For the purposes of trade and useful communication of every kind with
the interior of Africa, the Settlement in the Gambia seems to possess
advantages far beyond those of any other British Settlement on the
Coast of Africa. It has that which in all countries, but more
especially in Africa, where no means of land carriage exist, save the
backs of slaves, is of the highest value, the command of a noble
river, navigable for vessels of considerable tonnage for several
hundred miles into the interior; and it would appear as if a little
fiscal encouragement to its products and those of its
vicinity,--together with the employment of Steamers, which we would
earnestly recommend, both for the suppression of the Slave Trade at
the mouths of the neighbouring Rivers and for keeping up
communication, both commercial and official, with the Settlement of
Macarthy’s Island, (which is itself nearly 200 miles up the river) and
with the countries still higher up,--would draw out untold resources
for a useful and honourable commerce, and even restore to us some
portion of the gum trade which we have lately lost.
As in the case of the Gold Coast, we recommend the entire separation
of this Government from that of Sierra Leone. The dependence, which
has hitherto existed, has been the cause of great inconvenience, and
seems to possess no advantage. The Laws of the Settlement have been
enacted by those who are little acquainted with its concerns. Their
Gaol has depended for clearance on the uncertain arrival of a Chief
Justice from a distance of 500 miles, and by a voyage of above 20
days; and in the case of the death of one Chief Justice, two years
elapsed before a criminal, confined under a charge of murder could be
brought to trial, and then, owing to the delay, the witnesses had
returned to Europe, and no evidence could be found. Even if a regular
Steam Communication were established, though the amount of the evil
would undoubtedly be thus diminished, yet still the uncertainty of
life in such a climate should not be forgotten; and we would recommend
the appointment of a distinct Judicial Officer in each Settlement, who
should have authority to act in case of vacancy in either.
The Governor should have the assistance of a Council; but under the
circumstances of the Settlement, we recommend that he should have full
power to act on his own responsibility, and even contrary to their
advice; every Member of the Council, including the Governor, in such
cases, as in India, recording the reasons of his opinion for the
information of the Government at home.
We would earnestly recommend to consideration the propriety of
reestablishing the former British Settlement on the Island of Bulama.
Its climate is certainly unhealthy; but we are not aware that it is
more so than that of Sierra Leone or of some other places on the
Coast. It might be principally, if not entirely occupied, by British
subjects of Negro race; and its position, both for checking the Slave
Trade of Bissao and its neighbourhood, and for drawing out the
legitimate resources of several noble rivers, would be invaluable.
We would also suggest the erection of small Blockhouses, whether up
the Gambia itself, or along the Coast, as at Cestos and the Gallinas,
on points where British commerce is superseding the Slave Trade, as
they would protect the lawful trade, and prevent the re-appearance of
the Slave Trade where it has been extinguished, or is dying away.