7080. Mr. _Forster_.] In your former evidence, in answer to question 6674, in reference to the importance of British settlements for the suppression of the slave trade, you say “I spoke more particularly of Sierra Leone, at the same time the connection of the Gambia trade with the slave trade is a fact that there is no doubt about;” are the Committee to understand that you mean that Sierra Leone and the Gambia are on the same footing in that respect?--I think they have assisted the slave trade in very different ways; one way in which they have both assisted, is by the sale of vessels to the slave dealers; but the trade in the Gambia goes hand in hand with the slave trade of Bissao, as I before stated; at Sierra Leone it has been more directly by the sale of vessels, and some few goods passing down through their hands to the Gallinas and elsewhere. 7081. Will you have the goodness to explain to the Committee your meaning in saying that “the connection of the Gambia trade with the slave trade is a fact that there is no doubt about”?--I should have said the external trade of the Gambia; the trade up the river is another thing. As regards the external trade of the Gambia, the greater part of the trade is through the hands of notorious slave dealers, who sell produce, and give money to the Gambia merchants, and who in return receive goods from the Gambia; and those goods are the means again of purchasing slaves and produce; that is a connection which I consider is a very direct one. 7082. _Chairman._] You do not mean, that merchants trading at the Gambia are themselves personally interested in any slave trade adventures, or have any share in the profit or loss of such transactions?--No; I have no reason to suppose that such is the case directly. 7083. Sir _T. D. Acland_.] Do you mean to say that the goods so furnished to the slave dealer are essential to the maintenance of the slave traffic?--I believe they might get goods elsewhere, if those were not supplied by the Gambia merchants. 7084. But still goods from some part are essential to the maintenance of the slave traffic?--Indispensable; all their slaves are bought with British goods. 7085. _Chairman._] Could they not obtain their slaves solely with money?--I think not. 7086. Sir _T. D. Acland_.] What is the state of civilization of the people upon the Gambia?--The banks of the Gambia have been disturbed for several years by a man of the name of Kemingtang, and a great deal too much forbearance has been used towards him. I do not think the people in general upon the banks are in an advanced state of civilization, by any means. 7087. Its progress has been interrupted by this man’s disturbance?--This man has occasioned mischief, but I do not think it was making progress to any extent.