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Two Voyages to Sierra Leone, 1791 – 1793, PART 2

 

Falconbridge perceived clearly nothing was to be effected without a palaver, and unless the King's

interest was secured his views would be frustrated, and his endeavours ineffectual; but how this was to

be done, or what expedient to adopt, he was at a loss for.

He considered it impolitic to purchase his patronage by heavy presents, least the other great men might

expect the same; and he had it not in his power to purchase them all in the same way, as the scanty

cargo of the Lapwing would not admit of it.

At length, trusting that the praise-worthy purposes he was aiming at insured him the assistance of the

King of Kings, he resolved to try what good words would do.

Having prefaced his arguments with a small donation of rum, wine, cheese, and a gold laced hat,

(which Naimbana seemed much pleased with) Falconbridge began, by explaining what advantages

would accrue to his Majesty, and to all the inhabitants round about, by such an establishment as the St.

George's Bay Company were desirous of making; the good they wished to do—their disinterestedness

in point of obtaining wealth, and concluded by expostulating on the injustice and imposition of

dispossessing the late settlers of the grounds and houses they occupied, which had been honestly and

honorably purchased by Captain Thompson of the Navy, in the name of our gracious Sovereign, his

Britannic Majesty.

That it was unusual for Englishmen to forego fulfilling any engagements they made; and they held in

detestation every person so disposed.

He then entreated the King would use all his might to prevent any unfavourable prejudices which a

refusal to reinstate the Settlers, or to confirm the bargain made with Captain Thompson, might operate

against him in the minds of his good friends the King of England and the St. George's Bay Company.

The King said he liked the English in preference to all white men, tho' he considered every white man

as a rogue, and consequently saw them with a jealous eye; yet, he believed the English were by far the

honestest, and for that reason, notwithstanding he had received more favors from the French than the

English, he liked the latter much best.

He was decidedly of opinion, that all contracts or agreements between man and man however

disadvantageous to either party should be binding; but observed, he was hastily drawn in to dispose of

land to Captain Thompson, which in fact he had not a right to sell, because says he, "this is a great

country, and belongs to many people—where I live belongs to myself— and I can live where I like;

nay, can appropriate any unhabited land within my dominions to what use I please; but it is necessary

for me to obtain the consent of my people, or rather the head man of every town, before I sell any land

to a white man, or allow strangers to come and live among us."

I should have done this you will say at first—Granted—but as I disobliged my subjects by suffering

your people to take possession of the land without their approbation, from which cause I was not able

to protect them, unless I hazarded civil commotions in my country; and as they have been turned

awayit is best now— they should be replaced by the unanimous voice of all interested.

"I am bound from what I have heretofore done, to give my utmost support; and if my people do not

acquiesce, it shall not be my fault."

Here Falconbrigde, interrupting the King, said—"The King of the English will not blame your people,

but load yourself with the stigma; it is King Naimbana who is ostensible to King George—and I hope

King, you will not fall out with your good friend."

This being explained by Mr. Secretary Elliotte, his Majesty was some moments silent—when clasping

Falconbridge in his arms, told him—"I believe you and King George are my good friends—do not fear,

have a good heart, I will do as much as I can for you.".

They then shook hands heartily, and Naimbana retired, I suppose to his Pegininee woman's house, but

presently returned dressed in a suit of black velvet, except the stockings, which were the same as

before.

I often had an inclination to offer my services to close the holes: but was fearful least my needle might

blunder into his Majesty's leg, and start the blood, for drawing the blood of an African King, I am

informed, whether occasioned by accident or otherwise, is punished with death: the dread of this only

prevented me.

We were now invited to walk and see the town, while dinner was preparing.

It consists of about twenty houses irregularly placed, built of the same materials, but in a superior way

to those of Adam's town; — the whole of them are either occupied by the King's wives and servants, or

appropriated as warehouses.

I saw several of his wives, but his Pegininee woman is a most beautiful young girl of about fourteen.

None of them are titled with the appellation of Queen, but the oldest, who I was introduced to, and by

whom the King has several children; one of the daughter's, named Clara, is wife to Elliotte, and a son

named Bartholomew, is now in France for his education.

In different parts of the town I observed some rags stuck on poles, at the foot of each were placed—

perhaps a rusty cutlass, some pieces of broken glass, and a pewter bason, containing a liquid of some

sort; these are called Gree Grees, and considered as antidotes against the Devil's vengeance.

