ves of
Africa are extremely jealous of white men, savage and ferocious in their
manners, and in the utmost degree tenacious of any encroachment upon their
country. This unhappy mistake may deprive the world of the researches of
this intelligent and persevering traveller, who certainly merits the esteem
of his country, and who, it is to be feared, may fall a victim to a
misconceived plan, and mistaken procedure.

[Illustration: PORTO PRAYA, ISLAND OF ST JAGO Published Aug 1 1807 by G & W
Nicol]

Although anxious to embark, yet I could not take my departure without
sensibly feeling and expressing my sense of obligation for the many
attentions I had to acknowledge from the officers of the garrison, and also
to several of the native inhabitants, among whom were Peppin, Martin, St.
John, and others; the latter, I am sorry to say, was in a bad state of
health; I am much indebted to him for his judicious remarks, and very
intelligent observations. This native received his education in France, and
has acquired a very superior intelligence relative to the present condition
of his country.

Accompanied by Mr. Hamilton, my hospitable and friendly host, and several
of the officers of the Lark, I embarked on board the Eugenie, on the 31st
of May, and arrived in Porto Praya Bay on the 3d of June.

The town of Porto Praya is situated upon a plain, forming a height from the
sea, level with the fort, and is a most wretched place, with a very weak
and vulnerable fortification. In the roads there is good anchorage for
shipping, opposite to Quail island, and for smaller vessels nearer the
shore. It has a governmenthouse, a catholic chapel, a market place, and
jail, built with stone; and is now the residence of the government of the
island of St. Jago, subject to the crown of Portugul. Formerly the
governor's place of abode was at the town of St. Jago, upon the opposite
side of the island: his title is that of governor-general of the islands,
comprehending Mayo, Fogo, &c.

Mayo is remarkable for its salt, which is cast on shore by the rollers or
heavy seas, which at certain periods prevail, and run uncommonly high. The
heat of the sun operating upon the saline particles, produces the salt,
which the inhabitants collect in heaps for sale. We anchored at Mayo for
some hours, and a number of vessels were lying in the roads, chiefly
Americans, taking in this article; it is a very rocky and dangerous
anchorage; we, however, found th