Travels Of Richard And John Lander Into The Interior Of Africa For The Discovery Of The Course And Termination Of The Niger By Robert Huish
- Page 959 of 1124 - First - Home
The Writer Describes King Forday As A Man
Rather Advanced In Years, Less Fraudulent But More Dilatory.
King
Boy, his son, alone deserved his confidence, for he had not abused
it, and possessed more honour and integrity than either of his
countrymen.
"These are the rulers of the Brass River, and pretty fellows they
are, truly. Mr. Dow further observes, that the river is extremely
unhealthy, and that his first and second mates, three coopers, and
five seamen, had already died of fever, and that he himself had had
several narrow escapes from the same disorder. He concludes, by
cautioning traders against the treachery of the natives generally,
and gives them certain directions concerning 'the dreadful bar,' at
the mouth of the river, on which he had nearly perished.
"This business had been no sooner settled, than Obie entered the
yard, attended as usual, but clad indifferently in loose silks. After
the customary salutations, Boy directed the monarch to appeal to me,
that he might be satisfied in what estimation he was held by white
men. Of course I said a variety of fine things in his favour, which
were received with a very good grace indeed; but that a piece of
paper simply, which could neither speak, hear, nor understand, should
impart such information, was a source of astonishment and wonder to
Obie and his train, who testified their emotion in no other manner
than by looks of silly amazement, and repeated bursts of laughter.
"The king then said with a serious countenance, that there was no
necessity for further discussion respecting the white men, his mind
was already made up on the subject, and for the first time, he
briefly explained himself to this effect:
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 959 of 1124
Words from 263592 to 263879
of 309561