Ongo--Weariness of my Attendants--Bivouac--Alarm of my Horse at
the Neighbourhood of Wild Beasts--Terror of the Natives--Their
Kindness--Establishment for Mahomedan Converts--Singular Custom--My
Anxiety to find Terrasso-weea, who had been present at the Death of
Mungo Park--Loss of my Sand-glass--Its Construction--Adofoodia--The
Market-Place--Reception by the King--Interview with
Terrasso-weea--Ceremony of welcoming me--His Stores--Discovery of
an Old Acquaintance--Narrative of his Adventures--Terrasso-weea’s
House--His Wives--Inquire of him Particulars of the Fate
of Mungo Park--His Relation of the Death of that Intrepid
Traveller--Terrasso-weea an Eye Witness of it--Park’s Property seized
by the King--His Despotic Character--Flight of Terrasso-weea--My
Palaver with the King--Hospitality of the Merchant--Information
obtained respecting Timbuctoo--Market of Adofoodia.
After leaving the town of Ongo we were met by several women carrying
fowls and water yams. Some of these we were fortunate enough to
purchase, in exchange for some needles and thimbles. We had now an
excellent stock of provision, and we kept the fowls alive till we
should require them for consumption. My poor fellows began to complain
much of sore feet and fatigue, telling me that “black master only
want man go long way when he make war one day; but white man make
poor black man walk plenty every day till him belly sore; then soon
black man die.” No doubt my poor fellows were extremely tired, as I
was myself, though I rode more than half the distance. I felt much for
them, and sometimes showed them the wound on my leg, and asked them how
they could complain when a white man, and in their hot country, could
stand the march with such a wound; but their reply was invariably,
“White man different to black man; _black man lie down and die, suppose
his leg bad like mine_.”
At thirty-three miles I proposed to encamp for the night. This proposal
was readily assented to by my tired companions. We accordingly selected
a convenient spot at some little distance from the path, where we
kindled a fire, having plenty of wood close at hand. We soon prepared a
good mess, and having also cut some grass for my horse, and given him a
few heads of corn, which we had saved from the previous night, we all
began, like the natives, to eat at the same table, and in a short time
fell fast asleep. Having left a good fire, we were not afraid of wild
beasts approaching us while the fire continued to burn brightly, but
serpents are very apt to come where there is fire. In fact, the natives
often make large fires for the purpose of attracting a certain species
of snake, which, when the fire is extinguished, feast greedily on the
ashes.
Though snakes did not trouble us, we were, however, about midnight,
suddenly alarmed by the snorting and pawing of my horse, who actually
bit my foot, to which he was tied, purposely to awaken me. To our great
surprise we found that the horse’s alarm had been caused by a large
species of wolf, which had no doubt been attracted by the smell of the
horse, which had observed it prowling in our immediate neighbourhood;
there it still remained, making at intervals most tremendous howls. I
fired off one of my pistols; after which we heard no more of him, but
took our position nearer to the fire. I was soon compelled to change
my position, however, for my horse having a propensity for scratching
the fire abroad, scraped some of the fire amongst us, burning some of
our clothes. Notwithstanding this we were again soon asleep, and had a
tolerably good rest until day-break.
I now found one of my Sierra Leone men shivering violently from great
fatigue, the heavy dew, and the considerable quantity of rain which
had also fallen in the former part of the night. I felt rather chilly
myself, and sick at the stomach, but dared not let my men know it, lest
they should be disheartened. I gave the poor fellow some quinine, and
also took some myself. In an hour afterwards I gave him some James’s
powder, and twenty drops of Battley’s sedative of opium, which soon
caused him to throw out a copious perspiration, and the shivering
entirely ceased. Owing to this circumstance we did not commence our
journey till we had breakfasted. Having a small calabash of native
honey, which we had carried with us in case of illness, I put a portion
of it in some hot water, but having no meal we were obliged to use
water and honey alone. This materially aided the medicine in promoting
perspiration, and we were soon all right again.
