again rang, though the church was nearly filled before that hour ; the members of the well regulated schools which pas- sed in review before the Parsonage in regular suc- cession, were all clad in clean decent apparel. When we arrived at the Church, there were no vacant seats to be seen. The greatest atten- tion was paid during Divine service. " Indeed I witnessed a Christian congregation in a heathen land — a people fearing (rod and working righteous- ness. The tear of godly sorrow rolled down many a coloured cheek, and showed the contrition of a heart that felt its own vileness." There were three couple married, and one child baptized. After the sermon, Mr. Johnson, with the assistance of bro- ther Andrus, administered! the communion of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ to nearly four hundred communicants. This indeed was a feast of fat things to my soul. At 3 o'clock, P. M. the church was again filled, and the most devout attention was paid to the read- ing and hearing of the Word. It seemed that the whole congregation were eager to catch every word which fell from the Pastor's lips. Again before the ringing of the bell, at six o'clock in the evening, the people were seen from the distant parts of the town, leaving their homes and retracing their steps back toward the House of GOD, which was builded with their own hands, and illuminated with^palm oil. There we again united in praising that GOD who hath wrought such wonderful things even among the mountains of Sierra Leone, where the praises of Je- hovah resound, not only from his Holy Sanctuary, but from the humble mud-walled cottage — from the tongues of those children of Africa, who have been taken by the avaricious slave-trader, dragged from parents,, separated* from brother and sister, and per- haps from wife, or husband, bound in chains, hurried on board the slave ship, crowded in a space not ex- ceeding their length and breadth, nor even allowed to breathe the vital air. These persons after being re-cap- tured by order of the British government, have been put under the charge of a faithful Minister of the Gospel, whose labours have been accompanied by the Holy Spirit. These are the mighty works of God. [For a further description of Regentstown, see Appendix.] Monday morning the 19th of March, 18&1, at six o'clock prayers again in Church. After break- fast it was concluded that it was expedient for Mrs. Bacon to remain in Mr. Johnson's family during my absence with Mr. Andrus exploring the coast. Al- though painful to the flesh, yet duty required it, and my dear wife readily submitted after uniting with good Mr. Johnson, in commendiug us to God in so- lemn prayer. We left Regentstown and arrived at Gloucester, where we took some refreshment with the Rev. Mr. During, and arrived at Freetown about 10. We found that the schooner Augusta was still undergo- ing repairs. We commenced making the necessary preparations for our departure. Contracted with William Martin, a yellow man, to navigate the ves- sel, and John Bean as mate — Moses Turner, 3 na- tive sailors and 3 Krooraen. Wednesday evening the 21st of March, having been much engaged in making preparations, 1 had not time to write to my fiiend; and expecting not to return until after the sailing of the brig Nautilus^ 13 (although the disembarkation had not yet com* menced,) I wrote a letter approving of the judicious management of the Rev. Daniel Coker, in con- ducting the affairs of the first expedition after the decease of the former agents, and recommending him to the friendly notice of the Board of Managers of the American Society, for colonizing the free peo- ple of colour. This letter was signed by J. B. Winn, J. R. Andrus, C. Wiltberger, jr. and E. Bacon, agents. Thursday Morning, the 22d of March. — The Schooner is expected to be ready to-day; we are pre- paring for our departure, and hope to sail this eve- ning. At 1 o'clock we are much fatigued; and have much trouble in getting the Captain and Crew on board, some of them after receiving a months advance pay, are spending their time in dissipation; and in- deed, dispatch of business is not common in Africa. At 3 o'clock, P. M. all hands are on board, some of the sailors intoxicated; the Captain appears to make unnecessary delays, and I fear we shall have trouble with him. But I expected to find trouble in Africa. At length we set sail. After doubling the Cape, we stood out to sea, far enough to clear all the head lands and islands of the coast; and then proceeding coast wise, we made Cape Mount, about 250 miles distant from Sierra Leone, on the S7ttu This part of the coast we had previously learned to be in the occupancy of King Peter, one of the most powerful and warlike Chiefs of West Africa, and more deeply engaged in the Slave trade than any of his neigh- bours. The known hostility of his views to the ob- jects of the American Government and Society, dis- suaded us from incurring any loss of time or expense in procuring an interview with him. We according- ly proceeded onward to the mouth of the Mesurado River, about 50 miles south of Cape Mount, where • we came to anchor the next day, before two small islands, owned by John Mills, a yellow man, having 14 an English education, and Baha, a black and native African. Both of these men are slave dealers, and it is supposed that their Islands are mere slave mar- kets. Every appearance went to justify this suspi- cion. The neighbourhood of Cape Messurado hav- ing been indicated as a part of the coast favourable to our purpose, we were induced to make the most particular inquiry and observations in our power, re- lative to the advantages and disadvantages that would attend a settlement here. The appearance of this part of the left bank of the Mesurado River which terminates in the Cape of the same name is sufficiently elevated, and inviting. The natural growth is luxuriant and abundant; many of the trees attain to a large size, and present every indication of a strong and fertile soil. But in the interior, and on the right bank of the river, the land is nearly as low as in the vicinity of Sherbro, and covered with a small growth of osiers and man- groves. A bar obstructs the entrance of the River, on which we were informed was less than two fa- thoms water at high tides; and which must be passed before a secure anchorage can be obtained. The head man is a dependant of King Peter, aud has the same name. We attempted to obtain a palaver with him, and for this purpose went on shore with a present. He was not ignorant of the object of our visit, and sent by a messenger declin- ing an interview and refusing to receive our pre- sent, though we had reason to believe that if we had been mere missionaries, he would have received us readily. While we were at anchor, a schooner un- der French colours appeared, laying off and ap- parently waiting for an opportunity to come in and receive a cargo of slaves. We saw a great number of young Africans, who appeared as if intended for that vessel. On the evening of the 29th, we got under way, and following the direction of the coast, which here 4 stretches southeasterly, we had the prospect of a id delightful country, the whole distance to St. Johu ? s river. The coast presents a sandy beach; in the whole of this extent, the country is gently elevated from the very coast, and has a surface agreeably di- versified with moderate inequalities. Most of the land visible from the sea, either has been, or now is, in a state of cultivation. The soil is prolific in the most substantial articles of food produced in tropical countries. The neglected parts of the land are covered with a thick growth of brush wood. The mountains in the interior, are here about twen- ty or thirty miles from the sea, stretching in the di- rection of the coast, and come more distinctly into view, than at the northward of the Cape. Their elevation must be considerable. On the evening of the 31st, we w r ere becalmed and obliged to anchor, opposite the mouth of the St. John's river, at the distance of between two and three leagues. This river is nearly a league over at the mouth. About six leagues from the sea, it is one mile wide, and has in no part of the main channel, less than nine feet water. Salt water extends but six or eight miles from the sea; there is a rapid at six leauges distance from the mouth of the river, which is how- ever passable with canoes. Above, the batteaux navigation extends to a great distance in the inte- rior. Five miles to the eastward of the mouth of the St. John's, and discharging its waters into the same bay, is the Grand Bassa River, small in com- parison with the St. John's, and very shoal at the bar — but of considerable length and navigable for light batteaux, a number of leagues. On the first of April, we brought the schooner to anchor off the mouth of the latter river, at the dis- tance of three fourths of a mile. We were soon sur- rounded with canoes, which brought on board a large number of natives. By one of them we dis- patched a small present to the King. This Prince's name is Jack Ben, lately advanced to the supreme power, from the rank of principal Head Man, in 16 consequence of the death of King John, which oc- curred about four months before our visit. Monday Morning, April 2d, 1821, Grand Bassa— * We were visited by 10 or 15 native canoes, bring- ing from two to five men each, who came to trade; their articles were fowls, fish, oysters, eggs, palm oil ami palm wine, cassada, yams, plantains, banna- nas, limes and pine apples, for which they wanted in return tobacco, pipes, beads, &c. Fowls are sold for one leaf of tobacco or one pipe each; oysters are very large and fine, half a pound of tobacco will buy one hundred; they are larger than the Bluepoint oysters. Mr. Andrus and myself went on shore in our boat, below the mouth of Grand Bassa, to take a view of the point of land which projects out into the sea. A Fort, erected on this point, would complete- ly command the whole Harbour. After visiting the point it was necessary to cross the Grand Bassa a short distance above its mouth as the surf was tur- bulent below the Bar. Our conductor was a Kroo- man, by the name of Bottle Beer. When we came to the left bank of the river, we saw no canoe or other means of crossing over as we thought; but Bot- tle Beer proposed to carry us over, and placed him- self in a suitable position, and told one of us to sit upon his shoulders, when Brother Andrus seated himself with one leg over each shoulder, then Bot- tle Beer walked deliberately through the river, car- rying his burden safe to the otljer bank, and return- ed back and proposed to take me. I told him I was so fat and heavy that he would let me fall into the water, he put his hands upon his arms and legs and said, "Me strong, me carry you, Daddy." At length I seated myself likewise upon Bottle Beer, and though he was not as heavy a person as myself, he carried me safe over without wetting me; it was ne cessary, however, that I should hold my feet up, as the water was about half a fathom deep. After this wc walked about 300 yards, to Bottle Beer's towu, a 17 little cluster of cottages inhabited by Kroomen, of which B. B. is Headman; several of these people can talk broken English; the King placed B. B. at this town as a factor or a harbour master, as it is a place for vessels to water. The population is perhaps from 60 to 100; we were conducted to the palaver- house, where the people soon gathered together, and shook hands with us. After remaining a short time, we were conducted to another town (so called) where the people were boiling sea-water for salt, as they do at all the towns near the beach; this is called Salt-town, through this we passed to Jumbotown, which is about one mile from Bottle Beer's town, and much larger. In Jumbotown there are from 30 to 40 houses, and several hundred people. There is also a large Palaver-House, to which we were conducted. There we were accosted by Jumbo, the Headman, and the natives, and shook hands with them. The land is prolific beyond description; the people have plen- ty of peas, beans, &c. Indian corn grows luxuriant- ly and is in the ear. Indeed the country is beauti- fully variegated, and the water is good and plenty. About 1 o'clock, P. M. we returned back to our boat, which was at B. B. town. After the Boat was? in readiness, one of the Kroomen took me in his arms and carried me above the surf to the Boat, and like- wise Mr. Andrus, so that we were not wet; and all this kindness without being solicited. Indeed they are very kind and hospitable; they gave us water to drink, and palm wine, and made us welcome to such as they had. As is customary, they begged for tobacco, of which we gave a small quantity to the Headmen, who always distribute among the peo- After returning on board the schooner, we dined on fish and oysters sumptuously. We then went in our boat over the Bar, into the mouth of the St. John's River, about four miles distance from the Schooner, when we sounded on the Bar, and found not less 3 lb than nine feet water at ebb-tide. The River is about three miles wide at the Bar; there is plenty of water and good anchorage; vessels of two or three hundred tons burthen, may lie perfectly safe. It being near- ly dark, and the tide beginning to make, which was against our returning in the Boat over the Bar, it was thought most prudent for Mr. Andrus and myself to go on shore and return by land to Jumbotown, which we did accordingly. There was no path on the shore, but the sand beach, which was fatiguing, as the sand was so loose that a great part of the way our shoes would sink two or three inches every step. More- over, being exposed to the night air, is thought in Africa to be dangerous to foreigners; however, we arrived at Jumbotown about 8 o'clock, and waited for our Boat, which soon came. The natives again carried us through the surf, and we returned on board much fatigued, having been in a profuse perspiration and exposed to night air, until 9 o'clock. I was ve- ry weary. After having taken some refreshments, we had prayers and retired to rest. Heard nothing from the King, the Krooman not having returned, Tuesday, April 3d, 1831 — This morning Bro* ther Andrus was not in very good health, and did not go on shore, but took medicine. We were again visited by natives, with a great variety of fruit, ve* getables, fowls, fish, &c. &c. We this day sent another message to the King, At 10 o'clock I went on shore, in company with Tamba and Davis, and walked about one mile into the country, where 1 found the laud remarkably good. We passed through four or five towns, as they called them, the houses as in other towns appear at a distant view more like the same number of stacks of straw or hay, as they are covered with a kind of grass. Davis and Tamba improve every opportuni- ty to talk with their country people upon the subject of our Mission. Davis saw some of the Headmen to day, who appeared to be suspicious that we had some unfriendly object in view; but as he can speak 19 their language fluently, he is endeavouring to re- move their doubts. Returned on board with not only my locks but my flannels drenched with perspiration; even while I am writing, if my handkerchief were not in my hand to wipe it from my face, I should be compelled to discontinue. No prospect as yet of se.eing the King. I fear that we shall not succeed in getting land in Bassa. This evening Brother Andrus's health is better* We commended ourselves and the cause in which we are engaged to GOD, who alone can accomplish all things, according to his purpose; and