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Marietta, O. Rev. J. H. Linsley,

1 00

Marlborough, N. Y. Presb. cong.

28 62

Meredith, N. Y. Presb. chh. 9,46; S. A. Law,

10; J. L. 50c.

19 96

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Middletown, N. Y. Presb. chh.
Milford, N. Y., A. Bissell,

Montgomery, N. Y. Presb. chh. mon. con.
Montreal, L. C. Amer. presb. so. mon. con.
Montrose, Pa. 50,81; sab. sch. 2,52; mon.
con. 10,78;

Morristown, N. J. 1st class sab. sch. presb. chh.

Mount Pleasant, Pa. 28,62; mon. con. 2,02; Nantucket, Ms. Av. of work by misses, Newark, N. J. 1st presb. chh. 1,069,50; 4th presb. chh. (which and prev. dona. constitute Rev. WILLIAM JOHNSON an Hon. Mem.) 30;

New Berlin, Pa.

32 00

5.00

27 75

100 00

Williamstown, Ms. Fem. char. so. 19,12; a lady, 10;

Wilmington, Del. Hanover-st. chh. special coll. 100, a tem. mem. of do. 10; Winchester, W. Ten. Mon. con. to constitute Rev. ROBERT DONNEL of Mooersville, Ala. an Hon. Mem.

Woodbridge, N. J. (of which fr. mon. con.
12,39; chil. of mater. asso. 2;)
Wrentham, Ms. M. Everett, to constitute
Rev. WILLARD PIERCE of Foxboro', an
Hon. Mem.

29 12

110 00

50.00

86 06

50 00

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New England, A fem. of an evang, chh.

15.00

New Ipswich, N. H. Chil. of mater. asso. New Lisbon, N. Y. Preeb. chh.

11 00

736

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New Providence, N. J. Mrs. M. Riggs, for a child in Greece,

12.00

Cincinnati, O. John Salmon, by J. Warren, Ex'r,

85.00

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Newark, N. J. Mrs. Abby Lyon, by O. S.

New Vernon, N. J. Presb. chh. to constitute Rev. JOSEPH COREY an Hou. Mem. Newville, Pa. Mrs. J. Sharp, to constitute Rev. ALEXANDER SHARP an Hon. Mem. North Blenheim, N. Y. Presb. chh. Northborough, Ms. Cong. evang, so. special effort, 35; mon. con. 5;

Halstead, Adm'r,

312 75

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Northern Liberties, Pa. 1st presb. chh. 40,70; Indian so. of do. to ed. an Indian youth, 60; 100 70 Northumberland, Pa. Miss Jenkins's fem. sem. for sch. in India, 30; E. J. a col'd girl, 4;

34.00

Amount of donations and legacies acknowledged in the preceding lists, $29.608 56. Total of donations and legacies from August 1st, to July 31st, $247,473 71.

DONATIONS IN CLOTHING, &c. Brookline, Ms. A bundle, fr. Kingsbury so. for Mr. Butrick, Brainerd.

son, 10;

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Clinton, N. Y., A barrel, fr. friends, for Dr. Bradley, Bankok.

W. 25; W. Tenbrook, 25; a friend, 15; J.

Derby, Ct. A box, fr. la. of 1st cong. chh.

Stille, Jr. 10;

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Fair Haven, Vt. Paper, fr. A. Safford,

22 50

17,50; two indiv. 10;

64.50

Robbinston, Me. Mon. con.

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9.00

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New Hartford, Ct. Clothing, fr. la. in Mr. Lord's so. for chil. at Port Natal.

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New York City, (via.) A box, for Mr. Tin

Royalton, Vt. JOHN FRANCIS, which consti

ker, Sandw. Is).

62 00

tutes him an Hon. Mem.

100 00

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57 69

Salem, Ms. Coll. in Crombie-st. so. 81,83;

united mon. con. in do. 13,27; Howard-st. chh. mon. con. 19,28; a friend, 5;

Saratoga Springs, N. Y., A box, fr. ladies, for Mr. Worcester, Park Hill.

119 38

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South Dartmouth, Ms. Rev. A. Manning, 90;

mon. con. 10;

100 00

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The following articles are respectfully solicited from Manufacturers and others.

Printing paper, to be used in publishing portions of the Scriptures, school-books, tracts, etc. at Bombay, and at the Sandwich Islands.

Writing paper, writing books, blank books, quills, slates, etc. for all the missions and mission schools, especially for the Sandwich Islands.

Shoes of a good quality, of all sizes, for persons of both sexes; principally for the Indian missions. Blankets, coverlets, sheets, etc.

Fulled cloth, and domestic cottons of all kinds.

