#ONTHISDAY January 3 1897: Acting Consul General James Robert Phillips writes his last letter from the Oil Rivers Protectorate to his family in Britain. He is embarking on a mission to the King of Benin and his kingdom against all advice. In the letter he is very upbeat about his prospects on the mission. His plan is to set off 'on the morrow... and be back within the fortnight.'
Consul General Robert Phillips comments in his letter, "great hilarity!" However he does not notice that no one on either side is laughing.