2-888-733 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Ephraim Town, with Old Calabar - King Eyo-Honesty's Canoe - Her Majesty's Steam-Sloop "Rattler" Saluting, 1850. Royal Navy ship off the coast of West Africa. View of '...Ephraim town, with the British merchant ships at anchor and H. M. steam sloop Rattler saluting King Eyo on his approaching the ships to pay a visit to the steamer. His canoe held upwards of 100 people, the greater part of whom were well armed, and called the King's body-guard. He had another large war-canoe following him...The English trading ships are larger in tonnage; they average from 500 to 1000 tons, and consequently are much longer loading, thus exposing them to the deadly effect of the fever; it was the most unhealthy river; still we had only one death, which was universally regretted by all on board - it was our worthy chief-engineer, an officer much respected and liked by the men and officers'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.