CORRESPONDENCE

WITH

FOREIGN POWERS.

AFRICA. (Consular)-Bight of Benin.

My Lord,

No. 1:

Acting Consul Glover to Earl Russell.-(Received March 14.)

Lagos, February 3, 1865. I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, copy of a despatch from Commodore Wilmot, commanding Her Majesty's naval forces on this station, relating to affairs in the Benin River.

1. I HAVE the honour to inform you that the original fine of fifty-five puncheons of oil levied on the Chiefs of the Benin River for the robbery committed at Dr. Henry's factory in 1863, as well as the other fine of thirty puncheons levied by myself in September last, in consequence of their breach of good faith, have both been paid, and that trade has been again reopened with the chiefs and natives.

2. I have considered it necesssary to impose a fine of twenty-five puncheons on Adjoke, at Warree, for the outrage committed on the person of Mr. Hineson, Clerk to Dr. James, Messrs. Harrison's Agent, and six months are allowed him to pay this.

3. In the meantime all trade between his two brothers and the white agents in the river is stopped.

I have, &c.

(Signed)

A. P. EARDLEY WILMOT.

CLASS B. [59]

B