THE BISHOP OP ANGOLA. 255 



had regard to strength without reference to color. I believe 

 that most of the Bechuana nation would have done the 

 same. But I was assured that the people near the coast, 

 with whom the Portuguese have to deal, have not so much 

 regard to durability. This probably arises from calico 

 being the chief circulating-medium, — quantity being then 

 of more importance than quality. 



During the period of my indisposition, the bishop sent 

 frequently to make inquiries, and as soon as I was able to 

 walk I went to thank him for his civilities. His whole 

 conversation and conduct showed him to be a man of great 

 benevolence and kindness of heart. Alluding to my being 

 a Protestant, he stated that he was a Catholic from convic- 

 tion; and though sorry to see others, like myself, following 

 another path, he entertained no uncharitable feelings, nor 

 would he ever sanction persecuting measures. He com- 

 pared the various sects of Christians, in their way to 

 heaven, to a number of individuals choosing to pass down 

 the different streets of Loanda to one of the churches : all 

 would arrive at the same point at last. His good influence, 

 both in the city and the country, is universally acknow- 

 ledged: he was promoting the establishment of schools, 

 which, though formed more on the monastic principle than 

 Protestants might approve, will no doubt be a blessing. He 

 was likewise successfully attempting to abolish the non- 

 marriage austom of the country; and several marriages 

 had taken place in Loanda among those who, but for his 

 teaching, would have been content with concubinage. 



St. Paul de Loanda has been a very considerable city, 

 but is now in a state of decay. It contains about twelve 

 thousand inhabitants, most of whom are people of color.* 



* From the census of 1850—51 we find the population of this city- 

 arranged thus : — 830 whites, only 160 of -whom are females. This is the 

 largest collector, of whites in the country, for Angola itself contains only 

 about 1000 whites. There are 2400 half-castes in Loanda, and only 120 

 of them slaves ; and there are 9000 blacks, more than 5000 of whom are 

 tilavea 



