Note 18 — Chapter I
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Some of the kidnapping tales that still linger on this coast, show the straits into which, at times, men were driven for a cargo. At Annobom, where the people are Negro-Portuguese, they are ever looking forward to hearing mass from the mouth of a priest. A Spaniard learning this, dressed up a pair of ecclesiastics, landed them, and whilst the function was proceeding, seized the whole congregation, and carried them triumphantly to market. The following communication will show the value of Fernandian cotton. But, alas! labour is at 30s. per week:—
“COTTON SUPPLY ASSOCIATION.
“Offices: No. 1, Newall’s Buildings,
“Manchester, February, 1864.
“Captain R. F. Burton, H.B.M. Consul,
“Fernando Po.
“Sir,—Your communication, with the two samples of cotton, had the due attention of the Committee, and I have now to hand you their report upon the latter.
“1st. Fernando Po.—Dull in colour, clean, staple fine, and fair length; value 28d. per lb.
“2nd. Congo.—Dull brown colour, staple coarse and weak; value 27d. per lb.
Middling Orleans Cotton being worth 28¼d. per lb.
“The Committee would be glad to learn that such cotton as your samples, especially the first, could be sent from Fernando Po in large quantities to this district, where trade is languishing, and our population so severely suffering for want of a supply of such cotton.
“We shall be glad to have any further particulars respecting the production of your immediate neighbourhood, and the price at which such as your sample No. 1 can be collected, and any other information you may be kindly disposed to furnish.
“I am, Sir,
“Yours respectfully,
(Signed) “Isaac Watts, Secretary.”