British Consul of the Bight of Biafra - Benjamin Campbell

king greets euro visitors.jpg

This image depicts a meeting between a King of the Bight of Biafra and European visitors. 

In June of 1849, Britain had began using its military to spread influence over the island chain. This was accelerated by the addition of a naval base and a consulate on the island of Fernando Poo. At this consulate is where Benjamin Campbell would have used his authority to benefit the crown. Campbell came into power in 1853 and was Consul over the islands until 1859.  This meeting could be similar to one that may have taken place between Benjamin Campbell (or any other British Consul) and a King of the Bight of Biafra.