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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of An Account of Timbuctoo and Housa
+Territories in the Interior of Africa, by Abd Salam Shabeeny
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: An Account of Timbuctoo and Housa Territories in the Interior of Africa
+
+Author: Abd Salam Shabeeny
+
+Commentator: James Grey Jackson
+
+Release Date: September 16, 2007 [EBook #22631]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN ACCOUNT OF TIMBUCTOO ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Carlo Traverso, Renald Levesque and the Online
+Distributed Proofreaders Europe at http://dp.rastko.net.
+This file was produced from images generously made available
+by the Bibliotheque nationale de France
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ AN ACCOUNT
+ OF
+ TIMBUCTOO AND HOUSA,
+ TERRITORIES IN THE INTERIOR OF
+ Africa,
+
+ By: EL HAGE ABD SALAM SHABEENY;
+
+ WITH
+ _NOTES, CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY._
+ TO WHICH IS ADDED,
+ LETTERS DESCRIPTIVE OF
+ TRAVELS THROUGH WEST AND SOUTH BARBARY,
+ AND ACROSS THE MOUNTAIN'S OF ATLAS;
+ ALSO,
+ FRAGMENTS, NOTES, AND ANECDOTES;
+ SPECIMENS OF THE ARABIC EPISTOLARY STYLE,
+ &c. &c.
+
+"_L'Univers est une espece de livre, dont on n'a lu que la premiere
+ page, quand on n'a vu que son pays._" LE COSMOPOLITE.
+
+ By; JAMES GREY JACKSON,
+
+ RESIDENT UPWARDS OF SIXTEEN YEARS IN SOUTH AND WEST BARBARY,
+ IN A DIPLOMATIC AND IN A COMMERCIAL CAPACITY.
+
+
+
+ LONDON:
+ PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN,
+ PATERNOSTER-ROW.
+ 1820.
+
+
+Printed by A. and R. Spottiswoode,
+Printers Street, London.
+
+
+
+
+ TO
+ HIS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY
+ GEORGE THE FOURTH,
+ _&c. &c. &c._
+ THIS WORK
+ IS
+ WITH PERMISSION,
+ RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,
+
+ BY
+
+ HIS MAJESTY'S
+ MOST DUTIFUL SUBJECT
+ AND SERVANT,
+ JAMES GREY JACKSON.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+The person who communicated the following intelligence respecting
+Timbuctoo and Housa, is a Muselman, and a native of Tetuan, whose father
+and mother are personally known to Mr. Lucas, the British Consul. His
+name is Asseed El Hage Abd Salam Shabeeny. His account of himself is,
+that at the age of fourteen years he accompanied his father to
+Timbuctoo, from which town, after a residence of three years, he
+proceeded to Housa; and after residing at the latter two years, he
+returned to Timbuctoo, where he continued seven years, and then came
+back to Tetuan.
+
+Being now in the twenty-seventh year of his age, he proceeded from
+Tetuan as a pilgrim and merchant, with the caravan for Egypt to Mecca
+and Medina, and on his return, established himself as a merchant at
+Tetuan, his native place, from whence he embarked on board a vessel
+bound for Hamburgh, in order to purchase linens and other merchandize
+that were requisite for his commerce.
+
+On his return from Hamburgh in an English vessel, he was captured, and
+carried prisoner to Ostend, by a ship manned by Englishmen, but under
+Russian colours, the captain of which pretended that his Imperial
+mistress was at war with all Muselmen. There he was released by the good
+offices of the British consul, Sir John Peters[a], and embarked once
+more in the same vessel, which, by the same mediation, was also
+released; but as the captain either was or pretended to be afraid of a
+second capture, El Hage Abd Salam was sent ashore at Dover, and is
+now[b], by the orders of government, to take his passage on board a
+king's ship that will sail in a few days.
+
+In the following communications, Mr. Beaufoy proposed the questions, and
+Mr. Lucas was the interpreter.
+
+Shabeeny was two years on his journey from Tetuan to Mekka, before he
+returned to Fas. He made some profit on his merchandise, which consisted
+of haiks[c], red caps, and slippers, cochineal and saffron; the returns
+were, fine Indian muslins[d] for turbans, raw silk, musk, and
+_gebalia_[e], a fine perfume that resembles black paste.
+
+He made a great profit by his traffic at Timbuctoo and Housa; but, _he
+says_, money gained among the Negroes[f] has not the blessing of God on
+it, but vanishes away without benefit to the owner; but, acquired in a
+journey to Mecca, proves fortunate, and becomes a permanent acquisition.
+
+On his return with his father from Mecca, they settled at Tetuan, and
+often carried cattle, poultry, &c. to Gibraltar; his father passed the
+last fifteen years of his life at Gibraltar, and died there about the
+year 1793. He was born at Mequinas; his family is descended from the
+tribe of Shabban[g], which possesses the country between Santa Cruz and
+Wedinoon. They were entitled to the office of pitching the Emperor's
+tent, and attending his person. They can raise 40,000 men, and they were
+the first who accompanied Muley Hamed Dehebby[h] in his march to
+Timbuctoo.
+
+ [Footnote a: Confirmed by Sir John Peters.]
+
+ [Footnote b: In the year 1795.]
+
+ [Footnote c: The haiks are light cotton, woollen, or silk garments,
+ about five feet wide and four yards long, manufactured at Fas, as
+ are also the red caps which are generally made of the finest Tedla
+ wool, which is equal to the Spanish, and is the produce of the
+ province of that name, (for the situation of which see the map of
+ the empire of Marocco, facing page 55.) The slippers are also
+ manufactured from leather made from goat-skins, at Fas and at
+ Mequinas. The cochineal is imported from Spain, although the
+ opuntia, or the tree that nourishes the cochineal-fly, abounds in
+ many of the provinces of West Barbary, particularly in the province
+ of Suse. The saffron abounds in the Atlas mountains in Lower Suse,
+ and is used in most articles of food by the Muhamedans.]
+
+ [Footnote d: Muls.]
+
+ [Footnote e: _Gebalia_ resembles frankincense, or Gum Benjamin, and
+ is used for fumigations by the Africans.]
+
+ [Footnote f: Being idolaters.]
+
+ [Footnote g: Shaban is (probably) a tribe of the Howara Arabs, who
+ possess the beautiful plains and fine country situated between the
+ city of Terodant and the port of Santa Cruz. There is an emigration
+ of the Mograffra Arabs, who are in possession of the country
+ between Terodant and the port of Messa. The encampments of an
+ emigration of the Woled Abusebah (vulgarly called, in the maps,
+ _Labdessebas_) Arabs of Sahara, occupy a considerable district
+ between Tomie, on the coast, and Terodant. The coast from Messa to
+ Wedinoon is occupied by a trading race of Arabs and Shelluhs, who
+ have inter-married, called _Ait Bamaran_. These people are very
+ anxious to have a port opened in their country, and some sheiks
+ among them have assured me, that there is a peninsula on their
+ coast conveniently situated for a port. _This circumstance is well
+ deserving the attention of the maritime and commercial nations of
+ the world._]
+
+ [Footnote h: The youngest son of the Emperor Muley Ismael conducted
+ the expedition here alluded to, about the year of Christ 1727. For
+ an account of which see the Appendix, page 523.]
+
+He considers himself now as settled at Tetuan, where he has a wife and
+children. He left it about twelve months ago, with three friends, to go
+to Hamburg (as before mentioned.) They were confined forty-seven days at
+Ostend, were taken the second day of their voyage; the English captain
+put them ashore at Dover against their inclination, and proceeded to
+Gibraltar with their goods: this was in December, 1789.
+
+THE CONTINENT.
+
+The continent of Africa, the discovery of which has baffled the
+enterprise of Europe, (unlike every other part of the habitable world,)
+still remains, as it were, a sealed book, at least, if the book has been
+opened, we have scarcely got beyond the title-page.
+
+Great merit is due to the enterprise of travellers. The good intention
+of the African Association, in promoting scientific researches in this
+continent, cannot (by the liberal) be doubted. But something more than
+this is necessary to embark _successfully_ in this gigantic undertaking.
+I never thought that the system of solitary travellers would produce any
+beneficial result. The plan of the expedition of Major Peddie and
+Captain Tuckie was still more objectionable than the solitary plan, and
+I have reason to think, that no man possessing any personal knowledge of
+Africa, ever entertained hopes of the success of those expeditions.
+Twenty years ago I declared it as MY decided opinion, that the only way
+to obtain a knowledge of this interesting continent, is through the
+medium of commercial intercourse. The more our experience of the
+successive failure of our African expeditions advances, the more
+strongly am I confirmed in this opinion. If we are to succeed in this
+great enterprise, we must step out of the beaten path--the road of
+error, that leads to disappointment--the road that has been so fatal to
+all our ill-concerted enterprises; we must shake off the rust of
+precedent, and strike into a new path altogether.
+
+Do we not lack that _spirit of union_ so expedient and necessary to all
+great enterprises? Is not the public good sacrificed to
+self-aggrandisement and individual interest.--Let the African
+Institution unite its funds to those of the African Association, and
+co-operate with the efforts of that society! Let the African Company
+also throw in their share of intelligence. The separated and sometimes
+discordant interests of all these societies, if united, might effect
+much. The _united_ efforts of such societies would do more in a year
+towards the civilization of Africa, and the abolition of slavery, than
+they will do in ten, unconnected as they now are. _Concordia parva res
+crescunt_.--When each looks to particular interests, we cannot expect
+the result to be the general good.
+
+It is probable that the magnificent enterprises of the Portuguese and
+Spaniards, would, ere this, have colonised and converted to
+Christianity, all the eligible spots of idolatrous Africa, if their
+attention to this grand object had not been diverted by the discovery of
+America, and their establishments in Brazil, Mexico, &c.
+
+I was established upwards of sixteen years in West and South Barbary;
+territories that maintain an uninterrupted intercourse with all those
+countries that Major Houghton, Hornemann, Park, Rontgen, Burckhardt,
+Ritchie, and others have attempted to explore. I was diplomatic agent to
+several maritime nations of Europe, which familiarised me with all ranks
+of society in those countries. I had a perfect knowledge of the
+commercial and travelling language of Africa, (the Arabic.) I
+corresponded _myself_ with the Emperors, Princes, and Bashaws in this
+language; my commercial connections were _very_ extensive, amongst all
+the most respectable merchants who traded with Timbuctoo and other
+countries of Sudan. My residence at Agadeer, or Santa Cruz, in Suse,
+afforded me eligible opportunities of procuring information respecting
+the trade with Sudan, and the interior of Africa. A long residence in
+the country, and extensive connections, enabled me to discriminate, and
+to ascertain who were competent and who were not competent to give me
+the information I required. I had opportunities at my leisure of
+investigating the motives that any might have to deceive me; I had time
+and leisure also to investigate their moral character, and to ascertain
+the principles that regulated their respective conduct. Possessed of all
+these sources of information, how could I fail of procuring correct and
+authentic intelligence of the interior of Africa; yet my account of the
+two Niles has been doubted by our fire-side critics, and the desultory
+intelligence of other travellers, who certainly did not possess those
+opportunities of procuring information that I did, has been substituted:
+but, notwithstanding this unaccountable scepticism, my uncredited
+account of the connection of the two Niles of Africa, continues daily to
+receive additional confirmation from all the African travellers
+themselves. And thus, TIME, (to use the words of a [j]learned and most
+intelligent writer), "which is more obscure in its course than the Nile,
+and in its termination than the Niger," is disclosing all these things:
+so that I now begin to think that the before-mentioned critics will not
+be able much longer to maintain their theoretical hypothesis.[k]
+
+ [Footnote j: Vide the Rev. C. C. Colton's Lacon, sect. 587. p. 260,
+ 261.]
+
+ [Footnote k: See various letters on Africa, in this work, p. 443.]
+
+The talents, the extraordinary prudence and forbearance, the knowledge
+of the Arabic language, and other essential qualifications in an African
+traveller, which the ever-to-be-lamented Burckhardt so eminently
+possessed, gave me the greatest hopes of his success in his arduous
+enterprise, until I discovered, when reading his Travels, that he was
+_poor and despised, though a Muselman_.
+
+There is too much reason to apprehend that he was suspected, if not
+discovered by the Muselmen, or he would not have been _secluded from
+their meals_ and society: the Muselmen never (_sherik taam_) eat or
+divide food with those they suspect of deception, nor do they ever
+_refuse to partake of food with a Muselman_, unless they do suspect him
+of treachery or deception; this principle prevails so universally among
+them, that artful and designing people have practised as many deceptions
+on the Bedouin under the cloak of hospitality, as are practised in
+Christian countries under the cloak of religion! I cannot but suspect,
+therefore, from the circumstance before recited, that the Muselmism of
+Burckhardt was seriously suspected, and that his companions only waited
+a convenient opportunity in the Sahara for executing their revenge on
+him for the deception.
+
+The very favourable reception that my account of Marocco met with from
+the British public; the many things therein stated, which are daily
+gaining confirmation, although they were doubted at the period of their
+publication, have contributed in no small degree, to the production of
+the following sheets, in which I can conscientiously declare, that truth
+has been my guide; I have never sacrificed it to ambition, vanity,
+avarice, or any other passion.
+
+The learned, I am flattered to see, are now beginning to adopt my
+orthography of African names; they have lately adopted _Timbuctoo_ for
+the old and barbarous orthography of _Timbuctoo_; they have, however,
+been upwards of ten years about it. In ten years more, I anticipate that
+_Fez_ will be changed into _Fas_, and _Morocco_ into _Marocco_, for this
+plain and uncontrovertible reason,--because they are so spelled in the
+original language of the countries, of which they are the chief cities.
+Since the publication of my account of Marocco, I have seen Arabic words
+spelled various ways by the same author (I have committed the same error
+myself); but in the following work I have adopted a plan to correct this
+prevailing error in Oriental orthography, which, I think, ought to be
+followed by every Oriental scholar, as the only correct way of
+transcribing them in English; viz. by writing them exactly according to
+the original Arabic orthography, substituting _gr_ (not _gh_, as
+Richardson directs) for the Arabic guttural [Arabic] grain, and _kh_
+for the guttural _k_ or [Arabic]--
+
+_Note._ We should be careful not to copy the orthography of Oriental or
+African names from the French, which has too often been done, although
+their pronunciation of European letters is very dissimilar from our own.
+
+
+
+
+ CONTENTS.
+
+_An Account of a Journey from Fas to Timbuctoo, performed about the year
+1787, by El Hage Abd Salam Shabeeny._ Page 1
+
+Route to Timbuctoo.--Situation of the City.--Population.--Inns
+or Caravanseras, called Fondaks.--Houses.--Government.--Revenue.--Army.
+Administration of Justice.--Succession to Property.--Marriage.--Trade.
+Manufactures.--Husbandry.--Provisions.--Animals.--Birds.--Fish.--Prices
+of different Articles.--Dress.--Time.--Religion.--Diseases.--Manners
+and Customs.--Neighbouring Nations.
+
+_Journey from Timbuctoo to Housa_ 37
+
+The River Neel or Nile.--Housa.--Government.--Administration
+of Justice--Landed Property,--Revenues.--Army.--Trade.--Climate.
+Zoology.--Diseases.--Religion.--Persons.--Dress.--Buildings.--Manners.
+Gold.--Limits of the Empire.
+
+_Letters, containing an Account of Journies through various Parts of
+West and South Barbary, at different Periods, personally performed by
+J.G. Jackson._ 55
+
+LETTER I. (To James Willis, Esq., late British Consul for Senegambia.)
