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Back to Two Voyages to Sierra Leone, part 5 LETTER X. Free
28th Dec. 1792. My dear Friend, WITHIN ten or twelve days after the date of my last, arrived the two ships that were expected. One is the here in the character of a storeship, for which purpose she is admirably adapted; the other is the Samuel and Jane, likewise a vessel of great burden, chartered to remain here six months if wanted. This vessel arrived
some days before the having thought proper to annul his appointment as Commercial Agent. That they had a right to do so, I will not question; but methinks it developes treachery; and I now suspect
their whole conduct to us in selfish purposes, which having attained, they cared not any longer to wear the mask. In their dismission they accuse Falconbridge of not extending their commercial views, and wanting commercial knowledge. The latter charge may be in some measure well founded, for Mr. Falconbridge was bred to physic, and men of perspicuity would have known how unfit such a person must be for a merchant, indeed he was aware of it himself, but it being a place of much expected profit, (a temptation not to be withstood), he was in hopes by application, soon to have improved the little knowledge he had, so as to benefit both his employers and himself; but in this they disappointed him, and were actually the cause of choking the attempts he might have made. They
should recollect the deep deception played upon him. He left unlimited powers, which were restrained immediately on our arrival here. Thus bridled; with the reins in possession of men, who considered commerce only as a secondary view of the Company, and who negatived every proposition of the kind Falconbridge made, till a very short time before his appointment was annulled.—What was he to do? Two days before his dismission came out, be crawled from his sick bed, and, at the moment it was delivered him, was in the act of arranging and preparing matters for the trading voyage I mentioned in my last. I am certain it proved a mortal stab to him; he was always addicted to drink more than he should; but after this by way of meliorating his harrowed feelings, he kept himself constantly intoxicated; a poor., forlorn remedy you will say; however, it answered his wish, which I am convinced was to operate as poison, and thereby finish his existence; he spun out his life in anguish and misery till the 19th instant, when without a groan he gasp'd his last!!! I will not be guilty of such meanness as to tell a falsehood on this occasion, by saying I regret his death, no! I really do not, his life had become burthensome to himself and all around him, and his conduct to me, for more than two years past, was so unkind, (not to give a harsher term) as long since to wean every spark of affection or regard I ever had for him. This I am persuaded, was his greatest crime; he possessed many virtues, but an excellent dutiful son, and a truly honest man, were conspicuous traits in his character. I
shall now return to the arrival of the who is a new appointed member of council. I must not proceed any further till I inform you, the Directors have wholly changed their original system of government, dismounted the old Council, and placed their political reins in the hands of Mr. Clarkson, who is to be assisted by two Counsellors, one of whom is the gentleman I just mentioned, the other is not yet appointed. This new ministry is titled, "The Governor and Council," and are charged with the management of all civil, military, and commercial affairs, but have no authority whatever to interfere in ecclesiastical matters, which are left to the guidance of Mr. Horne or any other Minister for, the time being. Time will shew whether, this alteration of politics proves propitious, as yet things have not fallen off, but rather mended. . W are and have been frequently much pestered by renegade seamen, quitting ships employed in the Slave Trade, and refuging here, to the great detriment of their employers and inconveniences of the Colony. This circumstance considerably perplexes Mr. Clarkson, who, on the one hand is not only threatened with lawsuits by the masters and owners of ships, detained for want of their sailors, but is well convinced of the injury they sustain; on the other, his orders are to protect every man, which leaves him in an aukward situation, and at a loss what to do; however, by way of intimidation to practices of the kind, he had the following notification, (which has not availed any thing) sent to some of the neighbouring factories and stuck up in the Colony :. Free Sept. 3d, 1792. "This is to give Notice, that I will not on any account, permit Seamen, who may leave their respective Vessels, to take shelter in this Colony; and I shall give orders in future, that the Constables seize every man who cannot give a good account of himself, or whom they may suspect to have deserted from their employ. At the same time I shall be always ready to listen to the complaints of every injured man, and shall
transmit their affidavits home to (Signed) JOHN CLARKSON." It is much to be lamented, however desirable the abolition of the Slave Trade may be, while it is sanctioned by the English Government, property of individuals in that trade should be harrassed and annoyed by want of order and regularity in this Colony, or by the fanatical prejudices of any set of men. One