I was thoughtlessly offering to examine one of them, when Mr. Elliotte requested me to desist, or I

should give offence, they being held in a very sacred point of view.

We were now led to the garden, which was only furnished with African plants, such as pines, melons,

pumpkins, cucumbers, &c. &c.

The King cut two beautiful pines and presented to me: he then shewed us a large new house, at present

building for him, which is after the same form, and of the same materials with the rest of his town, but

much larger.

In our walk we saw many of the King's slaves employed in preparing the palm-nut, to make oil from

them: It may not be amiss here to give you some description of the tree which produce these nuts.

It is remarkable strait and of a gigantic height; the trunk is quite naked, having neither limb or bark, for

the only branches grow immediately from the top, and incline their points somewhat towards the

ground.

This is a valuable tree, the nut not only produces a quantity of oil, but is esteemed excellent food by the

natives, who also extract a liquor from the tree, which they call palm wine.

This I am told is done by means of an incision in the upper part of the trunk, in which a pipe is entered

to to convey the liquor into bottles placed beneath.

I have tasted some of this wine, and do not think it unpleasant when fresh made; it has a sweetish taste,

and much the look of whey, but foments in a few days, and grows sour—however I really think this

liquor distilled would make a decent kind of spirit.

Having seen all the raree shows of Robana town, we returned to the Queens house to dinner, which was

shortly after put on a table covered with a plain calico cloth, and consisted of boiled and broiled fowls,

rice, and some greens, resembling our spinnage.

But I should tell you, before dinner Naimbana again changed his dress for a scarlet robe embroidered

with gold.

Naimbana, Elliotte, Falconbridge, and myself, only set down; the Queen stood behind the King eating

an onion I gave her, a bite of which she now and then indulged her Royal Consort with: silver forks

were placed on the King's plate, and mine, but no where else.

The King is rather above common height, but meagre withal; the features of his face resemble a

European more than any black I have seen; his teeth are mostly decayed, and his hair, or rather wool,

bespeaks old age, which I judge to be about eighty; he was seldom without a smile on his countenance,

but I think his smiles were suspicious.

He gave great attention while Falconbridge was speaking, for though he does not speak our language,

he understands a good deal of it; his answers were slow, and on the whole tolerably reasonable.

The Queen is of a middle stature, plump and jolly; her temper seems placid and accommodating; her

teeth are bad, but I dare say she has otherwise been a good looking woman in her youthful days.

I suppose her now to be about forty-five or six, at which age women are considered old here.

She sat on the King's right hand, while he and Falconbridge were in conversation; and now and then

would clap her hands, and cry out Ya hoo, which, signifies, that's well or proper.

She was dressed in the country manner, but in a dignified stile, having several yards of striped taffety

wrapped round her waist, which served as a petticoat; another piece of the same was carelessly thrown

over her shoulders in form of a scarf; her head was decorated with two silk handkerchiefs; her ears with

rich gold ear-rings, and her neck with gaudy necklaces; but she had neither shoes nor stockings on.

Clara was dressed much after the same way, but her apparel was not quite of such good materials as the

Queen's: Mr. Elliotte apologized after dinner, that for want of sugar they could not offer tea or coffee.

The tide serving, and approaching night obliged us to reimbark and return to this place.

On the whole I was much pleased with the occurrences of the day; indeed, methinks, I hear you saying,

"Why the week mind of this giddy girl will be quite intoxicated with the courtesy and attention paid her

by such great folks;" but believe me, to whatever height of self-consequence I may have been lifted by

aerial fancies, overpouring sleep prevailed, and clouding all my greatness— I awoke next morning

without the slightest remains of fancied importance.

The news of our arrival having by this time circulated through different parts of the country,we found

several, who either excited by curiosity or some other cause, had come here to pay their obeisance, or

as the Africans term it, make service to us; but there was none of note or quality worth naming among

those visitors, except an elderly man called Pa, or Father Boson, who is the head man of a considerable

town about fifty miles up the river, and who, guided by the impulse of a good heart, invited the

wretched exiles in the hour of distress to refuge at his place, which was excepted by the greater part,

who have been fostered and pretested ever since by the almsdeeds of this good old man; he was habited

in a white linen surplice, and a cap of the same, and made, I assure you a reverential appearance.

I am told this is the dress of a nation in the interior country, called Mundingoes; but Pa Boson is not a

Mundingo himself.

