In a letter to the American Colonization Society, Colonial Governor Jehudi Ashmun described the island in rhapsodic terms:
“Embosomed in a majestic and navigable river – and approaching within two miles of its mouth – this river, of easy and safe entrance for vessels of 90 to 100 tons – abounding with fish, and having its course through a fertile and delicious, and, I am obliged to add, salubrious country – rising a few feet only over a narrow sandy beach, which skirts its margin on every side – possessing a rich and mellow soil – fanned sixteen hours in every twenty-four, even in the dry season, by a sea-breeze, tempered and sweetened in its passage up the river by the verdure which crowns its banks – nothing in the original, simple dress of nature, I repeat it, can be imagined more delightful – and no residence in this country more eligible.”
Footnote: J. Ashmun, “Accessions of territory – and new establishments connected with the colony, African Repository, May 1826, p. 93.
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