+On the Opening of the Port of Agadeer, or Santa Cruz, in the Province of
+Suse; and of its Cession by the Emperor Muley Yezzid to the Dutch. _ibid._
+
+LETTER II. (To the same.) The Author's Arrival at Agadeer or Santa
+Cruz.--He opens the Port to European Commerce.--His favourable Reception
+on landing there.--Is saluted by the Battery.--Abolishes the degrading
+Custom that had been exacted of the Christians, of descending from on
+Horseback, and entering the Town on Foot, like the Jews.--Of a Sanctuary
+at the Entrance of the Town, which had ever been considered Holy Ground,
+and none but Muhamedans had ever before been permitted to enter the
+Gates on Horseback. 58
+
+LETTER III. (To the same.) The Author makes a Commercial Road down the
+Mountain, to facilitate the Shipment of Goods.--The Energy and
+Liberality of the Natives, in working gratuitously at it.--Description
+of the Portuguese Tower at Tildie.--Arab Repast there.--Natural Strength
+of Santa Cruz, of the Town of Agurem, and the Portuguese Spring and Tank
+there.--Attempt of the Danes to land and build a Fort.--Eligibility of
+the Situation of Santa Cruz, for a Commercial Depot to supply the whole
+of the Interior of North Africa with East India and European
+Manufactures.--Propensity of the Natives to Commerce and Industry, if
+Opportunity offered. 62
+
+LETTER IV. (To the same.) Command of the Commerce of Sudan. 67
+
+LETTER V. From Mr. Willis to Mr. Jackson 69
+
+LETTER VI. From the same to the same 71
+
+LETTER VII. (To James Willis, Esq.) Emperor's March to Marocco.--Doubles
+the Customs' Duties of Mogodor.--The Governor, Prince Abdelmelk, with
+the Garrison and Merchants of Santa Cruz, ordered to go to the Court at
+Marocco.--They cross the Atlas Mountains.--Description of the Country
+and Produce.--Dangerous Defile in the Mountains through which the Author
+passed.--Chasm in the Mountain.--Security of Suse from Marocco,
+originating in the narrow Defile in the Mountains of Atlas.--Extensive
+Plantations of Olives.--Village of Ait Musie.--Fruga Plains.--Marocco
+Plains.--Fine Corn.--Reception at Marocco, and Audience with the
+Emperor.--Imperial Gardens at Marocco.--Prince Abdelmelk's magnificent
+Apparel reprobated by the Sultan.--The Port of Santa Cruz shut to the
+Commerce of Europe, and the Merchants ordered to Marocco.--The Prince
+banished to the _Bled Shereef_, or Country of Princes; viz. Tafilelt, of
+the Palace at Tafilelt.--Abundance of Dates.--Face of the
+Country.--Magnificent Groves of Palm or Date-trees.--Faith and Integrity
+of the Inhabitants of Tafilelt.--Imperial Gardens at Marocco.--Mode of
+Irrigation.--Attar of Roses, vulgarly called Otto of Roses (_Attar_
+being the Word signifying a Distillation.).--State of Oister Shells on
+the Top of the Mountains of Sheshawa, between Mogodor and Marocco, being
+a Branch of the Atlas.--Description of the Author's Reception on the
+Road from Marocco to Mogodor.--Of the Elgrored, or Sahara of Mogodor. 73
+
+LETTER VIII. From Mr. Willis to Mr. Jackson 84
+
+Extract of a Letter from His Excellency J.M. Matra, British Envoy to
+Marocco, &c. to Mr. Jackson. 85
+
+LETTER IX. (To James Willis, Esq.) Custom of visiting the Emperor on his
+Arrival at Marocco.--Journey of the Merchants thither on that
+Occasion.--No one enters the Imperial Presence without a Present.--Mode
+of travelling.--The Commercio.--Imperial Gardens at Marocco.--Audience
+of the Sultan.--Amusements at Marocco.--Visit to the Town of
+Lepers.--Badge of Distinction worn by the Lepers.--Ophthalmia at
+Marocco.--Its probable Cause.--Immense Height of the Atlas, East and
+South of Marocco.--Mode of visiting at Marocco.--Mode of Eating.--Trades
+or Handicrafts at Marocco.--Audience of Business of the Sultan.--Present
+received from the Sultan. 86
+
+LETTER X. From Mr. Willis to Mr. Jackson 99
+
+LETTER XI. From the same to the same 101
+
+LETTER XII. From the same to the same 103
+
+LETTER XIII. (To James Willis, Esq.) Journey from Mogodor to Rabat, to
+Mequinas, to the Sanctuary of Muley Dris Zerone in the Atlas Mountains,
+to the Ruins of Pharaoh, and thence through the Amorite Country to
+L'Araich and Tangier.--Started from Mogodor with Bel Hage as (_Tabuk_)
+Cook, and Deeb as (_Mule Lukkerzana_) Tent-Master.--Exportation of Wool
+granted by the Emperor.--Akkermute depopulated by the Plague.--Arabs,
+their Mode of hunting the Partridge.--Observations respecting the River
+Tansift.--Jerf El Eudie, or the Jews' Pass.--Description of Saffy, and
+its Port or Road.--Woladia calculated to make a safe harbour.--Growth of
+Tobacco.--Mazagan described.--Azamor the Abode of Storks.--Saneet
+Urtemma a dangerous Country.--Dar El Beida, Fedalla, and Rabat
+described.--Mausoleum of the Sultan Muhamed ben Abd Allah at Rabat.--Of
+Sheila, a Roman Town.--Of the Tower of Hassan.--Road of
+Rabat.--Productive Country about Rabat.--Salee.--The People inimical to
+Christians.--The Dungeon where they confined Christian Slaves.--Ait
+Zimurh, notorious Thieves.--Their Mode of Robbing.--Their Country
+disturbed with Lions.--Arrival at Mequinas.--Some Account of that City
+and its Imperial Palace.--Ladies of Mequinas extremely
+beautiful.--Arrival at the renowned Sanctuary of Muley Dris or Idris
+Zerone.--Extraordinary and favourable Reception there by the Fakeers of
+the Sanctuary.--Slept in the Adytum.--Succour expected from the English
+in the Event of an Invasion by Bonaparte.--Prostration and Prayer of
+Benediction by the Fakeers at my Departure from the Sanctuary.--Ruins of
+Pharaoh near the Sanctuary.--Treasures found there.--Ite Amor.--
+
+The Descendants of the Ancient Amorites.--Character of these
+People.--Various Tribes of the Berebbers of Atlas.--El Kassar
+Kabeer.--Its Environs, a beautiful Country.--Forest of
+L'Araich.--Superior Manufacture of Gold Thread made at Fas, as well as
+Imitations of Amber.--Grand Entry of the British Ambassador into
+Tangier.--Our Ignorance of African Matters.--The Sultan's Comparison of
+the Provinces of his Empire to the various Kingdoms of Europe. 105
+
+LETTER XIV. (From His Excellency James M. Matra to Mr. Jackson.)
+Respecting the Result of the British Embassy to the Emperor of Marocco
+at Old Fas. 128
+
+LETTER XV. (To James Willis, Esq.) European Society at Tangier.--Sects
+and Divisions among Christians in Muhamedan Countries counteracts the
+Propagation of Christianity, and casts a Contempt upon Christians
+themselves.--The Cause of it.--The Conversion of Africa should be
+preceded by an Imitation of the divine Doctrine of Christ among
+Christians themselves. 129
+
+LETTER XVI. (To the same.) Diary of a Journey from Tangier to Mogodor,
+showing the Distances from Town to Town, along the Coast of the Atlantic
+Ocean; useful to Persons travelling in that Country. 132
+
+LETTER XVII. (To the same.) An Account of a Journey from Mogodor to
+Saffy, during a Civil War, in a Moorish Dress, when a Courier could not
+pass, owing to the Warfare between the two Provinces of Haha and
+Shedma.--Stratagem adopted by the Author to prevent Detection.--Danger
+of being discovered.--Satisfaction expressed by the Bashaw of Abda,
+Abdrahaman ben Nassar, on the Author's safe Arrival, and Compliments
+received from him on his having accomplished this perilous Journey. 134
+
+LETTER XVIII. (To the same.) Journey to the Prince Abd Salam, and the
+Khalif Delemy in Shtuka.--Encamped in his Garden.--Mode of living in
+Shtuka.--Audience of the Prince.--Expedition to the Port of Tomie, in
+Suse.--Country infested with Rats.--Situation of Tomie.--Entertainment
+at a Douar of the Arabs of Woled Abbusebah.--Exertions of Delemy to
+entertain his guests.--Arabian Dance and Music.--Manner and Style of
+Dancing.--Eulogium of the Viceroys and Captains to the Ladies.--Manners
+of the latter.--Their personal Beauty.--Dress.--Desire of the Arabs to
+have a Commercial Establishment in their Country.--Report to the Prince
+respecting Tomie.--Its Contiguity to the Place of the Growth of various
+Articles of Commerce.--Viceroy's Offer to build a House, and the
+Duties.--Visit to Messa.--Nature of the Country.--Gold and Silver
+Mines.--Garden of Delemy.--Immense Water-melons and Grapes.--Mode of
+Irrigation.--Extraordinary People from Sudan at Delemy's.--Elegant
+Sword.--Extensive Plantations.--The Prince prepares to depart for
+Tafilelt. 137
+
+LETTER XIX. (To the same.) Journey from Santa Cruz to Mogodor, when no
+Travellers ventured to pass, owing to Civil War and Contention among the
+Kabyles.--Moorish Philanthropy in digging Wells for the Use of
+Travellers.--Travelled with a trusty Guide without Provisions, Tents,
+Baggage, or Incumbrances.--Nature of the Warfare in the Land.--Bitter
+Effects of Revenge and Retaliation on the happiness of Society.--Origin
+of these civil Wars between the Families and Kabyles.--Presented with
+Honey and Butter for Breakfast.--Patriarchal Manner of living among the
+Shelluhs compared to that of Abraham.--Aromatic Honey.--Ceremony at
+Meals, and Mode of Eating.--Travelled all Night, and slept in the open
+Air;--Method of avoiding the Night-dew, as practised by the
+Natives.--Arrival at Mogodor. 150
+
+_An Account of the Rise, Progress, and Decrease of the Plague that
+ravaged West and South Barbary, in 1799, faithfully extracted, from
+Letters written before and during its Existence, by the House of James
+Jackson & Co., or by James G. Jackson, at Mogodor, to their
+Correspondents in Europe._ 156
+
+Letter from His Excellency James M. Matra to Mr. Jackson. 163
+
+An Account of a peculiar Species of Plague which depopulated West and
+South Barbary in 1799 and 1800, to the Effects of which the Author was
+an eye-witness. 166
+
+Cases of Plague. 180
+
+Observations respecting the Plague that prevailed last Year in West
+Barbary, which was imported from Egypt; communicated by the Author to
+the Editor of the Quarterly Journal of Literature, Science, and the
+Arts, edited at the Royal Institution of Great Britain, No. 15,
+published October, 1819. 186
+
+_Journey from Tangier to Rabat, through the Plains of Seboo, in Company
+with Doctor Bell and the Prince Muley Teib and an Army of Cavalry_. 191
+
+Officiated as Interpreter between the Prince and Dr. Bell.--Description
+of Food sent to us by the Prince.--The Plains of M'sharrah Rummellah, an
+incomparably fine and productive Country.--The Cavalry of the
+Amorites;--their unique Observations on Dr. Bell: their mean opinion of
+his Art, because he could not cure Death.--Passage of the River Seboo on
+Rafts of inflated Skins.--Spacious tent of Goat's Hair erected for the
+Sheik, and appropriated to the Use of the Prince.--Description of the
+magnificent Plains of M'sharrah Rummellah and Seboo.--Arabian
+Royalty.--Prodigious Quantity of Corn grown in these Plains.--Matamores,
+what they are.--Mode of Reaping.--
+
+The Prince presents the Doctor with a Horse, and approves of his
+Medicines.--The Prince and the Doctor depart south-eastwardly, and the
+Author pursues his Journey to Rabat and Mogodor. 191
+
+_Of the excavated Residences of the Inhabitants of Atlas: the Acephali,
+Hel Shoual, and Hel el Kitteb_. 198
+
+The Discovery of Africa not to be effected by the present System of
+solitary Travellers; but by a grand Plan, with a numerous Company;
+beginning with Commerce, as the natural Prelude to Discovery, the
+Fore-runner of Civilization, and a preliminary Step, indispensable to
+the Conversion of the native Negroes to Christianity.
+
+_Cautions to be used in Travelling_. 202
+
+Danger of Travelling after Sun-set.--The Emperor holds himself
+accountable for Thefts committed on Travellers, whilst travelling
+between the rising and the setting Sun.--Emigration of
+Arabs.--Patriarchal Style of Living among the Arabs; Food, Clothing,
+domestic Looms, and Manufactures.--Riches of the Arabs calculated by the
+Number of Camels they possess.--Arabian Women are good Figures, and have
+personal Beauty; delicate in their Food; poetical Geniuses; Dancing and
+Amusements; Musical Instruments; their Manners are courteous.
+
+_Abundance of Corn produced in West Barbary_. 208
+
+Costly Presents made by Spain to the Emperor.--Bashaw of Duquella's
+Weekly Present of a Bar of Gold.--Mitferes or Subterranneous
+Depositaries for Corn.
+
+_Domestic Serpents of Marocco_ 213
+
+_Manufactures of Fas_. 214
+
+Superior Manufactory of Gold Thread.--Imitation of precious
+Stones.--Manufactory of Gun-barrels in Suse.--Silver-mine.
+
+_On the State of Slavery in Muhamedan Africa_. 219
+
+_The Plague of Locusts_. 221
+
+Their incredible Destruction.--Used as Food.--Remarkable Instance of
+their destroying every Green Herb on one Side of a River, and not on the
+other.
+
+_On the Influence of the great Principle of Christianity on the Moors_.
+ 224
+
+Of the Propagation of Christianity in Africa.--Causes that prevent
+it.--The Mode of promoting it is through a friendly and commercial
+Intercourse with the Natives.--Exhortation to Great Britain to attend to
+the Intercourse with Africa.--Danger of the French colonizing Senegal,
+and supplanting us, and thereby depreciating the Value of our West-India
+Islands.
+
+_Interest of Money._ 237
+
+Application of the Superflux of Property or Capital.
+
+_Plan for the gradual Civilisation of Africa._ 247
+
+On the Commercial Intercourse with Africa, through the Sahara and
+Ashantee.
+
+_Prospectus of a Plan for forming a North African or Sudan Company: to
+be instituted for the Purpose of establishing an extensive Commerce
+with, and laying open to British Enterprise, all the Interior Regions of
+North Africa._ 251
+
+Appendix to the foregoing Prospectus, being an Epitome of the Trade
+carried on by Great Britain and the European States in the
+Mediterranean, indirectly with Timbuctoo, the Commercial Depot of North
+Africa, and with other States of Sudan. 254
+
+Letter from Vasco de Gama, in Elucidation of this Plan. 258
+
+Letter on the Commercial Intercourse with Africa, in further Elucidation
+of this Plan. 264
+
+Impediments to our Intercourse with Africa. 266
+
+_Architecture of the Mosques.--Funeral Ceremonies of the Moors,--Gardens
+at Fas._ 271
+
+_Fragments, Notes, and Anecdotes, illustrating the Nature and Character
+of the Country._ 276
+
+Introduction,--Trade with Sudan.--Wrecked Ships on the Coast,
+278.--Wrecked Sailors.--Timbuctoo Coffee.--Sand Baths.--Civil War common
+in West Barbary, 279.--Policy of the Servants of the Emperor.--El Wah El
+Grarbee, or the Western Oasis, 280.--Prostration, the Etiquette of the
+Court of Marocco, 281.--Massacre of the Jews, and Attack on
+Algiers.--Treaties with Muhamedan Princes, 283.--Berebbers of Zimurh
+Shelleh--The European Merchants at Mogodor escape from Decapitation,
+284.--The Body of the Emperor Muley Yezzid disinterred, 286. Shelluhs;
+their Revenge and Retaliation, 291.--Travelling in Barbary.--Anecdote
+displaying the African Character, and showing them to be now what they
+were anciently, under Jugurtha, 293.--Every Nation is required to use
+its own Costume, 296.--Ali Bey (El Abassi), Author of the Travels under
+that Name, 297.--The Emperor's Attack on Dimenet, in the Atlas,
+305.--Moral Justice, 306.--Contest between the Emperor and the Berebbers
+of Atlas.--Characteristic Trait of Muhamedans, 308.--Political
+Deception, 309.--Etiquette of the Court of Marocco, 310.--Customs of the
+Shelluhs of the Southern Atlas.--Connubial Customs, 313.--Political
+Duplicity, 314.--Etiquette of Language at the Court of Marocco,
+315.--Food, viz. Kuscasoe, Hassua, El Hasseeda, 317--The Woled
+Abbusebah, a whole Clan of Arabs, banished from the Plains of Marocco,
+317.--The Koran called the Beloved Book.--Arabian Music,
+318.--Sigilmessa.--Mungo Park at Timbuctoo.--Troglodyte, 319,--Police of
+West Barbary, 320.--Muley Abdrahaman ben Muhamed, an Anecdote of,
+322,--Anecdote of Muley Ismael, 323.--Library at Fas, 324.--Deism,
+325--Muhamedan Loyalty.--Cairo, 326.--Races of Men constituting the
+Inhabitants of West and South Barbary, and that part of Bled el Jereed,
+called Tafilelt and Sejin Messa, east of the Atlas, forming the
+territories of the present Emperor of Marocco: the Moors--the
+Berebbers--the Shelluhs, 327.--The Arabs--the Jews--Douars,
+328.--Various Modes of Intoxication, 329.--Division of Agricultural
+Property, 331.--Mines.--Nyctalopia, Hemeralopia, or Night-blindness,
+called by the Arabs _Butelleese_; and its Remedy, 332.--Vaccination,
+336.--Game, 338.--Agriculture.--Mitferes, 339.--Laws of Hospitality,
+340.--Punishment for Murder.--Insolvency Laws, 343.--Dances,
+344.--Circumcision.--Invoice from Timbuctoo to Santa Cruz,
+345.--Translation of a Letter from Timbuctoo, 346.--Invoice from
+Timbuctoo to Fas, 347.--Translation of its accompanying Letter from
+Timbuctoo, 348.--Food of the Desert,--Antithesis, a favourite Figure
+with the Arabs, 349.--Arabian Modes of Writing, 350.--Decay of Science
+and of Arts among the Arabs, 352.--Extraordinary Abstinence experienced
+in the Sahara. 353
+
+_Languages of Africa._ 355
+
+Various Dialects of the Arabic Language.--Difference between the
+Berebber and Shelluh Languages.--Specimen of the Mandinga
+Language.--Comparison of the Shelluh Language with that of the Wah el
+Grarbie, or Oasis of Ammon, and with the original Language of the Canary
+Islands, and similitude of Customs.
