Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-07-27
A NEW NEGRO NATION.


NEW NEGRO NATION.
From an extract published in the Albany Argus,
and derived from the Narrative Of Mr. Wilson, a
in Africa, we learn that he has Disco
vered nation of Philippians never before seen or
described by any white man. Mr.. Wilson is sta
toned on the Gaboon River, which empties in the
Atlantic, about twenty miles north Of the Equator.
The mission is at the mouth Of the river, but
having a fine opportunity, Mr.. Wilson accompa-
MED Toxic, distinguished negro merchant, up the |
Gaboon and its tributary the Big Orombo, TO no
bangai's town, fifty miles from the ocean, on the |
Bawke, branch Of the Big Orombo. This was
as far up the river al he assembled While there,
he met with new nation of Africans, " some of
whom were said to come five days journey and
others ten or twelve days journey from the nte-
rior"-that is from 900 to 400 miles from the sea
coast. He calls them the PdngUe people, be-
cause they came from the direction in which a
country of tina; name lies. The distance from the
coast indicates that they came from Ethiopia; and
possibly that this people may spread over that
vast unknown region of Africa.
The existence and use Of iron Of their own
manufacture, seems very remarkable, and philoso-
pliers would say, indicates an advanced state oil
civilization, for il is known that barbarous or
savage people never have iron of their own manu-
facture until it has been first introduced by the
whites. The non-existence of slavery and the
slave trade among them, shows feature still
more distinctive from the ordinary African.
| we are IuIhlSneu Oy the Argus Win tne iOllOW-
ing passage from the journal Of Mr.. Wilson:
During our short sojourn in this place, we
met with number of men entirely different in
! their features aud general appearance from those
In this part OF the country, some Of whom were
said to have come five, and others ten or twelve
days journey from the Interior They were known
by the name of the Pangwe people. They were
on a visit to this part Of the country, which is as
near to the sea coast as they have ven,ured.-
Hearing of us at this place, they came in consi-
derable numbers 10 see white man and old Toxic
one of whom was as much an object o. curiosity
as the Other.
Il "Those of them whom we saw, both men and
, women, were vastly superior in their personal ap-
, pearance to the maritime tribes; and if they may
be regarded as fair specimen of their people,
should have no hesitation in pronouncing them
the finest Africans whom l have ever met with
They wear no clothing, except piece Of cloth
, made Of the inner bark of a tree. This is drawn
between the legs and fastened ABOUND the Joins by
a cord. Nor do they covet cloth. On the Other
hand they jeer the bushmen of this region, by
r telling them that they wear cloth to conceal the
personal defects, and their external Diseases
E Both men and women braid their hair with great
, deal OF taste. The women braid the hair on the
iorePart of the head in two rows, which lies ove
q the forehead not unlike the frill of cap. Tina
on the back part is plated into five or six braids
which reach below the shoulders.
- The men are of medium stature, remarkabi,
I well formed, healthy in their appearance, anc
! manly in their department. They had knives
spears, travelling bags, and other articles of Gu
, rlous and ingenious workmanship, specimens o
which we procured for very small quantity O
q beads. All of their implements are made of iroI
q OF their own. which is considered vastly superio
. to any brought to the country by trading vessels
= Thou set 7: n" uAinA nn9n nlnih and vet hav
were willing to give away any thing they had 70
| Inc smallest quantity of either of these: The,
represent their country mountainous and health
iui' ana affirm that cutaneous and other disease.
common to the maritime regions are unknowr
among them. They have never participated in
Inc slave trade, and regard it, as is by no means
unnatural in their circumstances, with the utmosl
adherence.
one or two instances are known where thew
nave visited attempts to enslave their people with
signal vengeance. /, is difficult to define the Ii
mits and extent Of their country Perhaps the
most westerly border of what is known as the
frtangwe territory was within one hundred and
hity miles OF the coast, and from thence it NAV
f extend many hundred miles into the interior. and
possibly spread itself large portion of the
SCUM Side OF the Mountains of the Moon Their
country Is represented as immensely populons.
Out could not learn that they had any very LARGE
or powerful organizations. They are aware thai
vessels visit the opposite coast and they affirm
.hat they have seen articles of merchandise
Drought from that quarter. ] am inclined to think
mat the Pangwe people migrating in large
bodies towards the coast. IL so the intermediates
bushmon, weakened as they are by the slave trade.
must inevitably be suppanted."