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THE remarks below will make the reader sufficiently acquainted with the object of the tour, an account of which is to follow. The

passage through their country would be utterly impracticable. I could not, therefore, reasonably expect any of them to accompany me in an undertaking of so much peril. In the next place, I knew that the country was broken up into innumerable tribes or clans, and that my progress would be liable to be arrested

tour was performed in March and April, by the caprice of every petty chief

1836.

through whose dominions our road lay. In relation to the first difficulty, I

Object of the Tour-A Slave Trader-made due allowance for the exaggerated

Favorable Events.

The tour mentioned at the head of this article was designed, in the first place, to be extended to the foot of the Kong Mountains, but was terminated about one hundred and twenty miles from this, in consequence of the failure of my health. I have always entertained the opinion that it was important to the successful prosecution of the missionary work in Western Africa, that a station should be established in the interior as soon as possible. I thought the Kong Mountains might possess peculiar advantages in relation to health; and from such fragments of information as I could gather from the people hereabouts, I was induced to think that those mountains made a sweep toward the sea-coast, and were not more than 200 or 250 miles distant. I likewise ascertained that there was a populous tribe, known here by the name of the Pah People, spread over the southern side of the mountains; and that parties from that people frequently came down as far as the falls of the Cavally river for purposes of trade. The importance of visiting their country seemed to me very great, but the difficulties at first appeared still greater. The beach people represent the intermediate tribes as cannibals, and suppose that a peaceable

VOL. XXXIII

representations of the beach people; and was aware of their disposition to magnify every thing at a distance. Of the interior tribes they know little or nothing, and they are disposed to throw a veil of mystery and terror over all that extends beyond their knowledge. In relation to the second difficulty, I thought if I could reach the falls of the Cavally river, the place where Dr. Hall terminated his excursion, [vol. xxxii, p. 312,] I might meet with some of these trading parties, and through their influence effect a passage through the country. I was seconded in the undertaking by William Davis, my interpreter, who promised to go as my head-man, and to procure the requisite number of men for such a journey. The state of our schools and the mission was such as would warrant my absence for a few weeks. I said but little about the projected journey until the time for setting out was near at hand, lest our men should be dissuaded from following, and frustrate the undertaking.

Saturday, the 25th of March, I made all the requisite preparations, and on Monday morning I announced to Davis my intention to set out that afternoon and go as far as Baffron's town, at the mouth of the river, where we were to get a canoe to ascend to the falls. According to his engagement he was in 49

forward our object, and no doubt wanted to avail himself of as much of the credit of the enterprise as he possibly could. One of his nephews, who had been to Pah, was appointed to accompany us, ostensibly as our guide, but doubtless to say that his uncle had sent us.

place at ten o'clock with five men and, quired to make an incision on the back one boy, to which were added two of our of each other's hand, in the presence of own boys. These, with one American witnesses; and as it is done with the and myself, made our company, in all, same knife, it is said that the blood of ten. We left home about two o'clock, the two tribes is mingled, and they beand arrived at Cavally about sunset. come one people. Baffron had sagacity Here we met with a white man who was enough to appreciate the advantages of engaged in the slave trade, and had to intercourse with so extensive and so oputake our lodgings in the same house lent a people, but as he was desirous of with him. He had come to this place monopolizing their trade, he had carenot to buy slaves, but to purchase rice fully concealed the fact from all others, for a cargo of them that were about to be except those of his own town. After ditaken from the Gallinas river. Our ob-vulging it to us, he seemed desirous to jects in visiting this place were so directly opposed to each other, that our meeting, as will readily be imagined, was not very cordial. Yet I regarded this as a providential interference, and determined to discharge my duty by endeavoring to show him the wickedness of the business in which he was engag- Another circumstance seemed equally ed, and to dissuade him, if possible, from favorable. Baffron mentioned the name the continuance of it. He is in the em- of a man on the river, about fifty miles ploy of the far famed Peter Blanco of distant, whose tribe stretched from the Gallinas; and if I was correctly informed || river almost to Pah, and said if we could by this man, that notable trader has be- get him as our conductor, we need aptween ninety and one hundred vessels prehend no difficulty. While speaking engaged in transporting human beings of this man, his arrival was announced, from the continent of Africa to the West and a few minutes after he was introIndies. His residence is at the Gallinas duced to me. His name is Podih, and river, where he has a princely mansion. the tribe to which he belongs is called He has six native wives, and several of the Tabo People. He expressed much his daughters are married to the different pleasure at having the honor of concaptains who navigate his vessels. Dur- ducting a white man through his couning the last year eight of his vessels try, and would be ready after a delay of were captured and sold, but as they were one day to accompany us. He had not insured at a high rate, he sustained no been in our apartment, however, very loss. In general he is the purchaser of long, before he gave us evidence of his all vessels sold at Sierra Leone, and is love for rum, and a capacity for containenabled to make a profit by thein. The ing more of this fiery liquid without man above mentioned had sold a barrel beastly intoxication, than any human of rum to Baffron, thus inflicting curse being I had ever seen. In the course of upon curse. a half hour he swallowed down more than a pint of unadulterated New England rum.