+
+_Titles of the Emperor of Marocco._ 382
+
+Style of addressing him. 383
+
+_Specimens of Muhamedan Epistolatory Correspondence._ 384
+
+LETTER I. Translation of a Letter from Muley Ismael, Emperor of Marocco,
+to Captain Kirke, at Tangier, Ambassador from King Charles the Second,
+A.D. 1684. _ibid_
+
+LETTER II. From the same to Sir Cloudesley Shovel, on board the Charles
+Galley, off Sallee, A.D. 1684. 387
+
+LETTER III, Captain Shovel's Answer, September 1684. 389
+
+LETTER IV. Translation of Muley Ismael, Emperor of Marocco's Letter to
+Queen Anne, A.D. 1710, from the Harl. MSS. 7525. 392
+
+LETTER V. Translation of a Letter from the Sultan Seedi Muhamed ben
+Abdallah, Emperor of Marocco, to the European Consuls resident at
+Tangier, delivered to each of them by the Bashaw of the Province of El
+Grarb, A.D. 1788. 394
+
+LETTER VI. From Muley Soliman ben Muhamed, Emperor of Marocco, &c. &c.
+to His Majesty George the Third, literally translated by J.G. Jackson,
+at the Request of the Right Hon. Spencer Perceval, after lying in the
+Secretary of State's Office here for several Months, and being sent
+ineffectually to the Universities, and after various Enquiries had been
+made on Behalf of the Emperor to the Governor of Gibraltar, the Bashaw
+of El Grarb, and the Alkaid of Tangier, to ascertain if any Answer had
+been returned to His Imperial Majesty. 395
+
+LETTER VII. Translation of a Firman of Departure, literally translated
+from the original Arabic, by J.G. Jackson. 398
+
+LETTER VIII. From Hulaku the Tartar, Conqueror of the East, to Al Malek
+Annasar, Sultan of Aleppo, A.D. 1259. 399
+
+LETTER IX. Translation of a Letter from the Emperor Muley Yezzid, to
+Webster Blount, Esq. Consul General to the Empire of Marocco, from their
+High Mightinesses, the States General of the Seven United Provinces,
+written soon after the Emperor's Proclamation, and previous to the
+Negociation for the opening of the Port of Agadeer or Santa Cruz to
+Dutch Commerce. 402
+
+LETTER X. Translation of a Letter from the Emperor Yezzid to the
+Governor of Mogodor, Aumer ben Daudy, to give the Port of Agadeer to the
+Dutch, and to send there the Merchants of that Nation. 402
+
+LETTER XI. Epistolary Diction used by the Muhamedans of Africa in their
+Correspondence with all their Friends who are not of the Muhamedan
+Faith, A.D. 1797. 404
+
+LETTER XII. Translation of a Letter from the Sultan Seedi Muhamed,
+Emperor of Marocco, to the Governor of Mogodor, A.D. 1791, A.H. 1203. 405
+
+_Doubts having been made, in the Daily Papers, concerning the Accuracy
+of the two following Translations of the Shereef Ibrahim's Account of
+Mungo Park's Death, the following Observations by the Author are laid
+before the Public, in Elucidation of those Translations._ 406
+
+The Shereef Ibrahim's Account of Mungo Park's Death (The Author's
+Translation). 409
+
+Observation. 410
+
+Extract from the Times, May 3, 1819.--Mungo Park. 412
+
+The Shereef Ibrahim's Account of Mungo Park's Death (Mr. Abraham
+Saleme's Translation). 413
+
+Letter to the Editor of the British Statesman, on the Errors in Mr.
+Saleme's Translation of the Shereef Ibrahim's Account of the Death of
+Mungo Park. 415
+
+_Letters respecting Africa, from J.G. Jackson and other._ 419
+
+On the Plague. To James Willis, Esq. late Consul to Senegambia. 419
+
+Death of Mungo Park. 424
+
+Death of Mr. Rontgen, in an Attempt to explore the Interior of Africa.
+ 425
+
+Of the Venomous Spider.--Charmers of Serpents.--Disease called
+Nyctalopia, or Night-blindness.--Remedy for Consumption in
+Africa.--Western Branch of the Nile, and Water Communication between
+Timbuctoo and Egypt. 429
+
+Offer to discover the African Remedy for Nyctalopia or Night-blindness,
+in a Letter addressed to the Editor of the Literary Panorama. 432
+
+Letter to the same. 433
+
+Critical Observations on Extracts from the Travels of Ali Bey and Robert
+Adams, in the Quarterly Journal of Literature, Science, and the Arts,
+edited at the Royal Institution of Great Britain. Vol. I. No. 2, p. 264.
+ 435
+
+On the Junction of the Nile of Egypt with the Nile of Timbuctoo, or of
+Sudan. 443
+
+Strictures respecting the Interior of Africa, and Confirmation of
+Jackson's Account of Sudan, annexed to his Account of the Empire of
+Marocco, &c. 446
+
+Animadversions on the Orthography of African Names (by Catherine Hutton).
+ 455
+
+Hints for the Civilization of Barbary, and Diffusion of Commerce, by
+Vasco de Gama. 457
+
+Plan for the Conquest of Algiers, by Vasco de Gama. 461
+
+Letter from El Hage Hamed El Wangary, respecting a Review of Ali Bey's
+Travels, in the "Portfolio," an American Periodical Work. 464
+
+On the Negroes (by Vasco de Gama). 465
+
+Cursory Observations on Lieutenant Colonel Fitzclarence's Journal of a
+Route across India, through Egypt, to England. 467
+
+On the Arabic Language, as now spoken in Europe, Asia, and Africa. 471
+
+Cursory Observations on the Geography of Africa, inserted in an Account
+of a Mission to Ashantee, by T. Edward Bowdich, Esq. showing the Errors
+that have been committed by European travellers on that Continent, from
+their Ignorance of the Arabic Language, the learned and the general
+travelling Language of that interesting Part of the World. 474
+
+Commercial Intercourse with the Interior of Africa. 493
+
+The Embassage of Mr. Edmund Hogan, one of the sworne Esquires of Queen
+Elizabeth, from Her Highness, to Muley Abdelmelech, Emperour of Marocco,
+and King of Fez and Sus, in the Yeare 1577. Written by Himselfe. 494
+
+Letter from the Author to Macvey Napier, Esq. F.R.S.L., and E. 505
+
+Observations on an Historical Account of Discoveries and Travels in
+Africa, by the late John Leyden, M.D. by Hugh Murray, Esq. F.R.S.E. 508
+
+Cursory Observations on African Names. 509
+
+Letter to the Author from Hugh Murray, Esq. F.R.S.E. 513
+
+On the Two Niles of Africa, or the Niger and the Nile. 514
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+_Historical Fragments in Elucidation of the foregoing pages._ 519
+
+First Expedition on Record to Timbuctoo--Timbuctoo and Guago captured by
+Muley Hamed (Son of Muley Abdelmelk, commonly called Muley Melk, or
+Muley Moluck) in the Sixteenth Century (about the Year 1580). 519
+
+A Library of 3000 Arabic Manuscripts taken by the Spaniards.--Contests
+among Christians reprimanded. 520
+
+Muley El Arsheed (a Second Expedition to Timbuctoo and Sudan). 521
+
+Third Expedition to Timbuctoo and Sudan. 523
+
+
+ * * * * *
+
+DIRECTIONS TO THE BINDER.
+
+
+Map of the Tracks across the Sahara to Timbuctoo, _to face_. 1
+
+Map of the Empire of Marocco. 55
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+1
+
+ AN
+ ACCOUNT OF A JOURNEY
+ FROM
+ FAS TO TIMBUCTOO,
+ PERFORMED IN OR ABOUT THE YEAR 1787, A.C.
+ BY
+ _EL HAGE ABD SALAM SHABEENY_.
+
+
+ The Moors always prefer the spring and summer for travelling,
+ because they suffer very much from the severe cold of the mornings
+ in winter. They generally leave Fas in the beginning of April to
+ proceed to Timbuctoo, and they leave Timbuctoo to return to Fas in
+ the month of January.
+
+ The Mecca caravan takes its departure from Fas the beginning of
+ March.
+
+ In travelling, the Moors hire their camels from stage to stage.
+ Shabeeny's first stage was from Fas[1] to Tafilelt, which is
+ generally performed in about twenty days.
+
+ [Footnote 1: This is a journey of crooked and rugged roads
+ across the Atlas mountains, where they often sojourn in spots
+ which invite the traveller, so that it takes a longer time to
+ perform it than the distance would indicate.]
+2
+ The hire of every camel was from ten to twelve ducats, at five
+ shillings sterling per ducat; as this route is through a very
+ mountainous country, and the travelling is very bad, the charges
+ were proportionally high; the weight which every camel carried was
+ between four and five quintals, the camels in this country being
+ strong and very large.[2]
+
+ Tafilelt is the place of general meeting of all the merchants who
+ go to Timbuctoo.[3]
+
+ The territory of Tafilelt contains no towns, but abounds in
+ fortresses with mud-walls[4], which the natives call El Kassar, and
+ which contain from three to four hundred families; in these
+ fortresses there is a public market (in Arabic, _soke_) every week,
+ where the inhabitants purchase provisions, &c.
+
+ The natives of Tafilelt are descendants of the shereefs[5] or
+ princes of Marocco, and are therefore of the Imperial family.
+
+ [Footnote 2: This charge of carriage by the camels from Fas to
+ Tafilelt, is equal to 55s., sterling per camel; to 1-1/2d. per
+ mile for each camel, and to one farthing and one third per
+ quintal of merchandise per mile.]
+
+ [Footnote 3: That is for all who go from the Emperor of
+ Marocco's dominions, north of the river Morbeya, which is
+ called El Garb, or the North Western Division.]
+
+ [Footnote 4: These mud walls are made in cases, and the mode of
+ erecting them is called _tabia_. See Jackson's Account of the
+ Empire of Marocco, &c. &c. 2d or 3d edition, page 298.]
+
+ [Footnote 5: Hence it is called _Bled Shereef_, i.e. the
+ Country of Princes.]
+3
+ Shabeeny's next stage was to Draha[6], which he reached in six
+ days. The expense per camel was about six ducats, or thirty
+ shillings sterling. The district of Draha abounds in the small hard
+ date[7], which is very fine; from four to six drahems[8] (equal to
+ two to three shillings sterling) is the price of a camel load of
+ these dates.
+
+ The province of Draha is larger than that of Tafilelt, its
+ circumference being about four or five days' journey. The
+ natives[9] of Draha are very dark, approaching to black, in their
+ complexion: this province abounds in fortresses, like those of
+ Tafilelt.
+
+ [Footnote 6: A province at the foot of the mountains of Atlas,
+ south of Marocco, for which see the Map of West Barbary, in
+ Jackson's Account of the Empire of Marocco, &c. &c. p. 1.]
+
+ [Footnote 7: This date is called by the natives _bouskree:_ it
+ contains a larger quantity of saccharine juice than any other
+ date. This province also produces a date called _butube_, which
+ is the best that grows, and is called _sultan de timmar_, i.e.
+ the king of dates. It is not used as an article of commerce,
+ but is sent as presents to the great, and costs nearly double
+ the price of those of any other quality: the quality mostly
+ used for foreign commerce, is the Tafilelt date, called _timmar
+ adamoh_, which is sold by the grocers in London. This species
+ is, however, considered very unwholesome food, and accordingly
+ is never eaten by the Filellies, or inhabitants of Tafilelt,
+ but is food for the camels. The district of Tafilelt abounds in
+ dates of all kinds: there are not less than thirty different
+ kinds; and the plantations of dates belonging to the princes of
+ Tafilelt are very extensive, insomuch that the annual produce
+ of one plantation is often sold for a thousand dollars, or 220L
+ sterling. Half a dollar, or five drahems per camel load of
+ three quintals.]
+
+ [Footnote 8: A drahem is a silver coin, ten of which are equal
+ to a Mexico dollar.]
+
+ [Footnote 9: Their colour is darker than new copper, but not
+ black, It may be compared to the colour of _old_ mahogany, with
+ a black hue. The natives of Draha are proverbially stupid.]
+4
+ The caravans have not, as in the journey to Mecca, their sheiks[10]
+ or commanders. From Fas to Tafilelt they had no chief, but as there
+ are generally a few old, rich, and respectable men in the caravan,
+ its direction and government are committed to their care.
+
+ [Footnote 10: The _sheik akkabar_, or chief of the accumulated
+ caravan, is generally a _shereef_ or prince.]
+
+ From Tafilelt, which, as before observed, is the country of the
+ shereefs, they are guided by such of the trading shereefs as
+ accompany the caravan, and who have always great respect paid them,
+ till they arrive at Timbuctoo. The caravan increases as it proceeds
+ in its journey: at Fas it consisted of about thirty or forty; at
+ Draha, of from 300 to 400 camels. From Draha, at the distance of
+ three days' travelling, they found water by digging, and on the
+ next morning they entered the _Sahara_, which, for the first twenty
+ days is a plain sandy desert resembling the sea. In this desert,
+ when they pitch their tents at night, they are obliged frequently
+ to shake the sand from their tops, as they would otherwise be
+ overwhelmed before the morning.
+
+ Some part of this desert is hard, and the camels do not sink deep
+ into it; in others the sand is very loose, which fatigues the
+5 camels exceedingly. In travelling, the caravan is directed by the
+ stars at night, and by the sun in the day, and occasionally by the
+ smell of the earth, which they take up in their hands. For the
+ first twenty days after they enter this wilderness they have no
+ water; during this period, the caravan is obliged to carry water in
+ goat-skins[11], as not a drop is to be found by digging. On this
+ account, about a third part of the camels are employed in carrying
+ water, and even with this quantity the camels are often left for
+ three or four days without any. They never use mules in this part
+ of the journey; they neither find the _sheh_[12], nor the thorny
+ plant so common in the deserts of Africa.
+
+ The country on the borders of this desert, to the right and left,
+ is inhabited by roving Arabs, at the distance of three or four days
+ from the track which the caravan pursues; and is said to be partly
+ plain, and in part hilly, with a little grass, and a few shrubs;
+ when the cattle of these Arabs have consumed what grows in one
+ spot, their owners remove to another. The caravan, though it
+ generally consisted of about 400 men well armed, seeks its route
+ through the most unfrequented part of the desert, from a dread of
+ the attacks of the Arabs. The hottest wind is that from the
+ east-south-east, and is called _Esshume_[13]; the coldest is that
+ which blows from the west-north-west. To alleviate the great
+ drought which travellers feel in the desert, they have recourse to
+ melted butter.[14]
+
+ [Footnote 11: These goat-skins, when containing water, are
+ called by the Arabs _kereb_, or _ghireb_, plur. _kerba_, or
+ _ghirba_, sing.]
+
+ [Footnote 12: The _sheh_ is the wormseed plant, the thorny
+ plant here alluded to is the wild myrtle.]
+
+ [Footnote 13: _Esshume_, or the hot wind. For a particular
+ description of this extraordinary wind, see Jackson's Account
+ of the Empire of Marocco, &c. &c. 2d or 3d edition, page 283
+ and 284.]
+
+ [Footnote 14: This is old butter kept several years in a
+ _matamore_, or subterraneous cavern. It is called by the Arabs
+ of the desert, _budra_; and much virtue is ascribed to it when
+ it has attained a certain age: a small quantity swallowed,
+ quickly diffuses itself through the system.]
+
+6 After passing this desert of twenty days, they enter a country
+ which varies in its appearance, particular spots being fertile[15]
+ (called El Wah). Here they meet with _sederah_[16], a kind of wild
+ myrtle, in great quantities. This plant is called by the natives,
+ _gylan:_ its height is about that of a man; the camels feed upon
+ it. Between these shrubs there is a very small quantity of grass in
+ particular spots. In this part of the desert they meet with
+ extensive strata of stones: though the surface is generally sand,
+ yet at the depth of eight or ten inches, they meet with a yellow or
+ reddish earth; and about four feet deeper, with another kind of
+ earth of various colours, but most commonly of a brownish cast;
+7 about five or six feet under this they find water, which springs
+ up very slowly, and at the bottom of this water you meet with a
+ light sand. Sometimes the water is sweetish, frequently brackish,
+ and generally warm. This last desert is about twenty days' journey,
+ and is a vast plain without any mountains. They meet with no Arabs
+ in this part, but the country on the right and left of their route,
+ at the distance of from three to eight days' journey, is inhabited
+ by Arabs, who are governed by their own (_sheiks_) chiefs, and are
+ perfectly independent.
