Observations Upon the Windward Coast of Africa: The religion, character, customs, &c. of the natives; with a system upon which they may be civilized, and a knowledge attained of the interior of this extraordinary quarter of the globe; and upon the natural and commercial resources of the country; made in the years 1805 and 1806; with an appendix, containing a letter to Lord Howick, on the most simple and effectual means of abolishing the slave tradeCorry, Joseph
History
Observations Upon the Windward Coast of Africa: The religion, character, customs, &c. of the natives; with a system upon which they may be civilized, and a knowledge attained of the interior of this extraordinary quarter of the globe; and upon the natural and commercial resources of the country; made in the years 1805 and 1806; with an appendix, containing a letter to Lord Howick, on the most simple and effectual means of abolishing the slave trade
Corry, Joseph
Africa, West -- Description and travel; Slave trade -- Africa
After an audience of considerable length, Alimami retired with several of
his chiefs, and soon after I had a message that he wished to see me in
another part of his dwelling. I had previously noticed to him that I
intended shortly to embark for my country. When conducted to his presence,
he very emphatically enquired "if what I tell him be true?" I replied "it
was; but that I go to do him and his countrymen good; that he know this was
the second time I look them, but never forget them." "We all know that," he
replied, "but white man that come among us, never stay long time; you be
good man, and we wish you live among us--How many moon you be gone from
us?"--"About ten moon; how would you like to go with me, Alimami?"--"I
like that much, but black man not be head enough to do what white man
does;" and putting his hand to his bosom, he took from it a piece of gold
in the form of a heart; and said, "take that for me." To have refused it
would have been an insult; I therefore accepted it; adding, "that I would
tie it to fine riband, and wear it when I look my country, to let
Englishmen see what fine present he make me." He was quite pleased with the
idea, and expressed his satisfaction with great fervency.
Soon after, I offered to take my leave, and was accompanied by him and his
chiefs to the gate, where I bade him adieu, and passed through the town,
paying my respects to its inhabitants, and among others, to the
schoolmaster, whose venerable appearance, and superior intelligence,
excited my respect and esteem.
Upon our return to Marriba's house, we were happy to partake of a country
mess of rice, boiled with fowls, palm oil, and other compounds. The chief
could not be prevailed to eat with us, but attended us with great assiduity
during our meal. The imperial guard accompanied us to our canoe, and we
returned to Miffaré without accident.
The following morning we proceeded to the branch of the Rochell, which we
found more diversified and picturesque than the Port Logo, and its borders
better inhabited.
Proceeding up this branch, and visiting the chiefs in our way, and the
inhabitants of a number of villages, we arrived at Billy Manshu's Town, a
little chief of very considerable intelligence, and who treated us with
great hospitality: here we slept.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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