On the 1st of August we again resumed our journey, bearing N., and
varying during this day’s journey to 10° towards W., in expectation
of soon seeing our long-wished-for friend. This morning’s march
seemed rather irksome, as we proceeded full ten miles without meeting
any person of whom to inquire which was the right path; and several
by-paths communicating with the direct one, we were not aware which
to select. Fortunately we had taken the right path, by choosing the
one apparently most beaten, as we found by inquiry of a party whom we
overtook at the crossing of a path, resting under the shade of a large
tree. They seemed much alarmed, and several of them fled, leaving
behind them the loads they were carrying to market; but when they
found that we were friends, they soon returned, and seemed pleased to
find that we were not robbers, as they at first took us to be.
We sat down under the tree, and entered into conversation, when we
ascertained that this party were going in the same direction as
ourselves, to a town some few miles distant. The principal of their
load were yams and manioc, kolla-nuts and ground beans, plantains
and bananas, the latter of which one old woman ventured to ask my
interpreter if I would partake of, which of course I readily accepted;
and she also gave my men some each. In return I gave her a paper
of needles. The rest of the party were then anxious to make me a
_dash_, as they call it, upon the same conditions; but as we had now
sufficient, we declined to accept of any more. We soon resumed our
journey, marching in single file. The women, as they went along, began
singing a song, to which they all kept good time. This seemed to give
fresh animation to my men, and we went along for a short time as gaily
as if we had been in the Dahoman kingdom.
At thirteen miles, we arrived at a small town, or kroom, where there is
a large establishment, a sort of convent or residence, for Mahomedan
converts, who have either voluntarily or compulsorily renounced the
Pagan worship. These individuals are never suffered to come outside
of the walls till they have strictly conformed in every particular
with the Mahomedan religion for the space of thirteen moons, when they
are set at liberty, so far as to enjoy the privileges of the other
inhabitants; but should they attempt to leave the country for any other
kingdom, and be captured any time afterwards, they are sure to be put
to death. These individuals are all distinguished by a certain mark,
which is cut on the face, in addition to the mark of the tribe to which
they belong.
A singular form exists in passing by this establishment. All persons
must walk past on their bare feet, or if they wear sandals, they must
take them off while they pass; and if riding on horseback, or carried
in any other way, they must dismount and walk; nor must they look back
till quite past the prescribed mark, when the passersby are again
allowed to mount and proceed. All traders carrying a certain quantity
of goods are obliged to pay a toll or duty, which goes towards the
support of this establishment. Any evasion or breach of these rules
is punished by flagellation and forfeiture of the whole of the goods
in their possession. We were not allowed to enter, but every inquiry
respecting the establishment was answered; but whether the account
given was true or false, I am unable to determine.
The inmates are permitted to work at their trade, whatever it may be,
and are allowed the price of their labour, besides their subsistence
while they are within the walls. They are constantly attended by
priests, who visit the towns and markets within a certain distance,
and there levy contributions upon all articles of consumption, as well
as a duty which they demand upon cloths and ornaments, for the support
of their establishment. No doubt a great share of this sort of plunder
falls to themselves. Our company of trading-women left us here.
After partaking of some refreshment we again marched. No man could
experience more anxiety than I did myself during this part of my
journey; for the next town we reached would decide the success of the
object I had in view. Many were the doubts and fears that assailed
me. Sometimes I thought Terrasso-weea might have gone on, and have
taken another direction; and again, even if he were there, perhaps my
information at Abomey respecting Mungo Park might be incorrect, and
Terrasso-weea might know nothing of the circumstances about which I
was interested. At other times my spirits were buoyed up with the
idea of seeing the white man, as he was represented to be. But, again,
the thought of returning to Dahomey, and of incurring the King’s
displeasure, who had been my best friend, and perhaps, also, of being
instrumental in causing the caboceer of my guard, an excellent man,
to lose his head, oppressed me. However, to balance this trouble, I
had the consolation of having visited a country which I should not
otherwise have seen; for even if I should survive the climate and
dangers incident to travellers in so barbarous a country, I might not
again have an opportunity of visiting it.
