FONDNESS FOR NAVAL DRESS. 
123 
his “ boys ” — as they are called — into the various duties 
the white man may require ; for this preliminary edu- 
cation he receives a small portion of the wages of 
each of his party. Every gang of Krumen or Fishmen 
has, therefore, one or more headmen, according to its 
numbers, who interpret the orders and see them properly 
executed. These superiors can alone punish the people 
under their care, which they do with right good will 
when it is necessary. Even on board vessels of war, 
they are not allowed to be- punished by white men, as 
such a proceeding would be so offensive to either tribe, 
that they would probably desert in a body. 
At Sierra Leone, they have a locality called Kru Town, 
where they reside until their services may be required ; 
and it is amusing to notice their variety of costume on 
particular occasions. Being always the highest bidders 
at the sale of deceased officers’ effects, articles of uniform 
are purchased by them ; and it is not unusual to see one 
with a post-captain’s coat and epaulettes, surmounting a 
waistcloth ; or another with a scanty fold of cotton round 
the middle, while his head and the lower extremities are 
severally encased in a cocked hat and pair of Wellington 
boots. The lucky possessors of such outward insignia 
of office, are fond of imitating the routine of a man-of- 
war, in Kru Town, by mustering at divisions, the officer 
of the watch, spy-glass in hand, reporting to the Captain, 
&c. This produces emulation and a desire to serve on 
board ship, and to merit a “ good book ” or character. 
When their term of servitude has expired, they repair 
