urned to his
boat, both parties appearing satisfied with each other.

Our market was for some days afterwards carried on at the above village
with reciprocal satisfaction, the supply of the several articles being
abundant. It was soon, however, evident, that the tribes who were
excluded by this arrangement, were by no means contented: and, as
Captain Owen was anxious to do justice to the whole, by giving each a
fair opportunity of barter, and as the immediate neighbourhood of the
settlement was more convenient for the greatest assemblage of persons
from the different tribes, he ordered, after first having a clear
understanding with the chiefs, a new market-place to be fenced in, near
the boundary line, which, from its situation and circumstances, ought to
be regarded as neutral ground. This establishment of a neutral ground,
was a measure of great importance and advantage, as we had now
discovered that the natives are not only divided into distinct tribes,
but that each tribe possesses a distinct portion of territory, and is
extremely jealous of admitting others within its boundaries. The new
market having been completed to-day, and a pole erected for the purpose
of hoisting a flag, during the appointed hours of barter, it was opened
about noon, with some ceremony, in consequence of hoisting, for the
first time on this island, an Union-jack, under the hearty cheers of a
large assembly, composed, perhaps, of as great a variety of people as
ever before witnessed the first display of the British flag in a foreign
land; comprising, besides our own countrymen and the inhabitants of the
island, natives of various parts of Africa. The ceremony concluded by
drinking palm-wine.

_Monday, Nov. 26_.--A circumstance unfortunately occurred to-day to
interrupt the good understanding so lately established. One of our black
labourers, who was occupied by himself in cutting wood within our lines,
had drunk some palm-wine, which had been offered to him, without his
having the means of paying for it; the natives, in consequence, forcibly
took from him the bill-hook he was using. The theft having been
communicated to Capt. Harrison, he assembled the chiefs who were at the
market, and explained the affair, when two of them, Chameleon and
Cut-throat, formed their respective followers into lines, each being
armed with his equipment of spears; a parley now took place between the
chiefs, who addressed their respective parties, with a view, no