1618 English expedition to the Gambia River

1618 military expedition English expedition to the Gambia River the European colonisation of Africa Genehoa, Jaloffi et Sierraliones regna - CBT 6620752.jpg Late 17th-century map of the Gambia September 1618 Gassan, the Gambia Portuguese victory Kingdom of Portugal 1640 Portugal Kingdom of England England Kingdom of Portugal 1640 Hector Nunez England George Thompson Unknown 2 shipsJohnston 1899 194Gray 1940 21–22 Unknown Most killed The English expedition to the Gambia River was a failed expedition led by George Thompson with the objective of opening trade with Timbuktu. Background Letters patent granting exclusive trading rights in the Gambia River were issued to various English adventurers in 1598, 1612, and 1632, but it wasn't until 1618 that the English made their first attempt to explore the river. This expedition was led by George Thompson, sent by the London Company of AdventurersJohnston 1899 194 with the objective of opening trade with Timbuktu.Gray 1940 21–22http://libsysdigi.library.illinois.edu/ilharvest/Africana/Books2011-05/466568/466568_1938/466568_1938_opt.pdf Annual Report on the Social and Economic Progress of the People of The Gambia HM Stationery Office 1938 Bathurst 2 Expedition Leaving his ship Catherine at Gassan, Thompson proceeded with a small party in boats up the Neriko river. During his absence, the crew of the Catherine was massacred by Portuguese lancado slave tradersJohnston 1899 194 led by Hector Nunez.Gray 1940 21–22 All Englishmen present at Gassan were killed in the surprise assault.Johnston 1899 194Gray 1940 21–22 The local population did not participate, but rather sheltered and protected the survivors.Boulegue Jean Les royaumes wolof dans l'espace sénégambien (XIIIe-XVIIIe siècle) 2013 Karthala Editions Paris 187 Some of Thompson's party managed to return overland to Cap Vert and subsequently back to England. Meanwhile, Thompson remained in the Gambia with seven of his crew but was killed, either by one of the Englishmen after a sudden quarrelGray 1940 21–22 or by natives.Johnston 1899 194 Aftermath Another expedition under Richard Jobson was later dispatched, which seized Portuguese shipping in retaliation for the massacre. Jobson also traveled to Neriko, reporting the commercial potential of the river. However, both his and previous expeditions resulted in significant losses, leading patentees to abandon their attempts in the Gambia and refocus on the Gold Coast.Johnston 1899 194Gray 1940 21–22 References Bibliography Gray J.M The History of the Gambia Cambridge University Press 1940 978-1-107-51196-5 London Johnston Harry H. A history of the colonization of Africa by alien races https://ia902902.us.archive.org/0/items/cu31924074488234/cu31924074488234.pdf University Press 1899 Category:Battles involving the Kingdom of England Category:Battles involving Portugal Category:1618 conflicts Category:History of the Gambia