ship in particular has suffered most essentially, viz. the Fisher, Clark, of deserted from her in July last, and though she has had her cargo engaged ever since, she is not yet able to
quit the coast for want of seamen; some of whom died, and others are now
here, employed in the Company's
service. On the 26th, 27th, and 28th of September, there was an assembly of native Chieftains here, and a Palaver was held for the purpose of ascertaining the limits of the Company's territory. This was attended with considerable more expence than Falconbridge's palaver, and the consequence far less productive. They finished by curtailing the bounds, from twenty miles square, (the quantity purchased by Captain Thompson, and afterwards confirmed to the St George's Bay Company) to about two miles and a quarter fronting the sea, and running in a direct line back, as far as the district of Sierra Leone may be, which is generally supposed not to exceed five or fix miles, and three fourths of it a barren, rocky, mountainous country, where it will be impossible for men, who are to earn their bread by agriculture, even to support themselves; but admitting it was all good, there is not more than will enable the Company to comply with one fifth part of their engagements to the Blacks brought from This circumstance, I am persuaded, will hereafter lead to much discontent and uneasiness among the settlers, and, if I do not soothsay wrongly, will shackle those gentlemen who have been the instruments of removing them, with such disgrace as they will not easily expunge. When the Palaver was ended, and Naimbana (who presided at it on the part of the natives) was about to return to Robana, Mr. Clarkson, by way of amusing and complimenting the King, took him in a boat with six oarsmen and a cockswain, who rowed them through the fleet in the harbour, consisting of six or seven sail; each vessel, as they passed, saluted them with several guns, till they came to the Harpy, when they were not noticed by the smallest token of respect; on the contrary, Captain Wilson called to Mr. Clarkson and told him he had a few words to say to him; Mr. Clarkson replied, if they were not of much
consequence he wished to be excused just then, but upon some importance, the Governor complied with his request and went on board: Captain Wilson then said, he was much offended that Mr. Clarkson should take a boat's crew from his ship, and a cockswain from another; till that moment Mr. Clarkson had not observed such to be the case, and assured Captain acknowledgment was not enough for Captain Wilson, and his temper being irritated, he used some very indiscreet expressions to Mr. Clarkson, such as telling him: "Damn me, Sir, if ever you shall have another boat's crew from my ship, unless you have a cockswain also," &c. &c. The governor was hurt at such language and returned to his boat;. King Naimbana enquired of him why that ship did not fire? he answered "Mrs. Wilson is sick, and the Captain does not. like to disturb her with the noise." The King then embarked on board the Lapwing Cutter, and went home: When he was gone, and the Colony clear of all the Chiefs, Mr. Clarkson sent a message to Captain Wilson, desiring him to make an apology for his unhandsome behaviour,, or he (Mr. Clarkson) would be under the necessity of taking steps
very repugnant. to his inclination. (wholly engrossed with messages and answers, to and fro), Mr. Clarkson, although a man of humility and condescension, unwilling to brook so gross an insult, summoned every gentleman in the. Colony to meet him on board the Amy; and when they were collected, wrote a letter, summoning Captain Wilson: which summons. being disobeyed, he appealed to the assembly, who unanimously determined, the delinquent should be dismissed from, command of the Harpy; in consequence whereof, his dismission, signed by the Governor and Mr. Dawes, was sent immediately. When the boat that carried it, came under the Harpy's stern, (being a little after eight at night,) she was hailed, and asked whither she was bound? "To the Harpy, with a letter for Captain Wilson," answered the bearer; "I am desired to inform you, no boat will be permitted to come along side at such an improper hour; and, if you proceed a boat's length further, Captain Wilson's orders are to fire on you" replied a voice from the Harpy: these threats not intimidating the boat's crew, two muskets were actually fired on them, but did no mischief; and reaching the ship before another fire, the undaunted messenger attempted to ascend the gangway, but was prevented by the ship's company, who cut away the gangway ropes, and beat him off with cutlasses, sticks, &c. Captain Wilson having learned the purport of this letter, from some person who afterwards went on board, declared he would not be removed from his ship with life, and he would blow out that man's brains, who dared attempt to enforce him! This boisterous disposition subsided by the following day, when his dismission with minutes of every gentleman's opinion who had been at the meeting over night, were sent him. He then persisted that he would not tamely leave his ship, but if any person, authorised, forcibly attempted to take him out, he would make no unlawful resistance. Mr. Dawes volunteered
this duty, went en board, and after, in vain, persuading unpleasant task of using violence, he took him by the collar, and gently led him over the ship's side. When descending into the boat, he called to his Officers and men, "Observe! I am forced out of my ship."
