| Summary: |
Has recovered lost letters, including from his family - the first news for 3 years; will commence the descent of the river for Quilimane [Quelimane] at beginning of October; discusses trade at Loanda and Cassange (300 miles inland) - all of the Loanda trade in the hands of the Americans; Portuguese trade inland prohibited by an historical law made prohibiting white traders from going into the Interior, which still seems to be in force - otherwise no restriction on trade "which goes briskly from both coasts"; intermarriage of Portuguese men and African women; hospitality of Portuguese; comments on difficulties encountered when dealing with "the tribes North of the Casai", i.e. those in the vicinity of Portuguese settlements - he is the first missionary to be seen by these people; describes attacks made on his party, including threats with firearms; has determined not to shed blood and hopes the return journey will be easier; waggons ineffective for travel in the region - "Canoes are the means of conveyance"; good water supply along the route; makes reference to a route to the East coast which crosses a Lake (Tanganyenka), but the path unsuitable for wagons; will try to get water carriage to the coast by going down the Leeambye; comments on news in papers from 1853; comments on his Zambesian travelling companions and preparations for the return journey with various goods to be conveyed (including clothing, cloth, beads and ivory); refers to the "new Constitution" in the Colony; discusses trade and the slave trade; observations of religious beliefs of the "Arabs" he has met and their reaction to his anti-slaving views.
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