+
+ [Footnote 15: El Wah. For a full explanation of this term, see
+ Jackson's Account of the Empire of Marocco, 3d edition, p.
+ 283.]
+
+ [Footnote 16: _Sederah_, thorny shrubs of all kinds are so
+ called.]
+
+ From Akka to Timbuctoo, a journey of forty-three days, they meet
+ with no trees, except the _sederah_, no rivers, towns, or huts.
+ From Draha, which is a country abounding in camels, to Timbuctoo,
+ the charge per camel is from sixteen to twenty-one ducats.[17] That
+ so long a journey is performed at so small[18] an expense, is owing
+ to the abundance of camels in Draha. The caravan generally contains
+ from 300 to 400 men, of whom a great part prefer walking to the
+ uneasy motion of the camels.
+
+ [Footnote 17: From Fas to Tafilelt, 20 days, for 11 ducats per
+ camel.
+
+ Tafilelt to Draha, 6 do. 6 do. do.
+
+ Draha to Timbuctoo, 48 do. 18-1/2 do. do.
+
+ --- ----
+
+ 69 days, for 35-1/2 ducats per camel
+ load, which is about the rate of one farthing per quintal per
+ mile. This does not include the expense of camels for the
+ conveyance of merchants, servants, &c. or of provisions or
+ water, but merely of those carrying goods. A full account of
+ these caravans, and their mode of crossing the Sahara, will be
+ found in Jackson's Marocco, ch. 13.]
+
+ [Footnote 18: The expense is now (A.C. 1818) smaller, as the
+ ducat, by a coinage which is depreciated, has fallen to 3s. 6d.
+ sterling.]
+8
+ SITUATION OF THE CITY OF TIMBUCTOO.
+
+ On the east side of the city of Timbuctoo, there is a large forest,
+ in which are a great many elephants. The timber here is very large.
+ The trees on the outside of the forest are remarkable for having
+ two different colours; that side which is exposed to the morning
+ sun is black, and the opposite side is yellow. The body of the tree
+ has neither branches nor leaves, but the leaves, which are
+ remarkably large, grow upon the top only: so that one of these
+ trees appears, at a distance, like the mast and round top of a
+ ship. Shabeeny has seen trees in England much taller than these:
+ within the forest the trees are smaller than on its skirts. There
+ are no trees resembling these in the Emperor of Marocco's
+ dominions. They are of such a size that the largest cannot be
+ girded by two men. They bear a kind of berry about the size of a
+ walnut, in clusters consisting of from ten to twenty berries.
+ Shabeeny cannot say what is the extent of this forest, but it is
+ very large. Close to the town of Timbuctoo, on the south, is a
+ small rivulet in which the inhabitants wash their clothes, and
+ which is about two feet deep. It runs in the great forest on the
+ east, and does not communicate with the Nile, but is lost in the
+ sands west of the town. Its water is brackish; that of the Nile is
+9 good and pleasant. The town of Timbuctoo is surrounded by a
+ mud-wall: the walls are built tabia-wise[19] as in Barbary,
+ viz. they make large wooden cases, which they fill with mud, and
+ when that dries they remove the cases higher up till they have
+ finished the wall. They never use stone or brick; they do not know
+ how to make bricks. The wall is about twelve feet high, and
+ sufficiently strong to defend the town against the wild Arabs, who
+ come frequently to demand money from them. It has three gates; one
+ called Bab Sahara, or the gate of the desert, on the north:
+ opposite to this, on the other side of the town, a second, called
+ Bab Neel, or the gate of the Nile: the third gate leads to the
+ forest on the east, and is called Beb El Kibla.[20] The gates are
+ hung on very large hinges, and when shut at night, are locked, as
+ in Barbary; and are farther secured by a large prop of wood placed
+ in the inside slopingly against them. There is a dry ditch, or
+ excavation, which circumscribes the town, (except at those places
+ which are opposite the gates,) about twelve feet deep, and too wide
+10 for any man to leap it. The three gates of the town are shut
+ every evening soon after sun-set: they are made of folding doors,
+ of which there is only one pair. The doors are lined on the outside
+ with untanned hides of camels, and are so full of nails that no
+ hatchet can penetrate them; the front appears like one piece of
+ iron.
+
+ [Footnote 19: The tabia walls are thus built: They put boards
+ on each side of the wall supported by stakes driven in the
+ ground, or attached to other stakes laid transversely across
+ the wall; the intermediate space is then filled with sand and
+ mud, and beat down with large wooden mallets, (as they beat the
+ terraces) till it becomes hard and compact; the cases are left
+ on for a day or two; they then take them off, and move them
+ higher up, repeating this operation till the wall is finished.]
+
+ [Footnote 20: El Kibla signifies the tomb of Muhamed: in most
+ African towns there is a Kibla-gate, which faces Medina in
+ Arabia.]
+
+ POPULATION.
+
+ The town is once and a half the size of Tetuan[21], and contains,
+ besides natives, about 10,000[22] of the people of Fas and Marocco.
+ The native inhabitants of the town of Timbuctoo may be computed at
+ 40,000, exclusive of slaves and foreigners. Many of the merchants
+ who visit Timbuctoo are so much attached to the place that they
+ cannot leave it, but continue there for life. The natives are all
+ blacks: almost every stranger marries a female of the town, who are
+ so beautiful that travellers often fall in love with them at first
+ sight.
+
+ [Footnote 21: That is about four miles in circumference. Tetuan
+ contains 16,000 inhabitants; but, according to this account,
+ Timbuctoo contains 50,000, besides slaves, a population above
+ three times that of Tetuan: now, as the houses of Timbuctoo are
+ more spacious than those of Tetuan, it is to be apprehended
+ that Shabeeny has committed an error in describing the size of
+ Timbuctoo.]
+
+ [Footnote 22: Who go there for the purposes of trade.]
+
+ INNS, OR CARAVANSERAS.
+
+ When strangers arrive they deposit their merchandise in large
+ warehouses called fondacs; and hire as many rooms as they choose,
+11 having stables for their camels, &c. in the same place. These
+ fondacs[23] are private property, and are called either by the
+ owner's name, or by that of the person who built them. The fondac,
+ in which Shabeeny and his father lived, had forty apartments for
+ men, exclusive of stables; twenty below and twenty above, the place
+ having two stories. The staircase was within the inclosure, and was
+ composed of rough boards; while he staid, the rooms were constantly
+ occupied by natives and strangers; they hired rooms for three
+ months, for which they paid thirty okiat, or fifteen shillings
+ sterling per month. These fondacs are called Woal[24] by the
+ negroes. The money was paid to the owner's agent, who always lives
+ in the fondac for this purpose, and to accommodate strangers with
+ provisions, &c. At their arrival, porters assisted them and
+ procured every thing they wanted; but when they were settled they
+ hired a man and a woman slave to cook and to clean their rooms, and
+ to do every menial office. Slaves are to be bought at all hours:
+ the slave-merchants keep a great number ready for sale.
+
+ [Footnote 23: It is probable that Adams, the American sailor,
+ (if he ever was at Timbuctoo,) saw one of these fondacs that
+ belonged to the king, and mistook it for his palace.]
+
+ [Footnote 24: Ten okiat, or drahems, make a Mexico dollar. The
+ name of the king of Timbuctoo, in 1800 A.C. was Woolo. Many of
+ the fondacs are rented of him.]
+
+ HOUSES.
+
+ In the houses little furniture is seen; the principal articles
+12 (those of the kitchen excepted) are beds, mats on the floor, and
+ the carpets; which cover the whole room. The rooms are about
+ fourteen feet by ten; the kitchen and wash-house are generally to
+ the right and to the left of the passage; the necessary is next the
+ wash-house.[25]
+
+ [Footnote 25: Being more convenient for the Muhamedan
+ ablutions.]
+
+ GOVERNMENT.
+
+ Timbuctoo is governed by a native black, who has the title of
+ sultan. He is tributary to the sultan of Housa, and is chosen by
+ the inhabitants of Timbuctoo, who write to the king of Housa for
+ his approbation. Upon the death of a sultan, his eldest son is most
+ commonly chosen. The son of a concubine cannot inherit the throne;
+ if the king has no lawful son (son of his wife) at his decease, the
+ people choose his successor from among his relations. The sultan
+ has only one lawful wife, but keeps many concubines: the wife has a
+ separate house for herself, children, and slaves. He has no
+ particular establishment for his concubines, but takes any girl he
+ likes from among his slaves. His wife has the principal management
+ of his house. The sultan's palace is built in a corner of the city,
+ on the east; it occupies a large extent of ground within an
+ inclosure, which has a gate. Within this square are many buildings;
+ some for the officers of state. The king often sits in the gate to
+ administer justice, and to converse with his friends. There is a
+13 small garden within it, furnishing a few flowers and vegetables for
+ his table; there is also a well, from which the water is drawn by a
+ wheel.[26] Many female slaves are musicians. The king has several
+ sons, who are appointed to administer justice to the natives.
+ Except the king's relations, there are no nobles nor any privileged
+ class of men as in Barbary[27]: those of the blood-royal are much
+ respected. The officers of state are distinguished by titles like
+ those of Marocco; one that answers to an Alkaid, _i. e._ a captain
+ of 700, of 500, or of 100 men; another like that of Bashaw. The
+ king, if he does not choose to marry one of his own relations,
+ takes a wife from the family of the chiefs of his council; his
+ daughters marry among the great men. The queen-dowager has
+ generally an independent provision, but cannot marry. The
+ concubines of a deceased king cannot marry, but are handsomely
+ provided for by his successor.
+
+ [Footnote 26: A wheel similar to the Persian wheel, worked by a
+ mule or an ass, having pots, which throw the water into a
+ trough as they pass round, which trough discharges the water
+ into the garden, and immerges the plants.]
+
+ [Footnote 27: The privileged class of men in Barbary, are the
+ Fakeers; but no one in Barbary is noble but the King's
+ relations, who are denominated shereefs.]
+
+ REVENUE.
+
+ The revenue arises partly from land and partly from duties upon all
+ articles exposed to sale. The king has lands cultivated by farmers
+14 who are obliged to supply his household and troops; the surplus
+ after the support of their own families is deposited in
+ matamores[28], these are stores to be used in time of scarcity: the
+ matamores are about six feet deep. The king often gives gold-dust,
+ slaves, &c. to his favorites, but the royal domains are never
+ given. Lands not very fruitful are common pastures. Moors pay no
+ duties; they say they will not bring goods if compelled to pay
+ duty, but the natives must pay; the duties are collected by the
+ king's officers, they are four per cent. upon each article _ad
+ valorem_. At the gate of the desert, goods brought by foreigners
+ pay nothing, but goods brought in by the gate of the Nile, (which
+ is the gate of the Negroes,) pay a tax: another part of the revenue
+ is two per cent, in kind on the produce of the land; but the people
+ of Barbary do not pay even this for what land they cultivate. The
+ property of those who die without heirs goes to the king, but when
+ a foreigner dies the king takes no part of his property; it is kept
+ for his relations. Timbuctoo being a frontier town remits no
+ revenue to Housa; the king of Housa sends money to Timbuctoo to pay
+ the garrison.
+
+ [Footnote 28: Subterraneous excavations, or rooms in the form
+ of a cone, which have a small opening like a trap-door; when
+ these matamores are full of grain, they are shut, and the air
+ being excluded, the grain deposited in them will keep sound
+ twenty or thirty years. I have been in matamores in West and in
+ South Barbary, that would contain 1000 saas of wheat, or nearly
+ 2000 bushels Winchester measure. They are from six to sixteen
+ feet deep, and of various conical forms.]
+15
+ ARMY.
+
+ The troops are paid by the king of Housa, and are armed with pikes,
+ swords, cutlasses, sabres, and muskets; the other natives use the
+ bow and arrow. At Timbuctoo, in time of war, there are about 12,000
+ or 15,000 troops, 5000 of which receive constant daily pay in time
+ of peace, and are clothed every year; they are all infantry except
+ a few of the king's household. Sometimes he subsidises the friendly
+ Arabs, and makes occasional presents to their chiefs[29]; these
+ Arabs can furnish him with from 80,000 to 40,000 men.
+
+ [Footnote 29: Of the Brabeesh clan; see the Map.]
+
+ ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE.
+
+ Punishments are the bastinado, imprisonment, and fine. He
+ recollects but one prison. If a native stabs another, he is obliged
+ to attend the wounded man until he recovers; if he dies, the
+ offender is put to death. The offender must pay a daily allowance
+ to the wounded man for his support; if the wound appears dangerous,
+ the culprit is immediately imprisoned; if the wounded man recovers,
+ the offender must pay a fine and suffer the bastinado. There are
+ four capital punishments: beheading, hanging, strangling and
+ bastinadoing to death. Beheading is preferred; it is thus
+ performed: the criminal sits down, and a person behind gives him a
+ blow or push on the back or shoulder, which makes him turn his
+ head, and while his attention is thus employed, the executioner
+16 strikes it off. Hanging and strangling are seldom used; and
+ bastinadoing to death, is only inflicted when the crime is highly
+ aggravated. Capital crimes are murder, robbery with violence, and
+ stealing cattle. Small offences, as stealing slaves and other
+ articles, are punished by the bastinado. The landed estates of
+ criminals are never forfeited.[30] The police is so good, that
+ merchants reside there in perfect safety. There are no exactions or
+ extortions practised by government, as in Barbary, nor even any
+ presents asked for the king. A debtor proving his inability, cannot
+ be molested[31]; but to the extent of his means he is always
+ liable; on refusing to pay, he may be imprisoned; but upon proving
+ his insolvency before the judge, he is discharged, though always
+ liable if he should have means at any future time. Watchmen patrole
+17 in the night with their dogs; others are stationed in particular
+ places, as the market-place and the _kasserea_, or square, where
+ the merchants have their shops. Guards are placed at the king's
+ palace. Capital crimes are tried by the king: smaller offences by
+ inferior magistrates. The council sit with the king, every man
+ according to his rank; it consists of the principal officers of his
+ household; he asks _their_ opinion, but unless they are unanimous,
+ decides according to his own. There are always five or six judges
+ sitting in the king's court for the general administration of
+ justice. The king is understood to have no power of altering the
+ laws: if the council are unanimous, the king never decides against
+ them.[32]
+
+ [Footnote 30: But go to the next heir.]
+
+ [Footnote 31: This is the written Muhamedan law: the insolvent
+ is always liable, but cannot be arrested or imprisoned whilst
+ he remains insolvent, but continues always liable for the debt
+ if he afterwards becomes solvent. The present Emperor of
+ Marocco has lately published an edict. Hearing that his Jew
+ subjects in London frequently became bankrupts, or made
+ compositions with their creditors, has enacted, that all,
+ persons in his dominions who live by buying and selling, shall
+ pay their just debts; but if unable, their brethren, or
+ relations shall pay their creditors for them. If _they_ are
+ unable, the insolvent is to receive a beating every morning at
+ sunrise, to remind him of his defalcation. This law was enacted
+ at Fas in 1817, and since then, I am informed, no bankruptcy
+ has happened in that great commercial city.]
+
+ [Footnote 32: This is a custom derived from Muhamedan
+ governments.]
+
+ A slave is entirely at his master's disposal, who may put him to
+ death without trial; yet the slave may complain to the council of
+ ill-usage, and if the complaint be well-founded, his master is
+ ordered to sell him. The slaves are always foreign; a native cannot
+ be made a slave. There are three reasons for which a slave may be
+ entitled to freedom: _want of food, want of clothes, and want of
+ shoes_: an old slave is frequently set at liberty, and returns to
+ his own country. The children of slaves are the property of their
+ master. Slaves cannot marry without the consent of their masters.
+ The master of the female slave generally endeavours to buy the male
+ to whom she is attached.[33]
+
+ [Footnote 33: Many conscientious Muhamedans, in purchasing
+ slaves, calculate how many years' service their purchase money
+ is equal to. Thus, if a man pays a servant twenty dollars
+ a-year for wages, and he gives 100 dollars for a slave, he
+ retains the slave five years, when, if his conduct has been
+ approved, he often discharges him from servitude. The period
+ for liberating slaves in this manner is however quite optional,
+ and admits of great latitude; neither is there any compulsion
+ in the master. I have known instances of a slave being
+ liberated after a few years of servitude; and his master's
+ confidence has been such that he has advanced him money to
+ trade with, and has allowed him to cross the desert to
+ Timbuctoo, waiting for the repayment of his money till his
+ return. This is often the treatment of Muhamedans to slaves!
+ how different from that practised by the Planters in the West
+ India Islands!!!]
+18
+ SUCCESSION TO PROPERTY.
+
+ Upon the decease of a native, the first claim is that of his
+ creditors; the next is that of his widow, who is entitled to the
+ dower[34] promised by her husband to her father, if, not already
+ paid, and to one-eighth of the remainder; the rest is divided among
+ the children. A son's share is double that of a daughter. If they
+ agree, the land may be sold, if not, it must be divided as above.
