Page:A pilgrimage to my motherland.djvu/48

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TO MY MOTHERLAND.
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interview with Agé, whose name is found mentioned last in our treaty, as usual it was necessary to mention my origin, for the Africans are not as keen in the recognition of their descendants, as are the Americans of the same class of persons. On learning this, he took hold of my hand and shook it heartily; and drawing me toward him, he threw his arms about my neck, and pressed me with warmth. He has since died: for many months he was a cripple. No one has been more conspicuous in the affairs of his country, or was more respected by his people, than this good old man.

There are many doctors—physicians, I might have said—throughout the Aku country; and they are as jealous of their profession, and as opposed to innovation in practice, as the most orthodox disciple of Æsculapius amongst us can be. Shortly after the return of Mr. S. Crowther, Jr., from London, where he received the training of a surgeon, several of these doctors, hearing that he was prescribing for many who were before their patients, assembled en masse in the market-place, and after due deliberation issued an "injunction" that he should forthwith abandon his practice. Some of the foremost of them were deputed to communicate the decree of the faculty. They were cordially received, and, heard with patience. After some conversation, Mr. C. informed them that he was