He was then conducted to the opportunity
offered to send him to This fracas being thus quieted, perfect harmony otherwise subsisting among us, and Mr. Clarkson having
some idea of returning to influence among the Blacks, and individual management of the Colony; and judging a trip to sea, for a few weeks, would be the best means of affording such an opportunity, he sailed in the Amy on the 2d of October,
in company with a small brig of the Sierra Leone Company's, then bound home
to but in which Mr. and Mrs. Wilson could not take their passage, the accommodations being previously disposed of. When Mr. Clarkson sailed, he desired Captain Wilson might be informed, he was not to consider himself a prisoner, but at liberty to conduct himself as he pleased, and visit any where he liked, except the Harpy, which ship he was strictly prohibited from putting his foot on board. In about three weeks Mr. Clarkson returned; a multiplicity of complaints were then poured into him by the Settlers, against Mr. Dawes, whose austere, reserved conduct (so reverse to the sweet manners of the others they could not possibly relish, and consequently all hopes or expectations of the latter gaining popularity, proved abortive. It may not be mal-apropos to mention here, that Mr. Dawes is a subaltern of Marines; that the prejudices of a rigid military education has been heightened by his having
served, some time at awful severity in their looks and actions; but such behaviour, however suitable for a Colony formed wholly of Convicts, and governed by the iron rod of despotism, should be scrupulously guarded against in
one like this, whose basis is if not altogether, on the whimsical disposition of an ignorant populace, which can only be advantageously tempered by placidness and moderation. The Directors having ordered home the Harpy, when she could be spared from the Colony, Mr. Clarkson, on his return, desired she might be expeditiously fitted for sea, and on the 28th of last month, being Sunday, and most of the Colony piously engaged, Captain Wilson, knowing she was nearly ready, availed himself of the chance, and through the means of her boat, that came under pretence of giving him an airing, replaced himself, by consent of his Officers and crew, in command of his ship, and immediately after divine service, Mr. Clarkson received the following letter from him. November 18, 1792 Sir, I apprehend it is needless to inform you I have taken possession of the Harpy, and man, in defiance of all
opposition, to carry her to As I should be very sorry to be exceeded in politeness on this occasion,* I write this to ask your commands
for answer, assuring me of your pacific intentions, signed by yourself and Mr. Dawes, I will wait your orders. Take care, Sir, how you attempt any thing like force; if blood is shed, be it upon your head. Wishing you more prudence, and better advisers, I remain, Sir, Your most humble Servant, T. H. WILSON. John Clarkson, Esq. &c. &C. * Mr. Clarkson had wrote a day or two before this to Mrs. Wilson, offering her a passage in the Harpy, and at the same time informing Captain Wilson, she was to sail in a few days, if he wished to write. This was a step so unlooked for, that it puzzled the Governor arid Council how to conduct themselves: after some deliberation, they determined not to answer Captain Wilson's letter, and the time he limited having
elapsed, we saw the Harpy under the guns of the under way, and triumphantly sail off. Various opinions prevailed respecting the propriety of Captain Wilson's repossessing himself of the Harpy:
some said it was an act of piracy, and they were certain he would never take
her to others judged less harshly, with whom I join; and, from my knowledge of Captain Wilson, feel myself authorised to say, he possesses too great a share of pride, and too high a sense of honor, to shipwreck his character on the rock of infamy.—but at the same time will not aver him inerrable; on the contrary, think his behaviour to Mr. Clarkson monstrous disrespectful and inconsistent, which, without doubt, he was betrayed into by warmth of temper, and too lofty, but wrong notions of punctilio's. I have been particularly obliged to Captain Wilson, therefore it would be truly ungenerous, nay, the blackest ingratitude in me, mischievously, to hint at any thing prejudicial to him, and must beg you not to suppose I have touched upon the subject by way of assailing his character; considering it a circumstance of importance, I could not pass it over in silence.* * Should this Narrative meet the eye of Captain Wilton, I trust he will do me the justice to say, I have not wandered from the broadway of truth. On
the 2d instant arrived the Felicity from was expected to bring a number of useful stores for the Colony, in place of which her cargo consisted principally of garden watering pots. In
her way out she slopped at indulged with roast beef; the first we have had since our arrival, for the inhabitants, here-abouts, are too indolent to attend to rearing domestic quadrupeds of any kind.—King Naimbana has two or three very
fat beeves; and I think there may be as many more at Bance: arrived, I can venture to say, those were all in this part of the country, unless I include a couple of milch cows,
and a bull brought out from very
