Chapter 6
The dispatches from Arthur Kennedy arrived at the Foreign Office. The Foreign Minister Lord Stanley was livid and requested a meeting with the Prime Minister Charles Edwin-Stanley, the Earl of Derby; and the Head of the House of Commons Benjamin Disraeli. Together, they scheduled a meeting of the Cabinet. The Prime Minister outlined the “crisis” and stated, “Liberia cannot go unpunished.” We have three options, diplomatic, economic and military. In my mind, we should start with #1 and at the same time set 2 and 3 in motion.” “Hear… Here” was the response from the cabinet members.
Earl Derby continued: “Lord Stanley, please call Ambassador Adams to Whitehall and express to him the seriousness of Liberia’s actions. Impress him that we will not allow this slur on the honor of England to stand.”
Earl Derby then addressed Disraeli and instructed him to bring the matter up in Parliament and to stir the pot. The liberal MPS’ were being a nuisance, and a foreign crisis was a means to gain their cooperation. He next addressed Admiral Sir John Pakington, the First Lord of the Admiralty. “Sir John, what is the status of the Royal Navy, particularly the fleet of ironclads.”
Sir John replied: “Earl Derby, we have 25 ocean-going ironclads. Eighteen are Battleships, and seven are armored Frigates. Ten of the battleships are in the Channel Fleet, and eight are with the Mediterranean Fleet. Three of the armored frigates are with the Channel Fleet, one is in Ireland, two are with the Mediterranean Fleet, and one is in Bermuda with the North Atlantic & West Indies Squadron. There are also fifty of the older two and three-decker wooden battleships.”
After a pause, Sir John continued: “All the ironclad battleships must stay on station to counterbalance the French fleet, which has an equal number. That leaves the armored Frigates and 1/2 of the 2 and 3-deckers as available in any conflict. With the support ships, more than enough to blockade American ports.”
Earl Derby questioned: “What of the American ironclad Monitors”? Sir John dismissively snorted: “Nothing but cheese boxes on rafts, no match for our broadside armored frigates” or a broadside from a 2 or 3-decker.”
The Prime Minister then addressed General Thomas Peel, the Secretary of War. “General Peel, what is the readiness of the Army.” General Peel replied: “At present, the Army musters 330,000 men, of which 220,000 are in India. Most of those must remain there to prevent Russian incursions, contain the Afghans and prevent mutinies such as in 1857. We must maintain a presence in the Far East. There are 20 regiments in Ireland, 20 in Great Britain, Three in Bermuda and two each in Halifax, Gibraltar, Malta, Hong Kong and Jamaica, which provides defenders for Barbados. Available troops could include 5 or 6 regiments from Great Britain, the same from Ireland and possibly one from Bermuda. That including Royal Marines from the fleet could total about 20,000 men. If we draw 5 or six regiments from India, we could muster up to 30,000.”
Earl Darby then asked Disraeli: “What economic measures are available to use against Liberia.” Disraeli answered: “Monrovia has only a narrow entrance to the harbor, very easy to blockade. We can also cut off the active trade from Freetown. Liberia’s economy is fragile, and that could bring her to her knees. At the same time, we could transport six regiments to Freetown and invade if needed.”
Earl Derby nodded in agreement, then said: “Will we have the support of Parliament?” Disraeli smiled and rejoined: “After I stir the pot Parliament will be demanding we take action.” Derby smiled broadly, then turning to Lord Stanley said: “Summon Ambassador Adams and give him a proper dressing down.”
United States Embassy.
Ambassador Adams had just finished eating breakfast when one of his aids who handed him the dispatches from Liberia. Over a cup of coffee, he scanned the documents until he read the portion dealing with the Sierra Leone incident. Adams instructed his aid to cancel his appointments and to notify his army and naval attaches to meet him in his office in one hour. He then retired to his office to digest the dispatches in their entirety. As he had been the ambassador to Great Britain for almost ten years, Adams felt he could anticipate the British reaction.
