Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1882-07-28
A Diamond Headlight.

sWhile abroad I was fortunate
enough to see the largest and most val
liable diamond in the world. 1t was
ny good fortune to learn of very rich
one in the hands of a slave, who made
ais escape from the coast, and had been
away from the mines about year, but
It was not then known that he had got
len away with anything very valuable
m the shape of stone. He roamed
around for period of eighteen months.
through every vicissitude. He had
many difficulties before him in trying to
gain passage. Finally he got on board
boat which CHANGED in the Gambeza
River. Twice he was confined in servi-
Sude. until by two escapes he finally
made safe arrival in London. There
be Inadvertently became acquainted
with an African woman who had been
brought from slavery to London, and
was then free. She was a servant in the
family whose guest Twas. This woman
could speak his tongue, and, after be-
coming better acquainted with her he
1lvulged his secret, telling her that he
had been slave, in servitude for years
IN the diamond-felds of Africa; that by
providential escape he had made his
way to London. He told her that he
wanted to obtain information in refer
ence to getting his wife and children to
London. The black woman, in her ig-
norance, was unable to tell him what to
do. and she applied to me, knowing that
had knowledge of slave times in
America. After hearing the story I ad-
vised them to apply to the British Con-
fol hui
with them, and upon explaining to the
Consul, the question arose, among other
questions, what recompense he could
make the English Government for 90
ing to such expense as he had asked.
After demurring good while, on ac-
count OF the great fear he felt about let
ting the officials know he had such a
treasure, he finally admitted that he had
rich stone. Upon further inquiry and
delay he requested the gentleman to
come and make an examination. He
exercised great caution for one
Of such ignorance, but finally brought
down large stale loaf of bread and
laid it on the table for its examination.
Before the loaf was cut open he negoti-
ated for the safe arrival of his family
and protection against his former mas.
tiers, provided the value of the diamond,
was such as represented. having ten
dered him advice, was given an invita-
ton to be present in the provincial build
ing when the examination was made. I
was not prepared, however, to believe
that would have the satisfaction of see-
ing what is considered as the largest and
most valuable diamond in the world.
When the loaf was cut open few be-
lieved that diamond would be revealed.
Hatton Garden experts were called, and
they were 10th to believe that the stone
was as large and valuable as the owner
had represented. 1t was the size of an
ordinary orange when revealed; and
thereupon it was at once claimed by
some present that it was of very low
grade and of inferior quality. On a
more thorough examination and partial
cutting it was found to represent a
weight of over six hundred carats. 1t
was subsequently shown to a number of
the largest diamond dealers in London.
Its history was traced as accurately as
possible; the slave was believed, money
was put up, and his wife and children
were at once sent for. The slave was
treated like lord of the manor, and the
last time that saw him he was riding
in fine carriage and enjoying all the
comforts and luxuries of London. II
was queer sight to see him-as black
rs tar and regular Ethiopian.
1.-The diamond was purchased by a
syndicate of capitalists, and the very
best experts pronounced it a very fine
specimen. Its owners hold it at e.
500, 200; and have refused $4,000, OOO
for the stone. Shortly after it passed
from the hands of the black man to its
present owners, it was examined and
admired by the Queen of England and
the Prince of Wales. Cor. st. Louis
Republican.