+ Of lands and houses, nothing is sold till the children arrive at
+ the age of discretion; when each is entitled to his share, the rest
+ being unsold till the others are of age in turn. This age is not
+19 fixed at so many years, but the period of discretion is determined
+ by the relations, upon oath, before a magistrate: there is hardly
+ any man that knows his own age. The father may dispose of his
+ property by will, as far as regards the property of his children,
+ but he cannot divest his wife of her rights; if a wife dies without
+ a will, her children succeed. Wills are not written; the guardian
+ appointed by the father takes care of the property of the deceased,
+ and employs in trade, and lends out the money for the benefit of
+ his children. Relations succeed if there are no children; and if
+ there are no relations, the king takes all but the wife's share.
+ The wife's relations are not considered as the husband's relations.
+ Children of concubines inherit equally with those of the wife. If a
+ man have two children by a concubine, she becomes free at his
+ death, otherwise she remains a slave. She is entitled, having
+ children, to an eighth of the property.
+
+ [Footnote 34: The husband always stipulates to pay the father
+ of his wife a certain sum: this is the Muhamedan dower.]
+
+ MARRIAGE.
+
+ A man agrees to pay a certain price to the father of his wife, and
+ witnesses are called to support the proof of the contract: the girl
+ is sent home, and at night a feast is made by the husband for his
+ male friends; by the wife for her female friends.
+
+ Rape is punished by death. Adultery is not punishable by the law,
+ nor is it a ground for divorce. A husband may always put away his
+20 wife, but if without sufficient legal ground, he must pay her
+ stipulated dower. Abusive language is a sufficient ground of
+ divorce, but adultery is not. The dower is the price originally
+ agreed upon with the father; and if it has been already paid (which
+ it seldom is), she has no further claim upon the husband, though
+ put away without sufficient ground. Her clothes, jewels, &c. given
+ to her by her relations are her own property. A father generally
+ gives the daughter in jewels, &c. a present double the value of
+ that given him by the husband. A man can have but one wife, but may
+ keep concubines. Seduction and adultery are not cognisable by law.
+ The law says, "a woman's flesh is her own, she may do with it what
+ she pleases." Prostitutes are common. A man may marry his niece,
+ but not his daughter.
+
+ The people of Timbuctoo are not circumcised.
+
+ TRADE.
+
+ Timbuctoo is the great emporium for all the country of the blacks,
+ and even for Marocco and Alexandria.
+
+ The principal articles of merchandise are tobacco, kameemas[35],
+ beads of all colours for necklaces, and cowries, which are bought
+21 at Fas by the pound.[36] Small Dutch looking glasses, some of which
+ are convex, set in gilt paper frames. They carry neither swords,
+ muskets, nor knives, except such as are wanted in the caravan. At
+ the entrance of the desert they buy rock-salt[37] of the Arabs, who
+ bring it to them in loads ready packed, which they carry as an
+ article of trade. In their caravan there were about 500 camels, of
+ which about 150 or 200 were laden with salt. The camels carry less
+ of salt than of any other article, because (being rock-salt) it
+ wears their sides. They pay these Arabs from twenty to fifteen
+ ounces[38] of Barbary money per load. An ounce of Barbary is worth
+ about _6d._, and a ducat is worth about _5s._ sterling. They sell
+ this salt at Timbuctoo upon an average at 50 per cent. profit; it
+ is more profitable than linen. They take no oil from Barbary to
+ Timbuctoo as they are supplied from other places with fish-oil used
+ for lamps but not for food; they make soap with the oil. The
+ returns are made in gold-dust, slaves, ivory, and pepper; gold-dust
+ is preferred and is brought to Timbuctoo from Housa in small
+ leather bags. He bought one of these bags of gold-dust and pieces
+ of rings for 90 Mexican dollars, and sold it at Fas for 150. The
+ merchants bring their gold from Timbuctoo in the saddle-bags, in
+22 small purses of different sizes one within the other. The bag which
+ Shabeeny purchased was bought at Housa, where it sells for seven or
+ eight ducats cheaper than at Timbuctoo. On articles from Marocco
+ they make from thirty to fifty per cent. clear profit. Cowries and
+ gold-dust are the medium of traffic. The shereefs and other
+ merchants generally sell their goods to some of the principal
+ native merchants, and immediately send off the slaves, taking their
+ gold-dust with them into other countries. The merchants residing at
+ Timbuctoo have agents or correspondents in other countries; and are
+ themselves agents in return. Timbuctoo is visited by merchants from
+ all the neighbouring black countries. Some of its inhabitants are
+ amazingly rich. The dress of common women has been often worth 1000
+ dollars. A principal source of their wealth is lending gold-dust
+ and slaves at high interest to foreign merchants, which is repaid
+ by goods from Marocco and other countries, to which the gold-dust
+ and slaves are carried. They commonly trade in the public market,
+ but often send to the merchant or go to his house. Cowries in the
+ least damaged are bad coin, and go for less than those that are
+ perfect. There are no particular market days; the public market for
+ provisions is an open place fifty feet square, and is surrounded by
+ shops.[39] The Arabs sit down on their goods in the middle, till
+23 they have sold them. The pound weight of Timbuctoo is about two
+ ounces heavier than the small pound of Barbary, which weighs twenty
+ Spanish dollars; they have also half and quarter pounds; by these
+ weights is sold milk, rice, butter, &c. as well as by the measure.
+ The weights are of wood or iron under the inspection of a
+ magistrate called in Barbary _m'tasseb, i.e._ inspector of weights
+ and measures, and if the weights are found deficient, he punishes
+ the offender immediately; they have also a quintal or cwt. They
+ have a wooden measure called a _m'hoad_[40], equal to the small
+ _m'hoad_ of Barbary, where a _m'hoad_ of wheat weighs about 24 lb.
+ Both the weights and measures are divided into 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and
+ 1/16.
+
+ [Footnote 35: _Kameema_ is the Arabic word for the linen called
+ _plattilias_. They are worth 50 Mexico dollars each, at
+ Timbuctoo.]
+
+ [Footnote 36: Called, in Amsterdam, _Velt Spiegels_, and in
+ Timbuctoo, _Murraih de juah_.]
+
+ [Footnote 37: This salt is bought at Tishet, at Shangareen, and
+ at Arawan, in the south part of Sahara; for which see the Map
+ of Northern and Central Africa, in the new Supplement to the
+ Encyclopaedia Britannica, Article _Africa_.]
+
+ [Footnote 38: _Okia_ is the Arabic name for this piece of
+ money.]
+
+ [Footnote 39: Similar to the corn-market at Mogodor.]
+
+ [Footnote 40: The _m'hoad_ is no longer used in Barbary. There
+ is a _krube_, of which sixteen are equal to a _saa_, which,
+ when filled with good wheat, weighs 100 lbs. equal to 119 lbs.
+ English weight.]
+
+ MANUFACTURES.
+
+ The black natives are smiths, carpenters, shoemakers, tailors, and
+ masons, but not weavers. The Arabs in the neighbourhood are
+ weavers, and make carpets resembling those of Fas and of Mesurata,
+ where they are called telisse[41]; they are of wool, from their own
+ sheep, and camels' hair. The bags for goods, and the tents, are of
+ goats' and camels' hair; there are no palmetto trees in that
+ country. Their thread[42], needles, scissors, &c. come from Fas:
+24 most of their ploughs they buy of the Arabs near the town, who are
+ subject to it. Some are made in the town. These Arabs manufacture
+ iron from ore found in the country, and are good smiths. They make
+ iron bars of an excellent quality. They tan leather for soles of
+ shoes very well, but know nothing of dressing leather in oil: the
+ upper leather comes from Fas[43]; their wooden combs[44] and spoons
+ come from Barbary; they have none of ivory or horn. No lead is
+ brought from Barbary; he thinks they have lead of their own. The
+ best shoes are brought from Fas.
+
+ [Footnote 41: _Telissa_, sing.; _Telisse_, plur.]
+
+ [Footnote 42: To Fas they are brought from England through
+ Gibraltar and Mogodor.]
+
+ [Footnote 43: Leather is also imported from Marocco, and from
+ Terodant in South Barbary.]
+
+ [Footnote 44: Wooden combs are imported from Marseilles to
+ Mogodor.]
+
+ HUSBANDRY.
+
+ The country is well cultivated, except on the side of the desert.
+ They have rice, _el bishna_[45], and a corn which _they_ call
+ _allila_[46], but in Barbary it is called _drah_: this requires
+ very rich ground. They make bread of _el bishna_: they have no
+ wheat or barley. Property is fenced by a bank and a ditch. Dews are
+ very heavy. Lands are watered by canals cut from the Nile; high
+ lands by wells, the water of which is raised by wheels[47] worked
+25 by cattle, as in Egypt. They have violent thunder-storms in summer,
+ but no rains: the mornings and evenings, during winter, are cold;
+ the coldest wind is from the west, when it is as cold as at Fas.
+ The winter lasts about two months, though the weather is cool from
+ September to April. They begin to sow rice in August and September,
+ but they can sow it at any time, having water at hand: he saw some
+ sowing rice while others were reaping it. _El bishna_ and other
+ corn is sown before December. _El bishna_ is ripe in June and July;
+ as are beans. _Allila_ may be sown at all seasons; it requires
+ water only every eight or ten days. Their beans are like the small
+ Mazagan beans, and are sown in March; the stalk is short, but full
+ of pods. The _allila_ produces a small, white, flattish grain.
+
+ [Footnote 45: _El Bishna_. This is the Arabic name for Indian
+ corn.]
+
+ [Footnote 46: _Allila_, a species of millet.]
+
+ [Footnote 47: A wheel similar to the Persian wheel, as before
+ described in the note, page 13.]
+
+ PROVISIONS.
+
+ Rice is their principal food, but the rich have wheaten flour from
+ Fas[48], and make very fine bread, which is considered a luxury.
+ Bread is also made from the _allila_. They roast, boil, bake, and
+ stew, but make no _cuscasoe_. Their meals are breakfast, dinner,
+ and supper. They commonly breakfast about eight, dine about three,
+ and sup soon after sunset. They drink only water or milk with their
+ meals, have no palm wine or any fermented liquor; when they wish to
+26 be exhilarated after dinner, they provide a plant of an
+ intoxicating quality called _el hashisha_[49], of which they take a
+ handful before a draught of water.
+
+ [Footnote 48: And also from Marocco.]
+
+ [Footnote 49: _El Hashisha_. This is the African hemp plant: it
+ is esteemed for the extraordinary and pleasing voluptuous
+ vacuity of mind which it produces on those who smoke it: unlike
+ the intoxication from wine, a fascinating stupor pervades the
+ mind, and the dreams are agreeable. The _kief_ is the flower
+ and seeds of the plant: it is a strong narcotic, so that those
+ who use it cannot do without it. For a further description of
+ this plant, see Jackson's Marocco, 2d or 3d edit. p. 131 &
+ 132.]
+
+ ANIMALS.
+
+ Goats are very large, as big as the calves in England, and very
+ plentiful; sheep are also very large. Cattle are small; many are
+ oxen. Milk of camels and goats is preferred to that of cows. Horses
+ are small, and are principally fed upon camels' milk; they are of
+ the greyhound[50] shape, and will travel three days without rest.
+ They have dromedaries[51] which travel from Timbuctoo[52] to
+ Tafilelt in the short period of five or six days.
+
+ [Footnote 50: These horses are the desert horse, or the
+ _shrubat er'reeh_. See Jackson's Marocco, 2d or 3d edition, p.
+ 94. to 96.]
+
+ [Footnote 51: These are _El Heirie_, (or _Erragual_), for a
+ particular description of which see Jackson's Marocco, p. 91.
+ to 93.]
+
+ [Footnote 52: A distance of upwards of 1200 British miles.]
+27
+ BIRDS.
+
+ They have common fowls, ostriches, and a bird larger than our
+ blackbird[53]; also storks, which latter are birds of passage, and
+ arrive in the spring and disappear at the approach of winter;
+ swallows, &c.
+
+ [Footnote 53: The starling.]
+
+ FISH.
+
+ They have many extremely good in the Nile; one of the shape and
+ size of our salmon[54]; the largest of these are about four feet
+ long. They use lines and hooks brought from Barbary, and nets, like
+ our casting nets, made by themselves. They strike large fish with
+ spears and fish-gigs.
+
+ [Footnote 54: The _shebbel_, a species of salmon, a very
+ delicate fish, but so rich that it is best roasted, which the
+ Arabs do in a superior manner.]
+
+ PRICES OF DIFFERENT ARTICLES.
+
+ Sheep from ten to sixteen cowries. Cowries[55] are much valued, and
+ form an ornament of head-dress even for the richest women; they are
+ highly valued as ornaments. Goats are cheaper than sheep; the best
+ from eight to twelve cowries. Fowls from four to six cowries each.
+ Antelopes are very scarce and dear. Camels from thirty to sixty
+ cowries, according to their size and condition. Ostriches, of which
+ vast numbers are brought to market, are very cheap; the
+ fore-feathers[56] are often carried to Tafilelt and Marocco, the
+28 inferiors are thrown away. A good slave is worth ten, fifteen, or
+ twenty ducats of five shillings each; at Fas, they are worth from
+ sixty to a hundred ducats: females are the dearest. Slaves are most
+ valuable about twelve years old. They have fish-oil for lamps, but
+ use neither wax nor tallow for candles. The fish-oil is a great
+ article of trade, and is brought from the neighbourhood[57] of the
+ sea by Genawa[58] to Housa, and thence to Timbuctoo; dearer at
+ Timbuctoo than at Housa, and dearer at Housa than at Genawa.
+
+ [Footnote 55: Cowries are called _El Uda_, and are sold in
+ Santa Cruz and in South Barbary, at twenty Mexico dollars per
+ quintal.]
+
+ [Footnote 56: Called _Ujuh_.]
+
+ [Footnote 57: Probably from the coast of Guinea, with which
+ Housa carries on an extensive trade.]
+
+ [Footnote 58: _i.e._ Guinea; Genawa being the Arabic name for
+ the coast of Guinea.]
+
+ DRESS.
+
+ The sultan wears a white turban of very fine muslin, the ends of
+ which are embroidered with gold, and brought to the front; this
+29 turban comes from Bengala.[59] He wears a loose white cotton shirt,
+ with sleeves long and wide, open at the breast; unlike that of the
+ Arabs, it reaches to the small of the leg; over this a _caftan_[60]
+ of red woollen cloth, of the same length; red is generally
+ esteemed. The shirt (_kumja_) is made at Timbuctoo, but the caftan
+ comes from Fas, ready made; over the caftan is worn a short cotton
+ waistcoat, striped white, red, and blue; this comes from Bengala,
+ and is called _juliba_.[61] The sleeves of the caftan are as wide
+ as those of the shirt; the breast of it is fastened with buttons,
+ in the Moorish style, but larger. The _juliba_ has sleeves as wide
+ as the caftan. When he is seated, all the sleeves are turned up
+ over the shoulder[62], so that his arms are bare, and the air is
+ admitted to his body.
+
+ [Footnote 59: _i.e._ Bengal.]
+
+ [Footnote 60: A _caftan_, or coat, with wide sleeves, no
+ collar, but that buttons all down before.]
+
+ [Footnote 61: It is not the cotton cloth which comes from
+ Bengal that is named _Juliba_, but the fashion or the cut of
+ it.]
+
+ [Footnote 62: The Moorish fashion.]
+
+ Upon his turban, on the forehead, is a ball of silk, like a pear;
+ one of the distinctions of royalty. He wears, also, a close red
+ skull-cap, like the Moors of Tetuan, and two sashes, one over each
+ shoulder, such as the Moors wear round the waist; they are rather
+ cords than sashes, and are very large; half a pound of silk is used
+ in one of them. The subjects wear but one; they are either red,
+ yellow, or blue, made at Fas. He wears, like his subjects, a sash
+ round the waist, also made at Fas; of these there are two
+ kinds,--one of leather, with a gold buckle in front, like those of
+ the soldiers in Barbary; the other of silk, like those of the
+ Moorish merchants. He wears (as do the subjects) breeches made in
+ the Moorish fashion, of cotton in summer, made at Timbuctoo, and of
+ woollen in winter, brought ready made from Fas. His shoes are
+ distinguished by a piece of red leather, in front of the leg, about
+ three inches wide, and eight long, embroidered with silk and gold.
+30
+ When he sits in his apartment, he wears a dagger with a gold hilt,
+ which hangs on his right side: when he goes out, his attendants
+ carry his musket, bow, arrows, and lance.
+
+ His subjects dress in the same manner, excepting the distinctions
+ of royalty; viz. the pear, the sashes on the shoulders, and the
+ embroidered leather on the shoes.
+
+ The sultana wears a caftan, open in front from top to bottom, under
+ this a slip of cotton like the kings, an Indian shawl over the
+ shoulders, which ties behind, and a silk handkerchief about her
+ head. Other women dress in the same manner. They wear no drawers.
+ The poorest women are always clothed. They never show their bosom.
