Mr Alan Boisragon writes a letter home to his wife in England about the forth coming expedition into the territory of the king of Benin.
In the letter, he states the following:
Reference
THE BENIN MASSACRE - WHY THE EXPEDITION WENT TO BENIN;
Publication: Guardian 1821 - 2000; Date: Jan 18, 1897, Section: None; Page 5.
In the letter, he states the following:
- He would set out in a month from this date i.e. 25th December 1896.
- The reason for the visit to Benin is that Mr. Phillips, the Deputy Commissioner and Consul General for the Niger Coast Protectorate, is very anxious to see the city, which has been described as abounding in curiosities.
- Also Mr. Phillips has the additional object of meeting the king with a view to opening up commercial relations.
- Mr Boisragon states that he is not very hopeful of any successful result attending the enterprise stating categorically,' We would in all probability be stopped and sent back.'
- He is not apprehensive of any hostile or warlike attack upon the expedition as the Benin soldiers do not attack the whiteman or others except in self defence.
Reference
THE BENIN MASSACRE - WHY THE EXPEDITION WENT TO BENIN;
Publication: Guardian 1821 - 2000; Date: Jan 18, 1897, Section: None; Page 5.