short time. These brought from beef as a recommendation. Mutton and goat's flesh are the most preferable in their kinds; indeed, the former, though not overloaded with fat, I think nearly as sweet as our English mutton, but the little we get of them, come chiefly from the interior country. About the latter end of October, the rains began to diminish; and for a month past have entirely ceased: they are succeeded by dense, disagreeable, and unwholesome fogs, which are supposed will continue near a month longer. These are termed smoaks, and considered more unhealthy than the worst rains, but we cannot say so from experience, for the Colony is healthier just now, than it has been since the beginning of May; yet a few deaths happen now and then: among those who lately died was Mr. Nordenschold, the Mineralist, who was taken ill on the expedition I noticed in my last, he was then about to make, and forced to return without acquiring any satisfaction for his journey, which was attended not only with innumerable disadvantages from the time of year, but with many other impediments be did not foresee or expect. The loss of him is much to be regreted, for he was an enterprising clever man, and no doubt, had he lived, would .have procured a vast deal of useful information. The Governor and Council have at last bought it advisable to embark in Agriculture, and have purchased a small track of land on the opposite (Bullom) shore.-— This new undertaking is placed under
the management of a man, who was some time an Overseer in of the First Council: it is called Clarkson's Plantation, and from the richness and apparent fertility of the soil, much advantage may. be looked for, provided no disagreement arises with the natives, and a sufficient number of steady labourers can be obtained; but being in its infancy, all we can do at present is to wish it success, which time must determine. Three or four new houses are now erected, and most of the gentlemen are comfortably lodged; there is a retail shop opened in the Colony, from whence we are furnished with such goods as the Directors have sent out, most of which are not only badly adapted for a warm climate, but wretchedly bad in their kind. We have little gold or silver among us; that want is substituted by paper notes, from five dollars down to six-pence, signed by the Governor or Mr. Dawes.— The credit of this medium is established by giving bills of exchange, to the holders, upon the Directors, at a trifle more than eleven per cent discount, which is only the difference between sterling and currency, a guinea being nominally twentythree shillings and four-pence here; it is taken in payment for goods at the Company's store, and its reputation is now so good, that the neighbouring Factories and casual Traders receive it for what our Settlers purchase for them. Mr. Clarkson is so convinced the Company have been sadly imposed upon, that a few weeks ago he wrote a circular letter to the gentlemen of the Colony, acquainting them with his intention of sailing for :their general ideas as to the wants of the Colony, and their advice how to prevent abuses being practised on the Company in future. I saw part of a letter from one gentleman in answer, wherein he says,—"You have done me the honor of asking my advice how to prevent abuses being practised on the Company in future? In answer to this I shall only say, it would be the height of presumption in me to offer an opinion on the subject, being persuaded your own penetration and discernment is sufficient to discover a remedy, without the assistance of any one; and if the Directors will attend to your advice upon this, as well as every other circumstance respecting the Colony, I am sure they will find their advantage in it." Had my opinion been asked, I should have said, "let the Directors shake off a parcel of hypocritical puritans, they have about them, who, under the cloak of religion, are sucking out the very vitals of the Company;
let them employ men conversant in trade, acquainted with the coast of religious tenets have never been noticed; under this description they will find persons of sound morals, fit to be intrusted, but they will ever be subject to impositions, while they employ a pack of canting parasites, who have just cunning enough to deceive them. We are in great tribulation about Mr. Clarkson's going away, for Mr. Dawes is almost universally disliked; and more than probable anarchy and discord will again return, in full force among us, when the management of things are left to him alone; however, it is wrong to anticipate misfortunes, and our Governor has made every arrangement in his power to prevent intruders of this kind. The Surveyor has assured him, the Blacks shall have the proportion of land now surveying for them, in a fortnight at farthest. Every one has pledged himself to use his utmost efforts to preserve harmony and order during Mr. Clarkson's absence, which we expect will be five or six months; and to insure Mr. Dawes the good will of King Naimbana, he has been allowed to make the King a very considerable present out of the Company's Property. Adieu,. Yours, &c. JOURNAL. Free Jan. 1st, 1793 TWO days ago Mr. Clarkson sailed; his departure operated more powerfully and generally upon people's feelings, than all the deaths we have had in the Colony; several gentlemen accompanied him two or three leagues to sea, and returned the same night. Jan. 2d. The Surveyor has stopped surveying the lots of land for the Settlers, although he assured Mr. Clarkson, they should have them in a fortnight. His attention is now taken up with fortification, which seems to be the hobby horse of Mr. Dawes, and a large Fort is planed