retired to rest. Wednesday Morning, April 4th, 1821. — At six o'clock, according to our arrangements made yester- day, we started iu our Boat, with four Boatmen and our Interpreters, making eight of us; and five natives, two of which were Headmen, in two of their ca- noes. We ascended the River St. John to the first Island. The banks of the River are rather low, but suitable for cultivation. This Island was formerly occupied by a slave factor; but since the English and American cruizers have annoyed them, the traders have abandoned this and all the other Islands, In this River their gardens are to be seen; in them is a variety of fruit. We breakfasted here upon some smoked beef and bread, which we brought from the vessel. Thence we proceeded on to an other Island, to which Davis said he was brought, and on which he was sold to an American Slave Factor. It was with great difficulty that we prevailed on the natives and our boat's crew to proceed any fur- ther, because they said, "White Man never live above that place." It appeared that they doubted the efficacy of their gregres, which they never fail to wear when exposed to danger. We passed two other Islands, formerly occupied by the same kind of Desperadoes. We still proceeded onward until we came to Rapids, which are from 15 to £0 miles from. 20 its mouth. The land as we ascend the river becomes more elevated, with a fine growth of timber, admi- rably situated for settlements. We saw several small towns and farms, where rice and vegetables are cultivated. Davis read the 20th Chapter of Exo- dus, and spoke to the people upon the state of their souls; in one of those towns, people were very at- tentive, their reply to him after he had ceased speak- ing was, "Very well, we hear you, all very good what you say, we think 'bout it, we no sabby white man fash, we sabby Gregre." We saw very fine goats and sheep, and poultry. All the people wear gregres or charms; some of these are brass rings which they wear around their ancles and wrists, one is a feather tied with a string around their neck, and what they consider more valuable, is. the horn of a goat or a sheep, which the Dibble- man (as they say) prepares by filling it with a kind of glutinous substance, intermixed with pulverized charcoal, or black sand — some wear a little ball of clay tied up in a piece of white muslin. At 3 o'clock, we put our company in motion on our return. At 7 o'clock, the boat arrived at the mouth of the river, and before crossing the bar, Brother A., myself, Tomba and Davis, went on shore, where we had a most fatigueing walk down the beach to Jumbo town; our boat not being able to go over the bar before daylight, a9 the tide did not favour; therefore we had no boat in which we dare venture, as the native canoes were small and unsafe for us. Having been twelve hours exposed to the scorching rays of the sun, and having walked four miles in the damp of the evening, with our clothes drenched iu perspiration and being oblig- ed to lay down supperless upon a floor composed of bamboo sticks, without any covering, but our wet garments — having no door to our cottage and several huudrcd natives within twenty yards, drumming and dancing, until one or two o'clock in the morn- ing, it could not be expected that we should over sleep ourselves. Indeed there were times that the secret ejaculations of the heart; ascended up to the throne of the Heavenly Grace, for grace to help in that hour of need. Nor was the ear of Jehovah heavy, that it could not hear; nor his Almighty arm shortened, that it could not save; for we found ready help through our Lord Jesus Christ, strength- ening us. Thursday Morning, April 5th, 1821. We arose and felt somewhat the worse for our hard lodging, after our extreme exposure in that climate, in which it is said, foreigners are subject to fevers and agues; our boat came to the beach for us, and we went on board the schooner. Having heard nothing from the King, we concluded to send Davis with one of the Headmen, to seek his Majesty. Davis was dis- patched with a present. We this day learned from a Headman, that we could have land, but that we must go to the King's town to-morrow. We admired the friendly disposition of the in habitants, but discovered their fears, that we were connected with some ship of war. After commend ing ourselves to God, we retired to rest. Friday Morning, April 6th, 1831. We went on shore, and went to the King's town, but could not see him; it was said that he was not at home. The distance is from two and a half to three miles: the land is most excellent, elevated and dry; we saw very fine rice fields: this town was recently built the houses are much better than any I have hitherto seen in the Bassa Country. We returned back to the schooner, without seeing Davis, and sent Tamba to call him, but he remained. We are full of doubts and fears about obtaining a palaver with the King. Saturday, April 7th, 1821. This day Tamba and Davis returned; it appears they have been la- bouring to convince the Headmen, that we have not come with any hostile intention. O Lord help us: it* vain is the help of man. m \ Sunday, April 8th, 1821. Brother A , and Davis, went to old King John's town, for the pur- pose of holding a meeting. Returned in the even- ing, and said they had seen King Ben, and that he would meet us at Jumba town in palaver, the next morning. They saw the body of King John, who had been dead four moons, yet not buried; he was laid in state in a palaver-house, dressed in a fine robe, with a pair of new English boots on Uie feet: a brisk fire is kept burning in the room. His grave is dug which is right feet square, for the purpose of admitting the body and the form upon which it lies, together with bullocks, goats, sheep, tobacco and pipes, as sacrifices! O Lord when shall these superstitions cease. Monday, April 9th, 1821. This morning the sea very rough. At 11 o'clock, we went on shore, with a present to the King, (as it is impossible to get a palaver with the authorities of the country, with- out a respectable present " to pay service" to the King, his princess and his Headmen,) we met his Majesty, King Jack Ben of Grand Bassa, together with several of his Headmen in Jumbotown, in the Palaver House, with a large concourse of peo~ pie. After shaking hands with them, we laid down our present, which consisted of one gun, some powder, tobacco, pipes, beads, §*c. His Ma- jesty said in broken English, "me tanke you," aud caused the articles to be removed, and placed un- der the care of a sentinel, so that his people might not get them before he had divided them equally, as is their custom. This division takes place, that all may " taste of the good things," and a contract is made: all who have partaken of the present, are pledged to fulfil on their part. The King asked us what we wanted, although he could not have been ignorant of our wishes. We stated our object to be " to get land for the black people in America, to come and sU down upon, [trt n occupy.'] We told him that the people were very many and required much territory; that a few white men only would come along* to assist and take care of them; that we should make a town where ships would come and trade with cloth, and guns* and beads, and knives, and tobacco, and pipes, and take in return, their ivory, and palm oil, and rice, and every other thing growing in the fields; that they would not then need to sell any more people, but might learn to> cultivate the ground and make other things to sell for whatever they wanted" We at last succeeded in making a favourable impression on their minds; and convincing, them that we had no unfriendly motive in visiting Bsssa. The palaver was adjourned until the next day. It indeed requires much patience to deal with these child ten of the forest. We returned on board wea- ry and faint: after partaking of some refreshment and having implored the Diviue Blessing of Him who has promised to give to his Son the Heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession, retired to rest. Tuesday, April 10th, 1821.— This day is expect- ed to be a day of importance, as the palaver vi ill be much larger, and a certain condition will be discus- ed, which they have urged irom the beginning; therefore, we look earnestly for Divine assistance, A small present will be necessary as there will be more Head Men than at any former palaver. At 10 o'clock we were convened. The present was placed before the King, and the usual ceremonies were performed. The King rose up and spoke to the case in the Bassa language, vith great energy; his naked arm presented to view from within his robes, which were made of the country manufactur- ed cloth, something in the form of Clerical robes. After him, a Krooman by the name of Brown, rose and spoke with much spirit; his speech was inter- preted by Yamba, the substance of it was that we vere emissaries from some slave ship in the neigh- a* bourhood, and that we were not friends to them; on which the King and his Council withdrew to the shade of a large silk cotton tree, in conclave, for the space of SO or 30 minutes. They then returned and proceeded in discussing the condition strenuously urged from the beginning by the King, as the basis on which alone he could accede to our wishes in re- lation to the lands. We had stated, that we came not with any hostile intentions, and that the charac- ter of the settlement was to be unwarlike and agri- cultural. They demanded of us a positive stipula- tion, to make book, as they term it, that the settlers and agents should act in consistency with this character, and in no way assist the armed ships sent to the coast to suppress the slave trade, by communicating to them any information that might prove injurious to the Bassa people. "We represent- ed to them the advantages which would attend their relinquishing the trade altogether; stating that in a very short time it must cease, as so many ships of war would be sent to the coast, as to catch every slave vessel, and put an end to the exportation of the people; still they insisted on the condition; and at the breaking up of the palaver, told us we should have the lands, provided we agreed to insert the condition iu the contract, [book.] They directed us to explore the country, and(as the King said, "lookem straight," lay- ing down his palavar brush in a straight position,) and fix upon the tract best adapted to our purpose, at the same time indicating the quarter where those lands lay, which they could best afford to spare. We returned onboard che schooner somewhat encouraged but still we felt dissatisfied with the condition upon which they insisted; however, considering that it could have no practical operation, inasmuch as, if, while in our infant state, we were to show a dispo- sition to use any other means than persuasion in urging them to abandon the traffic in slaves, we should incur their displeasure, and cause the destruc- tion of the whole of our expectations of future sue- £5 oess, we were tolerably content. After asking the merciful aid of Divine Grace, we retired to test. Wednesday, April 11th, i82l. — This day went on shore, when it began to rain. There has been a little rain every day for six or seven days past. It appears that the rains are setting in. The King sent a servant to us, with a message informing us that he would be ready to receive us, after the rains had ceased. We arrived at the King's town. We had a short palaver, after ascertaining that we could not obtain land upon any better terms. It is, however, probable, that at no distant period the natives may be induced to abandon the slave trade altogether, without any coercive measures being used, as they will see other sources of trade present themselves to view. The King directed some of his Headmen to ac- company us, to look at the country. We walked in various directions, and returned to the Schooner, having "previously explored the St. John's River as far as the Rapids, and viewed the country in vari- ous directions. We fully determined upon the ter- ritory which would be suitable for our purpose. We are more and more pleased with the appearance of the country and its inhabitants. The King took one of his boys by the hand, who was about 13 or 14 years of age, and gave him to us to learn Book. We took him on board, and put a pair of domestic pantaloons upon him, which pleased him very much. Thursday, April 12, 1821. — This morning the King sent two of his Headmen on board to go with us and fix upon a place to build our town. We sent back a message that we had fixed upon the place, and that we were ready to meet him in pala- ver, at any time he should appoint, at Juinbotown. He did not send us his answer until evening, when two of his Headmen arrived with a present from his sable Majesty, which consisted of a fine fat goat. His answer was that he would meet us at £6 8 o'clock the next morning at Jumbotown, in grand palaver. We are very anxious to know the final result. O Lord! further us with thy most gracious aid. Friday, April 13th, 18&1. — We met in palaver; there were more Headmen and Princes, as well as people, than at any time previous. Our present, of course, was much more valuable than before. We thanked the King for his present, and he returned the same civility for our presents. These people be- ing ignorant of extent of territory, or of distances by measurement, we directed our Interpreters to tell them that we wanted a large tract of land, and they described it thus: — Beginning at a certain tree on the beach near Jumbotown, running due East by Compass to the top of Saddle Mountain, or two or three days walk, either of which would be a distance of from 40 to 60 miles — from thence Northwardly to St. John's River, a distance of perhaps from 50 to.yo miles; from thence down the St. John's River to its mouth; from thence along the sand beach to the aforesaid tree near Jumbotown, inclusive — sup- posed to be 30 or 40 miles square of territory. — To our having this tract, they readily agreed, and directed their names to be set to the instrument, the conditions before mentioned being included. They all took hold of the pen and made their marks; then they cried aloud, "Palaver set! Pa- laver set!" The agent of the Colonization Society, enga- ged in behalf of said Society, to give certain stipu- lated articles annually, which will not cost more than 300 Dollars. Pledges of mutual friendship were interchanged, whereby each party agreed to cultivate peace and harmony, and not to make war or trouble each other. Thus we at last succeeded in convincing them that we were their friends. This, we were assured we could not have done, had it not been for the S7 presence of Davis, and the entire absence' of any display of military or naval force. We regard it as a most favourable providence that the Aligator did not bring or accompany us to the Bassa, and that no naval officer was present at the negotiations. The King was much pleased at seeing his son with trowsers on, the people said, "He gentleman all one white man:" the King proposed to give us an elder son in lieu of the other as he said if the youn- ger, went away, his "Mama make palaver on me." We accepted his proposition, took the elder on board, put a suit of clothes on him, and gave him the name of Bushrod Washington. His father was very much delighted to see him clothed. The King, Princes, Headmen, and people, went with us to the tree on the Beach near Jumbotown, one of the aforesaid boundaries, and a boy clambered up it, and cut off some of its branches, leaving one branch, which as- cended considerably higher