The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-10-22
U. S. SHIP JOHN ADAMS,

MADEIRA, 2Sth August, 1850
Sir: have the honor to report that, in obedience
Ia the instructions of Commodore Gregory / sailed
the 10th July last from Porto Praya for the Gam
ba, in order TO communicate with Richard Lloyd,
esq, who had kindly given the Commodore infor-
nation relative to several American searnen said to
be held by the Trassart Arabs, near Portandic for
ransom. The sum demanded, as Mr.. Lloyd in
formed me, was not less than $500, and $1,000
if he could get it.
On my arrival at Bathurst entered into arrange
nents with Mr.. Lloyd, paid him $500 in hand,
and gave him to understand that when the men
were delivered, if they had been well treated,
should pay to him the remainder, to wit, $500,
for the ransom in full.
Mr.. Lloyd informed me that he doubted much
the truth of the story told by the Moors who gave
the information, and who were intent reopening
the extinct trade of Portandic, and who may have
resorted to this prctext for getting trading ship
there once more. But he gave the information Us
he got it, and it was probably true Butthat IT, on
reaching Portandic, the Arabs and men were not
forthcoming in day or two, might rely on it
that there neither faith truth in these people
or their story.
Having completed my business at Bathurst,
sailed for Portandic, and anchored on the coast on
Thursday evening, 25th July. The next morning,
an carly uOuis lhCilHR j.
Higgins with two boats, to endeavor to open com
munication with the Arabs Lieutenant Higgins
the coast down from the Angel Hills to the vi
cnity of Portandic-a range Of some twenty miles
of coast Portondic has not solitary inhabitant,
and in fact, the only persona who appeared were a
horde Of several fishermen, (four five,) some of
whom swan off to his boats. He spent the day
in fruitless inquiries, and returned board at
night. At an early hour the next day the same
officer proceeded at first, with like success, and
again on Sunday. The boats were anchored close
10 the shore, in the little bay of Porandic, with
flags flying, and now and then giving trifling
present of tobacco, &c, to the only persons who
appeared, to wit, the fishermen fret seen. Save
these, if there any jewellers on the coast, none
came near them.
wrote n note, addressed to the chief, MocTAR,
whose Arabic name ! copied from his autograph,
furnished by MIR. Lloyd, and secured il TO pole
and charged the fishermen with the care Of it, which
left the site of Portandc. II was to the effect
that ship of war had been sent according to his
request; that the rapsom bad been paid to Mr.
Lloyd, which he (Moctar) could obtain when the
men were produced; that Senegal was close by-tc
take them there; and the certificate that they were
in Christian hands in Senegal would be sufficient
II the men be in captivity, they interpret the
letter 10 the chief But / doubt the truth of the
whole story; or, if true, whether they will be given
up. Senegal is only sixty or seventy miles south
Of Portandc, and hssepeop'e IN constant com
muncation with the French colonists there. The
could have been rnnsomcd through this channel, nj
any time, if in captivity that is, had the design
actually existed.
regret that efforts failed to procure any in
formation, or throw any light on this subject.
= am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient SER
want, (Signcd) l.. NJ. POWELL,
Commander y. S. ship John adams.
To the Hon the or Tur