A PATHETIC APPEAL.

Evening Star, Issue 10339, 12 June 1897, Page 4 (Supplement)

A PATHETIC APPEAL.

The African chief Nana, who is now a prisoner at Accra, on the Gold Coaßt, on hearing that Consul-General Moor, of the Niger Coast Protectorate, was returning to the coast, sent the latter an interesting letter praying to be allowed to return to his former home. When any kings on the coast hold festivities, these latter are called "Big Play." Hence the term used in his letter by Nana in relation to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. It is only about four months ago that Nana, his wife, and two sons were removed from Old Calabar to Accra. Nana cannot write, and had to sign with his mark : ' Accra, 7th January. Sir,—l now beg to draw your attention to my hard case, hoping that you may be pleased to grant my prayer. I have now been away from my country nearly three years and have Been the world, and I know I have been very foolish. But please, Consul, remember I was born a son of Olutna and never left my town until you sent man-of-war and burnt it, and I used to think my country too big and no man fit to touch me. But I learn big lesson now for I lose all my cargoes, all my cash, all my houses, and my town is now only sand and bush. All my people are far away and many of my family killed by the Bhip. I have been a prisoner from my country close three years, and I think your Queen she punish me plenty. I beg you, Consul, to ask Queen to let me sit down for my river before I die. I swear I never do wrong again, but will make small place for trade in one river close for Sapele. I hear Queen have Big Play for this year because she live long past other King or Queen. I beg you ask her to have mercy on me and pity my case.—l am your humble servant, Nana.