than the rest; to this he tied about six yards of an American pendant, which the people consider a white man's gregre or fetish, and according to their prejudice, regard as sacred. Near this spot it was thought proper to make our settlement. The King's son will go with us to Si- erra Leone where he will be put to school, and taught to speak English. The King and people are all anxious that we should return immediately, even be- fore the rains fully sit in, but we do not give them any encouragement of our speedy return. These people are very kind, but are in a dread* ful state of heathenish darkness; they worship the "Dibbly man" and dedicate daily a part of their food to his Satannic Majesty. They profess to be- lieve that there is a good and merciful Deity, who can and will do them good, and not evil: but that the Devil is all powerful, and that it is necessary to appease his wrath. Every town has its peculiar Devil. [See Appendix.] The people, like all cfther natives, are in a state of nudity, except that £8 they wear about one and a half yards of narrow cloth about their loins; the men often wear hats, while the children are not burthcned with any kind of cloathes, but frequently, like the adults, wear many beads. Leopard's teeth are thought to be ve- ry valuable ornaments. The King, when in general palaver, was clad in his robes, which covered his whole body; he had on also an elegant cap; at other times he wore a drab coloured broad cloth great coat with a number of capes. His Headmen were partially clad, some with blue cloth roundabouts with military or naval but- tons. They wore no shirts. Many of them had belts of beads, which contained one or more pounds each. There are many Kroomen in the towns along the coast. They are employed as agents or factors for the authorities of the country, who monopolize all the trade. [See Appendix.] These agents have each a number of certificates from masters of vessels who have employed them. They wished us to give them books, likewise, but we had no occasion to em- ploy them as factors. JBottle Beer required us to pay for the water with which our vessel had been fur- nished. With this demand, we did not comply, as we had not come "for trade." We informed the King of the demand, and he revoked it. The peo- ple all live in little villages or clusters of cottages in each of which is a Headman, who has a plurality of wives. If a native have but one wife, he is in- deed very poor. The Headman is the slaveholder, lie owns all the people in his town. The inhabitants of each town cultivate in common. The men seldom do any labour except fish a little, and hunt. The females and small boys cultivate the lands. The men trade and direct those who arc under them. I saw a fine looking female with iron fetters on her feet, which fetters, no doubt, were brought from a slave vessel, as we observed one under French co- lours, lying in the harbour at the same time. I made inquiry concerning the cause of her confinement, and H was told that she was taken in adultery. It is said by the natives that "Wife Palaver, very bad Pala- ver." It is punished with death, red water, or slave- ry, and most usually the latter. These people are indeed in gross darkness, depending upon their gre- gres and Devil worship. A town is not complete which has not a Palaver House, and Devil House. The latter has a small post standing near it, six or eight feet high, with a strip of white muslin about three fourths of a yard in length, and two or three inches wide, tied around the top. There they daily offer sacrifice. The Bassa country is situated between five and six degrees north latitude, and between ten and eleven west longitude, in the centre of the Grain Coast, which is about an equal distance from Sierra Leone and Cape Coast, where the English have com- menced a settlement. Swine, herds of neat Cattle, Sheep and Goats are bred here. At evening we took an affectionate leave of the King and some of the Headmen; the Old King ap- peared to be much affected, and said, "You have my son, you take him, Sierra Leone learn Book, when rain done, you come Grand Bassa, then King Jack Ben give you plenty Boys learn Book." The peo- ple are all apparently very anxious to have us re- turn; they seem to have great confidence in us. Grand Bassa, Saturday Morning, April 14th, 1821. — Many natives were on board with fruit, rice, fowls, eggs and vegetables to sell, which we bought, chiefly for tobacco. It was with some difficulty, we got them off our decks, they were very sorry to part with us One of the Headmen sung a song of his own composition, thus, "Whiteman gone, whiteman gone, whiteman gone — gone whiteman, gone sabby jne, gone, gone, gone!" We have had much trouble with Captain Mar- tin, he appears to endeavour to protract our depar- ture: he is an unprincipled man, and a bad seaman 30 If we had not a more skilful mate we should be in great danger. At 12 o'clock we set sail, ou our re- turn to Sierra Leone, We make slow headway; the wind is light. At six o'clock we are not more than three or four leagues from Bassa. We are turning our attentiou to the state of our settlers at Sherbro, and those at Sierra Leone. We think of visiting Sherbro as we return. We are ve- ry anxious to hear from our friends. We feel grateful to GOD for his mercy, in pre- . serving us, and enabling us to accomplish our wishes in some degree. Still, however, we have continual need of Divine assistance. Our vessel leaks, and requires much attention; but our trust is in GOD alone, who has hitherto mercifully preserved us, so that "the sun hath not smitten us by day, neither the moon by night." The pestilence which walketh in darkness, hath not come near us; therefore, we are under renewed obligations to praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works in the great deep. Sunday Morning, April 15th, 1821. At sea with a fair wind, we have just discovered Cape Mesurado. Had worship this morning as usual, and found it good for us to call upon the name of the Lord, to read His most holy word, to meditate upon His blessed promises, to praise Him for past mercies and implore the continuance of His most gracious aid. Our people having yesterday evening slaughtered the goat which the King presented us, it is necessary to cook some of the flesh, though it is the Sabbath day. It is very fine and fat, and quite a luxury, notwithstanding, we have had plenty of fowls, fish and oysters, fruits and vegetables. Prince Bushrod, is a little seasick, he ap- pears to be much pleased with his dress, and has been persuaded to take off his gregres. Davis having told him if he wore clothes, he must not wear gregres. His head was shorn when we took him on 31 board, except a little space above the left ear, where the hair was platted; he was also induced to shave it off entirely, so that the wool might grow out equally. We calculate to let him go to Regent's Town, and stay with Davis and attend school, under the superintendence of the Rev. Mr. Johnson, where he will have the benefit of associating with some of his own countrymen, who are pious and useful people. Monday, April 16th, 1821. Last night there was a tremendous tornado, with much rain; at the appearance of a tornado, it is necessary to take in all sail immediately, as the wind generally blows powerfully. Our Kroomen are easily intimidated in bad weather, they have on their gregres, those which they think contain the most virtue and are best calculated to preserve them from the greatest dan- ger. I endeavoured to persuade them that their gregres were useless, and advised them to throw them into the sea, but my entreaties were in vain; one had his gregre tied with a twine, around his head above his ears; I took hold of the string and broke it. On examining it, I found it was composed of a ball of clay, tied up in a piece of white muslin with a small feather in the end; he was angry and sorry for his loss. One gave me his gregre, that I might view its contents: they consisted of nothing more than a kind of black sand tied up in a piece of rag. I threw the gregre into the sea, which griev- ed him very much. The Kroomen were all alarmed at their loss; and expressed fears that " Tornado catch us," or that some other accident would happen to us. They said that they (i make bad palaver on me," when we arrived at Sierra Leone, and that I should have to pay twenty barrs (equal to twenty dollars). They are poor creatures indeed, in every sense of the word. They appear to be very affectionate to each 32 • other. When we are visited on board by other Kroomen, they beg food for them, or divide their own portion among the visitors. They prefer rice, which they boil and use with palm oil, to animal food. They sit down around a large dish of rice, and make use of their hands instead of spoons. i uesday Morning, April 17th, 1821. We were off the Galinas with a light wind, proceeding on towards the Shebar, which is the entrance into Sherbro sound, near the eastern part of Sherbro Island. We wished to cross over the Shebar, which is difficult without a skilful pilot. A native who resides at Bohol within the bar, on discovering a vessel, generally goes out in his canoe to meet her. We hoped to be discovered by him so that we might pass over in safety. Our object was to visit our people at Yonei, a native town on the Island, oppo- site Bohol, which is on the main. At evening we heard the surf roar as its waves rolled over the Shebar, it is heard several leagues; the wind was ahead, and we made slow progress. Our vessel appeared to leak more than she had done, and the inexperience of our navigators, gave us great anxiety; but our trust was still in God alone. Wednesday, April 18th, 1821. Still we were off the Shebar, but had made little progress during the night; at twelve o'clock, there was a tornado; the wind blew powerfully twenty or thirty minutes, and was accompanied with considerable rain. These tornadoes are nothing to be compared with the hur- ricanes which are common among the West India Islands. Thursday Morning, April 19th, 1821. We were within sight of the Shebar and had a delight ful air after the rains. Laying off and on with our vessel, hoping a pilot would come off to our assist- ance; several guns were tired as signals for pilots, hut none came; therefore we had but two alternatives, one was to sail round the Island, which as the wind 33 are light requires seven or ten days: the other was to send our boat over the Shebar for a pilot. As our sailors were unwilling to go in the boat, I pre- vailed upon them by proposing to accompany them. After approaching as near the Shebar as was thought prudent, the vessel was brought to anchor, at four o'clock, P. M. The boat was manned with the mate of the vessel and three natives, one a sailor, the others Kroomen. The mate, although a tolerably good boatman, apprehended more danger than I did, for I had not had much experience in crossing such bars. At length we started in the* boat, and approached near the bar. It appeared dangerous indeed. The mate, being at the rudder, gave directions to the oars, men to obey him promptly; he told them he should watch the motion of the waves, and that, when he ordered them to pull at their oars, they must pull for their lives. We soon found our boat first soar- ing over the turbulent waves, then plunging into the deep, while the waves were rolling in quick succes- sion after us, each appearing as if it would envelop us in the ocean. One wave poured about v>0 gallons of water into the boat, which caused me active em- ployment in lading out the water; the boat having been brought quartering to the waves, it required quick exertion by the men at the oars, who were somewhat frightened, but were enabled to bring the boat to its proper position before the succeeding wave came, which wafted us over the greatest danger; by that time I had nearly laded out the water. In. deed, it was mercy to us, that we were not swal- lowed up. Not unto us! not unto us! but unto thy name, O GOD, be all the glory, both now and for ever! We soon after arrived at Bohol, where we ob- tained a pilot. The boatmen remained until the tide favoured us the next morning. Lewis Tucker is Headman at Bohol; he has many people, and it is feared that he and his brothers have not wholly abo- 5 3* lishcd the slave trade, though they do not carry it on as publicly as at former times. I obtained a passage to Yonie, in one of Tucker s canoes that evening, where I arrived at 1) o'clock, and found the American free people of colour, who had survived, of the first expedition. I went to the house where Nathaniel Brander resides. He had the peo- ple and goods in charge. I was very much fatigued, from having been wet in the boat, and afterwards ex- posed to the damps of the evening. I soon learnt the condition of the people, and found they were m good health; they had previously received some small supplies from Mr. Winn, at Sierra Leone. After partaking of some refreshment which Brander caused to be prepared, I read a chapter in the Bible, and returned thanks to Almighty GOD for the great mercy and deliverance of the past day. O Lord! "When waves on waves, to heav'n uprear'd Defy'd the pilot's art, When terror in each face appeared, And sorrow in each heart, To thee I raised my humble pray'r, To snatch me from the grave! I found thine ear not slow to hear, Nor short thine arm to save!" I consider my preservation that day as one of the most extraordinary manifestations of Divine Grace to me during my life. Yonie, Friday Morning, 20th April, 1821.