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Cape Lahoo-Character of the inhabitants-Trade-Visit of chiefprospect for establishment of a school-Population-Products-Country east of Lahoo, &c.—The next most prominent point is Cape Lahoo, 70 miles from Cape St. Andrew, and 170 from Cape Palmas. The shore here is low, and without any prominence that can entitle it to the name of cape. The town is unusually large, (from three to four miles in extent,) and is known by numerous lofty cocoa-nut trees interspersed throughout: thus embowered, it presents a highly picturesque and interesting view from the sea. We were repeatedly visited by the inhabitants in overwhelming numbers, whose general aspect bespeaks a decided superiority over the more windward tribes. The majority of those who came on board spoke English intelligibly, exhibiting throughout a surprising degree of shrewdness and tact at trade.

It is here gold dust is first seen, and offered as a product of the region, and hence it is considered as the commencement of the Gold Coast. More trade, it is said, is done here, than at any other point west of the Forts. There has been a free exchange of commodities with Europeans, almost from the time of their earliest discoveries. I was disappointed here also, as at Cape St. Andrew, in my design of going on shore. Our arrival was at an unfavorable time, when the periodical swell from the ocean had set in with great violence. The coast at this point is wholly unprotected, having no rocks or projections whatever, to break the force of the waves in landing. I had dressed myself in view of an upset, intending to make an attempt, but so strong was the captain's representation of the danger, and remonstrance, I felt it my duty to desist, hoping that a favorable opportunity would occur on my return. We received a visit from the chief, and some of his head men, who did not seem so desirous to have a school as I had been led to expect, though their consent was readily obtained. They have always been opposed to the residence of a trader among them, from a desire to retain in their own hands the profits and commissions of the business annually done here, to a large amount. The benefit of a school in their estimation, is simply the acquisition of the English language; and of that, sufficient only to render them intelligible in trade. There is a mongrel dialect of the Portuguese, Spanish, French and English combined; and in some places, Dutch, which, being easily acquired, is made the common medium of communication with the natives by traders from these different nations. It is also the English used throughout the Western coast by the Dutch, Portuguese and Danes, and is more often the only means of intercourse among the different European residents. Among the natives, to acquire this, is to qualify one's self to be an efficient tradesman. A school therefore, will be admissible at some point, where the location of a trader will not be. Besides, many of those who speak English having visited foreign settlements, have learned in some degree to distinguish between the missionary and trader. Little or no difficulty, therefore, need be apprehended in establishing a mission at Cape Lahoo. The population I am inclined to think is more dense than in any other part of the Gold Coast. A large river, having a common origin with two others, empties its waters into the ocean just east of the town, by which a free intercourse is had with the interior.

Rice and maize are among the principal productions of the region. Live stock of the usual kinds abounds. Fish are obtained both from the fresh and salt waters of excellent kind. Gold, palm oil and ivory, are the principal articles of export, large quantities of which are taken off annually by English and American ships.

East of Cape Lahoo lies a range of coast of similar geographical features, and embracing several other important trading points. The population

however, is less dense, it having been at different periods, the scene of cruel warfare. The principal towns are Jack Lahu, Grand Bassam, Jacque a Jacques, and Assinee, all of which are visited more or less, almost constantly by vessels of different nations, and will be found on the maps. At Assinee a larger amount of gold is said to be taken than at any other points west of the Forts. At about this point the land begins to be higher, and is characterized as you proceed eastward by bold elevations, projections and granite rocks. A number of fine rivers empty their waters into the sea along this range and afford great facilities for intercourse with interior tribes. Assinee is spoken of by different tribes as a desirable location for a missionary.

Cade St. Appolonia-Ancient Forts erected for protection of slave trade -The Ensemah Tribe-Barbarity of the Chief-Remains of a Church. Cape St. Appolonia is the next point deserving especial notice. There may be seen the first of that long line of forts and castles erected centuries ago by Europeans for the protection and successful prosecution of the slave trade. The present fortifications were erected by the British, are now much out of repair and unoccupied, though they still claim a jurisdiction over a part of the territory; the name of the tribe inhabiting it is Ensemah. They extend to the vicinity of Cape Three Points. Their chief is notoriously barbarous, performs human sacrifices with an unsparing hand, and hesitates not to rob every man who is helpless, and wholly within his power. He is at present under some restraint by the British Governor at Cape Coast..

In this vicinity, I was informed by Governor McLEAN, are the remains of a church, which must have been built about three centuries ago, by the Portuguese Catholics. It is well known, that their missionary efforts were coeval with their discoveries along the coast, which began near the middle of the fifteenth century. But all the vestiges of these early efforts now traceable, are these remains, and a few mutilated crucifixes and gold coins, unless it be a perceptible admixture of Romish with the native superstitions. It is to be hoped, that when the British shall have repaired their fortifications at this point, (which I am informed is their present design,) missionaries from England will be found, to preach the Gospel to this sanguinary people.