+ The men and women wear ear-rings. The general expense of a woman's
+ dress is from two ducats to thirty.[63] Their shoes are red, and
+ are brought from Marocco.[64] Their arms and ankles are adorned
+ with bracelets. The poor have them of brass; the rich, of gold. The
+ rich ornament their heads with cowries. The poor have but one
+ bracelet on the leg, and one on the arm; the rich, two. They also
+ wear gold rings upon their fingers. They have no pearls or precious
+ stones. The women do not wear veils.
+
+ [Footnote 63: Equal to from two to thirty Mexico dollars.]
+
+ [Footnote 64: They are manufactured at Marocco.]
+31
+ DIVERSIONS.
+
+ The king has 500 or 600 horses; his stables are in the inclosure;
+ the saddles have a peak before, but none behind. He frequently
+ hunts the antelope, wild ass, ostrich, and an animal, which, from
+ Shabeeny's description, appears to be the wild cow[65] of Africa.
+ The wild ass is very fleet, and when closely pursued kicks back the
+ earth and sand in the eyes of his pursuers. They have the finest
+ greyhounds in the world, with which they hunt only the
+ antelope[66]; for the dogs are not able to overtake the ostrich.
+ Shabeeny has often hunted with the king; any person may accompany
+ him. Sometimes he does not return for three or four days: he sets
+ out always after sunrise. Whatever is killed in the chace is
+ divided among the strangers and other company present; but those
+ animals which are taken alive are sent to the king's palace. He
+ goes to hunt towards the desert, and does not begin till distant
+ ten miles from the town. The antelopes are found in herds of from
+ thirty to sixty. He never saw an antelope, wild ass, or ostrich
+ alone, but generally in large droves. The ostriches, like the
+ storks, place centinels upon the watch: thirty yards are reckoned a
+ distance for a secure shot with the bow. The king always shoots on
+32 horseback, as do many of his courtiers, sometimes with muskets, but
+ oftener with bows. The king takes a great many tents with him.
+ There are no lions, tigers, or wild boars near Timbuctoo. They play
+ at chess and draughts, and are very expert at those games: they
+ have no cards; but they have tumblers, jugglers, and
+ ventriloquists, whose voice appears to come from under the armpits.
+ He was much pleased with their music, of which they have
+ twenty-four different sorts. They have dances of different kinds,
+ some of which are very indecent.
+
+ [Footnote 65: The _Aoudad_; for a particular description of
+ which, see Jackson's Marocco, Chapter V., Zoology, p. 84.]
+
+ [Footnote 66: The Gazel, or Antelope, outruns at first the
+ greyhound; but after running about an hour the greyhound gains
+ on him.]
+
+ TIME.
+
+ They measure time[67] by days, weeks, lunar months, and lunar
+ years; yet few can ascertain their age.
+
+ [Footnote 67: The hour is an indefinite term, and assimilates to
+ our expression of a good while; it is from half an hour by the dial
+ to six hours, and the difference is expressed by the word _wahad
+ saa kabeer_, a long hour; and _wahad saa sereer_, a little hour;
+ also by the elongation of the last syllable of the last word.]
+
+ RELIGION.
+
+ They have no temples, churches, or mosques, no regular worship or
+ sabbath; but once in three months they have a great festival, which
+ lasts two or three days, sometimes a week, and is spent in eating
+ and drinking. He does not know the cause; but thinks it, perhaps, a
+ commemoration of the king's birth-day; no work is done. They
+33 believe in a Supreme Being and another state of existence, and have
+ saints and men whom they revere as holy. Some of them are
+ sorcerers, and some ideots, as in Barbary and Turkey; and though
+ physicians are numerous, they expect more effectual aid in sickness
+ from the prayers of the saints, especially in the rheumatism. Music
+ is employed to excite ecstasy in the saint, who, when in a state of
+ inspiration, tells (on the authority of some departed saint,
+ generally of Seedy Muhamed Seef,) what animal must be sacrificed
+ for the recovery of the patient: a white cock, a red cock, a hen,
+ an ostrich, an antelope, or a goat. The animal is then killed in
+ the presence of the sick, and dressed; the blood, feathers, and
+ bones are preserved in a shell and carried to some retired spot,
+ where they are covered and marked as a sacrifice. No salt or
+ seasoning is used in the meat, but incense is used previous to its
+ preparation. The sick man eats as much as he can of the meat, and
+ all present partake; the rice, or what else is dressed with it,
+ must be the produce of charitable contributions from others, not of
+ the house or family; and every contributor prays for the patient.
+
+ DISEASES.
+
+ The winds of the desert produce complaints in the stomach, cured by
+34 medicine. They have professed surgeons and physicians. The bite of
+ a snake is cured by sucking the wound. They have the jlob[68]
+ violently, for which sulphur from Terodant in Suse is taken
+ internally and externally. This disorder is sometimes fatal. They
+ are afflicted also with fevers and agues. Bleeding is often
+ successful; the physicians prescribe also purgatives and emetics.
+ Ruptures are frequent and dangerous; seldom cured, and often fatal.
+ They tap for the dropsy. He never heard of the venereal disease
+ there. Head-aches and consumptions also prevail. The physicians[69]
+ collect herbs and use them in medicine.
+
+ [Footnote 68: Probably the itch, called El Hack in Barbary.]
+
+ [Footnote 69: The physicians have a very superior and general
+ knowledge of the virtues of herbs and plants.]
+
+ MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.
+
+ The nails and palms of the hands are stained red with henna[70],
+ cultivated there: the Arabs tatoo their hands and arms, but not the
+ people of Timbuctoo. These people are real negroes; they have a
+ slight mark on the face, sloping from the eye; the Foulans have a
+ horizontal mark; the Bambarrahees a wide gash from the forehead to
+ the chin. Tombs are raised over the dead; they are buried in a
+ winding-sheet and a coffin: the relations mourn over their graves,
+ and pronounce a panegyric on the dead. The men and women mix in
+35 society, and visit together with the same freedom as in Europe.
+ They sleep on mattresses, with cotton sheets and a counterpane; the
+ married, in separate beds in the same room. They frequently bathe
+ the whole body, their smell would otherwise be offensive; they use
+ towels brought from India. At dinner they spread their mats and sit
+ as in Barbary. They smoke a great deal, but tobacco is dear; it is
+ the best article of trade. Poisoning is common; they get the poison
+ from the fangs of snakes, but, he says, most commonly from a part
+ of the body near the tail, by a kind of distillation. Physic, taken
+ immediately after the poison, may cure, but not always; if deferred
+ two or three days, the man must die: the poison is slow, wastes the
+ flesh, and produces a sallow, morbid appearance. It causes great
+ pain in the stomach, destroys the appetite, produces a consumption,
+ and kills in a longer or shorter time, according to the strength of
+ constitution. Some who have taken remedies, soon after the poison,
+ live 8 or 10 years; otherwise the poison kills in 4 or 5 days.
+ Physicians prescribe an emetic, the composition of which he does
+ not know.
+
+ [Footnote 70: A decoction of the herb henna produces a deep
+ orange die. It is used generally by the females on their hands
+ and feet: it allays the violence of perspiration in the part to
+ which it is applied, and imparts a coolness.]
+
+ NEIGHBOURING NATIONS.
+
+ There are no Arabs between Timbuctoo and the Nile; they live on the
+36 other side[71], and would not with impunity invade the lands of
+ these people, who are very populous, and could easily destroy any
+ army that should attempt to molest them. The lands are chiefly
+ private property. The Foulans are very beautiful. The Bambarrahs
+ have thick lips and wide nostrils. The king of Foulan is much
+ respected at Timbuctoo; his subjects are Muhamedans, but not
+ circumcised.[72] They cannot be made slaves at Timbuctoo; but the
+ Arabs steal their girls and sell them; not for slavery, but for
+ marriage.
+
+ Girls are marriageable very young; sometimes they have children at
+ ten years old.
+
+ [Footnote 71: North of the town.]
+
+ [Footnote 72: All true Muhamedans are circumcised, so that they
+ must partake of Paganism if uncircumcised.]
+
+37
+
+ JOURNEY
+ FROM
+ TIMBUCTOO TO HOUSA.
+
+
+
+
+ Shabeeny, after staying three years at Timbuctoo, departed for
+ Housa: and crossing the small river close to the walls, reached the
+ Nile in three days, travelling through a fine, populous, cultivated
+ country, abounding in trees, some of which are a kind of oak,
+ bearing a large acorn[73], much finer than those of Barbary, which
+ are sent as presents to Spain. Travelling is perfectly safe. They
+ embarked on the Nile in a large boat with one mast, a sail, and
+ oars; the current was not rapid: having a favourable wind, on his
+ return, he came back in as short a time as he went. The water was
+38 very red and sweet.[74] The place where they embarked is called
+ Mushgreelia; here is a ferry, and opposite is a village. As the
+ current is slow, and they moored every night, they were eight or
+ ten days sailing down the stream to Housa. They had ten or twelve
+ men on board, and when it was calm, or the wind contrary, they
+ rowed; they steered with an oar, the boat having no rudder. He saw
+ a great many boats passing up and down the river; _there are more
+ boats_[75] _on this river between Mushgreelia and Housa than
+ between Rosetta and Cairo on the Nile of Egypt_. A great many
+ villages are on the banks. There are boats of the same form as
+ those of Tetuan and Tangiers, but much larger, built of planks, and
+ have ribs like those of Barbary; instead of pitch or tar, they are
+ caulked with a sort of red clay, or bole. The sail is of canvas of
+ flax (not cotton) brought from Barbary, originally from Holland; it
+ is square. They row like the Moors, going down the stream.
+
+ [Footnote 73: Called El Belute. These acorns are much prized by
+ the Muhamedans, and are considered a very wholesome fruit.]
+
+ [Footnote 74: The word hellue, in Arabic, which signifies
+ literally, sweet, here implies that the water was pure and
+ good.]
+
+ [Footnote 75: See Jackson's Marocco, page 314, 2d or 3d
+ edition.]
+
+ There is a road by land from Timbuctoo to Housa, but on account of
+ the expense it is not used by merchants: Shabeeny believes it is
+ about 5 days' journey. If you go this way, you must cross the river
+ before you reach Housa. They landed at the port of Housa, distant a
+ day and a half from the town; their merchandise was carried from
+ this port on horses, asses, and horned cattle; the blacks dislike
+ camels; they say, "_These are the beasts that carry us into
+ slavery_."
+39
+ The country was rich and well cultivated; they have a plant bearing
+ a pod called mellochia, from which they make a thick vegetable
+ jelly.[76] There is no artificial road from Timbuctoo to the Nile;
+ near the river the soil is miry. Shabeeny travelled from Timbuctoo
+ to Housa in the hot weather when the Nile was nearly full; it
+ seldom falls much below the level of its banks; he travelled on
+ horseback from Timbuctoo to the river, and slept two nights upon
+ the road in the huts of the natives. One of the principal men in
+ the village leaves his hut to the travellers and gives them a
+ supper; in the mean time he goes to the hut of some friend, and in
+ the morning receives a small present for his hospitality.[77]
+
+ [Footnote 76: The pod of the mellochia, which grows near Sallee
+ and Rabat, is of an elongated conical form, about two inches
+ long.]
+
+ [Footnote 77: This is a common custom in West and South
+ Barbary; they always clear a tent for the travellers.]
+
+ THE RIVER NEEL OR NILE.
+
+ The Neel El Kebeer[78], (that is, the Great Nile,) like the Neel
+40 Masser or Nile of Egypt, is fullest in the month of August, when it
+ overflows in some places where the banks are low; the water which
+ overflows is seldom above midleg; the banks are covered with reeds,
+ with which they make mats. Camels, sheep, goats, and horses, feed
+ upon the banks, but during the inundation are removed to the
+ uplands. The walls of the huts both within and without are cased
+ with wood to the height of about three feet, to preserve them from
+ the water; the wells have the best water after the swelling of the
+ river. The flood continues about ten days; the abundance of rice
+ depends on the quantity of land flooded. He always understood that
+ the Nile empties itself in the sea, the salt sea or the great
+ ocean. There is a village at the port of Housa where he landed, the
+ river here is much wider than where he embarked, and still wider at
+ Jinnie. He saw no river enter the Nile in the course of his voyage.
+ It much resembles the Nile of Egypt, gardens and lands are
+ irrigated from it. Its breadth is various; in some places he thinks
+ it narrower than the Thames at London, in others much wider; at the
+ landing place they slept in the hut of a native, and next morning
+ at sunrise set off for Housa, where they arrived in twelve hours
+ through a fine plain without hills; the country is much more
+ populous than between Timbuctoo and the Nile. Ferry boats are to be
+ had at several villages.
+
+ [Footnote 78: Properly Enneel. El is the article; but when it
+ precedes a word beginning with a letter called a labial, it
+ takes the sound of that letter. This error is committed
+ throughout a book, lately published, entitled Specimens of
+ Arabic Poetry, by J.D. Carlyle, Professor of Arabic in the
+ University of Cambridge, 2d edition p. 53, Abdalsalam, instead
+ of Abdassalum; p. 59, Ebn Alrumi, instead of Ebn Arrumi; and p.
+ 65, Alnarhurwany, for Annarhurwany, &c. &c.]
+41
+ HOUSA.
+
+ They did not see the town till they came within an hour from it, or
+ an hour and a half; it stands in a plain. Housa is south-east[79]
+ of Timbuctoo, a much larger city and nearly as large as London. He
+ lived there two years, but never saw the whole of it. It has no
+ walls; the houses are like those of Timbuctoo, and form irregular
+ lanes or streets like those of Fas or Marocco, wide enough for
+ camels to pass with their loads. The palace is much larger than
+ that of Timbuctoo; it is seven or eight miles in circumference and
+ surrounded by a wall; he remembers but four gates, but there may be
+ more; he thinks the number of guards at each gate is about 50; it
+ is in that part of the town most distant from the Nile. The houses
+ are dark coloured and flat roofed. He thinks Cairo is about
+ one-third larger than Housa; the streets are much wider than those
+ of Timbuctoo; the houses are covered with a kind of clay of
+ different colours but never white. They have no chalk or lime in
+ the country.
+
+ [Footnote 79: Rather south-east by east.]
+
+ GOVERNMENT.
+
+ If the king has children, the eldest, if a man of sense and good
+ character, succeeds; otherwise, one of the others is elected. The
+42 grandees of the court are the electors. If the eldest son be not
+ approved, they are not bound to elect him; he has, however, the
+ preference, and after him the other sons; but the choice of the
+ council must be unanimous, and if no person of the royal line be
+ the object of their choice, they may elect one of their own body.
+ The members of the council are appointed by the king; he chooses
+ them for their wisdom and integrity, without being limited to rank:
+ the person appointed cannot refuse obedience to the royal mandate.
+ The council consists of many hundreds. The governor who controls
+ the police lives in the centre of the town.
+
+ THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
+
+ Is very similar to that of Timbuctoo, except that the king is
+ perfectly despotic; and though he consults his council, he decides
+ as he thinks proper. The governor administers justice in small
+ affairs; but, in important cases, he refers the parties to the king
+ and council, of which he is himself a member. No torture, is ever
+ inflicted. The governor employs a great number of officers of
+ police at a distance from the town. If robberies are committed, the
+ person robbed must apply to the chief of the district, who must
+ find or take into custody the offender, or becomes himself liable
+ to make compensation for the injury sustained.[80]
+
+ [Footnote 80: This is also the law in West Barbary. When a
+ robbery is committed, the district where it has been committed
+ is made liable for double the amount; the half goes to the
+ person robbed, and the other half to the treasury. The good
+ effects of this law is admirable, insomuch that it has almost
+ annihilated robbery: but when one has actually been committed,
+ the energy and exertion of every individual is directed to
+ discover the depredator, and they seldom fail to discover him.
+ The fear of the penalty also makes them very cautious who they
+ admit among them; and very inquisitive respecting the character
+ and vocation of all, strangers in particular, who sojourn in
+ their country!!]
+43
+ LANDED PROPERTY.
+
+ They have a class of men whose peculiar business it is to adjust
+ all disputes concerning land; the office is hereditary; _the
+ offender_ pays the compensation, and also the fees of these
+ officers; _the innocent_ pays nothing. When lands are bought, these
+ officers measure them. There is a plant resembling a large onion,
+ which serves as a land-mark; if these are removed, (which cannot be
+ easily done without discovery) reference is had to the records of
+ the sale, of which every owner is in possession; they express the
+ sum received; the quantity, situation, and limits of the land.
+ These are given by the seller, and are written in the language and
+ character of the country, very different from the Arabic. The same
+ letters are used at Timbuctoo. They write from right to left. The
+ character[81] was perfectly unintelligible to Shabeeny. Children,
+44 whose father is dead, succeed to the same portion of their
+ grandfather's property as their father would, had _he_ out outlived
+ _his_ father, though there are other issue of the grandfather. The
+ rules of succession are the same as at Timbuctoo.
+
+ [Footnote 81: Possibly the ancient Carthaginian character.]