While thus absorbed in varied reflections I had forgotten my
sand-glass, by which I measured the distance we marched, but my poor
fellows had been long accustomed to call out the number of quarters, or
glasses, which I caused every man to do aloud immediately after myself.
My glass was of a very simple construction. I took two small phials,
which had contained peppermint essence, which had been given to me
by an American captain. I measured my sand by time; then, when I had
ascertained the proper quantity, I poured out the remainder from the
opposite phial, and again secured the piece of tin between the mouths
of the phials, sealing them both together hermetically, and fixing
them lengthwise into a piece of palm stem, hollowed out on one side,
leaving one side of the phials exposed. This allowed me to observe
when the glass was run out. The moment we halted any where I slipped
the string, which was attached to each end, and hung about my neck, a
little round, so as to place the glasses in a horizontal position, and
stop their running until I again commenced marching.
On our journey we overtook numbers of people, the female portion of
whom were all heavily laden with goods for the market of Adofoodia.
Some we met returning, who had already been there and disposed of their
goods. Even these people were aware of our coming, and informed us
that the King had told his people that I should be there some time in
the forenoon. This was considered by his subjects as an act of great
condescension on his part, as affording them an opportunity of seeing a
white man--a sight they had never witnessed.
At twenty-eight miles we arrived at the anxiously-wished-for town of
Adofoodia, which is situated on a dry healthy plain, with a rich red
soil, the surface of a sandy nature, as if it had been carried over the
surface by water, at some remote period. We were met by the King and
his principal men, at a little distance from the outer gates. This
town is unlike many others; for it is not fenced with the prickly bush
I have before mentioned, though it is partially enclosed by clumps of
large shrubs, mixed with cotton and palm-trees.
The town is surrounded by a very thick clay wall, about eighteen feet
high. The outer market is held in a large open space on the left after
entering the southern gate. It is shaded with large trees, having
leaves measuring nine inches across, and about twelve in length. As
soon as we entered the market thousands came running anxious to see
us, which would inevitably have caused great confusion, had royal
power not been exercised to maintain order. We had already told the
King our principal object in visiting his country. He had the courtesy
immediately to take us to that part of the market (which was some
distance) where Terrasso-weea had his goods laid out on large square
pieces of carpet, evidently of European manufacture, though of a
pattern I had never before seen.
At a few yards from this spot we were desired to halt, and the King’s
chief messenger was sent forward to acquaint Terrasso-weea with our
arrival. However, he had been already made aware of the fact, and
had retired to his quarters to change his tobe. The messenger soon
arrived, accompanied by Terrasso-weea, who prostrated himself before
the King, who was on my right and a little in advance. The King
politely informed him that he had taken upon himself to introduce to
him a stranger who had come to see him from a far country. Whereupon
the merchant again prostrated himself and kissed the ground. Then he
arose and walked slowly towards me, holding out his hand with a smile
of satisfaction beaming in his venerable countenance. He said he was
truly happy to see me. It was, he said, the second time he had seen a
white man in the course of his life. The merchant took from a leather
wallet, or spohran, hanging in front of his dress, similar to that of
a Highlander of Scotland, a small book written in Persian-Arabic. From
this he read some form of welcome. He then begged the King’s leave to
depart, which his Majesty, with every show of politeness, agreed to, at
the same time remarking that it was his right to have the first of my
company, being the principal object of my journey. After a little time
he should certainly claim the privilege of a palaver with the white man.
We were then desired by the merchant to follow him. He first led us
to his stalls in the market, by the side of one of which was seated,
cross-legged, a dark swarthy man, but not much darker than some of
the Spaniards residing at Whydah. I was struck with the expression and
quick intelligent eye of this man, and could not help fancying that I
had seen the same individual at some previous period. The man eyed me
for some minutes with great interest, and at last suddenly advanced
towards me, holding out both his hands, and clasping his arms round
waist.