Within an hour, the Army and Naval Attache’s met with Adams. He summarized the dispatch and asked for their opinions of potential British military and or economic reactions. They both agreed that the possible actions would include a blockade of Monrovia, followed by a demand for economic concessions. If concessions were not forthcoming, a limited punitive incursion from Sierra Leone would take place within six months. That timetable estimated the time it would take to assemble and transport to Freetown the estimated 6 - 8 regiments which the expedition would require. That estimation also took into consideration the time it would take for Adams to communicate back and forth with Washington.
Adams instructed the attaches to select an aid, and be ready to depart for Liberia in two days. Adams wanted first-hand accounts of the status of Liberia’s defenses. Instructions were sent to the captain of the packet ship to be ready to accept four passengers and depart for Liberia in two days.
Adams then called his negotiation staff together and briefed them on the situation in Liberia and the expected British response. They agreed with the attache’s assessment but cautioned patience to allow diplomacy time to work. The meeting was interrupted by an aid with a letter from the Foreign Secretary’s office. The messenger was waiting in the reception area for an answer. Adams instructed that he be made comfortable and served tea and sweet bread. He then dismissed the staff to be able to read the message in private.
Lord Stanley’s letter requested the presence of Adams at the Foreign Secretary’s office at 10 am the following day. Adam’s wrote in a sealed letter that the next day was not convenient, but he could attend the Foreign Secretary two days hence. His aid brought the letter to the British messenger and bid him a good day. Later in the day, the messenger returned with a letter indicating the revised time was acceptable. The next day appeared to be business as usual, with Adams taking his usual afternoon stroll through the adjacent park. However, feverous preparations were underway behind the embassy’s walls. Early the second day, the Attaches left London with the morning tide.
Adams and his aid arrived at the office of the Foreign Secretary. They were admitted, set up with refreshments and asked to wait. After a period, an assistant to Lord Stanley brought them to his office. After exchanging the proper diplomatic pleasantries, Lord Stanley went right to the point of the meeting.
He said: “Ambassador Adams, the Crown strongly protests the insult to the Honor of England perpetrated by Liberia.” He continued: “The Liberian army invaded Sierra Leone and fired on a detachment of the Queens Army. Such insults are intolerable.”
Adams replied: “The Liberian version of this unfortunate incident is that they were in hot pursuit of rebels who had committed heinous crimes including rape, murder, and slavery. In the heat of combat, they inadvertently crossed the border as they dispatched the rebels.” Adams continued: “According to General Taylor, it was your Lieutenant who provoked the shooting just as they were crossing back into Liberia.” After a pause, he continued: “That hardly is an invasion.”
Lord Stanley sputtered: “General Taylor … according to our information, he was only a Colonel.” Barely suppressing a smile, Adams replied: “He was promoted for his initiative, and for successfully ending the rebellion.”
Agitated at the direction of the meeting Lord Stanley replied: “The Crown asserts that Liberia is guilty of this violation of British sovereignty. The Empire is prepared to take the required measures to redress this outrage.”
Adams, anticipating this threat responded: “Lord Stanley, I must remind you that though an independent nation, Liberia is under the protection of the United States. Be careful not to take rash actions. They can lead to unfortunate consequences. Surely diplomacy shall prevail.”
Lord Stanley replied: “Diplomacy shall have its opportunity. However, the Crown demands a satisfactory resolution.” The interview was over, Adams and his aid
left. Adams then cabled Washington with the results of his meeting with the foreign office and his dispatch of two of his military attaches to Liberia.
Monrovia, May - June 1867.
The improvements to the harbor defenses were nearing completion. Only new cannons were required. Liberia had a sufficient number of field pieces. However, heavy guns to repel ironclads or traditional British Battleships were lacking. In light of that, heavy mortars were cast to fire the hot shot at the wood ships. The ironclads had masts and sails, and the heated rounds could create fires on board.