out upon a hill, about half a mile from the water side. King Jemmy came to see me this day; he asked what was the reason Mr. Clarkson did not call upon him before he sailed, and said he did not suppose Mr. Clarkson would have left the country without coming to see him; his cheek was furrowed with tears as he spoke; I did not imagine he had so much sensibility. There was a very heavy tornado last night, an unusual thing at this time of the year; the roof' of my house has become so dry, that the rain had free access through, and I got thoroughly wet. 5th. A remarkable fine ox, (sent as a present to the Colony, by King Naimbana) was killed this day, I never saw fatter meat in my life; our acting governor; (notwithstanding it was a present) had it sold at 4d per pound. I suppose he has done this to shew us he intends being an oeconomist, and thereby reimburse the Company's heavy losses; but that will require more fat oxen than he will be able to procure
in this part of say, parsimony, for a few days after Falconbridge died, he came and demanded of me his uniform coat, sword, gun, pistols, and a few other presents that the Directors had made him, which I gave up, they being of no use to me; he also engrosses all the Yams, Pumpkins, Turtle, and almost every kind of provisions in the neighbourhood, and has them retailed from the Company's store at an enormous advance, when turtle is killed he sends his own servant to take an account of the weight, lest the butcher should embezzle a few pounds; but I doubt after all, he will verify the trite proverb, "penny wise and pound foolish," for I have heard it remarked by a Gentleman of information, that the new Fort, if finished on the plan proposed, will cost 20,000l. 7th. This day another plantation was began at Savoy Point, about half a mile from hence, which is intended for the cultivation of cotton, whether it succeeds or not, clearing the wood about the town will certainly be conducive to health. The manager of Clarkson’s plantation complains that most of his gramattos or labourers have left him to attend the cry or funeral ceremony of one of their brethren, who lately died by the wound of a shark; it is uncertain how long the cry will last. 9th.
Came down from hundred slaves. Yesterday arrived two ships, one an American, the other a Frenchman; they have plenty of provisions on board, which the Colony is greatly in want of. Mr. Dawes called on most of the gentlemen to request they would not purchase any, saying he intends buying what is wanted by wholesale, and will retail it to them at a small advance; such a proposal would have come better from a Jew pedlar, than from the Governor of Sierra Leone, or a Lieutenant of Marines. 11th. The Duke of Bucoleugh sailed yesterday, and the Frenchman this day. I understand Mr. Dawes has purchased some articles of provision from the Frenchman, who would have nothing but slaves in return, and for the sake of accommodation, Mr. Dawes gave him an order on Mr. Rennieu, who pays him in slaves. I think if this is not, it borders on an infringement of the Act of Parliament, for incorporating the Company, which says; "the Company shall not, through the medium of their servants, or
otherwise, directly, or indirectly, traffic in slaves." It seems as if for an unusual high tide carried away part of the provisions after they were landed. A
small coasting cutter of the Company's called the islands, about fifteen leagues to leeward; she brought eight goats, four sheep, and twenty-one turtle; sixteen of the latter died since twelve o'clock, which has disconcerted the Governor very much; but I am told he has made a calculation, and thinks, if he can sell the other five, at four-pence per pound, it will be yet a saving voyage. Between eleven and twelve o'clock last night, the Colony was alarmed by the report of guns, beating of drums, and shrill shoutings of our neighbours at King Jemmy's town —Mr. Dawes assembled all the men, and had arms and ammunition given them, from a supposition that the natives meant to attack us—but it turned out to be a groundless alarm, and is suspected to have been a contrivance of some illdisposed persons to get the Settlers armed. King
Jemmy and Signior Domingo being informed of this, came to-day to enquire why
their good faith was mistrusted; they dined with Mr. Dawes, and after dinner King Jemmy paid me a visit; he seemed much offended, and said it was very foolish to suppose he would make war without a cause—if he had a Palaver with the Colony, he would first come and talk it over, and if it could not be settled in that way, and he was forced to make war, he would give us timely notice, that we might defend ourselves, but it was the custom of his country to compromise disputes amicably, and never to engage in war till there was no other alternative, or words to the same effect.—The former assertion, I believe, is not untrue, and his behaviour to the first Settlers is an example; in that dispute, he gave them three days notice of his intention to drive them off, and burn their town;—with regard to the latter, I have frequently heard wars were common among the natives for the purpose of obtaining slaves; such may have been the practice, but I have enquired of several Chiefs, who positively deny it; and I am certain, since my first acquaintance in this part of the world, none of those predatory wars have happened hereabouts, notwithstanding upwards of two thousand slaves have been shipped and sent to the West 15th.
