A statement of facts, proving the right of the Crown of Portugal to the territories situated on the western coast of Africa, laying between the fifth degree and twelve minutes, and the eighth degree of south latitude; consequently, to the territories of Molembo, Cabinda and Ambriz.
£200
London, J.C. Bridgewater, 1856
Description
Small 4to. 44 pp. Publishers' blue stamped cloth. Some foxing in preliminary & end pp.
First edition of the English translation which is important for Portuguese claims to the lower Congo. Trading posts of several colonial powers had been established in Cabinda since the 15th century, and latterly there had been rivalry amongst them. The decree of 7 December 1836 created a governor-generalship for Angola and Benguela, to include Cabinda and Molembo, but Portuguese influence there had declined in the previous century and other European powers eyed the region with interest, resulting in lengthy litigation. Sá da Bandeira, the Portuguese Minister for the Navy and Colonies had abolished slavery in Cabinda on 5 July 1856.
Innocêncio V, 438 (Portuguese ed.) & XVI, 216. Not in Mendelssohn.
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