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"Testimony of James Covey January 7, 1840, U.S. District Court, Connecticut"
James Covy (colored man)
Was born at Borong - Mendi Country, left there 7 1/2 years ago. Was a slave and
carried to Lumboko. All these Africans were from Africa. Never saw them until now.
I could talk with them. They appeared glad because they could speak the same language.
I could understand all but [two or three]. They say they from Lumboko [three moons].
They all have Mendie names, and their names all mean something. Carbe means bone.
Kimbo means cricket. They speak of rivers which I know--said they sailed from Lumboko.
2 or 3 speak different language from the others, the Timone (Tim-ma-ni) Language.
[ ] [ ] [ ] rivers spoken of, these run through the Vi Country. I learned to speak
english at Siere Leone. Was put on board a Man of War one year and 1/2. They all
agree as to where they sailed from. I have no doubt they are Africans. I have been
in this country 6 months; came in a British Man of War, have lived in this town (N.
Haven) 4 months with Mr. [Bishop]. He calls on me for no money and do not know who
pays my board.
I was stolen by a black man who stole 10 of us. One man carried us two months walk.
Have conversed with Sinques. Barto[n] has been in my town Gorang (Go-raun). I was
sailing for Havannah when the British Man of War captured us.