— 1 arose somewhat indisposed from the fatigues and ex- treme exposure of the preceding evening. I visited Prince Cong Kouber; he is a fine healthy man, well formed, handsome featured, and his very countenance indicating shrewdness. He speaks English so as to be understood tolerably well; is a man of but icw words, with much observation, and is indeed pos- V 35 aessed of more power than the King, although the latter is acknowledged by his subjects: Kouber is Prime Minister and manages as he pleases. The Kings on the Main are not well pleased with King Sherbro, who resides at Yonie: so that that perhaps was one cause which prevented Mr. Coker from ne- gotiating with them for lands. But the principal reason was, Kizzell having caused the agents and people to make a temporary stay at his place. The Authorities of the whole country consider him a "stranger," (an intruder,) and, as he was employed in assisting Mr. Coker in endeavouring to negotiate for lands, they thought that he would monopolize the presents: moreover he had already the trade with our people. Even while they were sick, and were in want of fresh provisions, Kizzell established himself as a huckster, and bought cheap and sold dear: and Mr. Coker being at the palaver, they were compelled to submit to the imposition. Having seen all the American peo- ple who are at Yonie. and found that, notwithstand- ing sickness and death had occurred, and other dif- ficulties, as might have been expected, from the de- cease of their agents, and their having been left un- der the authority of a man of colour, they being unwilling to be governed by one of their own race, yet they were much pleased with the country, and with the intelligence that lands had been negotiated for, and the expectation that they should soon be in possession of a suitable portion which they could call their own. At 4* o'clock, P. M. our Schooner arrived and an- chored in the bay off Yonie. We had more trouble with our Captain, who unmercifully beat some of the sai- lors and the Kroomen, which had been extremely unpleasant to Brother Andrus, and our native Mis- sionaries, who were heralds of mercy and peace. We feared that we should have trouble with the King and natives at Sherbro; that when- our people should remove from there, they would extort very much for cottage rents, notwithstanding they have received large presents, and have given nothing in return. It having heen known to them that Kizzell had charged sixty Dollars per month for one single hut, while it was occupied hy our people. Saturday Morning, Sist April, 1831. We left some small supplies which we could spare from the Schooner, as the people would soon be in need, un- less they were removed. We then made the neces- sary preparations for our departure: we bought a sheep of Kouber,for which we gave eight pounds of leaf tobacco. Dispatch of business appears to be quite out of practice; it was near night before we could prevail on our Captain to weigh anchor and get the vessel under way. We proceeded on to Kizzell's place, which is from 15 to 20 miles distance. At 7 o'clock, P. M. we arrived at York Island, where Martin, after anchoring the Schooner, went on shore to visit his wife, who is a native. We obtained from the na- tives, who came on board, four or five gallons of ho- ney, which cost about as many pounds of leaf tobac- co;" likewise, several mats and some cocoanuts, fowls, vegetables, &c. Sunday Morning, 2£d April, 1831. — We con- cluded that it was a duty for us to proceed on, as the wind and tide were in our favour, and as moreover, we had been informed that the winds were very va- riable in SherbroBay, and that frequently vessels were dctaiued there one or more weeks on that account. Brother Andrus, Tamba, Davis, and myself, at- tended religious duties. At -i o'clock P. M. we ar- rived at Campelar (Kizzell's place.) I probably did not go on shore without possessing some prejudice against Kizzell. But, indeed, 1 was very much sur- prised at his malignant conduct. After we had made ourselves known to him, he appeared somewhat dis- concerted at seeini: the successors of our deceased 37 friends. He, doubtless, felt some compunctions on account of his baseness. Our intention was to tarry but a short time on shore. We asked him to show us the ground where our predecessors and people were buried, and we expressed a wish to see his "Meridian," [spring] as he sometimes denominates it. At length we walked to his spring, and in the very appearance of the water saw an indication of its impurity; it appeared to be in a state of fer- mentation, and, I must confess, I did not wish to taste it. After we returned, we passed by his Church, as he denominated it. It was built in the native stile, and would contain about one hundred people. There was a kind of Desk on which lay a Bible and Hymn Book. But if the life and conduct of the speaker, were as humble as the appearance of the House, they would better corespond. May the Lord give him grace to repent; and may he be forgiven. We also visited the graves of our friends, and found them so situated that the spring tides overflow them. Indeed Kizzell was under the necessity of building a mud wall along the beach, to pre- vent the water from flowing quite into his cot- tages. The Island is low, bad land, literally a mangrove swamp, unfit for cultivating with any de- gree of comfort or profit. The exhalations from its soil, renders the atmosphere very unpleasant. This made our return on board the vessel desirable. It is indeed unpleasant to dwell upon Kizzell's conduct, though it may be deemed necessary to make some exposition of his baseness. While viewing those solitary abodes of our friends, I said to Kizzell, I conclude you have no objections to those corpses re- maining here, as a removal would be inexpedient, and the ground is of no value? His reply was, that the Rev. Samuel Bacon agreed, at the burial of Dr. Samuel A. Crozer, and Captain Townsend, that he would cause them to be removed after lands 38 should be obtained, and the settlers located on them; and he seemed to expect a fulfilment of that agree- ment, I then put the question thus: do you expect an equivalent if those bodies should remain? He seemed to endeavour to evade a direct answer, and said that they ought to be removed. I then said to him, are you willing that they should remain here, if you have pay for the ground? His answer was in the affirmative. He had at the same time al- ready sent an account to Sierra Leone, to Mr. Winu, principal agent, amounting to almost 8800 dollars; and yet his avaricious appetite was not satisfied. We left Kizzell, with our prejudices increased ra- ther than lessened. Monday Morning, April S3d, 1821. — At six o'clock, we weighed anchor, but we had not pro- ceeded far, before a canoe which Tamba had pur- chased, and which was tied slightly to the vessel with a rope, parted, the wind blowing powerfully, and we sailing very fast. This caused us to anchor, having previously manned our boat and sent for the canoe. Martin was told that the canoe was unsafe in her present situation. But we had reason to think that he was willing to protract the voyage on account of his being profitably employed. He knew if the wind continued, and we proceeded on without ob- stacle, we should soon arrive so far down the bay as to have the benefit of the sea breeze, which pre- vails after ten o'clock, A. M. and thus reach Sierra Leone, in a short time. At 8 o'clock, P. M. we anchored near the Plan- tain Islands. We were very anxious to hear from Sierra Leone. Brother Andrus had concluded to return to America and we were in hopes that the Nautilus had not left Sierra Leone, but that he might avail himself of {he opportunity of returning by her. If disappointed in this resolution, he had resolved to go by the way of England, which must necessarily increase both the time and expense. 39 He was induced to yield to this determination, by the probability that the American Blacks would not be removed to the Bassa country, until after the rainy season; and that, therefore, the assistance of all the agents would not be necessary to administer to their wants. Having discovered the want of Mis- sionaries in Africa, and the ardent desire of the na- tives to receive them, he had formed the resolution to resign his appointment as agent to the Coloniza- tion Society, and return to these shores in the capacity of a Missionary, and here spend the remainder of his days in his Master's service, as had been his wish before leaving America.., Tuesday, April S4rth, 1821. — Having as usual come to anchor last night, we got under sail this morning, at six o'clock. At half past eight o'clock, A. M. brother Andrus and Tamba, left the schooner, and went in our boat, in company with two Kroomea in a canoe which Tamba had bought for the pur- pose of leaving us. His object was to go and la hour as a Missionary, in the Sherbro country. He had determined to do so before our arrival at Sierra Leone; but Mr. Johnson, learning that we were in want of interpreters to explore the Coast, proposed, that he should accompany us on our excursion, and that he should stop at Sherbro on our return. The wind was very light, and we made slow progress, and soon came to anchor, At 2 o'clock Brother Andrus met us, after our vessel had got under way, He was much pleased with his visit to the Plan- tains, and said the Islands were delightfully situated and very fertile. He was agreeably entertained by the owner of them, Geo. Caulker, who was a native Afri- can,educated in England. He found him employed in writing, his table being well furnished with paper? He learnt that he had translated the Liturgy of the Church of England into the Bullum language, and was engaged in translating the Bible, and had made considerable progress in the Book of Genesis. 40 O! iiow cheering is the thought that the time is fast approaching and near at hand, when the Bullumv people will read and hear in their own language, of the wonderful works of GOD; and this too, through the instrumentality of one of their own kindred and tribe, who hath, perhaps, been concerned in that bane of Africa, the Slave Trade; but who, after hav- ing acquired an English education, and received the influences of the Holy Spirit in his heart, has been induced to commence the laudable work of transla- ting the pages of the Book of Life. Mr. Andrus found Caulker to be a man of ta- lents; and obtained from him much useful informa- tion. Caulker professed an attachment to the Pro- testant Episcopal Church of England, and is thought to be a pious man. Mr. Andrus inform- ed him of the subject of our Mission, and that we had negotiated for lands in the Bassa country. Caulker stated that he had travelled into the interior of that country, and that he deemed it the most eli- gible situation for our settlement of any on the coast; being, as it was, situated in the centre of the Grain Coast. He said that its inhabitants were unwar- like, and less hostile than any of the neighbouring tribes — that the coast was accessible to small ves- sels, and that large ships might lie at anchor within two or three miles distance; and moreover, that its soil was equal, if not superior, to any other on the western coast, and its herds far preferable. Caulker exhibited some neat cattle and swine as a specimen, they having been brought from the Bassa country. Mr. A. said the swine were equal to those in Ame- rica in general, and the neat cattle superior to any he had ever seen in Africa. Caulker's house was furnished in English style; his dress accorded with it, and he had au English school on his Island. Before he left the Plantain Island, brother An- drus inquired of Caulker whether the lime trees were 41 growing on that Island, which the Rev. John New- ion planted, while a Slave in Africa. Mr. Caulker said they were still growing: and showed them to Mr. Andrus. Mr. A. plucked some branches, and brought them to Sierra Leone. Caulker, like all others, who have had any in- tercourse with Kizzell, consider him an unprinci- pled man, and " a stranger" in the country, and that our people could not have stopped at a more un- suitable spot than Campelar. Tamba commenced bis missionary tour among the Sherbro (Bullum) people, with two Kroomen to paddle his canoe. — ■ Tamba and Davis, are supported by the Church Missionary Society in England, and they appear to be useful good men. O that the Lord would incline the hearts of Christians in America to send over labourers, who are willing to take their lives in their hands, and go to the help of the Lord! to the help of the Lord, against the mighty! Wednesday Morning, April 25th, 1821. — We were between the Bannana Islands and Cape Shil- ling, and had a fair view of each; Cape Shilling is the place where the late Rev. Samuel Bacon died. He left Campelar (KizzelPs place) about the last of April, 1820, in an open boat, for the purpose of going to Sierra Leone, in order to procure medi- cal aid. He expected to fall in with an English vessel, but he was not in time. Therefore, he di- rected his men to proceed on in the boat; he arrived at Cape Shilling on the first of May. Cape Shil- ling is an English settlement of re-captured Afri- cans. A Captain Handle, was the English agent, residing there. He received the Rev. Mr. Bacon into the Mission House, and hospitably administered to his wants, as did also Mrs. Handle. They affec- tionately acted the part of the good Samaritan, and rendered him every assistance in their power — For 6 42 which I gave them my most hearty thanks; as I visited them at Freetown, soon after our arrival. And I pray God Almighty to bless and reward them in this world, and in that which is to come. Alas! the extreme anxiety of mind, of my dear Brother, and his most arduous labours among the American people of colour, at KizzelVs place; be- ing as he was constantly employed with the sick and dying both day and night, while sick himself, with the use of that bad water, which it was said Kizzell did not use even in his own family of native Afri- cans, proved too much for him. On the third day of May, 18&0, he departed this life; and we have good reason to believe he is with Christ, which is far better. He was buried in a decent manner. Mr. and Mrs. Handle, paid him the last acts of benevo- lence. In him I lost an affectionate and dear Brother, and a brother in Christ, a counsellor, teacher and friend. O! Africa! O! Africa! Thou hast lost a benefactor! Thou hast lost a bright and a shining light— a preacher of Righteousness! And the Church of Christ on earth, has lost an Evange list! 0! Lord I beseech thee to give me grace, so to live, and so to labour, and so to glorify Thee, that when thou shalt call upon me to give an account of my one talent, I may not say, "here Lord is the one talent which thou gavest me'*, &c. but may say, here am I Lord, and those souls whom thou hast given me. 1 did not go on shore at Cape Shilling, there- fore, I could not visit the grave of dear Samuel. The wind was fair which watted us along. Thursday, April 20. — We had a head v/ind, and many difficulties to encounter. We caught however, an abundance of iish. Our greatest diffi-l ulry was, as we came into the harbour of Sierra Le one. Captain Martin, (as if he had not caused us sufficient trouble) managing the vessel, to bring her into port, did not take in sail in time, and let go the anchor, but let her run against the wharf, and it was with great difficulty that we got her off again, and brought her to an anchor. Indeed our troubles have been neither few nor small, some times 1 have thought they were enough to exhaust the patience of a Job, or appall the faith of a Moses. But the Lord had hitherto blessed us. therefore we give him all of the glory both now and evermore. Sierra Leone, Friday, April 37th, 1821. — We had learued that the Nautilus had sailed on her re- turn to America, so that brother Andrus resolved to return by the way of England. At 10 o'clock, we visited Foura Bay Farm, which is about two miles from Freetown. There we found Mr. Wiqn, conveniently located with the blacks who accompanied us from America, together with some of those from Sherbro. There is a large- Mansion House and several out houses, and tene- ments, sufficiently capacious for the accommodation of the people, and the storage of the goods pro- visions, &c. which Mr. Winn negotiated for about two weeks after we sailed down the coast. We found our friends in tolerable health, though there, had been some slight cases of illness, accompanied with fever, but they had mostly subsided, and the coloured people said they were well pleased with Africa: they had lands suitable for cultivation, and had made some progress. After informing our friends, of our obtaining lands, &c. Mr. Andrus and myself, went back to Free- town, where he went on board the schooner, and I lvisited the Rev. Samuel Flood, Chaplain of the [English Colony: after I had dined with him, he very politely furnished me with a horse, on which I Irode to Kegentstown, where my dear wife was *§ sick of a fever, she had the attack on the even- ing previous, hut it was not very violent. We had abundant reason to be thankful to GOD, for his mer- cy, in sparing us to see each other again in this world. Mrs. Bacon was very politely and hospitably treated at good Mr. Johnson's: she morning and evening, enjoyed in the Church, the sight of the children of Ethiopia, stretching out their hands un- to God, and united with them in praising his most Holy name. Mr. Johnson was delighted to hear that we had made a contract for lands in the Bassa Country: he is very much interested in the