Africa and the American Flag

by Andrew H. Foote

This interference on the part of the colonists, in behalf of the slave-prize, greatly exasperated the natives; not merely from the loss of their men and the vessel, but from the apprehension that their most valued privileges were about being invaded; and especially that the slave-trade, on which they depended for their gains and supplies, would be destroyed. The natives, therefore, determined forthwith to extirpate the colony while in its feeble and defenceless state.

In the mean time, Dr. Ayres, having returned, found the colonists confined to the island; and as the stores had become nearly exhausted, and the rainy season was about setting in—superadded to the vindictive feelings of the natives towards the people—the agents proposed to re-embark for Sierra Leone, and abandon the new settlement. Mr. Wiltberger strenuously opposed the agents’ proposal, and, after ascertaining that the colonists were disposed to remain at Mesurado, Dr. Ayres cheerfully assented.

The kings then adopted the deceitful policy of pretending to be conciliated, and inveigled Dr. Ayres into their power. He became their prisoner, and in that condition appeared to consent to take back the portion of goods which had been received towards the payment of the land, but evaded their peremptory order for the immediate removal of the people, by showing its impossibility, on account of the want of a vessel for the purpose. They finally gave permission that they might remain, until he should have made arrangements to leave the country. In this dilemma, Bă Caiă, a friendly king, at the suggestion of Dr. Ayres, appealed to King Boatswain,[3] whose power the maritime tribes well understood, and with whom he was in alliance. King Boatswain came down to the coast, and by a direct exertion of his authority, convoked the hostile kings. He also sent for the agents and principal settlers to appear before him, and explain the nature of their claims, and present their grievances. The respective allegations of the parties were heard. King Boatswain decided in favor of the colonists. He said that the bargain had been fair on both sides, and that he saw no grounds for rescinding the contract. Turning then to King Peter, he laconically remarked: “Having sold your country, and accepted payment, you must take the consequences.... Let the Americans have their lands immediately. Whoever is not satisfied with my decision, let him tell me so.” Then turning to the agents: “I promise you protection. If these people give you further disturbance, send for me; and I swear, if they oblige me to come again to quiet them, I will do it by taking their heads from their shoulders, as I did old King George’s, on my last visit to the coast to settle disputes.”

In this decision both parties acquiesced, whatever their opinion might have been as to its equity. The settlers immediately resumed their labors on the grounds near the Cape.

The Dey tribe (King Peter’s) saw that a dangerous enemy had been introduced among them. King Peter, with whom we must have sympathy, was impeached, and brought to trial on a charge of having betrayed the interests of his people, and sold part of the country to strangers. The accusation was proven; and, for a time, there was reason to believe that he would be executed for treason.

Soon after King Boatswain had returned to his country, the colony was again threatened. The agent called another council of kings; and after some opposition to his claim for the disputed territory, the whole assembly—amounting to seventeen kings, and thirty-four half-kings—assented to the settlement; and on the 28th of April, 1822, formal possession was taken of Cape Mesurado.

Dr. Ayres and Mr. Wiltberger now returned to the United States, the former to urge the wants of the colony, and the latter from ill health. Before they left, Elijah Johnson, of New York, one of the colonists, who had on various occasions distinguished himself, was appointed to superintend the colony during their absence.

[3] Boatswain was a native of Shebar. In his youth, he served in some menial capacity on board of an English merchant vessel, where he acquired the name which he still retains. His personal qualifications were of the most commanding description. To a stature approaching seven feet in height, perfectly erect, muscular and finely proportioned; a countenance noble, intelligent and full of animation, he united great comprehension and activity of mind; and, what was still more imposing, a savage loftiness, and even grandeur of sentiment—forming altogether an assemblage of qualities obviously disproportioned to the actual sphere of his ambition. He was prodigal of every thing except the means of increasing the terror of his name. “I give you a bullock,” said he to an agent of the society, “not to be considered as Boatswain’s present, but for your breakfast.” To his friend Bă Caiă, he once sent: “King Boatswain is your friend; he therefore advises you to lose not a moment in providing yourself plenty of powder and ball; or, in three days (the least possible time to make the journey), let me see my fugitive woman again.”

CHAPTER XII.

ASHMUN—NECESSITY OF DEFENCE—FORTIFICATIONS—ASSAULTS—ARRIVAL OF MAJOR LAING—CONDITION OF THE COLONISTS—SLOOPS-OF-WAR “CYANE” AND “JOHN ADAMS”—KING BOATSWAIN AS A SLAVER—MISCONDUCT OF THE EMIGRANTS—DISINTERESTEDNESS OF ASHMUN—U. S. SCHOONER “PORPOISE”—CAPTAIN SKINNER—REV. R. R. GURLEY—PURCHASE OF TERRITORY ON THE ST. PAUL’S RIVER—ATTACK ON TRADE-TOWN—PIRACIES—U. S. SCHOONER “SHARK”—SLOOP-OF-WAR “ONTARIO”—DEATH OF ASHMUN—CHARACTER BY REV. DR. BACON.