GO ASHORE TO VISIT THE KING. 231, 



and did it in English, from which I might read it 

 over, as nearly as the Houssa would allow. 



I sent out the boat, with the carpenter Miller, 

 to recruit him a little. The weather still foggy, 

 with strong breezes from the eastward. 



On Monday, 2l7th of January, I received a 

 message from the king, desiring my attendance 

 at the palace the next day, when a great number 

 of Mallams and chiefs from the neighbourhood 

 were to be present. 



Early the following morning, the king sent to 

 inquire after my health, and to inform me that 

 he would send horses down to the landing-place 

 when I was to go to him and settle the palaver. 

 About 11 A. M. the horses arrived, and I went 

 ashore, taking with me Jowdie as our drummer, 

 with our union-jack and ensign on a staff, and 

 six Kroomen, all of whom were armed. 



The town presented a gay and lively appear- 

 ance, every person being dressed in clean cloths 

 and tobes. As we came to Abboka's house, a 

 vast concourse of people were assembled before 

 it. I sent him a present of some yellow soap, 

 and then went in to see the old man. I found 

 him better than he had been ; which he attributed 