accomplishment of our several designs, for the improvement of the African race. He is a faithful Minister of Christ, and la- bours to save the souls of his fellow men. We found it good to unite again with those who daily offered up their supplications in our behalf at the throne of grace. Kegentstown, Saturday Morning, April 38th, 1831. My dear wife is just able to walk by lean- ing upon my arm; anxiety of mind, perhaps was one cause of her illness. At one o'clock, P. M. she appears to be worse; she had a physician, who daily attends Miss Johnson who is also sick; four o'clock, there is not much alteration, rather worse; O Lord help us! At six o'clock, P. M. the people are assembled in Church, where there is reading, prais- ing and praying: it is indeed gratifying to see the improvements which are made here; the very hills resound with the praises of GOD, and of the LAMB. 0! that the Lord would cause His word to extend from the rivers to the ends of the earth. Regentstown, Sunday Morning, 29th April, 1831. — Mrs. Bacon is very ill, she is attended by Dr. Macauley Wilson, a native of the Bulluni tribe; he was educated in England, is an assistant Sur- 45 geon in this Colony; a decent, well-behaved man; and is considered skilful in his profession. This morning the Church was filled at 6 o'clock, as is usu- al, and a lesson was read, together with singing and prayers: after which we breakfasted, and then had prayers in the family. Mrs. Bacon appears to be worse. O Lord, the issues of life and death are in thine hand; spare my dear Wife, if it be thy will. At 10 o'clock the people were all in motion, coming to the Church from all parts of the town. 0! these are the fruits of the labours of a faithful Mis- sionary, accompanied by the blessings of that GOD who has said, "in the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou know- est not which shall prosper, this, or that." It is enough for us to know that we are in the path of duty, and endeavouring to do it by GOD's grace assisting us, without which we can do no- thing acceptable. At a o'clock, P. M. the Physician arrived; he thinks that Mrs. Bacon will not have the fever very severely. At 3 o'clock, the people are again flocking together to hear the Word of Life. Their very countenances show that they are anxious to learn of HIM, who is meek and lowly of heart. "These are times which Kings and Prophets desired to see," but did not see them; and as I walk around the house in the piazza, I can see all parts of the settlement, and there is scarcely an individual to be seen — all are at Church. Indeed "these people live a life of prayer and praise." At 6 o'clock this evening, the goodly Shepherd again brake the bread of life to his flock, whose appetites seem to crave more of that, which, if a man eat thereof, he shall live forever. Thus the labours of the Rev. Mr. Johnson are perpetuated; he preaches twice or thrice every Sabbath, and has prayers in Church morning and evening, besides prayer meetings and lectures. At 9 o'clock Mrs. Bacon appears no better; the 46 fever seems to increase this evening. 6 Lord, sanc- tify these afflictions to us; may they work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Monday Morning, 30th April, 1821.— Mrs.*Ba- con was worse last night than at any time previous. I remain with her while the family are at prayers, but it is deemed necessary that we should separate for a short time. As we know every thing which could tend to meliorate her sufferings would be un- doubtedly done; and as there was business to trans- act at Foura Bay, discharging the Schooner's crew, and consulting with the agents, upon the propriety of removing the people from Shcrbro, or sending them some necessaries of life: therefore, my dear wife and myself deemed it expedient for me to go, and leave the event to GOD, who doeth all things well. After imploring God's blessing on us, I left Regentstown, with an expectation of visiting it again on the Wed- nesday evening following. These are times which are calculated to try me, of what spirit I am. As I walked from Regentstown, it was a time of self-ex- amination. I inquired whether 1 was, or was not, sorry that I came to Africa; but I had expected sick- ness to occur, and perhaps death; and 1 concluded if we were to die in endeavouring to benefit the hea- then, and destroy that most detestable traffic, the Slave Trade, it would be in as good a cause as we could desire. I was fully confirmed in the opinion, that Africa presented an ample field for the exercises of benevolence, and that the Christian world owed her a debt of gratitude; therefore, left the event to GOD alone, and endeavoured to seek his direction. I arrived at Foura Bay, at 10 o'clock, A. M. and found some slight illness among the people of col lour, but nothing alarming, except the case of one woman, who was in a decline before she left Ame- rica. I discharged the crew from the Schooner in the Bay, and placed some of our men on board, to • ake care of her. \ 47 Tuesday Morning, 1st May, 1821. — A messenger arrived with a note from Mr. Johnson, which inform- ed me that Mrs. Bacon had less fever than on the morning I left her; I immediately dispatched the messengei. Having exerted myself overmuch, and suffered considerable anxiety of mind, and having moreover drank too freely of water, which is thought to be prejudicial to the health of white people in Af- rica; at 11 o'clock, A. M. I felt somewhat indis- posed, perspiration ceased; I was attacked with pain in the back part of the head, neck and back. 1 im- mediately went on board the Schooner, where bro- ther Andrus and myself still had our lodgings; took some . medicine, and retired to my birth. 1 soon found a chilliness to pervade the whole system. I even found it necessary to use flannel blankets. After about two hours, the chill was succeeded by fever, which continued until 9 in the evening, when it intermitted, the medicine having had its desired effect. The stomach being in a state for the re- ception of tonicks, and Brother Andrus having a small treatise of practice, by Dr. Winterbottom, which directed bark to be given in as large quan- tities as the stomach would receive, Brother An- drus followed that plan during the night, and at- tended to me very kindly. Wednesday Morning, 2d May, 1821.— No fe- ver, and continued to use the bark until 4 o'clock P. M. Dr. Macauly Wilson arrived after he had been informed of the course which had been pur- sued, highly approved of it; he then gave me two calomel pills, which had the desired effect, after which, the bark was continued. Dr. Wilson had visited Mrs. Bacon, who is very much debilitated. This was the evening which I had proposed to visit her: but O Lord thou knowest all things; the issues of life and death are in thy hands, give us grace to bear afflictions. Thou wilt not lay one stroke more upon us than will be bene- ficial, therefore we pray for grace to sustain in time of need. Thursday Morning, 3d May, 1821, Foura Bay. — At 4 o'clock a chill came on again, succeeded by fever, which continued until 3 o'clock, P. M. After it had intermitted, Brother Andrus again gave me the* bark, two or three teaspoonfuls once an hour. I had become very much debilitated for so short an illness. A message came from Mr. Johnson, saying that Mrs. Bacon had not as much fever. Monday Morning, 7th May, 1821 — Being a lit- tle better, I went on shore for the purpose of remain- ing. Mrs. Bacon, who had heard of my illness, was brought as far as Gloucester, where she became too ill to proceed. These were trials of my faith; but during my whole sickness, that peace was experi- enced which "passeth knowledge." During the following days, I received several notes from the Rev. Mr. During, at Gloucester, by one of his servants, which informed me of the low state of Mrs. Bacon's health, and kindly stated that every means should be exerted to make her as comfortable as the circumstances of her case would admit; how- ever, her anxiety about me was so great, that it was thought by her Physician, that a removal to Foura Bay would probably be beneficial. Mr. Johnson, therefore, again sent six or eight of bis captured peo- ple with a palanquin, accompanied by Dr. Wilson, who caused her to be removed, although she was unable to set up. Those people were very affection- ate; they would frequently remove the veil of the pa- lanquin and view her with tender compassion, say- ing, "Poor Mama sicke! white Mama sickel" At length the company arrived. Our Heavenly Father permitted us once more to meet in this world, and unite our thanksgivings to Him who is all in all to those that love the Lord Jesus Christ. Sunday Morning, May 13th, 1821. About two o'clock, two of the officers of the United States 49 Sohooner Aligator arrived at Foura Bay, they hav- ing anchored off the harbour of Freetown, the pre- ceding evening. We were much rejoiced to see them so ardently engaged in the laudable work of annoy- ing the detestable Slave Trade. On Sundays there are meetings in the settlement, at which the coloured Preachers generally officiate, and they often meet for prayers in the evenings du- ring the week. Monday, 14th May, 1821.— We had the plea- sure of seeing Lieutenant Comadt. Stockton, of the Aligator, by whose politeness we received a num- ber of communications from the United States: Mrs. Bacon was so ill as not to be able to read her letters from her friends; my health appears to be improving gradually. Tuesday Morning, 13th May, 1821. — The Aliga- tor sailed on a cruize to the south eastward in search of Slaving vessels. Mrs. Bacon still remains very ill. Mr. Winn and myself deemed it expedient to re- pair the Schooner Augusta, for the purpose of remov- ing the people from Yonie, to the Bassa Country, as soon as the rainy season subsides; or sooner if thought best. It was determined that I should cause the Schooner to be examined. Wednesday, 16th May, 1821. — Brother Andrus is preparing to leave us, on his return to the United States, by the way of England: very little can be done during the rains, except attending to the wants of the people. Thursday Morning, 17th May, 1821. This day I walked to Freetown, a distance of about two miles, for the purpose of procuring a ship carpenter, to ex- amine the Schooner and ascertain her condition, and succeeded in obtaining one: I visited Mr. Justice Crage, who very politely proposed that I should ride back, and lent me his horse for that purpose. This day's exertion nearly proved fatal. On my re- turn, I also found Mrs. Bacon very ill, so that our SO hopes of speedy recovery were blasted, and the prospects of future usefulness clouded; however, we still continued to look for help to God alone. Friday, 18th May, 1821. From this date not having kept a regular Diary, I shall only mention occurrences of the most importance. The Shipcar- penter examined the vessel and reported her worthy of repairs; he was therefore employed to repair her as speedily as possible; but dispatch of business be- ing uncommon, we were taught to expect that proba- bly six or eight weeks would be required to fit her for use. June 1st, 1821. — For the past two weeks, Mrs. Bacon and myself have been unable to attend to ve- ry little business of any kind. Mr. Winn has been ill a few days. Mr. Andrus has engaged his pas- sage for England, and expects to sail in about ten days; he is much pleased with the prospects of being useful in Africa, and appears to be extremely well calculated for a Missionary, as well as an A- gent; the climate agreeing with his constitution; his health, hitherto, has been better than that of any of the Agents. June lltb, 1821, Monday. Mrs. Bacon and my- self are still rather worse, more debilitated, particu- larly myself* We are so ill that Brother Andru6 has suggested to us the propriety of his remaining in my stead, and Mrs. Bacon and myself going to the United States, it being supposed a sea voyage would prove beneficial to our healths. Having been at Freetown for the purpose of making some arrange- ments concerning his passage to England, aud learnt that a Schooner, which was a prize vessel, but had been purchased by the Hon. K. Macauley, is about to be sent to Barbadoes for sale, and in this Schoo- ner he has been offered a passage free of expense. On his first making the offer, I told him I did not feel disposed to go, as I had not thought of returning; but after further reflection, I consulted my Physician who advised our taking the voyage. I consulted also 51 Mr. Winn on the subject, and finally I concluded to embrace the opportunity, provided Mrs. Bacon and myself could obtain a passage. Mr. Andrus went again to Freetown, and obtained a passage for us in the same Schooner, being politely and gratuitously offered by the Hon. K. Macauly. Thus Mr, An- drus very kindly consented to remain and assist Mr. Winn, if he desired it, in my stead; for which kind- ness, as well as for making the necessary prepara- tions for the outfit, I feel much indebted to him. Wednesday, 13th June, 1821. — Our baggage was removed to the boat and we were by the assistance of our friends supported to walk to the boat. We arrived at the Schooner about six o'clock, P. M. ve- ry much exhausted; we rested but indifferently during the night; the next morning brought with it troubles long to be remembered, but I hope never to forget the goodness of God in sustaining us by his grace: at about 9 o'clock the heat became oppressive; Mrs. Bacon was taken extremely ill, and had she not obtained immediate aid would probably have sur- vived but a short time. But the timely assistance of Dr. Riche an English Surgeon, by the blessing of God, rendered her relief; at the same time I became worse myself. Thus situated, neither of us able to help the other, just embarking on a voyage of five thousand miles, a voyage too which we had recent- ly found very irksome, when we were enjoying the best of healths, it was by no means pleasant.