Canoe-passage from Onitsha to Rabba to the Rev. S. Crowther

Summary

Onitsha: Dec. 2, 1858–After a fortnight's waiting for the return of the canoe of Ewonruzo, which had gone down the river, he having faithfully promised to take me up to the Confluence, returned last night. This morning I went down to the factory, so as, with the help of Mr. Thompson, to settle the passage bargain. Ewonruzo is an inhabitant of a village between Idda and Onitsha, known by the name of Onugba, which signifies, in the Ibo language, a mixture, which in all probability may mean a mixture of the Ibo and Igara inhabitants. Ewonruzo is half Ibo and half Igara–his mother being an Ibo, and his father an Igara. A person, under his circumstances, has the privileges of both nations. Ibo canoes are not allowed to go beyond Idda market, nor are Igara canoes allowed to go below Abo; but a person under Ewonruzo's circumstances has the privilege of going beyond both points. I was very glad to seize this most favourable opportunity to get direct to the Confluence, and that also with a person whose relatives and wife were at Onitsha.