Cape Palmas Station
Letter from B. J. Drayton
Funeral Ceremony of an African Prince
Under date of April 29, brother Drayton thus refers to the burial
of a Native King: —
Yesterday morning at an early hour, my ear was disturbed
by the firing of muskets, and a dismal lamentation. On inquiry, I
was informed of the death of Tom Freeman, a native Prince. He
resided at the largest town within twenty miles round. His father,
after whom he is named, is the chief over all the tribes living in
this section, which of course renders him quite popular. All the
natives from four towns nearest here, came in dense throngs,
weeping and wailing in the most sorrowful manner; more so, than I
have ever witnessed before. As soon as the crowd had arrived,
they convened the “ Grand Palaver Council," to ascertain how he
came by his death-to know whether he was bewitched or not.
After the Palaver was settled, preparations were made
immediately, for his interment in the afternoon. His grave was dug
on the side of the road, where it ought not to have been; but by the
permission of Mr. Russwarm, it was suffered to be so, with the
proviso, that they dig it ten feet deep; to this they readily agreed,
and accordingly prepared for his burial. After the grave was dug,
they erected a house over it, made of “thatch,” all decorated with
white flags floating to the breeze. Bullocks, sheep, goats and
fowls, were slaughtered. The principal part of the slaughter was
for the “Great feast,” and the balance for Prince Tom. From six
o’clock in the morning until noon, they were busily engaged going
from town to town, and from house to house, washing their
clothes, painting their faces, and shaving their heads. From noon
until 2 o’clock, a solemn silence pervaded all the towns. Four
o’clock was the burying hour, which was announced by a general
lamentation of all the people; say about one thousand. The corpse
moved off amidst the firing of about 200 warrior’s muskets; the
war horn was blown, five or six drums commenced their muffled
murmuring, flags of various domestic trade cloths were displayed.
A large piece of satin stripe and blue baft was laid on the coffin,
covering it all over. When they arrived at the place of burial, they
laid the coffin on the ground, in an open and level spot. Here they
formed a circle around it, and began a horrid cry. Some of their
faces were painted in the most frightful manner. The warriors