I did not much relish this sort of embrace from a stranger; but, by
his expression, I could observe that the salute was friendly. He
then passed his hands down each side, pressing my person gently, in
a similar manner to the searchers in the docks. Then he explained
himself, to my great though agreeable surprise. He proved to be a
merchant whom I met with when we were at the town of Egga with the late
unfortunate Niger expedition. He was then accompanied by another man,
and was on a trading tour from Rabba, attending the market at Egga. I
was invited by the malaam of Egga to dine with him, for he invites all
strangers to take refreshment. It was in his house that I met these
two individuals, who seemed quite delighted to meet me. They stated
themselves to be natives of Tripoli.
This man possessed great intelligence, and seemed anxious to afford any
information likely to be interesting to me. He informed me that his
companion was still at Rabba, trading from thence to Bornou. He was
himself employed by Terrasso-weea. While thus engaged in conversation,
a tall fine-looking man advanced towards us, with a very pleasing and
expressive smile on his countenance. To my great astonishment, this man
made me a bow, and addressed me, first in Spanish and then in English.
I can scarcely remember any occurrence in my lifetime that gave me, for
the moment, more pleasure than this; such an incident being so little
anticipated by me in a region so distant from civilized intercourse.
This poor fellow gave me a brief but interesting account of himself,
which I here set down in as few words as possible. He was a native of
Bornou, but, in the wars, was taken and sold as a slave. From one party
to another he was disposed of, till he was brought to Whydah, where
he remained some months, and was well treated. He was then shipped
from thence to Bahia, and remained there as a slave for the space of
twenty-one years. During ten years of that period he was principal or
head cook to the firm of Boothby and Johnston, of Liverpool.
When I told him I was well acquainted with Liverpool, he seemed quite
delighted, and expressed great anxiety to accompany me thither. He
spoke very highly of his former masters, and of the time of his
bondage as the happiest days of his life. I asked him how he came to
leave them. He informed me that he was liberated at the emancipation
of slaves held by British subjects, and that the early dreams of his
childhood were still so strongly imprinted on his memory that he
preferred visiting his birth-place to remaining a hired servant in
Bahia. Well, he returned in a Brazilian schooner to Whydah, where he
was landed, and there fell in with several of his acquaintances of
Bahia.
At Whydah he remained some months, then went to the Yarriba country,
and after some months arrived at his native town. But now the spell
was broken, and all his happy dreams of more than twenty years had
vanished. His native town had twice been burnt down by the enemy,
and was chiefly inhabited by strangers from a far country. He was
now an obscure stranger, and looked upon with suspicion, and his
long-cherished home was to him a desolate waste. With a lonely heart,
he again turned from the place, and when on his journey, intending to
return to the coast, and to Bahia if possible, he happened to meet
Terrasso-weea, at a town where he was trading. He was readily employed,
and had since travelled a great deal in different directions with his
master, whom he described to be an excellent man. Before leaving my
friend I ought to mention that he wrote his name, and described in
Spanish the time he remained in slavery, and also the names of Boothby
and Johnston. The date of his liberation is also noted. I have this
paper still in my possession.
To return to Terrasso-weea, who had retired to a short distance as soon
as my Bahia friend had entered into conversation with me. Observing a
pause in our conversation he again came up to me, and shewed me all
his goods in the market. He had a great number of carriers, who convey
the goods on their heads. This was the only place where I had seen the
camel used for burden since leaving Tangiers. Terrasso-weea had eight
of these animals, besides a great number of men.
