The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-06-06
FROM AFRICA.
UNITED SrArEs SHip JAMEsrowS,
m anchor oH Can> p,I,nas

rnOM AFRICA.
UNITED SrArEs Smp JAMEsrows,
~ anchor of Cape Painas,
l7lh April, loi5.
STA: have the honor TO inform Won that on the
10Th Of March we sailed from Measurable 10 the
eastward, coasting along shore, looked in at Mar
shaii, and the next day at Sinou, missionary sta
uons,) showing our colors through the day; the
natives came of IN their canoes 10 great numbers.
On the 18th exchanged private signals with British
steamer; at ! p. m. anchored of Cape Palmas des-
patched boat for Gov Russwurm who came ON
board: From HIM learned that the coonists were
enjoying peace in all their relations with the native
tribes, but that a sanguinary war was raging be-
tween the Gurrawah people, and those Of Half Cav
ally and River Cavally, within twelve miles Of the
Cape; which, interfering materially with the trade of
the colony, he was DESTROYS that should act as
restore peace, TO which, as an act of humanity,
readily assented-the more cheerfally, as an Amer-
can mission family resided at Half Cayally, in the
centre ofthe contending parties. AT Cape Palmas,
received the report Of Commander Bell, of the
Yorktown, dated Goth Of February, at Gaboon, all
well; he was to sail that day for the souhward.
On the l7th sailed from Cape Palmns. and an
chored the same night off the town and mission
mousse al Half Cavally; next morning, despatched
a canoe, with note 10 Mr. Payne, and by return,
had the satisfaction to learn that the missionaries were
well, and felt perfectly secure. In the mean
time, Governor Russwurm, who had come down
from Harper by land, wrote me from the town
OF Half Cavally, stating that he had endeayored
IN vain to ''set palaver' on board the James
town. The victorious Half Cavallys and King
Freeman (who came board) were willing;
but the other parties refused TO listen TO any terms
of peace, and declared their determination to decide
the matter by the sword. After cautoning them az
regarded our missionaries, sailed from Cavaly, in
forming Governor Russwurm that my interference
in native quarrels could extend no farther than as
ms mfr r,orc tnta nr
promise between the native tribes and the Maryland
Colonization Society, to whose arbitrament the ma
tives had-he informed me-agreed to submit their
disputes, and now refused. OF Rockbooka, the
head men came off, bringing the original compact
entered into with Commodore Perry, binding them
selves to protect Americans and their property
within that territory, which they cheerfuly re-
newed II appears the American flag is feared
and respected along the whole extent coast. The
frequent appearance Of ships Of war has salu-
will, without doubt afford ample security 10 our
growing commerce.
On the 18th passed Berribee, where the piracy
was committed on the American schooner sMary
Carver" and which was followed by severe retribu-
ion. Several canoes came of; but on discovering
the character of the ship, they fed in great consier
nation; nor could they be prevailed to lay aside
their fears, sent them word by the natives of
other districts that they had nothing apprehend,
so long as they conducted themselves peaceably.
On the goth passed close in 70 Little Lahou, and
same day looked into Grand Lahou, native town
Of considerable trade. There were three Eng
lish merchantmen at anchor. In this neighbor-
hood, also, many Of the natives who came off
fled in terror the moment they ascertained our
character Others were, by much enreaty, prevailed
on to come on board and trade; and soon felt per-
fecy at ease. Our large guns, however, appeared to
MI them with perfect horror At p. m. passed the
Dutch castle Of AKIN. On the 22d passed the Dutch
fortress of St George del Nina, and the British
lie of Cape Coast. AT Del Nina there were an Amer
lean and Hamburger vessel anchor; at Cape Coast
two English vessels. On the 23d, at meridian, pass
ed the English Dutch, and Danish castles at Accrn:
there were at anchor an American and two English
vessels In passing the various towns and forti6ca-
tons along the coast we ran through the anchorages
ting with Us, should it be desired, our coors dis
played, which invariably returned, the castles
and shores crowded with spectators.
From the Oath until the 9th the weather was
thick and rainy, with vivid lightning Hauled up
from Cape Formosa. for Princes island; on the 29th
anchored in West Bay, latitude 10 So NORTH longi-
tude 70 IL east, replenished water, and sailed
on the night Of the Both for the river Guboon. At
West Bay, the British have depot Of coal for their
s'eamers; it affords water Of excellent quality,
and easy of access with other refreshments at rea-
sonable rates. and sufficient quantities.
In CONSCIENCE of the heavy rains and calms, we
did not arrive off the mouth of the river until the
night of April 81. We there anchored in latitude
BY north, longitude 80 l2' east the rains frequent
and heavy, with much lightning. Fired gun for a
pilot; but none coming Off on the morning Of the Sd
sent the letters for the missionaries canoe bound
up to the town; there being no object Of sufficient
importance to induce me to risk the health Of the
crew by ascending the river during the heavy rains;
and having long distance to retrace TO our place of
rendezvous, requiring much time, as had made ar
rangements to stop at intermediate places, at p. m
no boat coming of, weighed and made sail to the
northward and westward. .,t.
From the Sd to the 18th, experienced alternate
Gains and squalls, attended with much rain, thun-
der, and lightning; on the 10th, made Cape Palmas;
at 5, p. M, anchored. An American bark lying
here, bound to the United States, gives me an OPP
porunity Of forwarding this, with other commune
cations, and duplicates of those forwarded from
Monrovin. We have, since leaving that place,
coasted along distance Of fourteen hundred and
fifty miles, and returned TO this place, twelve hum
dred. You will perceive the ship has not been idle.
The officers and crew are in good health, though
they have been exposed to much RAIN they are,
however, somewhat debilitated by the heat Of the
climate. My stay here will be short; propose
touching at Moprovia to fill up water, and pro-
coed 10 Port Praya where hope to receive intelli-
gence from the United States. III
! have the honor to be, eEa Wy. 4
Respectfully sir,
Your obedent servant,
CIIAS. w. SKINNER,
Commanding U. s. naval forces,
Western coast of Africa.
Hon. SECRETARY OF THE NAVY,
Washington.