Cavally River-Towns and People.

When I made known to Baffron our destination, he affected the utmost amazement, and told us it was utterly impracticable. When he saw, however, that I was neither to be intimidated nor dissuaded, he shifted his ground, and dis- March 28. We determined to proceed closed a fact which seemed to encourage as far up the river as Denah, and expectour undertaking, and I could not but ed Podih to be up with us the next think that it was the hand of God open-morning. The guide furnished by Bafing the way for us. Some of the Pah fron and another man whom I engaged People had ventured down to the beach there increased our company to twelve. a few months previously, and a solemn Along this part of the river the banks are treaty was ratified between them and low and the adjacent land is covered those residing on the coast, by which the over with a rich growth of reeds and two might intermingle and travel in each grass. The immediate banks of the river other's territories without molestation or are lined with a beautiful green vine, not injury. The advantage which this treaty unlike the Cherokee rose. The first naafforded us you will readily perceive. tive settlement we passed was a small The mode of ratifying the treaty is village on the east side of the river and somewhat novel. One individual is se- is called Yando. Not far from this we lected from each party, and they are re-passed a company of men from Cape La

hon, who were just returning from the "Grand Devil Oracle," and they regarded our meeting as particularly auspicious. They were on the river banks and called out to us, and said if we would give them some rum, they would give us a bright sun and clear sky. When informed that we had none, they burst forth into one of their native airs, and cheered us on our way. Soon after the sun darted his rays with unusual lustre, and whatever credit these superstitious people may have appropriated to themselves in causing it, we attributed it to a higher source.

the shore that they might see a white man. We did so, and halted a moment. One or two hundred persons were at the place and gazed on the anomaly with wonder and amazement. I distributed a

few beads among the children and we departed in the midst of their cheers and good wishes.

Two miles from this we passed a deserted village, called Edahwooda. Why it was deserted we did not learn. The site was high and exceedingly beautiful.

After leaving this place, a consultation was held whether we should go on to Podih's town that night, or stop at Two miles from this place we came to Yopro, a large town five miles nearer. Ploro, the population of which I suppose We determined upon the latter. The to be three or four hundred. The people people, with the exception of a few are simple hearted and kind. About two women and children, were at their farms, miles from this place we came to Haidee, so that our entrance, for once, into an a small town situated near the junction African town was peaceful and quiet. of the Cavally river with the Creek lead- The town is inclosed around by a double ing to the "Grand Devil Oracle." About wall of split timber, the streets are open three o'clock we set out again, and after and clean, and the houses neat and comtwo hours rowing we came abreast of a modious. We sent for the chief, and in village on the west side of the river. the course of half an hour he made his The people assembled at the water side appearance and welcomed us to his to catch a glance of the passing stranger. town. He presented us with a sheep, We were urged to put ashore, but as which was consigned to the executioner, night was approaching, we passed on. and afforded us a grateful supper after At dusk we arrived safely at Denah. a day's fasting and fatigue. The tribe My old friend, king Neh, had been the to which this town belongs is at war, and subject of severe afflictions since I visit- while we were here a watch was kept ed him last June, [p. 195]. For several during the night. I told the king he had months he had been entirely deranged, || a pretty place and a fine town. He imand very recently he had lost a favorite mediately inquired why I did not come wife. The house which had once been and live with him. I told him it was in so richly ornamented with China was at my heart and in the heart of the people this time entirely dismantled, as a token in America to do him and his people of regard to the deceased. good, but we had no man at present to station there. I suggested to him that he should give me one of his sons to learn to read, which he was to consider until I returned. About night the people flocked home in great numbers, and gathered around, as usual, to gaze upon the stranger.

29. This morning we waited until ten o'clock for Podih, but in vain; and we finally concluded to proceed slowly up the river until he should overtake us.

