Letter to William Turner from Eyo Honesty II
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@ National Museum of African American History and Culture
Eyo Honesty II, Nigerian William Turner Eyamba V, Nigerian
Description
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”.
Text
Ink On Wove Paper
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
