The Sherbro and its Hinterland.

Presentation copy. Presentation copy of the first edition of Thomas Joshua Alldridge's (1847-1916) work on his time as the first colonial Commissioner of Sierra Leone. The inscription is signed from Alldridge and his wife to "their esteemed friend Mr G.H. Garrett". Britain, in the "Scramble for Africa", used the constant inter-conflicts between Mende tribes to justify expanding their sphere of influence into the interior of Sierra Leone. In 1889 Sir J. Shaw-Hay established the Sierra Leone Frontier Police and two Travelling Commissioners to trek into the interior of Sierra Leone on treaty-making tours. Alldridge was one, G.H. Garrett the other.

The first half of the book concentrates on the economic, political, and cultural aspects of the Sherbro people and their lands. Alldridge is confident of the wealth and prosperity the region could achieve if peace could be restored. He also dedicates a section to secret societies and religious and medical practices including human sacrifices. The many photographs were taken by himself and depict the indigenous peoples, in particular focusing on the costumes they would don for spiritual or ritual purposes, but also showing various daily practices and the environment.

The second half of the book relates Alldridge's treaty-tour of 1890-91, reaching Kailahun as well as penetrating Kisi country. He also attended Sir Francis Fleming's follow up meeting in Bandasuma in 1893 with the treaty Chiefs which ratified the treaties signed and established a British sphere of influence, as well as Sir Frederic Cardew's Tour in 1894 following the conflict between the Sofas and Konno people in an effort to sign further treaties with Konno Chiefs.

G.H. Garret had been the officer in charge of the Sulima police force in 1889 before promotion to Travelling Commissioner. Garrett reached Samori Ture (1828-1900) in 1890 at Bisandu, outside the current boundary of Sierra Leone, but didn't achieve a treaty with him despite his conflicts with France in the Mandingo Wars.

First edition, inscribed presentation copy; 8vo (23 x 15.5 cm); 78 photographic plates including frontispiece, 2 large folding maps, presentation inscription to half-title; publisher's blue cloth, gilt motif to upper board, gilt lettering to spine, upper inner hinge a little weak, a very good copy; xvi, 356pp.