King William Dappa Pepple arrives in Bonny waters; lands 15 October 1861

On 18 August 1861 King William Dappa Pepple arrived in Bonny waters aboard a privately chartered vessel, the Bewley, after seven years in exile. He did not land until 15 October 1861, reportedly in an effort to bring about reconciliation between warring factions before assuming office. Regent Alali refused all meetings with the king and subsequently died (possibly poisoned). The British Government paid Pepple only £4,520 compensation and £3,003 for legal expenses—far less than he claimed—for his illegal detention.