This letter was written in Old Calabar, Nigeria by King Eyo Honesty II to Captain William Turner in Liverpool, England. The relationship between Eyo and Captain Turner developed as a result of the British banned slave trade. The letter is dated 23 February 1845. An excerpt of this letter reads: “Captain Turner / My old friend & brother for Egbo … After next year I am very glad to see you for first ship – I think river will come up good. Every body glad to see you & all men very well from Creek Town. Only Tom Eyo King Ebonys been sick long time – And I loose my first Captain – your Queen … send his compliment to you and all your family … I think my pocket a little big this time – And you try best you can to make one Calabar merchant send me out 2 long Egbo Dance cane … I hope you do that as good friend. Dont forget me – also I have write you by plenty men – I dont know if you got my letter or not. I Remain your old Friend / King Eyo Honesty head Trader / King Brass Egbo / And Eyamba Brass Egbo z Brother”. Transcribed by digital volunteers
Authors
Eyo Honesty II, Nigerian, William Turner, Eyamba V, Nigerian
- Collection
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection Documents and Published Materials Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Dates
- 1845
- Format
- Ink on wove paper
- Pages
- H x W (spread): 10 1/16 × 15 13/16 in. (25.5 × 40.2 cm) H x W (folded): 10 1/16 × 7 15/16 in. (25.5 × 20.2 cm)
- Place Discussed
- Nigeria
- Provider
- Smithsonian Institution
- Published in
- Nigeria
- Rights
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Source
- Digital Public Library of America https://dp.la/item/00fe85bb3a66ce8970617916b5af120c
