Travels in Western Africa in 1845 & 1846, Volume 2 (of 2): comprising a journey from Whydah through the Kingdom of Dahomey to Adofoodia in the interiorDuncan, John
History
Travels in Western Africa in 1845 & 1846, Volume 2 (of 2): comprising a journey from Whydah through the Kingdom of Dahomey to Adofoodia in the interior
Duncan, John
Africa, West -- Description and travel; Benin -- Description and travel
Even the system of drainage has found its way to this remote region,
many of their indigo fields being well drained, as also those in the
Mahee country. Their trade is not very extensive, being chiefly
confined to their own locality, and is generally a system of barter,
though cowries and cloth are the general currency of the country. Their
mode of living is much the same as in the Mahee country but they use
less hogs’ flesh, and they eat both horses and dogs, and also several
species of serpents, frogs, and guanos.
I sailed from Cape Coast for England in February, 1846. Previous to my
going on board, I had many little presents sent me, both in the shape
of sea-stores and keepsakes, from the merchants and natives in their
employment, as well as from the resident Missionaries. I also received
some little necessaries from a party of Missionaries who visited Cape
Coast on their way to the Calabar, or Bonny River, in one of Mr.
Jamieson’s ships; I believe one of them was Mr. Waddel. Our vessel was
the _Albion_ of Guernsey, a small schooner of only one hundred and
fifty tons; in my precarious state of health, therefore, I was very
uncomfortable.
After leaving Cape Coast we called at Accra, and took on board some
ivory and gold, remaining at the above place one day and a night.
During this time I went on shore to visit some of my old friends,
amongst whom was Mr. Bannerman, whose kindness and hospitality are well
known, both to the naval and military officers who have ever visited
that settlement. I was also kindly received by the resident Wesleyan
Missionary.
Here I found an American Missionary and his wife, accompanied by the
widow of a brother Missionary, lately deceased. Poor woman! she was
apparently fast approaching to her long home. They were all in delicate
health, and were passing down the coast for a change of air, but were
obliged to leave the vessel.
During my stay I received extreme kindness and attention at the
mission-house. I also called at the former residence of Mr. Hanson,
a merchant lately deceased. His brother, the Chaplain of Cape Coast,
and Mr. R. Hanson from Whydah, were both there. From these gentlemen I
experienced great kindness, both now as well as on former occasions.
Here I again found my old charger, who had carried me during my
long journey in the interior. He was now the property of the Rev.
William Hanson, and had only arrived a few days before from Whydah.
It had probably been taken little care of, for the poor animal was
much reduced in flesh. It recognised my voice, and when I spoke, it
immediately neighed and pawed the ground, anxious to come to me.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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