FORMAL VISIT TO ATTAH. 127 



which was called English Island. Abboka also 

 promised to erect a large house for me to occupy 

 on my return up the river. 



The king having sent horses down to the 

 river-side, Mr. Lander, Lieutenant Allen, and 

 myself, with six Kroomen, and Jowdie as our 

 drummer, landed with the union jack attached to 

 a pole. Hundreds of the natives came out to see 

 us pass by ; and well they might, if it was only 

 to hear the discordant sounds of our drum. On 

 our way we joined Abboka, who was waiting to 

 accompany us. 



After a short stay in the queen's apartments, 

 whither we were invariably conducted first, 

 Goora-nuts and palm-wine being placed before 

 us, a eunuch came to inform us that the king 

 was ready to receive us. Attah, the king, is 

 a very proud and cruel man : the whole of his 

 eunuchs are compelled to shave the crown of 

 the head, and his brother is forced to submit to 

 the same form. On entering the king's apart- 

 ments, Abboka was always obliged to repeat, 

 " The king lives here ; long may he live and 

 reign !" and when he or the eunuchs, or any of 

 the chiefs, entert he royal presence, they kneel 

 down and throw sand over their heads. Many 