The afternoon was now far advanced, and in consequence of my presence
Terrasso-weea ordered all his goods to be taken into his stores; so
that an opportunity might be afforded my friends, as well as himself,
of a palaver with a white man. Terrasso-weea then invited me to his
house, which was always occupied by some of his wives and an agent,
whether he were present or not. His dwelling and those of his domestics
formed a quadrangle of considerable extent. His own apartment was
richly ornamented with various rude designs, painted in different
colours upon the walls. Curiously carved stools were placed around the
apartment, and a clay couch, which was covered with several finely
worked mats of varied colours, over which was a richly worked native
wove cloth, bordered with a fringe of red and yellow silk. He was less
scrupulous than most Africans as regards the introduction of his wives,
though probably more with a view to gratify their curiosity than my
own. Some of them were considered as very handsome Africans, although
they varied very much in colour. A great many of them were Bornouese.
After drinking water with the merchant, I handed him the paper
entrusted to me by the Mahomedan priest at Abomey. Upon this he
immediately started to his feet, and seemed almost frantic with joy. At
the receipt of the epistle, which was written in the Persian-Arabic, I
availed myself of this opportunity to inform him of my object in coming
to this country: but the perusal of the note had already made him
aware that the object of my inquiry was to learn something respecting
the fate of the lamented Mungo Park. He said he was anxious to give me
all the information in his power respecting the death of that intrepid
traveller. His account I shall here narrate as nearly as possible as he
related it to me.
Terrasso-weea stated, that when he was a young man and living in
Yaouri, with the king of that place, as third malaam, or priest, a very
tall white man came down the great river Joleeba, having a very large
canoe, the centre covered over with matting in the form of a tent. He
was accompanied by several black men, and had one sheep and several
goats, with a few fowls, in the canoe, which they carried with them
for food. Amongst the crew was one man, a native of the neighbourhood
of Yaouri, whose name was Amadi Fatuma. This man had accompanied Mungo
Park from a town at a considerable distance higher up the river,
where he had gone with a trading caravan. As soon as this man arrived
at Yaouri, his native place, he of course left the canoe, but had
previously received payment. This cunning fellow advised Park to stop
at Yaouri to purchase some necessary provisions, declaring that he
could procure them cheaper by his assistance. Park accordingly went on
shore, and was introduced to the King, who supplied him with what he
required for subsistence, for which he paid him his full demand.
Soon after he retired to his canoe, to prepare for sailing; but on
his way, one of the King’s messengers overtook him, stating that
Amadi Fatuma had complained to the King that Mr. Park had not paid
him any wages, nor had he given him any thing as a dash; and that the
King had sent officers to detain Park till the demand was paid. Park
indignantly denied the truth of this assertion, and determined not to
yield to the imposition, but immediately stepped on board his canoe,
accompanied by the party who had been with him on shore. He desired
the messenger to return, and bring Amadi Fatuma to make his claim in
person. Amadi did return, accompanied by the malaam priest, that is,
the chief of the priesthood, Terrasso-weea being already present. He
then in person boldly demanded his wages, declaring that he had not
been paid according to his agreement, although all Park’s people stated
they saw him paid a great deal more than was agreed. Terrasso-weea says
he is doubtful whether the King, who was a despotic tyrant, had not
encouraged or urged Amadi to make his dishonest demand, for many people
believed the white man’s tale.
However, the King’s orders were directed to be enforced; and when
Park’s people were in the act of loosening the painter of the canoe,
which was made fast to a stump of a tree, or a post driven into the
bank for that purpose, one of the King’s officers seized hold of the
gunwale of the canoe to detain it, when Park, with a sabre, at one blow
cut the officer’s hand off. This exasperated the natives, who raised a
continuous yell, and at the same time threw a number of stones into the
canoe. Whereupon Park fired many times into the crowd, killing several
and wounding many.
It was not till then that a general attack was made, for many of the
people were in favour of Park, if they had dared to show it. Soon
after the attack Park was killed, or at least mortally wounded, so
that he died soon after he was taken into the presence of the King,
who pretended to feel regret that the charge had not been paid without
resorting to such a measure. Nearly all who were in the canoe were
killed or mortally wounded. Park with his own hands fired the guns,
while the others were loading the several muskets in their possession.
The arms used by the natives were bows and spears.
