Orissa’s wives. 
195 
tiful. Opposite this, on the left shore, there is 
a sandy beach. We anchored at dusk. The river was 
three hundred and sixty yards wide, and thirty feet deep, 
with a current of two and a quarter knots. 
3 A.M. Th. 78®w’et bulb, Mason’s Hygr. 75® 
9 A.M. „ 80® „ „ „ 76® 
3 p.m. „ 75® „ „ „ 73® 
9 p.m. „ 75® „ „ „ 73«i- 
2AtJi . — A showery morning. Weighed at 5 A.M., 
and proceeded up the river, wondering why we did 
not see our companions; but in this unhealthy 
part, Commander W. Allen did not think it advisable 
to loiter to let them overtake us. 
1 1 A.M. — A canoe came alongside, from which Mr. 
Wakeham, purser, purchased some yams, fish, &c. The 
people appeared to be delighted with the novelty, and 
curiosity was strongly written on their countenances. 
About twelve, we reached the Benin branch, and 
somewhat above it, on the right bank, the town of 
Anyah, or“Oniah.” The excitement onshore was very 
great, and many canoes pushed off, the largest of which, 
with twenty “ pullaboys,” or negro paddlers, contained 
Orissa, the chief, and his four favourite wives. The 
latter were pleasing in feature, and very prettily 
over the person. They only remained alongside, how'- 
ever, a very short time, retreating into some rather 
diminutive canoes, in which they moved towards the 
shore, talking very rapidly and vehemently, as if piqued 
at the want of gallantry shew’n in not inviting them on 