He respectfully accosted me in broken English, and bending his knee, offered me his right hand

supported under the elbow by his left.

I held out my hand which he slightly touched, and then repeated the same to Falconbridge: he was now

invited to be seated under the awning we had erected over the Lapwing's deck—when he detailed a

most pitiable account of sufferings and hardships which the unfortunate people had undergone; but he

said there were many bad people among them, who had abused his kindness by ingratitude.

Falconbridge and myself endeavoured what we could to convince him we were highly pleased with his

behaviour; but as words are not sufficient to convey thankful acknowledgments in this country,

Falconbridge confirmed the assurances we made by a present of a quantity of rum, and some hard

ware, and a promise to represent his conduct to the St. George's Bay Company, in a proper light, which

he was certain would induce them to make a more ample recompence at a future time.

Well pleased with his reception, and somewhat enebriated with the effects of repeated glasses of' spirits

he had taken, Pa Boson left us; but first promising faithfully he would befriend us all in his power at

the Palaver.

He travelled with much seeming consequence: his canoe was longer than our cutter, and manned with

fourteen people, viz. ten oarsmen, a cockswain, two poignard bearers, and another who beat time on a

slat sounding drum to a song given out by the cockswain, and re-echoed by the oarsmen; the song I am

told was expressive of praises to their Chief, and of their satisfaction for the treatment they had

received from us.

The following day we visited a small island named Taffo, opposite to Bance island, at about one mile

and a half distance.

This is a well wooded island and I should suppose if cultivated would be a fruitful one.3

It supplies Bance island with water, which is remarkable fine, and the present holders of the latter claim

a right to this also, but upon what grounds I cannot say.

Approaching the shore I saw many monkies playing on the beach and catching small fish at the edge of

the water, but they all ran away as we drew near; being informed there was no danger to be

apprehended from wild beasts of prey, we penetrated some distance into the woods.

In our walk we saw many pine apples and lime trees, the spontaneous production of the country, and a

variety of birds beautifully plumed, but none that sung.

We were also treated with the perfumes of fragrant aromatic plants, and indeed were vastly delighted

and entertained, though I felt fatigued, with our perambulation.

The next day, we went up the river, about twelve miles, to see a secret or reserved factory belonging to

Bance Island at a place called Marre Bump, but our curiosity had nearly led us into a serious scrape.

Falconbridge neglected to obtain permission, and consequently had no sanction, from the Proprietors.

After landing we walked, at least half a mile on a narrow path, through amazing thick woods before we

reached the houses; as soon as the inhabitants perceived us, the women took to their heels and ran to

the woods; the men flew to arms, and in a moment we were met by more than twenty huge fellows

armed with guns, pistols and Cutlasses.

We were four in number, viz. Falconbridge, the master of the cutter, a Black man and myself; our Black

spoke to them in their own language—they would not listen to him; but said, if we did not return

immediately the way we came, they would put us all to death.

It is easier for you to imagine what horrors those threats occasioned, than for me to point them out.

Finding argument fruitless, we put to the right about, and hastened to our boat; they, following, flanked

us on each side of the road, watchfully observing our motions till they saw us clear off, when, as a

mark of exultation, they discharged their muskets over our heads, and made the woods ring with peals

of triumphant clamor.

Recovering from my fright a little, I could not help, you may suppose, exulting (though in a different

way) as well as the savages.

My heart overflowed with gratitude, to the Author of its animation, for our providential escape.

Returning down the river, we observed numbers of orange trees, a cluster of them, overloaded with

fruit, invited us on shore, and after gathering what we chose, made the best of our way, and arrived here

3 A small part of this island is now planted with cotton, coffee, and sugar cane, for account of Messrs,

Andersons.

before night.

Three days are now elapsed since our expedition to Marre Bump, during which time I have confined

myself mostly on board, occupied in writing this letter.

It has been, really, a fatiguing job, being obliged to sit in bed with a book placed on my knee, which

serves for a writing desk; but I was determined whatever the inconveniencies might be, not to let slip

an opportunity, as I find they but seldom offer.

I lament the Palaver is not over, that I might give you my account of an African Court, but my next will

remedy this loss.

Mr. Elliotte has informed us the Chiefs will be at Robana the day after to-morrow, when Falconbridge

is desired to attend; I shall accompany him, and long to know the result.

Adieu, Heaven bless you, &c. &c.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LETTER III.

