night, and perhaps for a week, or greater length of time, bearing, however,
due reference to the rank and consequence of the connubial pair.

The following morning the bride issues forth, with solemn pace and slow, in
grand procession, preceded by her most intimate female associate during her
virgin state, reclining upon her shoulder with both hands; who, in
consequence, is considered as the next matrimonial candidate. They are
immediately surrounded by a concourse of attendants, accompanied by music,
dancing, and other wild expressions of joy; and in a body proceed to visit
her circle of acquaintance and friends, who are always expected to
contribute some offering of congratulation. This ceremony is the concluding
one on the part of the bride; while the dancing and music are continued by
the attendants as long as they can procure any thing either to eat or
drink.

[Illustration: ISLAND OF GOREE Published Aug 1 1807 by G & W Nicol]

In a military point of view, in its present condition, the island of Goree
is far from being a place of strength; but in a commercial, it is of
considerable importance; and, therefore, ought to claim the attention of
Government, if it attaches any consequence towards a commerce with the
coast of Africa. In a military character, its batteries and guns are in an
extremely bad condition; and it is completely a position where a piccaroon
privateer could check every supply from the continent, upon which it
depends for fresh provisions and water, and might carry on hostile
operations without the range of its batteries; which, by consequence,
always exposes this garrison to contingencies and casual supply. In a
commercial consideration, I view it as a possession of the greatest moment;
from its contiguity to the French settlement of the Senegal, and to a large
portion of that valuable district, which they claim and influence; from
whence accurate information may be obtained of their operations; and a
check may issue, to maintain our ascendency to leeward; besides a rallying
point for our outward bound ships, to ascertain the enemy's force upon the
coast; the deviation from a direct course to leeward being very
unimportant: moreover, it might be an eligible depot for the trade of that
infinitely valuable river, the Gambia, which, for variety of natural
productions, is perhaps not to be excelled by any other in the world; only
requiring the hand of industry and intelligence to fertilize an