Terrasso-weea was during the whole time an eyewitness of this scene,
and he declares it to be his opinion, that had Park, after severing the
hand, pushed off his canoe, and proceeded down the river, he might have
got off without any more injury than the pelting with the stones. I
questioned him respecting the falls represented to have been the cause
of his canoe upsetting; but he declared that there are no such falls
as to impede in any way the navigation of a canoe of any size for more
than two hundred miles higher up; but merely a rapid current passing
between some large boulders of granite, between which he had himself
passed nearly the number of days in two moons.
He further stated in reply to questions from me, that Park was taken
out of his canoe alive, but would not speak when taken before the King.
All the property in the canoe was claimed by the King, and some of it
distributed in presents to his courtiers. Terrasso-weea was presented
with a small box, which, by his description, was either a tobacco-box
and stopper, or a snuff-box and tooth-pick, but I should suppose the
former.
I made minute inquiry respecting his papers, and was informed that
about twenty-six moons after the occurrence, a white man came from
Tripoli and purchased some large papers with crooked lines and much
of writing upon them. These papers were secured in a long metal tube.
I asked if he were not mistaken in the man who purchased the papers
coming from Tripoli, and whether it was not from Constantinople.
At this question, the merchant seemed a little offended, and again
asserted that the man came from Tripoli. He said he purchased the
papers at a high price, and when he had departed, a messenger was sent
after him by the King to recall him, when another demand was made upon
him, equal to the first payment before he was allowed to depart.
The other books in Park’s possession were sold in parts to the
different priests and malaams, to make into amulets, which consist
of slips of the paper rolled up hard, and sewn into a piece of
fancy-coloured and stitched leather, and are suspended by a neatly
plaited or twisted thong of goat-skin round the neck. He believed that
some amulets had been carried more than two hundred leagues, or sixty
days’ journey. I asked him how he came to leave the service of the
King of Yaouri. In reply he told me that he had been six years without
receiving any pay, and had ventured to solicit part payment, when
the King told him that his insolence deserved death, which punishment
he would certainly inflict, threatening the same fate to the priest
I had seen at Abomey. Upon this threat, the two priests determined
on making their escape, which they with difficulty effected; and had
they not been in favour with the people, and the King disliked for his
barbarity, their escape would have been impossible.
Having some pecuniary means they retreated to the kingdom of
Bornou, where they remained for some years, living in the capacity
of priests, and there they gained the favour of the sheik or king;
but, unfortunately, the country becoming involved in war, and their
master beheaded, they were compelled again to retreat, and ever since
had been travelling as merchants, sometimes remaining four or five
moons in one town. Terrasso-weea was also a dealer in slaves, when
it suited his purpose. The goods in which he traded were chiefly
Bornou ornaments--armlets, bracelets, and anklets, very heavy and
richly chased or carved; native razors and beads, cloths of various
manufacture and colours, various-coloured tobes, and neatly carved
wooden bowls, bows and arrows, some brass rods, no doubt of European
manufacture.
During our conversation my friend, the Bahia cook, seemed very anxious
to ask some questions. I could not help admiring the difference between
the sagacious behaviour of this man and that of his uncivilized
brethren around him. He asked me a great many questions respecting
Boothby and Johnston, and begged me to call on the firm, and deliver
certain messages on my return to England. He intended to embrace
the first opportunity of returning to Whydah, where he had some
acquaintances, for he was not now comfortable, being entirely shut
out from the civilized world. If he could only hear of any of his old
master’s family being still alive in Liverpool, he would yet endeavour
to get a passage thither.[16] The King had sent provision to us,
and our host had also furnished us with more than a sufficiency; my
excellent friend the cook begging to perform the cooking, declaring
that it did his heart good to wait on a white man, but more especially
an Englishman.
My friend and old acquaintance, the Tripoli man, seemed anxious to
learn something of the steamers composing the Niger expedition. It
appeared that he was quite acquainted with the disastrous fate of that
expedition, and also with the abandonment of the model farm, which
he says he himself visited after he saw me at Egga. He says that the
natives regretted much the abandonment of the farm, but the people
are still in hopes of our again returning to trade with them. So that
though the lives of many good men were sacrificed, the expedition has
excited an inclination to trade, which must always be the leading means
of civilization.
