Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-10-04
CAPTAIN CANOT.

The New York papers resign a large por-
ton Of their space to extracts from Q Captain
Canot; or, Twenty Years of an American
SLAYER" edited by Brantz Mayer, of Balti-
more. The New York Times says eve had
not a thought when we had read the work half
through, that the adventures were true, but
with the conclusion of the volume the high
color is subdued, and it is hard to believe that
the records are not veraciousn
A comment upon the veracity of the writer
in contemporary, draws out statement from
Mr.. Mayer on the point. These are his words:
can assure your reviewer that if truth
is stranger than fiction, the story of Canot is
only strong illustration of that ancient say
ing. The adventurer's original manuscript is
still in my possession, roughly sketched in his
| imperfect English, and / am satisfied by COM
petent authority, that its personal anecdotes
and African characteristics are true. My task
in writing the book was entirely confined to
| filing my mind with Canots story, and setting
it forth in style which thought would be
simple, straight forward, and entertaining. In
no instance have | attempted TO increase the
artistic or romantic effect of scene by addi-
tional strokes OF the pencil or brush. In out
line, shadow, and color, it is Canot the Shaver "
DIR. Lugenbeel, who was colonial physician
at Liberia, for many years, writes as follows
"During my residence in Liberia, from lS43
to l849, i several times met Captain Canot al
Monrovia, and though my knowledge of the
fact of his having been extensively engaged in
the nelarious traffic in slaves, and my suspi-
cions Of his still being thus engaged though
not openly, for the fear of the dispeasure and
| opposition of the Liberian authorities, pre-
vented that freedom on my part toward him
| which his gentlemanly bearing and his polite
attentions to me would Otherwise have elected
inaenuousnss sU WIZ mired. an and aPp which
would have indyn The. .sed me to seek his
society had kno... 49, --ia skirts were clear
Of the staia of .ne accountable slave trade
His reputation among the citizens Of Liberia
with some Of whom he was engaged to con
siderable extent in legitimate trade-was o
liberal and honorable man, and have FIRE
quently heard masters of vessels, who had con
siderable dealings with him, speak Of him as {
man Of integrity and veracity. From the par
tial examination that have given IL, / am in
duced to regard it as a truthful narrative Of The
adventures OF an extraordinary man. His de
| scriptions Of Africa and African life are, be
leve, in accordance with his own observations
and think his statements are not designedlI
exaggerated
/ The Times adds: True or not, The book il
surprisingly interesting and full of information
II brings up before the mind Africa rs it is, no
relieved by much that is pleasant, nor painting
much of the gorgeous scenery, not describing
its animated nature, except that of its loves
order-its human beings. Revolving as thei
orgies are, We cannot but read them when the
are presented, with absorbing interest. Tbs
internal slave trade, though il causes most o
the other evils, seems in itself as here sketched
to be the least repulsiye Of their peculiar in
stitutions. We never before saw so yividly tn
appalling nature Of the difficulties that hav
prevented the moro rapid growth and attende
on the establishment Of the few colonies tina
skirt the continent. We are amazed how j
spite Of a deadly climate, the strong opposin
drift Of native sentiment and perils on ever
side, our own benevolent colony Of Liberia ha
attained its present importance and dignity.
is matter Of unaccountabe success"