Lieutenant Colonel Edward Nichol sworn. Examined by Mr. Serjeant Bompas.
Have you become acquainted with the coast of Africa?—A long time.
How long?—Since the year 1822.
Had you any official employment upon that coast?—I was governor of the Isle of Ascension, and afterwards of Fernando Po, five years at each place.
In that situation, was it your duty to attend to the coast in other parts besides Fernando Po and the other place where you were immediately governor, and to make a report upon it?—It was.
Did you receive reports from the officers of the navy, or others, with respect to the various parts of the coast?—I have received reports from upwards of 200 officers of the navy, and masters of merchant ships on different parts of the coast, and have sent a small schooner attached to my command at Fernando Po, to make reports of the different slave trading stations and what was going on there.
Did you know the river Gallinas?—Yes.
Have you been there yourself?—I have.
For what period has it been within your observation?—Since 1822; I visited it in 1822, in His Majesty’s ship Victor.
Up to what time?—We did not stay long; we were chasing a slaver off the port.