The King now sent his messengers to ask if I had finished my palaver,
as he wished me and the merchant to pay him a visit at his palace.
Thither we accompanied the messenger, and found his Majesty seated
cross-legged on a square piece of Turkey carpet. He had two large brass
pans beside him, without any contents, consequently I suppose they were
merely used as ornaments. He had two of his principals sitting close by
him; these were his principal malaams. Upon my approach he rose from
his position, and shook hands with me, and then reseated himself on a
low, richly-carved stool, the malaams each nursing a leg on their lap.
The sun was now set, and this interview was by torch-light. The King
asked a great many questions about the sovereign of my country, and
when told that the monarch was a woman he seemed confounded. He next
asked me if she had many husbands, and when I told him that she had
only one, he shrunk up his shoulders. He then inquired if she went out
to war in person. In fact, his inquiries were endless. Our palaver
lasted about an hour, at the end of which we were allowed to retire.
We returned to the house of the merchant, where we had supper, and
were afterwards accommodated with a comfortable mat and cloth to sleep
upon. I slept very soundly, and did not awake till aroused by the noise
of people getting their goods ready for the market. There are several
markets in this town, consequently they are held on different days. I
arose, and the Bahia cook had prepared some delicious dishes for my
breakfast. The poor fellow seemed quite delighted to attend to my wants.
At breakfast I ate by myself, the merchant preferring other dishes.
I made inquiry respecting the distance to Timbuctoo. He said that he
had come from Timbuctoo in ten days, by commencing his journey before
the sun, and travelling all day, only stopping to eat once. I found
by comparing the day’s journey that he had come from the Dabadab
Mountains. Thirty miles was about his day’s journey. He described
Timbuctoo as not nearly so large as Adofoodia, and that it was only
remarkable as a mart for the exchange of goods as being convenient for
that purpose. It is a great salt market, but has no manufacture.
The natives are chiefly employed in loading and unloading goods for the
different traders, who assemble here to meet the various caravans and
canoes, which arrive there at certain periods. A high duty is imposed
upon every article of trade carried thither, in consequence of which
great disturbance has been caused of late years, by the merchants
refusing to pay it. Timbuctoo is described as being a considerable
distance from the Joleeba, or Niger, up a tributary stream.
Terrasso-weea informed me, as also the Tripoli merchant, that there are
thirty-six branches or tributary rivers. All of these within one league
run into the Niger, or Joleeba, near the Timbuctoo branch. Adofoodia is
as large as Abomey, and its trade nearly equal in native merchandise.
It is by observation, in latitude 13° 6ʹ N. and by reckoning 1° 3ʹ East
longitude.
The market at Adofoodia is well supplied with nearly every article
already mentioned, except tobacco, which I did not observe. Slaves
are here sold in great numbers. During my stroll round the town I was
followed by dense crowds of people wherever I went. Upon my return to
my quarters, I was visited by the King, who expressed a wish to see me
fire out of my gun.
To gratify his curiosity I shot a pigeon which was flying past. This
excited great surprise. He sent me a head of cowries to treat my men on
my return to Dahomey. I had now only a few knives left, two of which
I gave him, as well as some needles. I also gave some presents to my
other kind friends, with whom I felt myself quite at home. They pressed
me hard to stop another day, but circumstances would not permit me, and
after being furnished with another head of cowries by Terrasso-weea,
we marched on our return for the Kong Mountains, during which nothing
very extraordinary occurred further than a slight fever; and on the
13th August, in the evening, we once more, to my great joy, arrived at
Baffo, where I found my guard and the captain almost in despair.
FOOTNOTES:
[16] I have, since my return, called on the firm of Messrs. Boothby and
Johnston, and found this story perfectly correct. His old masters gave
him an excellent character.