Joachim John Monteiro, Angola and the River Congo, vol… (1875)
“ The factories at Quissembo are at present doing but little trade, except in ivory, which has not yet been coaxed back to Ambriz.The town of Ambriz consists principally of one long, broad street or road, on the ridge that ends at the cliff or promontory forming the southern point of the bay. At the end of the road a small fort has been built, in which are the barracks for the detachment of troops forming the garrison. ”
Joachim John Monteiro, Angola and the River Congo, vol… (1875)
“ As many as 1000 carriers at a time could easily be had from the neighbouring towns to carry the copper ore to Quiballa or Ambriz, by giving them two or three days’ notice.The carriers, either at Bembe or on the coast, are always accompanied by a head-man, called a “Capata” (generally from each town, and bringing from 10 to 100 or more carriers) , who is responsible for the loads and men. The load of the carriers used to be two and a half “arrobas” or eighty pounds of malachite, and some few strong fellows used to [Pg 197] carry two such loads on their heads all the way to Ambriz. ”
Joachim John Monteiro, Angola and the River Congo, vol… (1875)
“ This will give some idea of the endurance of the Ambriz natives, as, from having to take down and pack the tent every morning, and make hot tea or coffee before starting, it was never before seven or eight o’clock that we were on the move. Moreover, from the rain and heavy dew at night, the high grass was excessively wet, and it would not do to start till it had somewhat dried in the morning sun. In going through woods we generally got out of our hammocks in the grateful, cool shade, and collected butterflies, the [Pg 188] finest being found in such places. ”
