'Further Papers respecting the Slave Trade on the East Coast of Africa and the System Pursued for its Suppression' [‎73r] (13/50)

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Harbour, and here some sheds have been erected to protect them from the weather (the
Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. have sanctioned the erection of permanent pendalls to accommo
date 150, with the necessary out-house and hospital, and it is hoped these will soon be
finished); this island is completely isolated, and all provisions and water have to be
conveyed to it by boat from the town—a distance of more than two miles—the available
space for exercise is limited, and there is no means of amusing or employing the liberated
slaves, and there is the fear of contagion, consequently they may, so to speak, be said to be
imprisoned, until one by one they are applied for by the residents of this place or sent ott
in parties as opportunity offers to the Presidency The name given to each of the three divisions of the territory of the East India Company, and later the British Raj, on the Indian subcontinent. . An apothecary or hospital-assistant is
appointed to their medical charge, and they are visited weekly by the principal medical
officer • and I have to record the sense of obligation that this Department is under to
Sumeon-Maior Turner for his kind attention and the interest displayed by him in these
unfortunate beings for the past five years; and the small force of Aden native police is
taxed to supply a certain number of persons to look after them and study their wants and
comfort, and a European constable periodically visits the island. The above is the present
condition of the liberated slaves at Aden during detention, and we have now nearly /00 ot
these unfortunate beings in charge awaiting transport to Bombay. t . ,
In conclusion 1 trust I may be pardoned for entering at such length into the subject,
but as T am of opinion that the present difficulties to be contended against cannot be even
imagined by Her Majesty's Government, I trust my representations may have the eftect ot
the organization of some proper establishment to look after and supervise and superintend
the distribution of this unfortunate class, if it be desired, m connection with the Vice-
Admiralty Court at this place, to establish a depot for liberated Africans at Aden ; and on
this point I would respectfully suggest that the Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. , Sir Edward Russell now on
leave in England, be referred to, that the statements made by me may have the benefit of
his corroboration, and that Her Majesty's Government may be in possession of his views
as well on this subject.
1 have, &c.
(Signed) W. R. GOODFELLOW.
Inclosure 2 in No. 7.
Memorandum of Number of Slaves landed and liberated at Aden, and how disposed of.
Number of Slaves landed at Aden and liberated.
Landed in 1865
1866
1867
1869 (up to June 30) .
249
949
231
524
1,044
Total
2,997
How Disposed of.
Sent to Bombay in 1865
1866
1867
„ 1868
1869
Awaiting transport 1869
Distributed on service locally, up to July 1869
Casualties—
Allowed to seek employ on liberation, and
permitted to return to their country* .
Totfd .. • •
57
48
221
92
106
743
684
1,046
2.997
# During the Abyssinian expedition numbers of slaves were shipped on board ships leaving this port.
There was no record kept apparently.
(Signed)
Aden Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. , July 13, 1869.
W. R. GOODFELLOW, Captain,
Assistant-Resident in charge, Aden.
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