Volltext Seite (XML)
African Memoranda, 373 CHAPTER XI. Advantageous position of the Country sketched in Chapter VIII for the purposes of Cultivation and Commerce—its Colonization proposed—Commodities intended to be there produced—how these might affect our ICest Indian possessions—what effect the Colonization of this Country might have on the African character, particularly with respect to Slavery—and how far it may con duce towards the introduction of Letters and Religion into that Country, as uf&C as to a more accurate knowledge of its interior. Reasons for fixing upon the territory between the Gambia and the Grande, and for beginning the Plantations on the latter, instead of on the former River. Conclusion. From looking, over the map of that part of Africa whose Advantage outline is traced in the beginning of Chapter VIII, andof S t be°coun” from what is there said, it will appear that on the westerng*™ coast of Africa there is a fertile country, inhabited by vari- andG '’ ande ous tribes, or nations; bounded by high mountains, two large tion - navigable rivers, and the sea; intersected with many small rivers, with more than 500 miles of navigable coasts for ships of burthen, and many more than a thousand navigable for boats; having on its southern side, one vast, continued, safe, and commodious harbour, of more than 100 miles in length, from Jatt’s island to the mouth of the Rio Grande. In this great extent of fertile and navigable country, com prized between the rivers Gambia and Grande, there is only