These people are said to be very litigious and obstinate:  constant disputes are taking place respecting their lands.  A case came before the weekly court of the commandant involving property in a palm-tree worth twopence.  The judge advised the pursuer to withdraw the case, as the mere expenses of entering it would be much more than the cost of the tree.  “Oh no,” said he; “I have a piece of calico with me for the clerk, and money for yourself.  It’s my right; I will not forego it.”  The calico itself cost three or four shillings.  They rejoice if they can say of an enemy, “I took him before the court.”

My friend Mr. Canto, the commandant, being seized with fever in a severe form, it afforded me much pleasure to attend him in his sickness, who had been so kind to me in mine.  He was for some time in a state of insensibility, and I, having the charge of his establishment, had thus an opportunity of observing the workings of slavery.  When a master is ill, the slaves run riot among the eatables.  I did not know this until I observed that every time the sugar-basin came to the table it was empty.  On visiting my patient by night, I passed along a corridor, and unexpectedly came upon the washerwoman eating pine-apples and sugar.  All the sweetmeats were devoured, and it was difficult for me to get even bread and butter until I took the precaution of locking the pantry door.  Probably the slaves thought that, as both they and the luxuries were the master’s property, there was no good reason why they should be kept apart.

Debarred by my precaution from these sources of enjoyment, they took to killing the fowls and goats, and, when the animal was dead, brought it to me, saying, “We found this thing lying out there.”  They then enjoyed a feast of flesh.  A feeling of insecurity prevails throughout this country.  It is quite common to furnish visitors with the keys of their rooms.  When called on to come to breakfast or dinner, each locks his door and puts the key in his pocket.  At Kolobeng we never locked our doors by night or by day for months together; but there slavery is unknown.  The Portuguese do not seem at all bigoted in their attachment to slavery, nor yet in their prejudices against color.  Mr. Canto gave an entertainment in order to draw all classes together and promote general good-will.  Two sovas or native chiefs were present, and took their places without the least appearance of embarrassment.  The Sova of Kilombo appeared in the dress of a general, and the Sova of Bango was gayly attired in a red coat, profusely ornamented with tinsel.  The latter had a band of musicians with him consisting of six trumpeters and four drummers, who performed very well.  These men are fond of titles, and the Portuguese government humors them by conferring honorary captaincies, etc.:  the Sova of Bango was at present anxious to obtain the title of “Major of all the Sovas”.  At the tables of other gentlemen I observed the same