 

 

Granville Town, Sierra Leone,

May 13, 1791

My dear Friend,

Occasional visits to Bance Island, unattended by any important Occurrence worth troubling you with,

and a continual concourse of strangers, making their African compliments, engrossed two days interval

between the date of my last letter, and our second expedition to Robana; when we set out in a boat and

four hands, taking with us plenty of spirits for the common people, and a little wine for the King and

his associates.

When we came in sight of the Town, Multitudes of people thronged to the Beach.

Mr. Elliotte met us at the boat, and the croud formed an avenue, through which he conducted us to the

Queen’s house, amidst such thundering acclamations, that it was almost impossible to hear one or other

speak.

The King and Queen met us at the door, and seemed to give us a hearty welcome.

We were then ushered in, and introduced in general terms to the company, consisting of the parties who

were to compose the Court, (and a multiplicity of women,) their wives, daughters, and attendants.

Having seated ourselves, and wasted almost an hour in receiving the civilities of shaking hands with

every individual in the room, the members of the Court then took their seats, round the large table we

dined off, when first there; which was now covered with a green cloth.

The King sat at the head of the table in an old arm chair: on his right was his secretary, and on his left

his Palavar man; or, as the office is termed in England, his Attorney general: the other Chiefs appeared

to seat themselves by seniority; the oldest next the Throne, if I may so term the old chair.

The King wore his hat, which was the gold laced one Falconbridge gave him.

On the table was placed wine and rum, of which every one helped himself plentifully.

I was astonished to see, not only the men, but women drink rum in half pints at a time, as deliberately

as I would water.

After amusing themselves some time in this way, Mr. Palaver Man got up, bending his right knee,

presented his Majesty with some Cola4 from the crown of his hat, then retired to the opposite end of the

table, when he opened the business of the day, by a speech of at least an hour and a half long; it being

in their own language, I, of course, did not understand a word, but during the time he spoke, there was

the greatest silence and attention observed.

4 A fruit much esteemed in Africa, not unlike a horse chesnut, but somewhat larger. It is an excellent

bitter.

The next spokesman, was King Jemmy, who previously went through the same ceremony his

predecessor had done : whether this man's language was eloquent or not, I cannot be a judge, but his

vociferation was enough to deafen one; though I had reason to think what he said gave great

satisfaction to the by-standers, who frequently interrupted him by clapping of hands and shouts of, Ya

Hoo! Ya Hoo! Ya Hoo! and other tokens of applause.

My heart quivered with fear least they might be forming some treacherous contrivance: I could not

conceal the uneasiness it felt: My countenance betrayed me, a shower of tears burst from my eyes, and

I swooned into hystericks.

Recovering in a short time, I observed every one around, treating me with the utmost kindness, and

endeavouring to convince me that neither insult or injury would be offered us: but my fears were not to

be removed, or even checked hastily, for I had scarcely got the better of my fright at Marre Bump;

however I struggled to awaken my resolution, and collected enough, after awhile, to affect composure;

but believe me it was mere affectation: Night was drawing nigh, and I solicited Falconbridge to return

as soon as possible: He argued, the Court had been impeded by the awkward situation my fears had

thrown me into: but he would set out time enough to reach Bance Island before dark.

The Assembly now resumed their business.

One or two members offered Cola to the King, which he refused; a grey headed old man then made the

offer, and it being accepted, he took the foot of the table, and a few words compleating what he had to

say: Mr. Elliotte intimated that King Naimbana intended to give his sentiments; upon which every

member rose up, and the King continuing in his chair, covered, delivered his speech in a concise, clear,

and respectable manner.

After this Mr. Elliotte acquainted Falconbridge the Court could not come to one mind that night, but it

was generally understood, if he would give fifteen hundred Bars,5 they would confirm King

Naimbana's engagement with Captain Thompson, and re-establish his people.

Falconbridge, whom you know is naturally of an irritable disposition, quickened at Elliotte's

information; but had prudence enough only to say, he should consider such a demand very extravagant,

and his small cargo, which he was desired to appropriate another way, would not permit him to pay so

much, if he had the inclination,

We then made our congees, and took leave of those African gentry; indeed it was high time, for the

liquor they had drank began to operate powerfully: Mr. Elliotte and several others accompanied us to

the boat: in our walk thither, he much admired a handsome fowling piece of Mr. Falconbridge's, which

Falconbridge without hesitation requested he would accept, thinking such an immediate shew of

generosity might have a favourable tendency.

