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I can still remember my first sight of a lone palm tree emerging from the early morning mist just before we made Freetown. Some ships of the convoy entered Freetown but we lay off and paused for a while a half mile from the coast; we believed that mosquitoes couldn't make that distance but just to be on the safe side we tried out our mosquito-repellent ointment.
In consequence of the determined and friendly conduct of this Prince, a deputation of whites from Freetown was despatched to him, with an invitation to visit Sierra Leone, which invitation he accepted. While at Freetown, he was crowned with all solemnity by the name of King George.
Koelle, increased to a hundred and fifty by Bishop Vidal, and reduced to sixty by Mr. Griffith, are spoken in the streets of Freetown, a 'city' which in 1860 numbered 17,000 and now 22,000 souls. The inextricably mixed descendants of the liberateds may be a total of 35,430, more than half the sum of the original settlement, 53,862.
In York, twenty miles from Freetown, about 600, composed of liberated Africans and disbanded soldiers. In Kent, twelve miles from York, about 500, composed of liberated Africans and disbanded soldiers. In Gloucester, three miles from Freetown, 700, all liberated Africans. In Leicester, one mile from Gloucester, 100, all liberated Africans.
Sierra Leone is built on a somewhat steep ascent about a mile up the river. Freetown, as the capital is properly called, stands some fifty feet or so above the sea, and the barracks upon a green hill three hundred feet above it, a quarter of a mile back.
In Allen town, three miles from Wellington, about 150, all liberated Africans. In Hastings, twelve miles from Freetown, 600, composed of liberated Africans and disbanded soldiers. In Waterloo, nine miles from Hastings, 900, composed of liberated Africans and disbanded soldiers. In Wilberforce, two miles and a half from Freetown, 100, all liberated Africans.
You have broken the fifth commandment, and closed the trade of Freetown to the Black Eagle." "It never was worth a rap," the sailor answered. "I wouldn't give a cuss for any of the British settlements. Give me real niggers, chaps as knows nothing of law or civilizing, or any rot of the sort. I can pull along with them. "I have often wondered how you managed it," Girdlestone said curiously.
"That's Aden," answered John; "we didn't fill to capacity at Freetown, and I'm afraid not. Why, what is the matter? Haven't you any fuel here for us?" "I have plenty of both petrol and oil here for you," said the Scotchman, with another look toward the huts, "but I am afraid for your lives if you stay to put it aboard."
There is hardly a single trade that can turn out half a dozen men who would be certificated by any European firm for possessing a thorough knowledge of it. Of all trades in Sierra Leone, and certainly in Freetown, that of tailoring is the most patronised, but this arises from the love of dress, which is inherent.
"I didn't know that you could ride," remarked the subaltern dubiously, fancying that Bela Moshi in his desire to accompany him was inventing a fairy tale concerning his equestrian abilities. "Me one-time groom in Freetown, sah," declared Bela Moshi. "Me lib for ride any old hoss till him bust." "I'll try you," announced Wilmshurst. "If you are wasting my time look out for squalls."
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