+
+ Persons of great landed property, of which there are many, employ
+ agents or stewards; they let the lands, and the rents are paid
+ sometimes in kind, and sometimes in gold-dust and cowries. Houses
+ are let by the month. He paid four Mexico dollars per month; but a
+ native would not have paid above two for the same house. A man who
+ has five Mexico dollars[82] a month, is esteemed in easy
+ circumstances; those, however, who have 30 or 40 per month, are
+ common.
+
+ [Footnote 82: Ten dollars worth of rice is sufficient for the
+ daily food of a man a twelve-month.]
+
+ REVENUES.
+
+ The king has 2 per cent. on the produce of the land. The revenues
+ arise from the same sources as at Timbuctoo, but are much larger.
+ Foreign merchants pay nothing, as the Housaeens think they ought to
+ be encouraged. The revenue is supposed to be immense.
+
+ ARMY.
+
+ He cannot precisely tell the number of troops, but believes the
+ king can raise 70,000 to 80,000 horse, and 100,000 foot. The horses
+45 are poor and small, except a few kept for the king's own use. He
+ has no well-bred mares. Their arms are the same as at Timbuctoo;
+ the muskets, which are matchlocks, are made in the country. They
+ are very dexterous in throwing the lance. Gunpowder is also
+ manufactured there; the brimstone is brought from Fas; the charcoal
+ they make; and he believes they prepare the nitre.[83] Their arrows
+ are feathered and barbed; the bows are all cross-bows, with
+ triggers; the arrows, 20 to 40 in a quiver, are made of hides, and
+ hang on the left side. The king never goes to war in person. The
+ soldiers have a peculiar dress; their heads are bare; but the
+ officers have a kind of turban; the soldiers have a shirt of coarse
+ white cotton, and yellow slippers; those of the officers are red.
+ Some have turbans adorned with gold. They carry their powder in a
+ leather purse; the match, made of cotton, is wound round the gun;
+ they have flint and steel in a pouch, and also spare matches.
+
+ [Footnote 83: The saltpetre and brimstone are probably derived
+ from Terodant in Suse, where both abound.]
+
+ THE TRADE
+
+ Is similar to that of Timbuctoo; in both places foreign merchants
+ always employ agents, or brokers, to trade to advantage; a man
+ should reside sometime before he begins. Ivory is sold by the
+ tooth; he bought one, weighing 200 lb. for five ducats (1_L. 5s._);
+ he sold it in Marocco for 25 ducats, per 100 lb.; it is now[84]
+ worth 60.
+
+ [Footnote 84: A.D. 1795.]
+46
+ The king cannot make any of his subjects slaves. They get their
+ cotton from Bengala.[85] They have no salt, it comes from a great
+ distance, and is very dear. Goods find a much better market at
+ Housa than at Timbuctoo. There are merchants at Housa from Timboo,
+ Bornoo, Moshu, and India; the travelling merchants do not regard
+ distance. From Timboo and other great towns he has heard, and from
+ his own knowledge can venture to assert, that they bring East India
+ goods. Gold-dust, ivory, and slaves are the principal returns from
+ Housa. The people of Housa have slaves from Bornoo, Bambarra,
+ Jinnie, Beni Killeb[86] (sons of dogs), and Beni Aree (sons of the
+ naked); they are, generally, prisoners of war, though many are
+ stolen when young, by people who make a trade of this practice. The
+ laws are very severe against this crime; it requires, therefore,
+ great cunning and duplicity; no men of any property are ever guilty
+ of it. The slave stealers take the children by night out of the
+ town, and sell them to some peasant, who sells them to a third, and
+ so from hand to hand, till they are carried out of the country; if
+ this practice did not exist, there would be few slaves for the
+ Barbary market. Beyond the age of fourteen or fifteen, a slave is
+47 hardly saleable in Barbary. Few merchants bring to Housa above two
+ or three slaves at a time; but there are great numbers of merchants
+ continually bringing them. His own slave was a native of Bambarra,
+ and was brought very young to Timbuctoo. Slaves are generally
+ stupid; but his, on the contrary, was very sensible; he understood
+ several languages, particularly Arabic; he bought him as an
+ interpreter; he would not have sold publicly for above twenty
+ ducats; but he gave 50 for him; his master parting with him very
+ reluctantly. He bought two female slaves at Housa, at 15 ducats
+ each.[87] The value of slaves has since then doubled in Barbary; he
+ does not know the present[88] price at Timbuctoo. At Timbuctoo not
+ ten slaves in the hundred bought there, are females; when bought,
+ the merchant shuts them up in a private room, but not in chains,
+ and places a centinel at the door: when the confidence of any of
+ them is supposed to be gained, they are employed as centinels.
+ Housa having a great trade, is much frequented by people from
+ Bambarra, Foulan, Jinnie, and the interior countries.
+
+ Manufactures and husbandry are similar to those at Timbuctoo.
+
+ [Footnote 85: Bengal, or the East Indies.]
+
+ [Footnote 86: Properly Ben Ekkilleb, or Hel Ekkileb, i.e. the
+ canine-race. These are described to be swift of foot and low of
+ stature, having a language peculiar to themselves.]
+
+ [Footnote 87: About the 1790th year of the Christian era.]
+
+ [Footnote 88: In the year 1795.]
+
+ CLIMATE.
+
+ The hot winds blow from the east; the summer is hotter than in
+48 Marocco, and hotter at Timbuctoo than at Housa. The cold winds are
+ from the west: the morning fog is great. He never saw it rain at
+ Housa, in the course of two years; he says it never rains there.
+ Scarcity is never known. A considerable part of their provisions is
+ brought from the banks of the Nile; the river, when overflowing,
+ never reaches above half way from its common channel towards Housa.
+ They have excellent wells in their houses, but no river near the
+ town.
+
+ ZOOLOGY.
+
+ He saw no camels at Housa, but heard, they use them to fetch gold,
+ and cover their legs with leather, to guard them from snakes. They
+ have dogs and cats, but no scorpions or snakes in their houses.
+ Lice, bugs, and fleas abound. He saw no wild animals or fowl in the
+ neighbourhood of Housa.
+
+ DISEASES.
+
+ Physicians agree with the patient for his cure. No cure no pay. The
+ prevailing diseases are colds and coughs.
+
+ RELIGION.
+
+ The same as at Timbuctoo; the poorer classes, as in most countries,
+ have many superstitious notions of spirits, good and bad, and are
+ alarmed by dreams, particularly, the slaves, some of whom cannot
+ retain their urine in the night, as he thinks, from fear of
+49 spirits, they take them often upon trial when they buy them, and if
+ they have this defect, a considerable deduction is made in the
+ price. A man possessed by a good spirit is supposed to be safe
+ amidst 10,000 shot. A man guilty of a crime, who in the opinion of
+ the judge is possessed by an evil spirit, is not punished! He never
+ heard of a rich man being possessed.
+
+ PERSONS.
+
+ They are of various sizes, but the tallest man he ever saw was at
+ Housa. The city being very large, he seldom had an opportunity of
+ seeing the king, as at Timbuctoo. He saw him but twice in two
+ years, and only in the courts of justice; he was remarkable for the
+ width of his nostrils, the redness of his eyes, the smoothness of
+ his skin, and the fine tint of his perfectly black complexion.
+
+ DRESS.
+
+ Like that of Timbuctoo, their turbans are of the finest muslin. The
+ sleeves of the soldiers are small, those of the merchants wide. The
+ former have short breeches, the latter long. The officers dress
+ like the merchants, each according to his circumstances. The caftan
+ is of silk, in summer, brought from India; instead of the silk
+ cords worn by the king of Timbuctoo, the king of Housa wears two
+ silk sashes, three fingers broad, one on each shoulder; they are
+50 richly adorned with gold; in one hangs his dagger, and when he
+ rides out, his sword in the other; he wears not the silk pear in
+ his turban, as does the king of Timbuctoo. The front of his turban
+ is embroidered with gold.
+
+ BUILDINGS.
+
+ The houses are like those at Timbuctoo, but many much larger. They
+ have no wind or water-mills, but they have stone mills, turned by
+ horses.
+
+ MANNERS.
+
+ They never bow. An inferior kisses the hand of a superior; to an
+ equal he nods the head, gives him his hand and asks him how he
+ does. The women do the same.
+
+ The general body are honest and benevolent, the lower class is
+ addicted to thieving. They are very careful of children, to prevent
+ their being stolen. Snakes do not frequent cultivated lands, so
+ that animals are not there in danger from them. The people of
+ Timbuctoo and Housa resemble each other in their persons and in
+ their manners. They castrate bulls, sheep, and goats, but never
+ horses. Supper is the principal meal. They do not use vessels of
+ brass or copper in cookery; they are all of earthenware. At sunset
+ the watchmen are stationed in all parts of the town, and take into
+ custody all suspected or unknown persons. They have lamps made of
+ wood and paper; the latter comes from Fas. Women of respectability
+51 are attended by a slave when they walk out or visit, which they do
+ with the same freedom as in Europe. The women ride either horses or
+ asses, they have no mules; the men commonly prefer walking, they
+ are strong and seldom sensible of fatigue, which he attributes to
+ their having a rib more than white men. Some bake their own bread,
+ others buy it, as in England. They make leavened bread of
+ allila[89] and bishna; the cattle-market is within the city, in a
+ square, appropriated to this purpose. There are a great many rich
+ men, some by inheritance, others by trade. Every morning the doors
+ of the rich are crowded with poor, the master sends them food,
+ rice, milk, &c. They have names for every day. They make their own
+ pipes for smoking, the tubes are of wood. They have songs, some
+ with chorus, and some sung by two persons in alternate stanzas.
+ They have the same feasts once a quarter as at Timbuctoo. The king
+ has but one wife, but many concubines. The favourite slaves of the
+ queen of Housa are considered as superior to the queen of
+ Timbuctoo.
+
+ [Footnote 89: Millet and Indian corn.]
+
+ GOLD.
+
+ The ground where it is found is about sixteen miles from Housa.
+ They go in the night with camels whose legs and feet are covered to
+ protect them against snakes, they take a bag of sand, and mark with
+52 it the places that glitter with gold; in the morning they collect
+ where marked, and carry it to refiners, who, for a small sum,
+ separate the gold. There are no mountains or rivers near the spot,
+ it is a plain without sand, of a dark brown earth. Any person may
+ go to seek gold; they sell it to the merchants, who pay a small
+ duty to the king. The produce is uncertain; he has heard that a
+ bushel of earth has produced the value of twelve ducats, three
+ pounds sterling, of pure gold. They set out from Housa about two
+ o'clock in the afternoon, arrive about sun-set, and return the next
+ day seeking for gold during the whole night.
+
+ LIMITS OF THE EMPIRE
+
+ Beyond Timboo, on the north side of the Nile, are very extensive.
+ Afnoo is subject to the king of Housa, no slaves can be made from
+ thence. Darfneel is near Afnoo; the latter is on the north side of
+ the river, nearer to its source, and a great way from Timbuctoo. No
+ Arabs are found on the banks of the Nile. He supposes the
+ circumference of the empire to be about twenty-five days' journey;
+ has heard that many other large towns are dependent upon it, but
+ does not remember their names.
+
+ The neighbouring countries are Bambarra, Timboo, Mooshee, and
+ Jinnie; all negroes. He has heard of Bernoo[90] as a great empire.
+53
+ On the 31st of March, 1790, Shabeenee gave further information, in
+ the presence of Lord Rawdon[91], Mr. Stuart, and Mr. Wedgewood. Mr.
+ Wedgewood proposed the questions, and Mr. Dodsworth interpreted.
+ The following is some of the information, omitting what has been
+ noticed already.
+
+ Between Timbuctoo and Housa, there is a very good trade. Timbuctoo
+ is tributary to the king of Housa. The imports into Timbuctoo[92]
+ are spices, corn, and woollens from Barbary, and linens from the
+ sea-coast.
+
+ [Footnote 90: Ber Noh, or Bernoh, _i.e._ the country of Noah,
+ is said by the Africans, to be the birth-place of the patriarch
+ Noah.]
+
+ [Footnote 91: Now the Marquis of Hastings.]
+
+ [Footnote 92: For a more detailed account of the imports to
+ Timbuctoo, see Jackson's Account of Marocco, &c.]
+
+ The written character is very large, perhaps half an inch long. The
+ empire is divided into provinces; the provinces into districts. The
+ king appoints the governors of both; but the son of the deceased
+ governor is understood to have the preference.
+
+ They make their pottery by a wheel, but do not glaze it. The wheel
+ turns upon a pivot placed in a hole in the ground: at top and
+ bottom are two pieces of wood like a tea-table; the lower, which is
+ largest, is turned by the foot, and the upper forms the vessel.
+ When they make a large pot, they put on the top a larger piece: the
+ pots are dried in the sun or burnt in the fire. The iron mines are
+ in the desert; the iron is brought in small pieces by the Arabs,
+54 who melt and purify it. They cannot cast iron. They use charcoal
+ fire, and form guns and swords with the hammer and anvil. The
+ points of their arrows are barbed with iron; the crossbows have a
+ groove for the arrow. No man can draw the bow by his arm alone,
+ they have a kind of lever; the bow part is of steel brought from
+ Barbary, and is manufactured at Timbuctoo. They do not make steel
+ themselves.
+
+ They inoculate for the small-pox; the pus is put into a dried
+ raisin and eaten. "_Rooka Dindooka_" is a kind of oath, and means,
+ by God. They believe only one God. After dinner they use the Arabic
+ expression, El Hamd Ulillah; praise to be to God.[93]
+
+ They believe the immortality of the soul, and that both men and
+ women go to paradise; that there is no future punishment; the
+ wicked are punished in this world. Happiness, after death, consists
+ in being in the presence of God. They are not circumcised. A
+ divorce may take place while a woman is pregnant, but she cannot
+ marry again till delivered. As soon as a woman is divorced,
+ midwives, women brought up to that profession, examine her to see
+ whether she is pregnant.
+
+ [Footnote 93: This is the Arabic, or Muhamedan grace after
+ meat; the grace before meat is equally sententious, viz.
+ Bismillah, i.e. in the name of God.]
+
+[Illustration: map of West Barbary]
+
+55
+
+ LETTERS
+ CONTAINING
+ AN ACCOUNT OF JOURNIES
+ THROUGH VARIOUS PARTS OF
+ WEST AND SOUTH BARBARY,
+ AT DIFFERENT PERIODS,
+ PERFORMED PERSONALLY BY J.G.J.
+
+
+
+
+ LETTER I.
+
+ _On the opening of the Port of Agadeer, or Santa Cruz in Suse, and
+ of its Cession by the Emperor Muley Yezzid, to the Dutch._
+
+ TO JAMES WILLIS, ESQ.
+
+ (Late British Consul for Senegambia) Eversholt, near Woburn,
+ Bedfordshire.
+
+ Mogodor, 28th February, 1792.
+
+ The emperor has consented to the proposition of the Dutch
+ government, to open the port of Agadeer, or Santa Cruz, in the
+ province of Suse, to the commerce of that nation; and I have
+ finally resolved to establish a house there, so soon as the sultan
+ Yezzid's order respecting that port shall reach the hands of Alkaid
+ Aumer ben Daudy, the governor of this port. There are various
+ political intrigues in agitation, to deter me from going personally
+56 to establish the commerce of this most desirable and long-neglected
+ port of Santa Cruz. The governor anticipates a considerable
+ diminution in the treasury of Mogodor; and the merchants of this
+ place anticipate a great diminution of the various articles of
+ produce of this fine country, seeing that the principal articles of
+ exportation from the empire of Marocco are produced in the province
+ of Suse, and in the neighbourhood of Santa Cruz.
+
+ The stream of commerce will, therefore, necessarily be converted
+ from Mogodor to Santa Cruz. The merchants of Fas also, who have
+ their establishments and connections at Timbuctoo, and in other
+ parts of Sudan, will resort to Santa Cruz in preference to Mogodor,
+ for all European articles calculated for the markets of Sudan, the
+ former port being in the neighbourhood of the desert, or Sahara,
+ and at a convenient distance from Akka in Lower Suse, the general
+ rendezvous of the akkaba, (or accumulated caravans,) destined for
+ the interior regions of Africa or Sudan. This akkaba starts
+ annually for Timbuctoo, consisting of 2000 or 3000 camels, loaded
+ with merchandise from Fas, Tetuan, Sallee, Mogodor, Marocco,
+ Tafilelt, Draha, and Terodant. The port of Santa Cruz is hence
+57 aptly denominated _Beb Sudan_, i.e. the gate or entrance of Sudan.
+ The port of Santa Cruz was formerly farmed by the emperor[94] Muley
+ Ishmael, to some European power, for 50,000 dollars a-year, as I
+ have been informed; others say it was purchased of him by his own
+ Jewish subjects, for the purposes of trade. However this may have
+ been, no advantage was ever taken of the favourable opportunity
+ then offered, of opening and securing to Europe an extensive and
+ lucrative trade with the various countries of Sudan or Nigritia.
+
+ I can account for this omission only by supposing that the interior
+ of Africa was then less known than even it now is; and that the
+ merchants then established at Santa Cruz, had there sufficient
+ advantages in commerce to engage their attention, without examining
+ into this immense undiscovered mine of wealth!
