200 camel loads of gum-sudan, each
weighing 250 lb. net, bought at
Timbuctoo, at four Mexico dollars
per load, 800
346
_Charges._--Cow-skins to pack it in, sticks
to stow it on the camels, &c. 25
200 camels hired to Akka, at 18 Mexico
dollars each, 3600
Stata, _i.e._ convoy through the Sahara,
from Timbuctoo to Arawan, at 20
cents per camel, 40
Do. from Arawan to East Tagrassa, at
20 cents per camel, 40
Do. from East Tagrassa to Akka, at
40 cents per camel, 40
20 per cent., or one-fifth, on the first
cost, to be allowed to the purchaser
on safe arrival at Akka, 160
----
4705
[Footnote 202: This gum is the produce of an enormous tree of
Sudan, which flourishes near Timbuctoo, Housa, Wangara, and
Bernoh (or Bernou) it is transported by the caravans to
Alexandria in Egypt, to Tripoli, Tunis, and Algiers. From the
African ports in the Mediterranean it is shipped to Smyrna and
Constantinople, and from thence to England, under the
denomination of Turkey gum; some goes to Mogodor and Tetuan,
and thence to London.]
347
The adventure is subject to this charge, provided it arrive safe at
Akka, not otherwise, as also to encourage the agent at Timbuctoo,
to exert himself in procuring trusty guides and competent statas,
which he would not do, without having a certain interest in the
safe delivery.
_N.B._ No stata is necessary from Akka to Santa Cruz, but the hire
is 3 dollars per camel.
_Translation of a Letter from Timbuctoo, which accompanied the
foregoing Consignment._
Praise be to God alone; for there is nothing durable but the
kingdom of heaven.
To the Christian merchant, Jackson, at Agadeer. Peace be to those
who follow the right way.
This being premised, know that I have sent you by this akkabah, two
hundred camel load of gum-sudan, agreeable to the account herewith
transmitted. The stata will be paid by my friend, L'Hage Aly, sheik
of Akka, whom I request you will reimburse according to the account
which I have sent to you by him; and if he goes to Agadeer, be
kind, friendly, and hospitable to him on my account, for he stands
high in my esteem; and peace be with you.
Written at Timbuctoo, 10th of the month Muharram, year of the Hejra
1208, (corresponding with 15th Feb. A.C. 1794). By your friend,
L'HAGE MUHAMED O----N.
God be merciful to him.
_Invoice from Timbuctoo to Fas_.
Transport of gold, gum, and cottons, from Timbuctoo to Fas,
consigned to L'Hage Seyd and L'Hage Abdrahaman Elfellely, Timbuctoo
merchants at Fas, by (_akkaba el Kheriffy_) the autumnal caravan.
Dispatched 29th Duelhaja el Hurem, year 1204, corresponding with
10th October, A.C. 1790.
500 skins (_Tibber Wangâree_) gold dust of Wangara, each skin
containing 4 ounces, bought on their account, in barter for 800
Flemish plattilias.
100 (_Sibikat deheb Wangaree_). Wangara gold in bars, weighing 20
ounces each, bought in exchange for 400 pieces (_Shkalat_) Irish
cloth, averaging 44 cubits each piece (7 cubits are equal to 4
English yards).
348
10 bed-covers, 9 cubits long, 4 wide, chequered pattern, blue and
white cotton, with scarlet silk between the chequers, manufactured
at Timbuctoo, bought in barter for 100 lb. sugar, 30 loaves.