— When we came on board, the time of our departure was not fixed; but as there was every day more or less rain, our healths required that we should avail ourselves of the first opportunity to get on board, that we might be in readiness to sail at any moment, when the vessel should be prepared. During the time of our laying in the harbour, we were both more ill than at any time previous; we were situated in the cabin in opposite births one on each side unable to assist each other, or to help ourselves, the colour- ed man who was to accompany us was employed in procuring the necessary supplies, so that he coaUl &2 be with us but little. Brother Andrus visited us oc- casionally which rendered our situation more agree- able; still however we were often under the necessi- ty of calling on the Captain, and S. Easton, Esqr the Supercargo. When they were on board they were very obliging to us. These were solemn hours. As we viewed each other, it appeared probable that the time of our separation was near at hand. Still our hope was in GOD. In addition to our other afflictions, William Mar- tin, who has before been spoken of as an unprincipled man, and as having endeavoured to protract the voy- age, came forward with an unreasonable demand, of which it may be necessary to make some exposition, in order to prevent others from being imposed upon in a similar manner. He had been employed in the charge of the United States Schooner Augusta, after the decease of Mr. Townsend and his crew, for which service he received a full compensation. Af- ter our arrival, we again employed him to man the vessel and navigate her in our excursion, exploring the coast: he shipped the crew, except the Kroomen, and on our return, I adjusted his accounts according to the price agreed upon, and for the time that he had served which was about five weeks: still however he and his crew were dissatisfied because they were discharged: they had learnt a certain law was in force in Sierra Leone, making it the duty of em- ployers td give their servants notice one month pre- vious to the time of their discharge, making the em- ployers liable for one months wages if they failed to give said notice (the same law makes it the duty of servants to give one months notice to their employ- ers, and subjects them to the forfeiture of their wages on failure of so doing,) we being ignorant of this law, Martin took occasion from it to impose upon us. He made an extra demand amounting to about six- ty dollars, which after the necessary inquiry, I found myself obliged to settle. At length we took leave of our friends on Saturday the t in every Way I could think of, to sell me this Devil, that I might carry him out of the coun- try, but could not prevail. He said that it belonged to the people, and they would kill him if he let it go. He was evidently embarrassed by my request; and as I found he would not comply, I dropped the matter. Soon after seven o'clock, we left his town, on our way back, having repeated our mutual desire for the instruction of the Bass a Country. Ch\ Wis return, Mr. Cates addressed a Letter to t\\e Secretary, dated April the 19tti, from ^v\ilc\i tlie Committee mtt extract a tew passages 'C •_.. After experiencing manifold mercies for ten weeks, we have been brought back in health and safety. The prospect of suc- cess you will learn from my Journal. In several places there is a willingness to receive Missiona- ries, particularly in the Bassa Country, of which William Da- vis is a native. During four days that we remained at the King's Town, I was called on, three or four times in a day, to read and explain the Word of God to them; while they heard with marked attention, and devised every means that they could to retain it in their memories. The Headmen from the differ 10 74 APPENDIX.' ent Towns in King John's dominions assembled, and consulted oh the propriety of receiving Teachers. There was not a sin- gle dissentient voice; but, on the contrary, many (among whom the King waS foremost) were anxious that we should speedily send some person to them. The King willingly acquiesced in a proposal which I made to him, to place William Davis among his countrymen as a Teacher; and, though he would have been glad to receive an European* acknowledged the propriety of commencing the Mission with an African. Should the people show the sincerity of their desire to receive instruction by a dili- gent attendance on him, it would be an encouragement after- ward to send an European. There are many other places where Missionaries would be gladly received, but they do not appear so well suited to begin With an African; as the principal men have, from long acquaint- ance with Englishmen, made such progress in civilization, as to possess general knowledge superior to any of our Christian Ne- groes. This is the case particularly at the Galinas, where there are some families who received a liberal education in England, during the triumph of the SlaVe Trade: they are still much addicted to this nefarious traffic; but are so far convinced of the advantage of education, that they would receive a White Missionary, though they would treat contemptuously any at tempt to send a liberated Slave to them. APPENDIX. 75 RESEARCHES & IMPROVEMENTS IN AFRICA, "Extracts from tine Royal Gazette, published, at "Freetown, Sierra Leone. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23d, 1821. Intelligence from the Expedition to Teemboo y UNDER MR. o'BEIRNE. WE have great pleasure in being enabled to state, that he information received from Mr. O'Beirne is of the most gratifying nature, and furnishes strong grounds to hope for a satisfactory result to his mission. Serjeant Tuft, who accompanied the mission in the capacity of interpreter of native languages as far as the Limba country, left Mr. O'Beirne at Laiah, the first town of that territory, on the 10th inst. Laiah is about twenty miles from the river which bounds the Timmanee country on that side. The native Chiefs had hitherto universally behaved with the greatest respect and kindness towards him. The Chief of Port-Logo especially had manifested the most earnest zeal to forward the wishes of the govern- ment of this colony. He accompanied Mr. O'Beirne to the 8th, when he left him at Woolla, and sent his brother to accompany him to Kookoona, in order to introduce him to the head-men of the place. The Chiefs of the Limba country showed similar dis- positions. Pa Kinky, the head-man of Laiah, gave him aid to carry his baggage, and was^to acccompany him some way forward. Mr. O'Beirne mentions Brima Yarri, Chief of Woolla, as a man of very superior intelligence, and of excellent principles and dispositions. From him, next to the Chief of Port-Logo, Mr. O'Beirne had expe- rienced the most liberal support and the best treatment. There was reason to think that a small present, judiciously applied, would remove any latent jealousy with which the Limba Chiefs may be supposed to be impressed, touching the contributions which they levy on travellers. It was partly with a view to a satisfactory arrangement on this head that Serjeant Tuft left Mr. O'Beirne, whom he will go to meet about the same place at the expected approach }f his return. Mr. O'Beirnf, we understand, speaks in ,o APPENDIX the highest terms of Tuft's intelligence and ability in con-* ducting the palavers with the natives. Mr. O'Beirne ex- pected to arrive on the 12th at Kookoona, the town noticed in our former publications as belonging to Almamy Amu- rah, of Fouricaria; from which place he intended to dis- patch another messenger. We anxiously await the arrival of this messenger; for it has been already observed, that after passing that place, no impediment nor delay need be apprehended until the arrival at the Foulah frontier, where, it is conceived, it would be necessary to stop, in order to arrange for the subsequent advance to Teemboo. SATURDAY, APRIL 21st, 1821. ON Wednesday morning last, wc had the gratification to see Mr. O'Beirne arrive safe, and in good health from his expedition to Teembo. His appearance in his travel- ling costume, was somewhat grotesque. His dress con- sisted of jacket and trowsers of blue baft, with a check shirt loose at the collar; a short sword was belted on round his waist, and shoes, improved by travelling in that way only, admitted more than one free current of air to cool his feet. But the most striking part was a huge Foulah hat made of small cane, interwoven and plaited together with the out- side fibres of that plantj an oval pointed high crown, was decorated with a loop and button of leather, to which the broad brim could be strapped up occasionally, or the whole machine be made fast under the chin, according to the ex- igencies of wind and weather. A fine growth of well-comb ed beard and whiskers will serve to finish our brief outline. We trust, however, that some of Mr. O'Beirne's friends, who are known to possess eminent talents in that line, have taken care to preserve a correct drawing, as one of the best means of giving a just idea of a sight so seldom seen, as that of an European traveller's first appearance on his return to an European settlement after visiting distant countries in the interior of Africa. Mr. O'Beirne was accompanied from PortrLogo by Mr. Laing, Adjutant of his Majesty's 2nd. West India regiment, who went up purposely to meet him on hearing of his return to Port Logo: Mr. Laing, we understand, has -offered his services for a journey to Sego and Tombuctoo, by way of Port Logo and Teembo. Mr. Laing will proba- bly avail himself of the opportunity of the return of the mes- senger of the king of Sego who follows Mr. O'Beirne, and proceed as far as Sego with him. The messenger of the king of Sego brings a fine horse, a present from that Sove APPENDIX. 77 reign to the governor of this colony. We have not yet heard any thing more of the contents of the letter borne by him than what we have already mentioned. Almamy Abdool has sent down, in company with Mr O'Beirne, his nephew, Omaroo, a person of great authori- ty in the Foulah nation, charged with the completion of the arrangements for a regular commercial intercourse with the colony through Port Logo. The only impediment to that intercourse arises from the town of Kookoona, which belongs to the unfriendly chief, Almamy Amurah, of Fou- ricaria: but the passage through that place may either be obtained by amicable adjustment, or the place may be al- together avoided by making a circuitous march of no great extent, and returning to the main path on friendly ground. Omaroo is accompanied by his lady, who is represent- ed as a fine specimen of the Teembo beauties, remarkable for their fine persons and expressive features. We are glad to learn, that arrangements are already made for the disposal of the cattle and other commodities brought down for sale by the Foulah traders, on terms sa- tisfactoryjto them and favorable to the purchasers. This is a very material point at the commencement of a trading intercourse; as the mutual satisfaction and reciprocal advan- tage felt at the outset must tend, more than any other thing, to render the connection solid and permanent. SATURDAY, MAY 5th, 1821. ON Saturday, the 28th April, a grand palaver was held at government house, attended on one side by the governor and members of council, Dr. O'Beirne, recently arrived from the mission to Teembo, civil and military officers, yjrincipal merchants and inhabitants; and on the other side by the Foulah chief, Omarroo Kroo, nephew and repre- sentative of Almamy of Teembo, with the other chiefs of the Foulah deputation; AH Karlie, chief of the Port Logo, Yakoba, deputed by Fa Seena, chief of Kookoona, and a number of other chiefs of the towns on the new path from Port Logo to Fouta Jallon. About one hundred of these visitors were present, including twenty chiefs.— There was also a deputation from Dalla Mahommadoo, at the head of which was his brother. The object of the palaver was, in the first place, an in- terchange of amity and a reciprocal declaration of alliance connected with the establishment of the new path; and next, the arrangement of a general basis of trade between the colony and Fouta Jallon. V8 APPENDIX. The governor, through the interpretation of William Tuft, colonial interpreter, and of Moosa Kanta, interpreter to the mission, conveyed to Omarroo Kroo the expression of his acknowledgments for the favorable reception grant- ed to Mr. O'Beirne at Teembo; and of his desire to show corresponding favor to the members of the mission from Aim amy. He trusted that they found themselves as much at home at Sierra Leone as if they were at Teembo. He added the full assurance of his satisfaction at the opening of the new path; which it was hoped would lead to the es- tablishment of a regular and mutually beneficial intercourse between the colony and the Foulah nation. All the arti- cles of export which the country afforded, would find a ready and advantageous sale here; and every article of im- port which the Foulah people could want in return would be obtained here on the cheapest terms. In the former line of trade by the Rio Pongos and Rio Nunez, the inter- change was managed by intermediate agents, who made a two-fold profit on the country produce and on the European goods: all these intermediate charges would be saved by the direct intercourse, and the benefit of the saving would be entirely with the Foulahs. The Foulah people would therefore see an obvious advantage in resorting to this market and the people of the intermediate towns, and their chiefs, Ali Karlie of Port Logo, Fa Seena of Kookoona, and the others, in giving free access and regress, and pro- tection to the traders on the route. He had only to re- new the expressions of his earnest desire to perfect the re- lations of amity, and hope that a connection of amicable intercourse and mutually beneficial commerce would pro? ceed with continued increase to the satisfaction of both countries. Mr. O'Beirne, through the same interpreters, made his personal acknowledgments for the kind attentions which he experienced at Teembo, and from the chiefs on the path; and referred to the explanation now made by the governor as confirming what he had himself communicated in his several palavers at Teembo, and in the other places as he advanced and returned. The Hon. K. Macaulay proposed some questions, and offered some further explanations touching the proposed trade, and more particularly touching the purchase of the articles now brought down. The Chief Justice made a few observations on the mu- tual advantage and gratification of a new and direct line of peaceful commerce, which the Foulah people would extend on one side to this colony, and on the other to the banks ci APPENDIX. 70 the Niger, giving to the interior of Africa the European goods brought here at superior advantage, and in return^ sending hence over all the seas the produce of those remote Afri can countries. — He added, that the brother of Dalla Mahommadoo would tell them what faithful and good friends the governor and the gentlemen of the colony were. The brother of Dalla Mahommadoo answered this ap- peal by repeating the expressions of experienced friendship and confidence which he had already communicated to the strangers in his previous conferences. The palaver on the part of the colony being closed the chiefs answered in regular succession. Omarro Kroo, by a young man of his train, who always speaks for him, and who expressed himself with much steadiness and fluency, gave the fullest assurances on the part of Almamy of Teembo, and of the Foulah people, of their satisfaction at the opening of the path. They had al- ways desired that opening, and were rejoiced now to see it accomplished. They found themselves as much at ease at Sierra Leone as if they were at Teembo. They earnestly desired the cultivation of trade, and they hoped that a free intercourse would be speedily extended to^ Sego, and still farther into the interior. This was said for the Foulah people. Almamy had himself no concern with trade: his pursuit was war, which he carried on for the pur- pose of converting the unbelievers to the faith of the Pro- phet. He requests the governor to send some superior means of destroying the towns of these infidels, and of com- pelling them to submission. The letters of Almamy to the governor were read by the same youth and translated by the interpreter: they were to the same effect* AH Karlie, chief of Port Logo; and Yakoba of Koo- koona, spoke with equal satisfaction. At the instance of Omarroo, the governor made a pre- sent of a handsome fowling piece to Yakoba. This pre- sent was passed, according to the routine of country eti- quette, through the hands of Omarroo, and of a succession of two or three others, of whom Ali Karlie was one. It was then placed in the hands of the public orator of Yako- ba's party, who stood up, holding it, and made a long ha- rangue upon the occasion, which the interpreter did no think it necessary to translate. The gun was sent to Yakoba's residence by another party. The palaver then broke up amid exnressions of genera 1 content. SO APPENDIX. On two evenings in the course of the week some shells were thrown which excited much astonishment in the stran- gers. On Wednesday the chiefs went on board H. M. Ship Myrmidon, where they were amused by discharges of guns, and afterwards by firing with ball at a canoe moored at a convenient distance. The arrangements of their trade were finally concluded on Friday, at the house of Messieurs Macauly and Babing- ton. They may be expected to depart without further de- lay on their return, taking with them the presents prepared by order of the governor. SATURDAY, JUNE 9th, 1821. The Foulah chiefs, and the other native chiefs and headmen by whom they were accompanied hither, set out on Sunday last on their return to their respective places ol residence. All those who were of any consideration had received liberal presents, with which they expressed them- selves highly gratified. Very handsome presents were also sent to Almamy of Timbo, and to the principal Chiefs of his court, whose favour may be of importance to future travellers from the colony. Mr. L a ing adjutant of his Majesty's 2nd. W. I. Regi- ment, who has volunteered his services for an expedition to Sego and thence to Tombuctoo, if circumstances should prove inviting, accompanies the returning Chiefs as far as Port-Logo, in order to cultivate their friendship, and to accustom himself to their habits and manners, preparatory to the commencement of his journey; which, we understand, is to take place immediately at the breaking up of the rains. — Although no certain calculation can be made as to the time when this breaking up may be expected, it may be is reasonably hoped that it will occur this year much earlier than usual, the rains having set in unusually early. From the first day of the present month, we have ex- perienced frequent and strong tornadoes; and some steady falls of rain, unaccompanied by wind, have had an appear- ance somewhat indicating the approach of the settled wet season. It is true that these very early rains may, as in the last year, be followed by intervals of fine weather, which may again be introductory to second rains of very late duration. Mr. Laing will, we trust, be, at all events, prepared to set out early; for the rains arc known to cease, as well as to com- mence, much earlier in the interior than toward the coast APPENDIX. 