5 A Bar is the nominal price of a certain quantity of goods, which the natives formerly considered of

equal value with a bar of iron; but at present they do not appear to have any criterion: two pounds of

tobacco is a bar, and two yards of fine India cotton, or a yard of rich silk is no more.

Both of us promised to be down again the following day, when it was expected the Palavar would be

finished: but I must be honest and tell you, I was resolved not to visit Robana again, while this mock

judicatory lasted.

About seven o'clock we reached the Cutter; I was almost famished with want of food, for I had not eat

a morsel the whole day: there was not a thing on board, but salt beef, so hard, we were obliged to chop

it with an axe, and some mouldy, rotten biscuits; however, so great was my hunger, that I could not

help satisfying it with some of this beef and bread, uncouth as it was.

In the morning I feigned sickness, and beg'd to be excused from attending Falconbridge; he therefore

set out, reluctantly leaving me behind: when he was gone, I went on shore, and spent the day in

comfort and pleasantry, under the hospitable roof of Bance Island house; where I related the adventures

of the preceding day, which afforded much mirth and glee to the company.

I met one Rennieu (a Frenchman) there; he has a factory at a small Island, called Gambia, up another

branch of this River, named Bunch River, whither he politely invited me, and made a tender of any

thing in his power to serve us.

Before Falconbridge returned, which was not till between eight and nine o'clock at night, I had not only

got on board, but in bed, and as he did not ask how I had spent the day, I did not inform him: he was

vexed and out of humor, said he thought the wretches were only bamboozling him, he believed they

would do nothing but drink the liquor, while he had a drop to carry them, for he was no forwarder than

the day before.

In this manner he was obliged to repeat his visits for five successive days, before he got their final

decision, which however, was at last tolerably favorable on our side.

They consented to re establish the people, and to grant to the St. George's Bay Company, all the land

King Naimbana had formerly sold Captain Thompson; for a paltry consideration, of about thirty

pounds; and for the good faith and true performance of the contract, the King said he would pledge his

second son John Frederic, whom Falconbridge might take with him to England: In answer to this offer,

Falconbridge told Naimbana, he would be very glad to take his son to England, where he was sure the

Company would have him educated and treated kindly without considering him a hostage.

This pleased the old man vastly, and it was agreed, John Frederic shall accompany us, when we leave

Africa.

The following, or sixth day, Falconbridge had engaged to carry down to Robana the stipulated goods

for repurchasing the land, and by his importunities, I was prevailed on to accompany him. We arrived

early in the morning, and having soon made a delivery of the goods, which was all the business for the

day, I was juk about expressing a desire to see some salt works, I learned were upon the Island, when

the King, as though he had anticipated my wishes, enquired if we liked to see them? if so, he would

walk there with us: We accordingly went, passing in our way a hamlet or two, inhabited by the King's

slaves.

These works lay near a mile from the town, and are a parcel of small holes, or basons formed in a low,

muddy place; they are supplied with sea water, which the burning sun quickly exhales, leaving the

saline particles, and by frequent repetition, a quantity of salt is thus accumulated, which the King

conveys into, and disposes of in the interior country, for slaves.

Making this salt is attended with a very trifling expence, for none but old, refuse, female slaves, are

employed in the work, and the profit is considerable.

Early in the afternoon we returned, to Bance Island, taking Clara, the wife of Elliotte, with us: She

remained with me several days, during which I had opportunities (for I made a point of it) to try her

disposition; I found it impetuous, litigious, and implacable: I endeavoured to persuade her to dress in

the European way, but to no purpose; she would tear the clothes off her back immediately after I put

them on.

Finding no credit could be gained by trying to new fashion this Ethiopian Princess, I got rid of her as

soon as possible.

Falconbridge now had effected the grand object; he was next to collect and settle the miserable

refugees: no time was to be lost in accomplishing this; the month of February was nearly spent, only

three months of dry weather remained for them to clear their land, build their houses, and prepare their

ground for a crop to support them the ensuing year; he therefore dispatched a Greek, who came out in

the Lapwing, with some of the blacks, up to Pa Boson's, to gather and bring down the people, while we

went in the Cutter, taking a few who were at Bance Island, to locate an eligible place, for the

settlement.

The spot they were driven from, was, to be preferred to any other part; but by treaty it was agreed they

should not settle there: There were other situations nearly as good, and better considerably than the one

fixed on; but immediate convenience was a powerful inducement.