Arrived a Cutter belonging to Council,
and the Reverend Mr. Gilbert, came passengers in her. These gentlemen came
from to the River Gambia, in the Sierra Leone Packet, where they left her to take in cattle for the Colony. The Settlers are highly pleased at Mr. Gilbert's return; indeed every one must rejoice in the society of so amiable a man. I have not heard any thing of Mr. McAuley, except his lately being an Overseer upon an estate in sentiments favorable to the Slave Trade, and consequently I should not suppose him qualified for a Member of Administration in a Colony mostly formed of Blacks, founded on principles of freedom, and for the express purpose of abolishing the Slave Trade. 16th. I heard this morning there was another alarm last night, but as groundless as the last. Seven or eight canoes full of natives, passing the settlement on their way to King Jemmy's, hooping and hallooing as they went, stirred up unnecessary fears in the minds of the Settlers, who flocked to Mr. Dawes, requesting he would furnish them with ammunition, which (not thinking requisite) he refused, and they returned home greatly dissatisfied. I learn those people are come down to make one of their periodical Sacrifices to the Devil—I should like to witness the ceremony, but strangers (particularly .whites) are not admissible; it will be performed
between trees. The weather is particularly fine at present—the fogs or smoaks are mostly dispelled, a salubrious sea breeze fans us daily, and agreeably tempers the burning sun. 17th. We are prodigiously distressed to understand King Naimbana is so dangerously ill, that his death is hourly looked for:—Mr. Dawes, Mr. Gilbert, the Physician, and some others, went up to visit him this morning; his death will certainly inconvenience the colony very much. Last night arrived the Lapwing cutter from the river Carimanca, (twelve or thirteen leagues from hence) with a load of Camwood, ivory, and rice—the Company have a small factory there, under the direction of a free mulatto-man, but the trade is yet very trifling, not nearly equal to the charges attending it. That river produces the largest and finest oysters I ever eat—not such as are in common hereabouts, generated on the mangrove tree, and rocks, but genuine bed oysters—I have been fortunate enough to get a supply of them several times. The Settlers, having now a number of small boats, are able to furnish the Colony with abundance of capital fish, and they have such plenty of fowls, that the gentlemen get what they require; but propagation of the feathered species, is considerably protracted by the multitude of enemies they have here, viz. snakes, rats, wild cats, armadillas,* ants, &c. The most formidable of all these are the ants— in the dead hour of night, they come in swarms, and attack the helpless chickens, while roosting under the mother's wing, who is scarcely able to defend herself.—I have had four or five killed in a night by them; and so prying and assiduous are they after their prey, that I have known them discover two doves, which were hanging in a cage up one pair of stairs, whom they not only killed, but carried off every morsel, except the feathers, before morning. * A kind of scaly lizzard. 19th. Mr. Dawes and two or three other gentlemen went to Bunch river this morning to visit Pa Bunkie, who some people imagine will succeed King Naimbana; they took a present, or as it is termed, Dash, for this Chieftain, by far richer than any yet made, King Naimbana, or any other Chief. Returning in the evening, they stoped at Signior Domingo's, where they expected to have seen a late favourite woman of King Jemmy's drink the red water, for suspicion of witchcraft, but their curiosity was disappointed by the ceremony being performed in an inland town; however, they were informed the woman had drank the water, and recovered, and in consequence, Jemmy, by the customs of his country, is obliged either to pay the woman's parents, a slave, or the value of one in goods. At half past twelve o'clock, P. M. a spark from the Kitchen fire, kindled in the roof of my house, and before water could be procured, communicated itself in all directions: In a few moments the roof fell in, and in less then fifteen minutes, the whole building was consumed; but by the extraordinary exertions of some labourers who were working hard by, most of my cloaths and furniture were saved, so that my loss is trifling. I suppose (from a cursory view of what has escaped), not above 50l. As luck would have it, I moved my lodgings some days ago, and only stayed in the thatched house during the day, intending to leave it entirely, when another room was finished in the house where I now am, which will be the case shortly; indeed, it is already so forward, that I have asked a party of two and twenty to dine with me the day after tomorrow, on an extraordinary occasion, therefore I cannot complain of wanting shelter. 20th. I have been informed, that Pa Bunkie was advised by his Palaver-Man, not to accept the great dash, which Mr. Dawes carried him yesterday; and that this Palaver Gentleman made use of the following, or similar language, to dissuade him from taking it: "Father—these people have been here twelve moons now, have they ever taken the slightest notice of you, by inviting you to their camp,* or making you the smallest present heretofore?