81 The success of Mr. O'Beirne will, we are confident, ex- cite a spirit of emulation in many others to explore Africa in various quarters, as it has in Mr. Laing to pursue the same route to a greater extent, and a view to more impor- tant discoveries and more enlarged connections. We look with particular interest to the expeditions from this colony; and we are confident that, with common prudence in the management, they will fully justify all that we have said, in our various observarions on the subject, of the superior advantages which this settlement presents fbr exploring what is yet to be discovered, and for bringing into regular intercourse and settled connection, nations, hitherto scarce- ly known beyond the mere reports of travellers, collected from the hearsay of others whom they have met almost in the first stages of their journeys towards those hitherto in- accessible regions. SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 1820. It is with peculiar satisfaction we have this day the plea- sure of laying before our readers a statement of the Exports to Great Britain from our Settlement of Bathurst, St. Mary's, for the year terminating the 31st ultimo. Comments on this document might, indeed, be deemed superfluous, pro- claiming, as it does, trumpet-tongued, the beneficient effects of British protection and British legislation. When we con- template the progress of this establishment, so recently form- ed — the rapidly increasing extent of its export trade ; feel- ings the most gratifying are excited, — let the bane of Africa, and the opprobrium of Europe, the Slave-trade, cease — let the plundering of her coasts and the kidnapping of her chil» dren terminate;— and what may we not anticipate? We ad- duce our Gambia Settlement as a gratifying instance. A few years — we might say a few months, have elapsed, since this detestable traffic, in all its horrors, desolated them; blasting, by its baneful influence, every effort of the unhappy inha- bitants to meliorate their wretched condition. Mark the happy change— Lucrative and honorable sources of traffic daily develope themselves. The benignant influence of free- dom continues extending over the surrounding nations: law- less hordes, whose sole subsitence was derived from the plunder and sale of their brethren, now apply themselves to peaecful industry. The island of St. Mary's, formerly a de- serted uninhabited wilderness, now, contains a Well orga° nized British establishment. 11 62 APPENDIX. 143 03 13 26 130 14 12 ill J- UlliJKll WVWXWVWWW W* vvxvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvW'vvvvvwxwv^J 3 « 3 ft 1 - 55 .S » f (ji .- 03 O (O (^ ^ W - ! c ■3* o 2- °> c c t! ft 2 ft: 3 G> 6? 9 7T Q* < «-i n> P «> en 3 n» n> j - V -» Or T ^ 00 CC - £ I Tons. | 6 | «, ~ _ ■ " ►£> o j —j rr> r .'\ ib- | Cwt. 1 1 o fo c- — — CO o C w >- | Qr*. - . - _ __ _ -^ T lbs. < ft> ° jr "to 0j - O *■ C Oi CCi0003C5MKi(M33^ (C "^ C 03 tOI* KJl— i- 03 C-3 ^ Ol Ol o> % CO Ui tc Co o en si C cr ■-s o ^ _ ^ _ 3 3 P — O O O Tons. 03 &. Or -1 tO 0> tn Cwt. Q3 f -. _* CJ-O Qrs. tJ — to — to — to -4 tO O CC tO 03 Q ■£>■ Cft Q3 I lbs. ° o c o o o o o o o Tons. O O O O C c--j o c o ~ Cwt . c o '" ~ c o o — Qrs. O c 3 C ^^ •-"> C to O O u, o to o O O O C t-r- O O oooc oc^ooc oor-coctocc lbs. i Ozs. Dwr. Grs. I Nf c c c < t- s *< M — — Ha i~ 9> *- tsJ «<| o &) . fc . t ■ . to 00 C |0 ■J- _ o o O ^ 3 ^ c f • *-< cr •wvvww ^vv>w\twvwvw » w www * w\ \w \,v wvwwvw vww»^ 2>J 1 la ^^» C>9 & a * 1 to S&- ft ft *• © s «^ «-«< ft s ft ft oc APPENDIX. SATURDAY, MAY 12th, 1821. The gum-trade at Portendick, we are happy to state, had a most auspicious commencement. The whole supply, For the purchase of which goods were sent, had already been obtained. This, we understand, was only about thirty tons; for it was thought expedient not to commence the specula- tion on too large a scale: — it is found that almost any quantity may he had. This facility may propably be occa- sioned, for the moment, by the quarrel between the French and the Moors ; but if the opportunity be improved, the advantages derivable from it may be permanently realized. The brigantine Tlambletonian, which went up to the Gambia from this place for a cargo, would present an inducement for extending the enterprize upon which the merchants of St. Mary's would probably be disposed to act. SATURDAY, JUNE 9th, 1321. By letters from the Gambia, of date the 25th ultimo, we learn with much satisfaction that Omar, the Prime Minis- ter of the, Trarzhar Moors, had arrived at Bathurst for the purpose of making arrangements with the merchants for the supply of Gum Arabic at Portendick. He manifested the greatest anxiety to establish this trade with the English on the firmest basis. Upwards of twenty tons of gum had arrived, and the u Young Frederick" was taken up for ano- ther trip. SATURDAY, APRIL 21st, 1821. [Extracts from Private Letters ] Bathurst, St. Manfs, Gambia, 18th March. A very respectable and intelligent trader just arrived froth a commercial expedition up the river as far as Kyhp, above 500 miles from this place, states that, according t » the best information that he could collect, not near as many slaves have gone from the river this year as during the past; and that native slave traders do not know what to do with the many they have at times. The slaves are taken over land to Bissao, and those procured lower down the river are often conveyed to a Portuguese settlement; or rather a small trade factory in the Cassamanca river cab- led Sicinstrow: but in some instances these also are 84 APPENDIX.. ried over land to the Portuguese settlements at Bissao, and Cacheo. Above Kyha, and even lower down, the trade of the river has been interrupted, and the price of produce has been increased by a war which the natives of Kabu, who are Mandingoes living on the bank much higher up than Kyba, have made on the natives of N'Yani, whose coun- try is on the opposite side of the river. They made war for the pnrpose of procuring slaves. The Kabu people killed all they secured above twenty years of age, and only se- cured for the rascals at Bissao the little girls and boys. They attack a village, plunder it, and secure as many people as they can; and on these attacks, which are generally made in the night, many are killed on both sides. The N'Yani people never take slaves to the European slave fac- tories; but they dispose of them for horses, and to be em- ployed as domestic servants among themselves, or among the natives of the other parts of the country. The Kabu people prevent the N'Yani from crossing the river and carrying their slaves to the Portuguese. Two days before we came to anchor here, we fell in with a very pretty brigantine under French colors. It was the noted Marie Paul, already noticed in the Sierra Leone Gazette, bound, as the Captain said, to the river Cassa- manca for corn. The officers of the Snapper examined the papers. It is ascertained here that she carried off a cargo of slaves from Bissao to Martinique about the end of the year; and it is fully believed that she is now bound to the same place for another supply: she was last from Goree to St. Jago; but it is only a few weeks ago that she was at Senegal, and it is not many days since emissaries were in this river, endeavouring to collect slaves to be taken for her to the Cassamanca river. This Marie Paul actually belongs to four individuals who are pretty well known to be connected with the civil administration of the French African settlements. And further I am assured, that the merchants of the French settlements are all more or less engaged in the traffic. They form themselves into com- panies, and there is not a person who possesses a little pro- perty that is not a slave holder. APPENDIX, bv Accounts from the English Colony in South Africa. Monday, November 19th, 1821. The intelligence from this colony, is contradictory, some accounts say, that the new colonists were generally dis- heartened with their enterprize. Others, that many of them had surmounted the dangers and fatigues incident to new settlements, were beginning to live comfortably, and were rapidly subduing the forests and wild lands. This colony is said to be from 520 to 560 miles long, and from 200 to 315 miles wide. The English families which have emigrated here, are stated to be 5000. Before they arrived the population consisted of 22,000 whites (principally Dutch) and 38,000 Africans, principally Hottentons and CaiFres. The British Missionaries are said to be very ac- tive and successful in this region. Boston Centinel. FROM THE MORNING CHRONICLE, Sefit. 18th, 1821, We have received Bermuda papers to the 22d of July. It ap- pears from one of them that a new source of commerce has arisen in the West India islands of much importance, as re- gards privation of intercourse with the United States, under the operation of the Navigation act. Cargoes of corn have arrived from the coast of Africa, which will amply repay the importer at the price of one quarter of a dollar the bushel. It is described to be of a good quality and similar to the flat corn of the Northern States of America, but of a kernel smaller and whiter. REMARKS. The preceding extracts show the increase of an honorable tJ*ade, and of a lucrative commerce on the coast of Africa; also the projects of improvement, the result of researches into the interior, all which have contributed to effect much good, to meliorate the sufferings of thousands, and prevent the murder of many, and what is more to propagate the gos- pel of God in a heathen land. 86 APPENDIX. SUPPESSION OF THE SLAVE TRADE. After the enaction of numerous laws, for the suppression of the slave trade, on the 15th of May, 1820; an act was passed which contained the following sections, &c. he. Extract from " An act to continue in force c An act to protect the com - merce of the United States, and punish the crime of piracy,' and also to make further provision for punishing the crime of piracy." Passed May 15, 182U. Sect. 4. And be it further enacted, That if any citizen of the United States, being of the crew or ship's company, of any foreign ship or vessel engaged in the slave trade, or any person whatever, being of the crew or ship's company, of any ship or vessel owned in whole or in part, or navigated for, orin behalf of, any citizen or citizens of the United Sates, shall land, from any such ship or vessel, and, on any foreign shore, seize any negro or mulatto, not held to service or labour by the laws of either of the states or territories of the United States, with intent to make such negro or mulatto a slave, or shall decoy, or forcibly bring or carry, or shall receive such negro or mulatto on board any such ship or vessel, with intent as aforesaid, such citizen or per- son shall be adjudged a pirate, and on conviction thereof before ;he circuit court of the United States for the district wherein he may be brought or found, shall suffer death. Sect. 5. And be it further enacted, That, if any citizen of the United States, being of the crew or ship's company of any foreign ship or vessel engaged in the slave trade, or any person whatever, being of the crew or ship's company of any ship or vessel owned wholly or in part, or navigated for, or in behalf of. any citizen or citizens of the United States, shall forcibly confine or detain, or aid and abet in forcibly confining or detaining, on boat rl any such ship or vessel, any negro, or mulatto, not held to service by the laws of either of the states or territories of the United States, with intent to make such negro or mulatto a slave, or shall, on board any such ship or vessel, offer or attempt to sell, us a slave, any negro or mulatto, not held to service as aforesaid, or shall, on the high seas, or any where on tide water, transfer, or deliver over* to any other ship or vessel, any such negro or mulatto, not held to service, as aforesaid, with intent to raakr such negro or mulatto a slave, or shall land or deliver on shore, from on board any such ship or vessel, any such negro or mulatto, with intent to make sale of, or having previously sold, such ne- gro or mulatto, as a slave, such citizen or person shall be ad- judged a pirate, and on conviction thereof; before the circuit court of the United States for the district wherein he shall brought or found, shall suffer death. APPENDIX. 