Dix Cove.-Passing Axim, where is a fine fort occupied by the Dutch, Fredericksburg, and Cape Three Points, having forts in ruins, belonging also to the Dutch, we anchored off Dix Cove in the evening of August 6th. Dix Cove is the principal town of the Ahanta tribe. With its neighboring settlement it contains an estimated population of about 6,000, about one-fourth of the whole tribe. The territory of the Ahantas extends along the coast about fifty miles, and to the interior twelve. As is the case throughout the Gold Coast, (formerly the scene of an active slave trade,) wars, in connexion with other causes known to be in operation, have greatly reduced the population. At Dix Cove we begin to perceive that subdued aspect among the natives, which is observable within the vicinity of all the permanently occupied forts. Such acts as subserved the interests of the slave trade were introduced from time to time by the old " African Company," and thus quite an air of civilization has been obtained. Houses built of clay or stone, with galleries stuccoed, and furnished with couches, tables, sideboards, &c., are not uncommon. It is, however, rather incongruous, to see a large black man, dressed only in cloth, lounging on his soft sofa, or sitting at a mahogany table, well furnished with wines and cut glass. This, though expensive, is not unfrequently seen at all the forts, in imitation of the whites. I found at Dix Cove a very gratifying feeling in favor of missions and general improvement. Every facility was

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proffered, by both the commandant of the fort, and natives. There are quite a number who have put on, to a considerable degree, civilization, and desire the immediate location of a missionary. There are about twenty who can read well in the Bible, and understand enough of English to receive instruction without the aid of an interpreter. The greater part of this number have attended the fort school at Cape Coast, and derived their knowledge of the language principally through that channel. They are so urgent in their call for a missionary, that they offer to assist largely in the erection of a mission house and chapel immediately. This point may be considered the most promising, in respect to immediate results, between Cape Palmas and Cape Coast, and ought to be at once occupied.

A school has been in operation for about a year, established by the Govenor of Cape Coast, and taught by a native of that place. If the circumstances of our mission would permit, I should deem it my duty to recommend its occupancy without delay. At Boutry, four miles, and Secondee, twenty miles from Dix Cove, are native settlements, with forts occupied by the Dutch, The population is sparse, having been reduced by repeated wars. About four years since, a bloody battle took place between the Dutch and natives, in which seven of the former, including the Governor General of their settlements on the Gold Coast, were killed. The distance from Secondee to Elmina is twenty miles. The latter is the capital of H. N. Majesty's possessions in Guinea, and boasts of the largest and best castle and fortifications on the Gold Coast. It is the oldest European settlement in Guinea, was begun by the Portuguese in 1471, and taken from them by the Dutch in 1638, in whose possession it has been from that time.

There have been at different periods several Europeans residing at this point, either connected with the Government or pursuing trade. Many fine buildings have been erected after the European style, by the merchants, who now are principally colored men. Educated at great expense in Europe, and strongly characterized by intelligence, some of the blackshave made considerable advances in external civilization. The houses are built in imitation of the whites, and not unfrequently furnished with mahogany, cut glass and silver. The strand is the finest on the coast, wharves, cranes, &e. for landing merchandise, with a good breakwater, and bridges have been constructed at considerable expense. The masonry, carpentry, and cabinet work of the place are done by the native blacks. Chairs with cane seats, tables, &c., of solid mahogany or other woods are to be seen in the vicinity of all the forts, the manufacture of the native African, uncivilized, and his scanty cloth. But long as this part of the Gold Coast has been in the hands of the Europeans, no change has been effected in their religion. The Fetish with all its concomitants seems to have as strong a hold upon the people as any other. The Governor, however, freely gives his consent to missionary effort any where within the Dutch territory, and has personally expressed his wishes for our success. Intelligence has been recently received from Holland, that a missionary will be sent out to this point under appointment from the Government; but it is probable nothing more is meant than the appointment of a chaplain, whose efforts will be circumscribed by the walls of the fort.

The Elminas are an integral part of the Fantee tribe, but having been so long under the Government of the Dutch, they necessarily present many points of difference from what are now called the Fantees proper, who are under that of the British.

The population of the native town is estimated at 12,000. Free intercourse is had with the interior tribes as far as the Dinkern and Ashantees, beyond whose limits travellers from the Western Coast are not permitted to penetrate.-Spirit of Missions.

WE find the following description of Cape Palmas, and of the original purchase of the territory in the last number of the Maryland Colonization Journal." They are worth preserving as matters of history:

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The next question that presented itself, was the selection of a site for a new Colony; and, after the most full and careful deliberation, the Board of Managers selected Cape Palmas, or its immediate vicinity. The coast of Africa, after pursuing a south-east direction from the Rio Grande, passing by Sierra Leone, Cape Mount, Monrovia, Grand Bassa and Cestos river, here turns to the east-northeast, towards Cape Three Points, the mouth of the Niger, and Fernando Po, in the Bight of Biafra. The return voyage from Cape Palmas to the United States or Europe, is at all times easy, the trade winds being constant and regular from the northwest; but from the leeward or eastward, towards the mouth of the Niger, out of the reach of the trades, the prevalence of calms and currents, renders a return to the windward round Cape Palmas extremely long and tedious. The position of Cape Palmas alone, is therefore sufficient, to make it one day, a most important commercial depot. All the vessels, destined for the Niger, must pass by it on their way from Europe or America; and the delay and uncertainty of a voyage to the east of it will, no doubt, in many cases, make it the place of deposite or exchange for European or American manufactures, the further transportation of which will either be, by land towards the interior, or by the coasting trade of the Colony to the great river of Central Africa.

