Captain _Henry Worsley Hill_, R.N. sworn. Examined by Mr. Serjeant
_Talfourd_.
_Q._ You were formerly the commander of a ship called the Saracen?--_A._
Yes, I commanded her on the coast of Africa.
From what time to what time? Did you command the Saracen on the 1st of
October, 1837?--I commanded her from October, 1837, to June, 1841.
What was the general nature of the service you were engaged upon?--The
protection of British commerce, and the prevention of the slave trade.
Mr. Justice _Maule_. What was the Saracen?--She was a man-of-war, a
brig.
A king’s ship?--Yes.
Mr. Serjeant _Talfourd_. Did you become acquainted in the course of that
service with the river Gallinas?--Yes.
How far is the river Gallinas from Sierra Leone?--For large vessels
navigating it is necessary to go round a large tract of shoals, which
makes it 150 or 200 miles; but there is a nearer navigation for smaller
ships and boats. It depends so much upon the draught of water of the
vessel you are navigating.
Is there any town on the river Gallinas?--On the river Gallinas there
are several small towns.
What is the nature of the population there?--The population of the
Gallinas consists of the inhabitants, negroes, they are all blacks; and
the European population are chiefly Spaniards.
Mr. _Kelly_. The European population is principally Spaniards?--Yes,
chiefly so.
Mr. Serjeant _Talfourd_. At the time you first became acquainted with
the river Gallinas, were there any barracoons there?--Yes.