branches of the Port Logo and Rochell. It is obscured from the view by the
island of Tasso, until bearing round a point of that island called Tasso
Point; the eye is then attracted by a regular fortification, and even an
elegant range of buildings and store-houses, which, with great propriety,
may be considered as one of the most desirable positions upon the windward
coast of Africa, to command the interior commerce of the countries
bordering upon the river Sierra Leone and its branches, and that of the
rivers to the northward, the Scarcies and adjoining rivers, the Rio Pongo,
with the Isles De Loss, Rio Grande, Rio Noonez, &c. and those which fall
into the sea from Cape Sierra Leone to Cape Palmas.

Tasso is an island adjoining, about a mile and a half distant, of some
extent, and a remarkably fertile soil. It is attached to Bance Island;
bearing cotton of a very good staple, and is capable of producing any
tropical production. Considerable labour and expense have been applied to
introduce cultivation into this island, and to exemplify to the African the
advantages derivable from his native soil, by the civil arts of life; while
under a still more scientific superintendency, it would become a possession
of very considerable consequence in an agricultural view.

Bance Island is little more than a barren rock, of about three-quarters of
a mile in extent. The entrance into the fort is through a folding door or
gate, over which, throughout the night, a watch is constantly placed. The
expectations excited by its external appearance were by no means lessened
by a view of the interior of the fort, in which were assembled several
traders, and chiefs, with their attendants. I was much the object of their
curiosity and attention; and in their manner, all came up to me, to _give
me service _, as expressed in the idiom of their language. This ceremony is
simply performed by touching the fingers, accompanied in the Timminy
language by the usual obeisance of _Currea _, or, how do you do? The reply