On the 28th of November, 1833, the brig Ann, Capt. LANGDON, sailed from Baltimore, with a full cargo of goods and provisions, and eighteen emigrants, for Cape Palmas. The expedition was under the charge of Dr. JAMES HALL, a gentleman whose experience in Africa admirably qualified him for his situation. The Rev. JOHN HERSEY accompanied him as his assistant, and the Rev. Messrs. WILLIAMS and WYNKOOP, agents of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, took passage in the Ann, with a view of ascertaining the fitness of Cape Palmas as a place for missionary labors. On the 25th of January, the Ann reached Monrovia, remained there ten days, taking on board thirty old settlers, nineteen of whom were adult males well acclimated. On the 5th of February, the brig reached Bassa, and receiving five more recuits, sailed on the 6th for the point of her ultimate destination. Dr. HALL had sent word to the kings of the vicinity of the purpose that brought him to Africa, and when he reached the Cape, which he did on the 11th of February, he found them prepared to treat with him. On the thirteenth a grand palaver or council was held, at which the only difficulty that presented itself grew out of Dr. HALL's refusal to make rum a part of the consideration of the proposed purchase. "His master," so he told the natives," did not send him there to give rum for their land. Rum made the black man a fool, and then the white man cheated him. He came as a friend to do them good -not as an enemy to hurt them." Arguments like these, which he took care to have well explained by the head men of the towns who had been previously made to understand them, joined to the great desire of the natives that the Americans should be as one people with them, overcame the difficulties which at first threatened to break up the palaver, and the land was sold by the kings to the State Society, for a quantity of trade goods fully satisfactory to them, though perhaps small, when the ultimate and probable importance of the settlement was considered. The kings reserved to their people the use of their villages and fields, and stipulated that within a year a free public school should be established in each of the principal towns. The deed of cessionis dated on the 13th February, 1834, and is signed by PARMAH, king of Cape Palmas-WEAH BOLEO, king of Grahway-and BAPHRO, king of Grand Cavally.

1841.]

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We are glad to see the statements made by Mr. KING in the following letter. It shows good temper and intention on his part. We hope when he finds that the orders already issued for the government of their squadron on the coast of Africa, fail to prevent their committing disorderly acts, he will adopt some more vigorous and effective measures.

SEIZURES ON THE COAST OF AFRICA.-The Salem Register publishes a correspondence between Mr. ISAAC CHASE, American Consul at Cape Town, Africa, and Rear Admiral KING, Commander-in-Chief of the British naval forces on that station, relating to the treatment of Capt. WEBB, of the Salem brig Cherokee, which was very roughly overhauled some time ago by a boat from the British brig Curlew, on the old suspicion of being engaged in the slave trade.

Mr. CHASE forwarded a copy of Capt. WEBB's statement to Rear Admiral KING on the 20th March. The answer, which is all that could be wished or expected, we give below:-National Intelligencer.

H. B. M. S. SOUTHAMPTON,

SIMON'S BAY, March 23, 1841.5

て SIR: I have had the honor to receive to-day your letter of the 20th inst., with its enclosures, reporting the reprehensible conduct of an officer belonging to her Majesty's brig Curlew, while boarding and examining the brig "Cherokee," under the flag of the United States, and feel extreme regret that any officer under my orders should have acted in the manner complained of by Mr. WEBB. A strict investigation of the matter shall be made on the earliest opportunity; and, should I find the complaint established, I shall certainly inflict a severe reproof upon the offender, my instructions to the squadron on assuming this command being that every proper moderation and courtesy should be observed in performing the unpleasant duty of boarding the merchant vessels of friendly nations, and especially those of the United States.

It is gratifying for me to observe the temperate language used by Mr.
WEBB in his representation, and the friendly consideration you have ex-
pressed for Lieut. Ross, while bringing the subject under notice.
I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,

E. D. KING,
Rear Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.

THE MENDIAN NEGROES.-The committee who have charge of those Africans have made application to the President of the United States for assistance in restoring them to their native country, They were under the impression that the President would deem the case a proper one for the exercise of national liberality if the laws would justify the Executive in such expenditure. The following is the President's reply:

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 2 WASHINGTON, 16th October, 1841.Š Sir: I am Instructed by the President to inform you, that he knows of no provision in the law to cover the case presented in your letter to the Secretary of State, of the 23d ultimo, and further, that there is no ship of war at present destined for the Coast of Africa.

"The President regrets this state of things, as it deprives him of the pleasure which he would otherwise have in aiding the unfortunate Africans to return to their native country.

I have the honor to be,

Your obedient servant,
FLETCHER WEBSTER, Acting Secretary.

LEWIS TAPPAN, Esq, New York.

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