The first 2,000 army recruits had completed their initial training. As they moved to another camp to receive advanced training in combat in the line of battle, thousands of others took their places. A week later dispatches were received from the interior that native tribes were raiding from over the eastern borders. General Taylor met with Obadiah and asked if the recruits were ready for battle. Obadiah said they were. Taylor promoted him to Brevet Colonel given orders to stop the Raiders. For the recruits, it was time to alter the training from practice to reality. He selected 1,000 men and marched off for the interior.
British agents from Freetown were instrumental in fomenting the tribal attacks. The agents provided weapons and influenced the tribes with tales of the richness of the Liberian settlements, which were easy pickings. The raids were sporadic at first but increased in frequency and ferocity. Settlements were burned, with cattle and slaves taken. The Raiders were also extracting tribute from villages, located in the unclaimed territory, which refused to join with them. The Liberian interior defense battalion was stretched too thin to offer adequate protection against the raiders who struck in a hit and attack, often arriving to view burnt and depopulated farms and small villages.
Two days later Obadiah’s regiment arrived to see a settlement burning in the distance. They double-timed forward and caught up with the raiders as they were leaving. The firefight lasted right up to the border area. As no country officially ruled the area, Obadiah ordered a hot pursuit. After routing the Raiders, the regiment surrounded one of the tributary villages. The chief of the village sent messengers, sued for peace and offered to support the Liberians.
With a heavy escort, Obadiah entered the village. It was small, laid out in an oval pattern with one main street in the middle, two smaller side streets, with connecting footpaths. The Chief’s house was in the middle and was three times larger than the rest of the villager’s huts. A stillness hung over the village, as the villagers huddled in their homes. The only sounds other than the marching feet were the barking of dogs and an occasional baby’s cry. Obadiah mentioned to his lieutenant: “You can smell the fear in this place.” Nervously, the officer looking around and said: “Yes sir.”
The chief met Obadiah at the front of his home and introduced himself through an interpreter saying: “I am Bento Odello of the Mandingo people. We welcome you as friends and liberators. The invaders are forcing us to provide them food and shelter and take our women as slaves. They have also taken my oldest son as hostage to ensure my cooperation.”
Through the interpreter, Obadiah replied: “I greet you Chief Odello and offer you Liberia’s protection. We have come to rid us both of these invaders. Your help in locating their base of operation will be greatly rewarded.”
The chief replied: “How can you help us, your army was unable to protect you own villagers.” If you try and fail, the invaders will kill my son and make us all their slaves.”
Obadiah replied: “I have many more times the men who were defending the villages. We will stay here until we crush our common enemies. Just look at my soldiers, do they look to be afraid?” Otello, hearing Obadiah’s words and the toughness of the soldiers smiled and said: “Please protect us, we will help you, and provide guides to lead you to our enemies.”
Word soon spread around, and the villagers, timidly at first soon joined in a general celebration. The villagers who had supported the Raiders were rounded up, brought before the village council and condemned to death. The next day, after leaving a garrison for protection, Obadiah’s regiment marched to find the raider camp. The guides led the way, and the information provided by the chief was used to trap and eliminate several other robber bands. Captive Raiders were interrogated and revealed the location of the slaves and hostages. The information also included the names of the raider’s leaders.
Obadiah planned a rescue mission. The hostage’s prison was walled village, similar to Odello’s. The key was to strike hard and fast. That would reduce the raider’s ability to respond, and injure the captives. Dressed like Raiders, Obadiah’s men led a column of what appeared to be chained slaves. Whips were being used to make it look realistic. The lax discipline of the guards allowed Obadiah’s men to get close. Using the bandit leader’s names helped the guards to relax and lower their attention to details.
A hand signal began the attack, which slew the guards. With surprise on their side, Obadiah’s men rushed into the village killing all the riders encountered and opening all the gates. Reinforcements arrived, and all the Raiders were killed or captured, and all the hostages and slaves rescued. Chief Odello, overjoyed with the return of his son and the enslaved women, agreed to help Obadiah meet with other native village chiefs. Impressed with the military prowess of the all black Liberian army and hearing of the prosperity in Liberia, the village chiefs agreed to help in return for protection by Liberia.
