Bacon writes:
“Gradually all the stores were reshipped, and the last of the men embarked,” ( Page 127) ); “At the moment of writing everything seems peaceful and going well in the country. The squadron has dispersed to other waters on varied work, and the Protectorate Force is gradually returning to its ordinary duties ( pages 132 -1 33).
Boisragon writes:
“Then, again, the King was supposed to be very rich in ivory, as he received, or was supposed , to receive, one tusk of every elephant shot in his dominions ; but this ivory he seems to have stacked in his houses instead of selling,”
“It is to be hoped when the country has got settled down after the late expedition that the trade will revive again, for the country, as I have said, is rich in all kinds of produce, palm-oil, kernels, rubber, kola nut etc. etc., and I fancy the people will be only too willing to open up trade when they find they can do it for themselves, and without let or hindrance from the King of Benin and his Juju men.” (Boisragon 1897. Pages 13, 14)
It must be noted that no one of them mentions the Benin Massacre of Mr. Phillips and his men as the reason for this 'punitive expedition'; nor do they mention putting a stop to Benin human sacrifice.
References:
Bacon, R. H. Benin City of Blood, 1897
Bacon, R. Admiral Sir, Benin Expedition, A Naval Scrap-Book, First Part, 1877 – 1900: 197 – 207
Boisragon A, The Benin Massacre, 1897
“Gradually all the stores were reshipped, and the last of the men embarked,” ( Page 127) ); “At the moment of writing everything seems peaceful and going well in the country. The squadron has dispersed to other waters on varied work, and the Protectorate Force is gradually returning to its ordinary duties ( pages 132 -1 33).
Boisragon writes:
“Then, again, the King was supposed to be very rich in ivory, as he received, or was supposed , to receive, one tusk of every elephant shot in his dominions ; but this ivory he seems to have stacked in his houses instead of selling,”
“It is to be hoped when the country has got settled down after the late expedition that the trade will revive again, for the country, as I have said, is rich in all kinds of produce, palm-oil, kernels, rubber, kola nut etc. etc., and I fancy the people will be only too willing to open up trade when they find they can do it for themselves, and without let or hindrance from the King of Benin and his Juju men.” (Boisragon 1897. Pages 13, 14)
It must be noted that no one of them mentions the Benin Massacre of Mr. Phillips and his men as the reason for this 'punitive expedition'; nor do they mention putting a stop to Benin human sacrifice.
References:
Bacon, R. H. Benin City of Blood, 1897
Bacon, R. Admiral Sir, Benin Expedition, A Naval Scrap-Book, First Part, 1877 – 1900: 197 – 207
Boisragon A, The Benin Massacre, 1897