Evangelical Magazine and Missionary Chronicle

think themselves well off, and be well satisfied that they were allowed in this forlorn and helpless manner to proceed into the interior. I heard of this, by report, at Badagry and to-day the sufferers themselves have confirmed all that I have previously learnt. Out of about 265 emigrants, the passengers of three vessels, who landed at Lagos, it seems that not one of them escaped with any of their property, save the clothes in which they were clad.

In this distressed state, many of them had to travel four long days' journey into the interior, before they could reach their families; and when they did at last gaze on their native rocks at Understone, instead of appearing before their friends in that respectable manner in which the benevolent Government which had saved them from the iron grasp of slavery desired they should appear, they stood at the entrance of their native dwellings, without a farthing to purchase bread for the day.

Altogether from 200 to 300 emigrants have landed at Badagry during the past three years; and have, with their property, passed safely on to their native homes. This is a pleasing fact, which stands in striking contrast with the conduct of the people of Lagos. Sodeke, the king of the Akus, has manifested a truly noble spirit. He has received his long lost people very kindly; makes a striking difference between them and their countrymen in general, by allowing them to approach him on their feet, standing, (the national custom requiring the people to prostrate themselves,) and, by encouraging all of them, both men and women, to wear European clothes, and to persevere in those European manners and customs which they have brought with them from Sierra Leone. He is pleased with their appearance and conduct, and wishes all his subjects to follow their example. This is honourable to both parties; and will surely be gratifying news for the British Government, and all those who are interested in the regeneration of Africa.

Those emigrants who have some knowledge of any mechanical profession or business have endeavoured to work at their respective trades and callings whenever an opportunity has offered itself; but as

such opportunities have been somewhat rare, they have chiefly employed themselves in trading and agricultural pursuits, such as the cultivation of corn, yams, cotton, &c. Coffee is not known here; and perhaps the distance from the coast is too great to render it a profitable article of culture for exportation. Cotton is in considerable demand in the native markets.

Further Intercourse with Sodeke.

Dec. 17.-I had some conversation with Sodeke on subjects connected with geography and astronomy; and explained to him the use of a pocket-sextant which he saw me using. I succeeded in getting him to observe the sun on an artificial horizon brought down to an arch of ninety degrees; and he appeared very much astonished and delighted.

Seeing such fine strong little horses here, I am making the attempt to take a few of them down to the coast; as, if we can use them for travelling from the coast into the interior, it will very much reduce our travelling expenses.

Dec. 18.-Sodeke and a few members of his family, and the principal men among the emigrants, dined with me. We fixed a temporary table under the shed in Sodeke's yard, and all things passed off very well indeed. Our party amounted, to the best of my recollection, to about twenty-five persons. Sodeke seemed very much delighted it was the first time that he had ever eaten food after the manner and custom of Europeans.

On the 20th of December, Mr. Freeman set out on his return to Badagry, and reached the mission-house at that place on the 24th, to the great astonishment of the natives, who had told him that he would certainly be killed by the people of the interior. Here he found Mr. Townsend, of the Church Missionary Society's mission at Sierra Leone, whose proceedings have been already given. On the 29th, Mr. Freeman started for Whydah; thence he went to Kanna, the residence of the King of Dahomi, and afterward proceeded to Abomi, the capital; and on the 17th of January, began his journey on his return to Badagry.

THE END OF VOLUME XXI.