With the native chief’s help, all of the invading raiders were either killed or captured. Among the dead were two white men. More important, one of the prisoners taken was a white man with a British accent. Under interrogation, he revealed the British involvement.
The captured raiders were interrogated then placed on trial. Witnesses, mostly captured and enslaved women testified of the brutality and rape they endured. Most of the raiders were convicted and executed. Some of the enslaved women had developed a relationship with a few of the raiders, who were not guilty of major crimes. These men, under tribal justice, were required to marry the women, join the village and pay one tenth of the fruits of their labor to the tribal council.
Obadiah left one battalion of his regiment in place and returned with the prisoner and a delegation of chiefs to meet with President Warner. Scouts were sent ahead to alert the President of the Chiefs’ requests.
President Warner was angered by the British involvement but welcomed the chiefs with open arms. The Chiefs were provided a tour of Monrovia and observed the freedoms and prosperity enjoyed by the populace. When offered protection against slavery if they in return agreed to be part of Liberia the delegation approved unanimously.
A holiday was declared, to celebrate the annexation of the territories represented by the delegation of chiefs into Liberia. The Chiefs agreed to provide men as auxiliaries to the army as scouts and to visit other villages to spread the word of Liberian protection.
Obadiah was summoned to meet with General Taylor who praised him for the successful campaign; and his foresight in bringing the chiefs to Monrovia. His actions had ended the incursions and allowed Liberia to expand further to the east. Taylor promoted Obadiah to a full Colonel, and he was permanently appointed to command his regiment. His instructions were to increase the training regimen of the recruits.
Taylor ordered two relief battalions of trained recruits to be sent east to augment the battalion Obadiah had left to protect the villagers. Those reinforcements were deemed to be ample to patrol and protect the expanding frontier. The new regiments allowed for the recall of the original battalion to Monrovia for rest and retraining. Jeremiah’s company was part of that recall, and he was overjoyed to be reunited with Obadiah and Malachi.
The next day, The British Ironclad Frigate Achilles steamed into Monrovia on a goodwill visit and to deliver dispatches to the Consul. As a show of respect, it fired a broadside out to sea. The cannons from the harbor forts fired a salute in response. There were ulterior motives to the visit, as reports from Freetown indicated the Liberians
were improving their harbor fortifications. The lookouts on the mast crow’s nests were observing the fortifications for type and number of cannons and the overall strength of the improvements. Achilles received permission to anchor at a mooring reserved for foreign warships.
Upon disembarking, Achilles’ Captain, Edward W Vansittart first paid his compliments to the Harbor Master. After sharing tea, he took a carriage to the Consul’s office, where he provided the dispatch and shared news and gossip with the Consul. Suddenly, the Consul blurted out: “This posting in intolerable, I can’t abide it another moment.” Captain Vansittart was Taken Aback. Liberia was considered a dead end appointment; only given to a diplomat too incompetent for a meaningful post, or to one who lacked political influence. Upon closer observation and the amount of wine consumed by the Consul, the likely cause was he was a drunkard.
Vansittart replied: “What are your reasons for this situation.” The Consul replied “Those infernal darkies trying to accuse the Crown of inciting uprisings … why they summoned me yesterday and confronted me with a broken man, who had confessed. Here is the written protest I am supposed to send to the Foreign Office. If I do that, I will ruin my career.”
Vansittart read the letter, placed it in his valise and said: “I will deliver this to Governor Kennedy.” He bid the Consul a good day and took the carriage back to the waterfront. There he met with the harbor master and requested permission to leave on the morning tide. Before dawn, the Achilles sailed towards Freeport.
At mid-day, the guns of the fort boomed again, this time in salute to Admiral Dahlgren’s squadron. The transports were tied up to the commercial docks, and over 4,500 new emigres disembarked.
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