87 EXECUTION OF THE PRECEDING LAWS. Since January 1820, numerous slave vessels have been captured by the United States cruisers, and sent in for ad- judication, and others have been detained and doubtless detered from prosecuting their nefarious purposes by the vigilance of our brave naval officers, sent to the coast of Africa. Much credit therefore is due to them for their in- defatigable exertions in enforcing those laws. It is ascertained by the perusal of a file of the " Royal Gazette," published at Sierra Leone from January 1820, to June, 1821. During that time His B. M. Cruisers under the command of Sir George Collier captured nearly twenty slave vessels, which were condemned at Sierra Leone and their crews punished: these vessels contained from one to two thousand Africans. Thus by the philanthopy of the American and British governments, and indefatigable vigilance of their naval commanders; together with the benevolent operations of the African Institution and American Colonization So- ciety: considerable has been done toward destroying the banc of Africa and opprobrium of the world. From the Missionary Register ', for March , 1821. THE Second of Sir George Collier's Reports on the Western Coast of Africa, mentioned at p. 5, of the Survey, furnishes some interesting particu- lars on the state of the Slave Trade, and the cha- racter of the Krew (or ICroo) People. Slave Trade on the Windward Coast. From the shoals of Cape Ann to Cape Palmas, the sou- thern pitch of the Windward Coast, Slave-Factories have been maintained; with the exception of that part which gives birth to a most industrious race of people, called Krew Men, who are well known by every description of vessel on the whole line of coast, whether coming there for the purposes of general traffic or for the purchase of Slaves. The towns of the Krew (or Kroo) Men are marked on the charts by the name of Krew and Settera Krew. North of Settera Krew, to the very verge of our Sierra- Leone southern boundaries, there are Slave depots esta- blished, conducted by European renegadoes or their descen- dants. The small river of Gallinas, between Cape Mount And St. Ann's shoals^ is the first establishment of this sort. 88 APPENDIX. At Cape Mount, a Chief, calling himself King Peter, re- sides; and here vessels of all nations occasionally resort: under this Cape excellent anchorage in the dry season is obtained. The same may be said of Cape Mesurado, though somewhat more exposed. From thence to Settera Krew, little protection is afforded to vessels anchoring, and the ground is generally interrupted by rocks. But every tall tree marks where a Slave-factory once stood; and where Slaves may still be procured, if previous notice be given. From the Krew Country to Cape Palmas, very little Slav- ing is carried on; and the cultivation of rice and pepper, and the collecting of ivory, appear to require only a con- tinuance of the encouragement which they are now receiv- ing from Sierra Leone, to induce the Natives to forego the traffic in Slaves altogether. From Cape Palmas to Cape Three Points on the Gold Coast, the palm oil, cam-wood, and ivory trade was improv- ing; and, with the encouragement given by the Government, whenever the Slave Trade north of the Line shall be com- pletely abolished, commerce will not only increase, but a pro- fitable trade to Great Britain result. The tobacco of the Brazils, formed into rolls, is one of the articles most in de- mand among the Natives; and must be had by the merchant, as none other will to any extent be accepted in barter by the Native Traders. It is along this great extent of coast that foreign vessels frequently anchor. That their object is unlawful, can never be doubted. In all those which I examined, with the ex- ception of one brig, their between-decks were fitted for the reception of Slaves: their coppers for cooking pretty accu- rately showed the number of Slaves which they meant to provide for; and the number of watercasks, the probable length of time which the vessels would be occupied in their voyage. This coast is so situate and so connected, that, supposing a vessel at Mesurado about to take in a cargo of Slaves, and a man-of-war appears to windward off the river Galinas,or is observed examining a ship at the anchorage off Cape Mount, the signal by fires is immediately made : the whole range of coast is thus apprised ; and precaution used to avoid detec- tion, by going off the coast. If slaves be embarked, or if they be still on shore, they are there kept till the result of the examination of the vessel : for slaves have been known waiting in some parts of this coast more than twelve months, to embark in a particular ship. Though this may appear a Heavy drawback on the profits of the Slave-Dealers, those APPENDIX 89 are so enormous and the temptation thus so great, that, once entered upon successfully, no subsequent loss is either felt or considered. Vessels, fitted as I have previously described, can have no other object than that of Slaving; and, I humbly appre- hend, ought not to be permitted to anchor on this coast: for it is not necessary that they should do so, in their course to that part of the coast of Africa where the Slave Trade is still permitted; nor does it afford the apology of its being convenient for the purpose of watering. And until ships fitted evidently for Slaving found trading on these coasts north of the Line shall be subject to confiscation, and until the carrying or trading in Slaves illegally shall be declared piracy, men of most European Nations will be found ready to engage in this most detestable traffic. Account of tine Kievr (or Kroo) MLciu The precise boundaries of the country possessed by the Krew Men, I do not know. The anchorage off their towns is not the best, and the beach here is broken by several clus- ters of rocks. I attempted a landing in the Tartar's life- boat, but the excessive surf forbade it: and as I was not at that time acquainted with the coast nor the character of the natives, I judged it prudent to relinquish my intention of visiting their Chief; more especially as, in all visits of Eu- ropeans to these people, presents of cloths and spirits (arid these frequently to some amount) are indispensable to insure civil reception and a safe return: for, without these, an African Chief considers all visitors as intruders or spies. The Krew People, though the most intelligent class of Africans, have the misfortune to be governed by a most ar- bitrary Chief. They are of a race entire different from their more northern neighbours; and excepting the woolly head, have none of the characteristics of the Negro. The fore- head is large and bold, the eye intelligent, the nose not un~ frequently prominent, the teeth regular and beautifully white^ and the lips not so thick as the more southern Negro. The face of the Krew Man is, however always disfigur- ed with a broad black line, from, the forehead down to the nose; and the barb of an arrow, as thus £> on each side of the temple, This is so decidedly the Krew Mark, that in- stances have occured of these men being claimed and re- deemed from Slavery, only from bearing this characteristic mark of independence; for it is by no means unusual for ves- sels under the Portuguese and Spanish Flags (and it wa* £b VPPENDIX. not uncommon formerly with the British) to invite entire canoe-crews on board, and carry the whole into Slavery and this happened very recently on the Gold Coast, in the instance of a vessel under Spanish and American Colours ., The complexion of the Krew Men varies much, from a dark brown to a perfect black; yet, in all, the Krew Mark is dis- tinguished. It is formed by a number of small punctures in the skin; and fixed irremoveably, by being rubbed, when newly punctured, with a composition of bruised gunpow- der and palm oil. The body is usually marked in a very extraordinary manner, and by the like means. The general stature of the Krew Man is about the mid- dle size, and of very athletic form: he is hardy and robust* of most excellent disposition, clear comprehensive under- standing, and much attached to the Naval Service of Great Britain; and, for this Service, many of these people are hired during the customary period of his Majesty's Ships remain- ing on the coast; but they will not engage for an unlimited time, nor will they willingly serve during the seasons of rains , when they prefer their own country, complaining of fc the want of clothing as the rains set in; and if exposed to these, they are subject to agues, of a lasting, though not of a very vio- lent description: but this complaint they always dread. The attachment of these people to the English is un- bounded; and their confidence in a British Naval Officer so great, that to some of them, whom from ill health it was necessary to part with, the Commodore's promise, that their wages should either be sent to them, if not given to their own Headman or Captain, or left with the Governor of Sierra Leone for their own use, was satisfactory. I found some of the Krew Men in distress, at St. Thomas's and at Princess Island, begging a passage to their native country; and complaining of having been turned on shore from Eng- lish and Danish Vessels, and without compensation. When these men are embarked, a Headman usually ac- companies them; and he becomes responsible for the return ■ t the whole. In their absence, their wives and children are put in care of the Pines, or magistrates of the country; and one half of the earnings of each man is claimed by the King or Chief, as remuneration for the care and expense of his family during his absence. The slightest attempt at »iaud in the payment, is punished with certain death, and confiscation of the delinquent's property. The Headman on board the Tartar complained of this and other arbitra- ry proceedings of their King, and regretted that the Ki n were not under British protection. These people APPENDIX, 91 cakthe English Language with correctness; and therefore had no difficulty in making known to us their distresses and desires. Like all the uninstructed Natives of Africa, the Krew Men are extremely superstitious. What is called Fetish- ism, is the prevailing form of religion along the whole line of this sea coast; and it is the most barbarous of all idola- try. To protect them from the power of the Evil Spirit, whom they dread as the author or agent of all calamity, the Chief Priest (similar to the Succombe Woong Choong of the Great River, on the Gold Coast) sells the Krew Men amulets or charms, said to possess all the virtue necessary to protect them. But the amulet, which of all others, the Krew Men hold in the highest estimation, is the skin of a weazle, bandecoote, or martin, stuffed and covered up, and thus worn round the neck: the ignorant Krew Man, possess- ing this treasure, will face any danger, or encounter any peril, however great; and if he falls under the paw of the hyaene of that country, or is caught within the jaw of the shark (which abounds in the sea), his friends consider that he has offended his Fetish, either by inattention or want of faith, or by not dedicating to him a share of every meal. I mention this, to show only, that if the Krew Men could be better inform- ed, how strictly they are likely to adhere to improvement; but they are bigoted to their superstitions beyond descrip- tion. The Krew Country is rich in grain, and the shores abound in fish. They are fond of agriculture: their habits are in- dustrious : and their perfect knowledge of the English Lan- guage is remarkable. The good-will of their Chief might, I think, be procured easily; and their High Priest himself be brought to consider the improvement of his fortune of more value than his present superstition. These people are in all respects, superior to every other class of the Na- tives of Africa. They are not permitted by their laws to engage in the Slave Trade: yet they cannot, oftentimes, re- sist the temptation offered by Europeans and others; and their assistance is frequently very important. 42 APPENDIX MISCELLANIES Dreadful Occurrence. In further accumulation of the horrors incident to the Slave trade, we have to notice the fate of the Spanish slav- ing schooner Carlota, which sunk a few days since off the Gallinas, with a full complement of slaves on board. This vessel was one of several brought in here collective- ly, somewhat above twelve months since, by H. M. ship Myrmidon, Capt. Leeke, and H. M. ship Morgiana, Capt. Sandilands. The Carlota was in some ambiguous situation, as a kind of prize to a kind of cruizer, carrying Artigas co- lours. After some investigation, both were allowed to sail hence; and the Carlota, it appears, returned to the Havana, to refit for another slaving voyage, on which she was per- mitted to proceed, notwithstanding the expiration of the time limited by treaty for the total abolition on the part of Spain, on the ground that the preceding voyage had been rendered abortive. The Carlota sailed from the Havana, and was found at the Gallinas by Sir George Collier, in his voyage down the coast. The cargo of the Carlota was on shore, with every appearance that it was in the course of barter for slaves. The Commodore took her down as far as Cape Coast, and after authenticating some papers to show the illegality of her voyage, allowed her to depart.- — She returned, it ap- pears, to the Gallinas, and there took in two hundred and fifty slaves, with whom she sailed from the coast; but, dreadful to relate, before she had proceeded far, she was taken unprepared by a tornado, overset and sunk, and all on board perished, with the exception of twelve! The intelli- gence of this horrid event has been brought to the colony by three Spanish sailors belonging to the vessel, who arri- ved a few days since in a very small boat in a wretchedly exhausted condition. They were immediately placed in the military hospital, where, notwithstanding the greatest at- tention and kindest treatment, one of them has since died: the other two continue still in a very weak state. Royal Gazette, (Sierra Leone. J APPENDIX THE MURDEROUS TRAFFIC. We observe that two others have been captured at Bon- ny, on the coast of Africa, by the boats of the British ves* sels, Tartar and Thistle.— -One of them was a schooner of many heavy guns, and an abundance of small arms man- ed by about fifty of "the most desperate fellows unhung," as the account says, and great address, as well as some very severe fighting was necessary to take her. She had Spanish colours, but her crew, by their language, were chiefly Ame- rican or English, who appeared to be excessively alarmed at their condition, after capture, fearfully looking to their well earned reward, the gallows. On board this vessel there were 450 slaves, among whom the dysentery already pre- vailed, by which many had died, and the dead and dying were mixed together. The other was under the Portuguese flag, and having only just commenced business, had only about 100 slaves on board. In the former, the women who were said to be comfortably stowed, compared with the men, had a room four feet high, sixteen feet long, and nine feet wide to sleep in. One hundred of them were crammed in- to this place, wherein the thermometer stood at 100°. We pray that in some of the captures made, evidence may be had to commit some of the principals in this nefarious trade. The execution of a dozen or two of persons living in the United States would do much to check it, and save hundreds of lives in a year. Niks' Register, From the New Monthly Magazine, for Sept. 1821, p. 455. Accounts from Africa have been received from Sierra Leone. They relate to the mission of a Mr. O'Beirne, who had been sent to form friendly commercial relations with some of the native powers. It appears that he entered the Limba country by Laiah, a town about 20 miles from the river, which bounds the Timmanee country. The chiefs treated him kindly; and the chief of Port Logo especially, who accompanied him to Woolla, and sent his brother with him to Kookoona. From the latter place he proceeded to the Foulah frontier, but was stopped for a few days at a AT ^ °'* x <* <> ^T^* ,6* 'O, *«.* c u , S <" "o^ ^ '. 4°* ^ ^, .0 ^ *»,-.• A^ ^ a^ •* 4> °k • _ Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. ^. •i^ *^ O Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide ^ Treatment Date: June 2003 PreservationTechnologies . * <~OOV<~^ ~y> H o ° « 1 ' 1 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066 ^0- A v -^. - W '^v ■H°<* ■H° A TV.* 6* V ** o< : Jill* - «b v* ^0« o V .0^ ^ ^. ^ ^ ^^^;• , .<^ ^> * •» « ° '^. .0 fev* ^, ^ ,^ /^VrfVo ^ .^ v