All beyond this point was new to me. Our view, however, owing to the river being very low at this season, was in many places confined, by its steep banks, The people of Yopro appear to have to the bold and beautiful stream that was an abundance of the good things of this forcing its way to the sea. Our atten- life. Cows, sheep, goats, fowls, ducks, tion was frequently arrested by the gam- and dogs were very numerous. Their bols of monkeys in the trees overhanging houses were well stocked with rice, and the river, and occasionally we started a it is a place of more importance for the huge alligator from his sunny repose. manufacture of palm-oil, than any other The beautiful pea-fowl was seen bound- on the river. The population of the ing from tree to tree, and numberless town I suppose to be 800 or 1,000. At birds cheered our progress by their eight o'clock our house was cleared of sweet notes, while the lofty and wide-all gazers, and we had a refreshing sleep. spreading tree tops afforded us a grateful canopy from the melting rays of the sun. About one o'clock we came to a small native town called Gninemoo, and were passing by on the opposite side, when the people urged us to come near

Podih arrived about midnight, and roused us up. I administered a pretty sharp rebuke and dismissed him until next morning.

30. After making our kind host a suitable present, we took our departure

about sunrise. It was in vain that I urged Podih to go immediately to his town, and proceed on our journey the same day. He said we must stop until the next day and insisted that we should stop at an intermediate town. This very reluctantly consented to do, for I, supposed it was nothing but his vanity that prompted him to this course of conduct.

this part of the country, and hearing of our destination came to meet us at the water side. The first glance I got of this man, as well as those who accompanied him, showed that they were of a race entirely distinct from those along the sea coast. The first impression I had of the head-man was quite imposing. He was about five feet and six inches high, small body, but remarkably well proportioned. He stood very erect, and

Podih-Pah Chief-Vanity and Self-his gait was dignified and graceful. He

praise.

had lost one eye, but the other was keen, penetrating, and stern. I bowed to him as I ascended the hill, and he returned

As this man occupies a prominent place in the succeeding part of this jour-the compliment with as much grace and nal, it may not be amiss here to give a slight outline of his character. He is, I should judge, about forty-five years of age, more than six feet high, square shouldered and badly formed, exceedingly stiff and awkward in all his movements, and so very slow in getting up from his seat, that one of our boys jocosely compared him to a ship in the act of raising her anchor. As to the moral character of the man I do not know how I could more accurately describe it, than to say it is a strange mixture of vanity, cupidity, obstinacy, and good humor. He stands at the head of that part of the Tabo people who live on the river, and acts as factor for the whole tribe. In this way he has made himself what would be called in this part of the country a rich man, and is decidedly influential. During the whole time he was with us his mind was intently fixed upon getting a name for himself, and for this end, he seemed to care not how much he taxed my time, patience, and purse.

The fog was very dense the morning we left Yopro, so that we could discern but little beyond the head of the canoe. Podih had seated himself in front of me, and was disposed to be quite garrulous, but I was purposely taciturn and sober.

ease, as if he had spent all his days in the most refined and polished society. His beard was six inches long and platted with care. He wore a red cap, and held in his hand a long iron lance. Around his waist was girded a cartridge box, made of leopard's skin, and about the size of a man's arın. From this were suspended strips of leopard's skin that reached to his ankles. This, with a small bell attached to the same strapping, gave him quite the air of a savage warrior, and I confess that I have seldom been so much struck with the appearance of any human being. Podih's reception by his wives was such as the vanity of his heart would dictate. We were scarcely seated when three of them took their stand in front of us, one of them with a tamborine in her hand, to welcome the return of their lord, and to do honor to his guest. The scene which followed is one of constant occurrence in this country, but the most disgusting exhibition of vanity that could be witnessed. Podih strutted to and fro with great pomp, and occasionally said something to this youthful choir, and they chanted forth a reply. This was continued for more than half an hour, when I felt some curiosity to know the subject of these complacent songs. I ascertained that Podih was uttering forth his own praise, his wealth, his name, his family connections, etc. The chanting of his wives was a reiteration of what he had said. The perfect complacency and satisfaction with which this Anak of the

We arrived at Yahan about eight o'clock and went ashore. We entered the town and went directly to the headman's house. We were received with great cordiality and respect; and after making a hearty repast upon the bounties of our generous host, and making him a corresponding present, we again launch-river proclaimed his own praise irresist ed out in the river, and in the course of half an hour we arrived at Dimleh, the place of Podih's residence.

Dimleh is a small insignificant village, embracing about twenty houses, and not more, probably, than one hundred souls. Here, to our great surprise and joy, we met a head-man from Pah. He had arrived a few days previously, on a visit to

ably forced upon my mind a resemblance to the strutting of a turkey-cock.

But the most ludicrous part of this scene is yet to follow. Podih had as yet concealed a parasite, whose profession it was to celebrate the praises of great men, who was now brought out to crown this scene of vanity and foolery. Whether this man happened here by chance, or

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