—No, Father! — And what makes them thus "suddenly over generous to you ?— Because they think your services will soon be requisite for them. Do not you know white men well enough, to be convinced they never give away their money without expecting it returned many fold ?— Cannot you see the drift of this profuse, unlooked for, and unasked for present? Let me warn you against taking it—for be assured, however disinterested and friendly they appear at this moment, they are aiming at some selfish purposes, and although they may not discover what their wishes are immediately — before twelve moons more you will know them."— Bunkie replied, " I know they want something, nevertheless I'll take the dash— it rests with me, whether to comply with any request they make or not. I shall not consider the present, by any means binding on me." * The
name given Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Horne went up this afternoon to Signior Domingo's, where Mr. Horne preached a sermon to a congregation of natives. How preposterous! Is it possible a sensible man, like Mr. Horne, can suppose it in his power to imprint notions of Christianity, or any sort of instruction, upon the minds of people, through the bare medium of a language they do not understand? He might as well expect holding a candle to the eyes of a blind man, or exposing him to the sun, would reclaim his sight! The desire of spreading Christian knowledge through this ignorant land, is questionless, most praise worthy, but it will require patience and time to effect it. 21st.
Last night arrived the Morley this day added to the number at our convivial gala: I was highly complimented for the elegance, variety, and richness of my dinner, which, without doubt was superb, considering where we are; we had three removes, from six and twenty to thirty dishes each; besides an admirable desert, consisting of a variety of European and tropical fruit, the whole of which was garnished with comfort and pleasantry. 24th. On Sunday last, notice was given that Mr. Horne, or Mr. Gilbert would perform divine service, in future, every morning and evening; and every one is desired to attend. I am of opinion the morning service is superfluous,—Why? For many reasons, and I will here enumerate three or four. Among the Black Settlers are seven religious sects, and each sect has one or more preachers attached to it, who alternately preach throughout the whole night; indeed, I never met with, heard, or read of, any set of people observing the same appearance of godliness; for I do not remember, since they first landed here, my ever awaking (and I have awoke at every hour of the night), without hearing preachings from some quarter or other. Now, those people being so religiously bent, I think it unnecessary, or, as I first said, superfluous, that they should be convened every morning; because the primest part of the day, for exercising their worldly vocations, is occupied thereby; the vicious and lazy (and some such will creep into every society), are furnished with the plea of being at church; an excuse, I am told, many already make, after skulking an hour or two beyond the customary and proper time, when they have not been within a church door; and it detains the mass of labourers an hour every day, which, lost time, costs the Company at the rate of 13001. per annum. Vice and laziness surely ought not t» be protected by Religion any where; but they should be more especially discountenanced in a new Colony, where success greatly depends on industry. This day I dined on board the Nassau, in company with Mr. Rennieu, and some gentlemen of the Colony. Rennieu says, an old man named Congo Bolokelly, is on his way from the interior country to succeed King Naimbana; and such great pains has been taken to impress him with an unfavourable opinion of our Colony, that he is determined the Company shall re-purchase their land, or he will do every thing in his power to perplex and annoy us. Mr. Dawes met with a circumstance very galling to him this forenoon. He had in contemplation to palisade a piece of. ground, for an immediate asylum, in case the natives should take it in their heads to attack us. The spot fixed upon, unfortunately took in part of a lot occupied by one of the Settlers, which, Mr. Dawes, conscious of his unpopularity, did not wish to encroach upon, without obtaining permission, although the Settlers only hold their present Town lots as a temporary accommodation, until their permanent ones are surveyed. He called on the tenant and took him out to explain what he wanted; many people in the neighbourhood having previously heard of Mr. Dawes's intentions, assembled about him, who declared they would not suffer an inch more ground to be enclosed, upon any pretence whatever, before their town and country lots were given them, and most solemnly protested they would destroy every fence which might be erected till such time. Mr. Dawes endeavoured to persuade them by argument, what he wanted to do, was for their protection; but they were deaf to every thing he