the barracks, and the prison. Large yards or gardens are generally
attached to the houses, and the streets axe very wide, tending
much to the salubrity and cleanliness of the place, which, notwithstanding
its baneful atmosphere, promises, to be a settlement of
considerable importance, from its great commercial opportunities“.
The population, according to a census taken a year and a half
ago, amounts to 200 souls, independent of servants, strangers,
(coming and going at all seasons) and the military force, which
generally amounts to 100 men.
The stone used for building appears to be a sandstone, strongly
impregnated with oxide of iron, and containing oyster-shells ;; it is
all brought from Dog Island, a few miles further up the river.
The lime is made from the abundant oyster-shells, lying in every
creek, and a flour-barrel full fetches a dollar; it is even carried to
St. Jago, where fuel to make the same quantity would cost two
dollars.
The river winds very much in its course, and during the rains,
its water is fresh at Jillafree (or Gillyfree), about twenty-five
miles from the mouth, where a factory has been established for the
inland trade. Albreda, which I understand is picturesque in its
situation, is about a mile from it, belongs to the French, and I do
m Its principal trade is in gold, timber, hides, bees’ wax, and the gum of Portendic,
to which may be added several articles, of minor consideration. , Some idea of the
importance of this trade may be formed, when we recollect, that in 1816 there were
none but grass and mud huts, and that tjie merchants now residing there, have built
a row of spacious and substantial houses, as may be seen in the plate engraved at the
expense of the above merchants. It includes only the front of the town, and the
original sketch was taken from the river. Neither this plate, nor my own, contain the
two most important buildings, the Government-House, and the hospital, both extensive
and handsome edifices. The former cost nine thousand pounds, and like all thereat,
w as erected without the slightest assistance from government. Bathurst adds to the
many extraordinary instances resulting from the exertions <5f individuals, a spirit which
England seems to possess in a more eminent degree than that of any other country.
not hesitate to declare, is a known emporium for slaves and
smuggling. The Chief, and only authority there, for he is not to
be styled Governor or Commandant, received Mr. Bowdich very
hospitably, and offered him more comforts than his means seemed
to promise. Slaves are brought by the concealed agents for the
trade to Albreda, where they are secreted by the residents,
especially in the houses of the French mulattoes, till a French
vessel arrives; a frequent event, as a considerable trade is carried
on by means of small craft, between Senegal, Goree, and the Biver
Gambia.. It is at Albreda that the bargain is struck; but, as all
foreign vessels are subject to examination as they pass ana repass
the town of Bathurst, they do not ship their live cargo till they
reach Salem, situated to the north of the river’s mouth; where
the slaves, having been marched through the bush or forests, meet
their purchasers, and are taken thence to supply any market where
they are likely to fetch a good' price. Several proofs of this
occurred during my residence at Bathurst, and one particularly
interested me. A very fine boy, named Samba, about twelve
years of age, threw himself upon the protection of the Commandant,
stating, that he had been purchased by a black woman1, and
taken to Albreda, where he was sold to a Frenchman; and, that
in marching to Salem, he had contrived to escape from his guide,
and hide. himself in the mangroves till he perceived a canoe
starting for the opposite side of the river, in which he begged a
passage, and on landing at Bathurst, immediately sought safety at
“ This woman had long been suspected of slave-dealing, and a poor slave girl
belonging to her applied to Captain Findlay in my presence, for protection against
the ill usage of her mistress, and shewed marks of severe blows. She was of course
immediately taken care of, but her owner assembled some friends in the evening, and
tried to force her from the. person to whom she had been temporarily confided by
Captain Findlay. This was previous to Samba’s escape, which with other instances-,
amply justified the seizure of the woman, and she was in confinement when I left
Bathurst, waiting to be sent to Sierra Leone for trial.