There is a village called Ebunda, about seven or eight miles from Creek Town, on a branch of the river that flows by Guinea Company. The people came originally from another part of the country, and maintain their own language and customs, mixed with those of Calabar. The chief died there, and ten slaves were put to death for him. Some people from our quarter, being there at the time, declared that such deeds were no longer lawful, being forbidden both by white men and Calabar; but the little colony smartly replied, that they were neither white men nor Calabar men, and would follow their own fashions.

That same evening a man was caught stealing at our house, and was tied up, till we should know what to do with him. His wife had been at Ebunda buying yams, and hearing on her return where her “goodman” was, came to beg him off. To engage our favour she told us what had occurred at that place, and got him home as her reward. We were indeed glad to get rid of him, even on her promise of his better behaviour. When we told the king, next day, the report that had reached us, he professed not to have heard, but promised to inquire; while, as we afterwards learned, he knew all about it. Mr. Thomson and I proceeded thither, therefore, to inquire for ourselves, accompanied by a messenger on his part.