said, and gave him language in return which he could not stomach: He told them if he had imagined they would have treated him with so much indignity, he should not have come among them: and is they continued to behave in the same way, he would certainly leave them as early as he could. To this, with one voice, they exclaimed, "Go! go! go! we do not want you here, we cannot get a worse after you." He was so disgusted at this, that he turned his back and walked off. It was directly before my door, therefore I witnessed the whole, and could not help feeling for the Governor, who was seemed dreadfully mortified and out of temper. Feb. 3. Nothing worth recording for these ten days past; yesterday the manager of Clarkson’s plantation came over from Bullom; he has had a serious quarrel with the natives, but reason was determined on his side. His advances in cultivation, I understand are very slow; for he is not able to keep any number of labourers together, more than a month at a time; it is customary to pay them every moon, and when they get their wages, like our English tars, they quit work while they have money. The
Sierra Leone Packet arrived from what her European cargo consists of, but it is said to be very trifling. 7th. Since the departure of Mr. Clarkson a number of subtle ungentlemanlike attempts have been made, to singe his reputation, in the opinion of the people, and to warp away their affections from him: which as yet have proved unsuccessful; but I never heard of so unmanly, unprincipled, and diabolical an assault on any one's character, as was last night made on his. The Settlers were summoned to meet Mr. Dawes
and the Surveyor in the evening; and being collected, they were informed
their permanent Town Lots were surveyed and ready for them, and they must relinquish those they at present occupy, immediately; to this they replied, "when placed on the lots we at present occupy, we were informed, they were merely for our temporary accommodation, and we promised, when the plan of the town was fixed upon and surveyed we would remove, but we were assured no public or other buildings would be erected between our lots and the sea; now, in place of this, the sea shore is lined with buildings, therefore, your promise being broken, we consider ours cancelled, and will not remove unless the new lots are run from the water's edge, and we indiscriminately partake of them. Mr. Clarkson promised in promise, we are free British subjects, and expect to be treated as such; we will not tamely submit to be trampled on any longer. Why are not our country allotments of land surveyed? Why are not all the Company's promises to us fulfilled? We have a high regard and respect for Mr. Clarkson, and firmly believe he would not have left us, without seeing every promise he made performed; if gentlemen here had not given him the strongest assurances they should be complied with immediately." In answer, they were told, "that it was not uncommon for Mr, Clarkson to make prodigal and extraordinary promises without
thinking of them afterwards, that the great advantages he held out to them in
was in no shape authorised by the Sierra Leone Company to make; they all came from himself merely to seduce them here; and he never had an idea of fulfilling of them, nay, he had it not in his power, and more than probable was drunk when he made them. Here they groaned and murmured, but said "they believed Mr. Clarkson to be a man of honor, and that he never made any promise to them but such as he was authorised by the Company to make." The altercation now ended; I have had it nearly in the same language from more than a dozen people who were at the meeting. The blacks seem vastly alarmed and uneasy, nothing else is spoken of all this day, and I understand they have determined to send two deputies to the Court of Directors to know from them what footing they are on, and what were the promises Mr. Clarkson was authorised to make them; indeed, it is not to be wondered at, for no other conclusion can be formed from such base insinuations, but that a wish exists somewhere to do them justice. 12th. We had reason to think, for some days past, King Naimbana was dead, but had no certainty of it until this morning; nor do we exactly know, when he died, but it is supposed several days ago. The country custom is to keep a great man's death secret some time; his coffin (the first in all probability any of his family ever had) is making here, and will be sent up to Robana this evening. 14th. Yesterday being the anniversary of the Harpy's arrival, a few celebrated it by dining at a house of a late member of Council; who came out in her; I think it would have been more a propos to have fasted and mourned on the occasion. The day was cloudy, accompanied with a rumbling thunder and spitting rain,* as if the heavens were groaning and weeping at the recollection. It was intended to have fired minute guns in compliment to the remains of Naimbana, which would have been very timely, but that ceremony was postponed until this day, when it was performed. * A circumstance rarely known at this season. Forward to Two Voyages to
Sierra Leone, part 7 |
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