Here was a small village, with seventeen pretty good huts, which the natives had evacuated from a

persuasion they were infested by some evil spirits; but as they made no objection to our occupying

them, we gladly took possession, considering it a fortunate circumstance to have such temporary

shelter for the whole of our people.

'When those from Pa Boson's had joined us, Falconbridge called them all together, making forty-six,

including men and women; and after representing the charitable intentions of his coming to Africa, and

issuing to them such cloathing as were sent out in the Lapwing; he exhorted in the most pathetic

language, that they might merit by their industry and good behaviour the notice now taken of them,

endeavour to remove the unfavourable prejudices that had gone abroad, and thereby deserve further

favours from their friends in England; who, besides the cloaths they had already received, had sent

them tools of all kinds, for cultivating their land, also arms and ammunition to defend themselves, if

necessary; that there articles, would be brought on shore when they got a storehouse built; where they

would be lodged for their common good and occasional use; he then concluded this harangue by

saying.—he named .the place GRANVILLE TOWN, after their friend and benefactor, Granville Sharp,

Esq. at whose instance they were provided with the relief now afforded them.

I never did, and God grant I never may again, witness so much misery as I was forced to be a spectator

of here: Among the outcasts were seven of our country women, decrepid with disease, and so disguised

with filth and dirt, that I should never have supposed they were born white; add to this, almost naked

from head to foot; in short, their appearance was such as I think would extort compassion from the

most callous heart; but I declare they seemed insensible to shame, or the wretchedness of their situation

themselves; I begged they would get washed, and gave them what cloaths I could conveniently spare:

Fa1conbridge had a hut appropriated as a hospital, where they were kept separate from the other

settlers and by his attention and care, they recovered in a few weeks.

I always supposed these people had been transported as convicts, but some conversation I lately had

with one of the women, has partly undeceived me: She said, the women were mostly of that description

of persons who walk the streets of London, and support themselves by the earnings of prostitution; that

men were employed to collect and conduct them to Wapping, where they were intoxicated with liquor,

then inveigled on board of ship, and married to Black men, whom they had never seen before; that the

morning after she was married, she really did not remember a syllable of what had happened over

night, and when informed, was obliged to inquire who was her husband? After this, to the time of their

sailing, they were amused and buoyed up by a prodigality of fair promises, and great expectations

which awaited them in the country they were going to: "Thus," in her own words, "to the disgrace of

my mother country, upwards of one hundred unfortunate women, were seduced from England to

practice their iniquities more brutishly in this horrid country.”

Good heaven! how the relation of this tale made me shudder;—I questioned its veracity, and enquired

of the other women who exactly corroborated what I had heard,; nevertheless, I cannot altogether

reconcile myself to believe it; for it is scarcely possible that the British Government, at this advanced

and' enlightened, age, envied and admired as it is by the universe, could be capable of exercising or

countenancing such a Gothic infringement on human Liberty.

Immediately after we had fixed on this Place for the settlement,. I singled out one of the best huts for

my own residence; where I remained nigh a month, though I did not sleep on shore the whole time:

About a fortnight I continued to go oh board the Cutter at night, when it was necessary to send her to

Bance Island; I. then had a kind of bedstead, not unlike an hospital cradle, erected, in my hovel; but

the. want a door was some inconvenience, and as no deal, or other boards could be procured for the

purpose, it made I made a country mat supply the place—for I now find 'tis necessary to accommodate

myself to whatever J meet with, there being but few conveniences or accommodating things in this part

of Africa.

The river abounds with fine fish, and we get abundance of them; which, with rice, wild deer, and some

poultry, forms my common food since 1 came to Granville Town.

In something less than four weeks we got a large store house and several additional huts for the settlers

built, and had the goods landed from the Lapwing—they consist chiefly of ironmongery, such as

blacksmiths and plantation tools, a prodigious number of children’s trifling halfpenny knives, and some

few dozen scissars of the same description.

I am charitable enough to think the benevolent gentleman, who purchased those goods, had a double

purpose in view, viz to serve his sister from whom he bought them,—and; the persons to whom they

are sent; but certainly he was unacquainted, with the. quality of the latter articles or he must have

known they were very improper gifts of charity.

A part of the store-house being partitioned off for us, we took up our abode there whenever it was

ready for our reception—it is rather larger, and consequently more cool, which is the only preference I

can give it to the last habitation.

The men all do duty as militia, and we have a constant guard kept during the night; but the natives

seem to dread this spot so much, that we see very few, and I really think we have less to fear from them

than our own people, who are extremely turbulent, and so unruly at. times, that with difficulty

Falconbridge can assuage them, or preserve the least decorum.

He was desired by the Company to build a fort, and they sent out six pieces of cannon, which are now

on board the Lapwing—but omitted to send carriages, and consequently the guns are useless; though if

they were compleat, Falconbridge thinks it would not be prudent to trust them with the present settlers,

from a belief that they might apply them improperly.

He is also requested by his instructions to collect as many samples of country productions as he can,

and he wished to employ some of the people in that way, hut none would give their services for less

than half a guinea per day, which price he has been forced to pay them; this is the greatest instance of

ingratitude I ever met with.

We were alarmed a little while since by dreadful shouts, in the vicinity of our town, and supposed the

natives meant to attack us; immediately Falconbridge armed his militia, and marched out towards

where the noise was heard, they had not gone far when they met three or four Panyarers, or man

thieves, just in the act of ironing a poor victim they had caught hunting, and the shouts we heard

proved to be rejoicings of the banditti.

Falconbridge did not think it advisable to rescue the prisoner by force, or to interfere further than what

words would do; and as some of the Panyarers spoke English, he remonstrated against the devilish

deed they were committing, but to little effect.

They said somebody belonging to the prisoner's town had injured them, and it was the custom of their

country to retaliate on any person living in the same place with an offender, if they could not get

himself, which the present case was an example of.

They then carried him away, and in all probability this man will be deprived of his liberty while he

lives, by the barbarous customs of his country, for the imaginary offences of another.

I omitted mentioning in my last letter, that the day after we arrived at Bance Island, Mr. Wiliiam

Falconbridge, in consequence of a trifling dispute with his brother, separated from us, and went into the

service of Messrs. Anderson's, but his constitution was not adapted for this inhospitable climate.

He went down the coast to York Island, in the river Sherbro, about twenty leagues distance, where he

was unavoidably exposed to the severity of the weather, from which he got a fever and although he

immediately returned to Bance Island, and had every assistance administered; yet, I am sorry to say, the

irresistible conqueror, Death, made all endeavours fruitless, and hurried him to eternity u. yesterday,

after a short illness of four days.

The tornados, or thunder squalls, which set in at this season of the year, preceding the continued rains,

have commenced some time, the vivid intense lightning from dismal black clouds, make them awfully

beautiful; they are accompanied with violent winds and heavy rains, succeeded by an abominable

stench from the earth, and disagreeable hissings and noises from: frogs, crickets, and many other

insects which the rains draw out.

Musquettos also are growing so troublesome, as to oblige us to keep continued smokes in and about the

house.

I have not seen any serpents, but am told there are abundance, and some very venomous.

Here are a vast variety of beautiful lizards constantly about the door catching flies: and I have often

seen the changeable camelion.

We have not yet been troubled by any of the ferocious wild beasts which inhabit the mountains of

Sierra Leone; but I understand there are numbers, both tygers and lions, besides divers other kinds.

I have now in spirits an uncommon insect, which was caught here a day or two ago in the act of

stinging a Lascar (one of t he settlers); it is rather larger than a locust, covered with a tortoise coloured

shell, has forceps like a lobster, and thin transparent wings like a fly; the bite has thrown the poor

Lascar into a dreadful fever, which I fear will carry him off.

I have three monkies, one a very handsome Capuchin, with a sulphur coloured beard of great length.

Nature seems to have been astonishingly sportive in taste and prodigality here, both of vegetable and

animal productions, for I cannot stir out without admiring the beauties or deformities of her creation.

Every thing I see is entirely new to me, and no withstanding the eye quickly becomes familiarized, and

even satiated with views which we are daily accustomed to; yet there is such a variety here as to afford

a continual zest to the sight.

To be frank, if I had a little agreeable society, a few comforts, and could ensure the same good health I

have hitherto enjoyed, I should not be against spending some years of my life in Africa; but wanting

those sweeteners of life, I certainly wish to return to where they may be had.

When that will be, is not in my power at present to tell; but if I have a chance of writing to you again, I

then may be able; in the interim accept an honest farewell from

Your affectionate, &c.

 

 

 

 

Forward to Two Voyages to Sierra Leone, Part 3