+
+ [Footnote 94: Great-grandfather of Muley Soliman, the present
+ emperor, who is denominated Soliman ben Muhamed ben Abdallah
+ ben Ismael.]
+58
+
+ LETTER II.
+
+ _The Author's arrival at Agadeer or Santa Cruz.--He opens the Port
+ to European Commerce.--His favourable Reception on landing
+ there.--Is saluted by the Battery.--Abolishes the degrading Custom
+ that had been exacted of the Christians, of descending from on
+ Horseback, and entering the Town on Foot, like the Jews.--Of a
+ Sanctuary at the Entrance of the Town, which had ever been
+ considered Holy Ground, and none but Muhamedans had ever before
+ been permitted to enter the Gates on Horseback._
+
+ TO THE SAME.
+
+ Santa Cruz, 7th March, 1792.
+
+ _The emperor's[95] letter ordering the port of Santa Cruz to be
+ opened to the Dutch_, having reached Mogodor, and having received
+ my instructions from Webster Blount, Esq. Dutch consul-general to
+ this empire, to act as agent for him at that port, until my
+ appointment be ratified and confirmed by the States General, of
+ which he informs me there is no doubt, I proceeded hither in the
+ Snell Zee Post, Dirk Morris, master; and after being becalmed off
+ (Affernie) Cape de Geer, I arrived here the third morning after my
+ departure from Mogodor. I sent my horses by land; and on our
+59 approach to the shore, I discovered them approaching the mountain
+ on which Santa Cruz stands. Soon after we came to anchor in the
+ road, the boats came off, and the battery, which is situated about
+ half-way up the mountain on the western declivity, saluted me with
+ 8 guns, (the Muhamedans always saluting with an even number.) This
+ compliment being unexpected, we were about half an hour preparing
+ to return it, when we saluted the battery with 9 guns. The captain
+ of the port received me with great courtesy, and was ordered by the
+ bashaw El Hayanie, governor of Santa Cruz, to pay the most
+ unqualified attention to my wishes. I landed amidst an immense
+ concourse of people, assembled on the beach to witness the
+ re-establishment of their port, most of whom were without shoes,
+ and very ill clad.
+
+ [Footnote 95: See specimens of Arabic epistolary
+ correspondence, Appendix, Letter 9th.]
+
+ The most hearty exclamations of joy and approbation were manifested
+ by the people when I landed; a merchant was come to establish, once
+ more, that commerce by which the fathers of the present generation
+ had prospered; and their sons appeared to know full well the
+ advantages that again awaited their industry, which for 30 years
+ had not been exercised. I mounted my horse on the beach, amidst the
+ general acclamations of the people, and ascended the mountain, on
+ the summit of which is the town. On my arrival at the gate, I was
+ courteously received by the bashaw's sons; who, however, informed
+60 me that the entrance of Santa Cruz was ever considered holy ground,
+ and that Christians, during its former establishment, always
+ descended and entered the town on foot, intimating at the same time
+ that it was expected I should do the same. I had been before
+ cautioned by Mr. Gwyn, the British consul at Mogodor, not to
+ expostulate at this request, as it would certainly be required of
+ me to conform to ancient usages. But I knew too well the
+ disposition of the people, and the great desire that pervaded all
+ ranks to have the port established; I therefore turned my horse,
+ and told the bashaw's sons, that I was come, with the blessing of
+ God, to bring prosperity to the land, to make the poor rich, and to
+ improve the condition and multiply the conveniences of the opulent;
+ that I came to establish commerce for _their_ advantage, not for
+ mine; that it was indifferent to me whether I returned to Mogodor
+ or remained with them. The sons of the bashaw became alarmed, and
+ entreated me, with clasped hands, to wait till they should report
+ to the bashaw my words and observations. I consented, and soon
+ after they returned with their father's earnest request that I
+ should enter a-horseback: old customs, said the venerable old
+ bashaw when, immediately afterwards, I met him in the street; old
+ customs are abolished, enter and go out of this town a-horseback or
+ a-foot, we desire the prosperity of this port, and that its
+ commerce may flourish; _All the people of Suse hail you as their
+61 deliverer, God has sent you to us to turn the desert into_ (jinen
+ afia) _a fruitful garden; come, and be welcome, and God be with
+ you._
+
+ I was conducted to the best house in the town, a house which
+ belonged to our predecessor, Mr. Grover; and I was informed, that
+ if any demur had been made by the bashaw respecting my entrance
+ through the sanctuary or holy ground, it might have caused an
+ immediate insurrection; so anxious and impatient were all ranks of
+ people for the new establishment of this eligible port of Suse.
+
+ The privilege thus established, of riding in and out of the town, I
+ continued; and I procured it immediately afterwards for all
+ Christians! even masters of ships and common sailors.
+62
+
+ LETTER III.
+
+ _The Author makes a Commercial Road down the Mountain, to
+ facilitate the Shipment of Goods.--The Energy and Liberality of the
+ Natives, in working gratuitously at it.--Description of the
+ Portuguese Tower at Tildie.--Arab Repast there.--Natural Strength
+ of Santa Cruz, of the Town of Aguzem, and the Portuguese Spring and
+ Tank there.--Attempt of the Danes to land and build a
+ Fort.--Eligibility of the Situation of Santa Cruz, for a Commercial
+ Depot to Supply the whole of the Interior of North Africa with East
+ India and European Manufactures.--Propensity of the Natives to
+ Commerce and Industry, if Opportunity offered._
+
+ TO THE SAME.
+
+ Santa Cruz, 20th March, 1792.
+
+ The road up the mountain of Santa Cruz was so dangerous and
+ impassable, that I undertook to repair it; accordingly, I agreed
+ with a Shilluh to make it safe and convenient for transporting
+ goods for shipment; and such was the eager desire of the people for
+ the establishment of the port, that hundreds brought stones and
+ assisted gratuitously in the construction of this road; so that
+ what would have cost in England thousands of pounds, was here
+ completed for a few hundred dollars.
+
+ The natives of this long-neglected territory were too acute not to
+ perceive the field of wealth that was thus opened to their
+63 industry; they were convinced, from the traditions of their
+ fathers, of the incalculable benefits that would arise from a
+ commercial reciprocity; and they were determined to cultivate the
+ opportunity that was now offered to put them in possession of those
+ commercial advantages which their fathers had enjoyed before: the
+ benefits of which they had often related to their children, when
+ they talked of the prosperity and riches of the country during the
+ reign of Muley Ismael, when this port was before open to foreign
+ commerce. Agreeably to these well-founded anticipations, the genial
+ influence of commerce began, soon after my arrival, to manifest
+ itself throughout all ranks and denominations of men; _the whole
+ population visibly improved in their apparel and appearance; new
+ garments were now becoming common, and were every where substituted
+ for the rags and wretchedness before witnessed on landing here._
+
+ About four miles east of Santa Cruz, in a very romantic valley
+ surrounded by mountains, are found the ruins of a Portuguese tower.
+ _Tildie_, which is the name of this place, abounds in plantations
+ of the most delicious figs, grapes of an enormous size and
+ exquisite flavour, citrons, oranges, water-melons, walnuts,
+ apricots in great abundance, and peaches, &c. &c.
+
+ I invited a party of Arabs to accompany me to this delightful
+ retreat, where we dined: the Arabs killed two sheep; one they
+ roasted whole on a wooden spit, made on the spot; the other they
+64 baked whole in an oven made for the purpose, in the following
+ manner: A large hole was dug in the ground; the inside was
+ plaistered with clay; after which they put fire in the hole till
+ the sides were dry; they then put the sheep in, and the top was
+ covered by clay in the form of an arch, fashioned and constructed
+ by the hand only; they afterwards made a large trough round this
+ temporary oven, and filled it with wood, to which they set fire.
+ The sheep was about three hours preparing in this manner, and it
+ was of exquisite flavour; the roasted mutton also was equally well
+ flavoured. No vegetables were served with this repast; for I had
+ desired that the fare should be precisely according to their own
+ custom; I therefore declined interfering with the arrangement of
+ the food. This mode of cooking is in high estimation with
+ travellers. These people never eat vegetables with their meat. When
+ they see Europeans eat a mouthful of meat, and then another of
+ vegetables, they express their surprise, observing that the taste
+ of the vegetables destroys the taste of the meat; and _vice versa_,
+ that the taste of the meat destroys the flavour of the vegetables!
+
+ The town of Santa Cruz, built on the summit of a branch of the
+ Atlas, by the Portuguese, is enclosed by a strong wall, fortified
+ with bastions mounting cannon; it is about a mile in circumference.
+ Half way down the mountain, on the western declivity, opposite the
+ sea, stands a battery, which defends the town, towards the north,
+65 south, and west, at the foot of the mountain. Westward, on the
+ shore of the sea, stands a town, called by the Shelluhs, (the
+ natives of this country,) Agurem. There is a copious spring of
+ excellent water at Agurem, built and ornamented by the Portuguese,
+ when they had possession of this country, and called by them
+ _Fonte_, which name the town still retains, and is so called by
+ Europeans. The royal arms of Portugal are seen, carved in stone,
+ over the tank. Santa Cruz is supplied with spring-water from here,
+ having none but rain-water in the town, which is collected in the
+ rainy season, and preserved in subterraneous apartments, called
+ mitferes[96], one of which is attached to every respectable house,
+ and contains sufficient for the consumption of the family during
+ the year. The natural position of Santa Cruz is extremely strong,
+ perhaps not less so than Gibraltar, though not on a peninsula; and
+ it might, in the hands of an European power, be made impregnable
+ with very little expense; it might also be made a very convenient
+ and most advantageous depot for the establishment of an extensive
+66 commerce with the whole of the interior of North Africa. An attempt
+ of this kind was made about forty or fifty years since, by the
+ Danes, who anchored with several ships, and landed a mile south of
+ Agurem; and with stones, all ready cut, and numbered, erected on an
+ eminence[97], by the dawn of the following day, a battery of twelve
+ guns. But by a stratagem of the bashaw El Hayanie, who at that time
+ was bashaw of Suse, they were rendered unable to retain possession
+ of their fort; their plans were accordingly disconcerted, and the
+ adventurers retreated, and returned to their ships.
+
+ [Footnote 96: The mitfere under my house at Santa Cruz,
+ contained, when full, four hundred pipes of water. At the
+ termination of the rainy season in March, it was generally
+ about two-thirds full, supplied from the flat roof or terras
+ during the rainy season. There was always much more than we
+ could consume, accordingly great quantities were distributed
+ among the poor, about the close of the season, or the autumn
+ previous to the next rainy season.]
+
+ [Footnote 97: Called Agadeer Arba.]
+
+ At the south-east extremity of the wall of Santa Cruz there is a
+ round battery, which protects the town from west to east; and might
+ be made to protect the valley to the east of the mountain. This
+ battery, with a little military skill, might be made to protect
+ every access to the town, not protected by the battery before
+ mentioned, which is situated about half way up the western
+ declivity of the mountain, and which commands or secures the fonte,
+ or spring, against an attack from any hostile force.
+67
+
+ LETTER IV.
+
+ _Command of the Commerce of Sudan._
+
+ TO THE SAME.
+
+ Santa Cruz, May 5, 1792.
+
+ If Great Britain were to purchase the port of Santa Cruz of the
+ emperor, for a certain annual stipend, we should be enabled to
+ command the whole commerce of Sudan, at the expense of Tunis,
+ Tripoli, Algiers, and Egypt; not at the expense of Marocco, because
+ an equivalent, or what the emperor would consider as such, would be
+ given in exchange for it; and we should then supply all those
+ regions with merchandise, at the first and second hand, which they
+ now receive through four, five, and six. We should thus be enabled
+ to undersell our Moorish competitors, and thus draw to our
+ commercial depot, all the gold-dust, gold-bars, and wrought-gold,
+ gum-sudan, (commonly called in England, Turkey gum-arabic), ostrich
+ feathers, and other articles the produce of Sudan; besides the
+ produce of Suse, viz. gum-barbary, sandrac, euphorbium, and
+ ammoniac, almonds, olive oil, wine, &c., together with the richest
+ fruits of every kind. These we should take in barter for our
+ manufactures.
+68
+ The road of Santa Cruz is very safe, and the best in the empire of
+ Marocco; it is defended from the fury of the tremendous gales that
+ visit this coast in December and January, and which invariably blow
+ from the south, by a projection of land that extends gradually from
+ the river Suse to cape Noon, very far westward into the ocean.
+ During my residence of several years at this summit of Atlas, not
+ one ship was wrecked or lost; there is plenty of water, and good
+ anchorage for ships of the line.
+
+ A thousand European troops, directed by a vigilant and experienced
+ captain, might take the place by a _coup de main_; and the natives,
+ (after a proper explanation and assurance that trade was the object
+ of the capture,) would probably become allies of the captors, and
+ would supply in abundance all kind of provisions. They esteem the
+ English, and denominate them their brothers.[98] They sorely regret
+ the loss of trade occasioned by the emperor's restrictions, and
+ would gladly promote the cultivation of commerce if they had an
+ opportunity. They have been from time immemorial a trading
+ generation.
+
+ [Footnote 98: _N'henna u l'Ingleez Khowan_, they say, "we and
+ the English are brothers."]
+69
+
+ LETTER V.
+
+ FROM MR. WILLIS TO MR. JACKSON.
+
+ My dear sir,
+
+ I have this moment received your favour, dated yesterday, and am
+ extremely sorry I had not the pleasure of seeing you before your
+ departure. We might have taken a farewell dinner together. You will
+ most highly oblige me by communicating to me all the intelligence
+ you can collect concerning the interior of Africa, more especially
+ of Timbuctoo; its trade, government, geographical situation, and
+ the manners and customs of its inhabitants. If you could send me
+ too, any of its products or manufactures, which may appear to you
+ curious or interesting, or may serve to shew the state of knowledge
+ and civilisation in the country, and the progress they may have
+ made in the arts, in manufactures or commerce, you will confer upon
+ me a singular favour; the expense of which I will readily repay,
+ and which I shall be happy to return whenever I can be of use to
+ you. If ever this region of Africa, which excites so strongly our
+ curiosity, should be laid open to us, you are, of all the men with
+ whom I am acquainted, the best qualified, and the most likely to
+ lead the way to this important discovery. I request you to favour
+70 me with your correspondence; let me hear from you as frequently as
+ possible, without ceremony, and as one who wishes to be considered
+ as an old friend. When peace returns, I shall certainly take my
+ station in Senegambia[99], where we may then be fellow-labourers in
+ the same vineyard. There is no news yet of Park; perhaps you would
+ like to know how he proceeds; and as I expect to hear of him by the
+ return of my ship, I will inform you, if you wish it; and, in
+ short, will keep up a regular correspondence on my part, if you
+ will do the same on your's. Pray, in what ship do you go? Perhaps,
+ if you would give me encouragement, I might venture into a little
+ commercial speculation to Santa Cruz. I heartily wish you a
+ pleasant voyage, health, and success; and am, with great regard,
+
+ My dear Sir,
+
+ Very truly your's,
+
+ J. WILLIS.
+
+ August 12,1796.
+
+ [Footnote 99: Mr. James Willis had the appointment of consul at
+ Senegambia, and was then waiting an opportunity of proceeding
+ thither.]
+71
+
+ LETTER VI.
+
+ FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
+
+ My dear sir,
+
+ I duly received your letter from Gibraltar, and have made known to
+ Government the expediency of sending a person to Marocco, to oppose
+ the influence of the French and Spaniards; but I cannot yet say
+ with certainty whether the measure will be adopted or not; if it
+ should, you may rely upon my attention to your interest. I have
+ given your name to the secretary of state, and have spoken of you
+ with that distinction, which I think, without any flattery, your
+ qualifications justly deserve.
+
+ Peace still appears to be at a great distance, since the late
+ negociations; yet, as nothing is so uncertain as an event of this
+ kind, it may come upon us, (as the last peace did) like a thief in
+ the night, when we least expect it. You will have, I have no doubt,
+ frequent opportunities of procuring information concerning
+ Timbuctoo, and other places in the interior of Africa. Your
+ knowledge of the language, customs, and commerce of that continent,
+ give you advantages which few possess upon this ground; and I
+ assure you, every kind of information will be greedily received
+72 here, concerning those regions; especially that which relates to
+ their commerce, civilisation, customs, geography, and language.
+
+ I request as a favour that you would write me as often as possible;
+ exclusive of the interest I take in all that relates to the
+ politics and commerce of Africa, (particularly of the interior,) to
+ hear of your own individual welfare, will give me the sincerest
+ pleasure.
+
+ I remain, my dear Sir,
+
+ Your's very sincerely,
+
+ J. WILLIS.
+
+ No. 67. Harley-street, London, 2d February, 1796.
+
+ We have no letters from Mr. Park, since he left the river Gambia;
+ but we have heard from others, that he had proceeded in safety
+ above two-thirds of the journey. We expect soon to hear of his
+ return. If he succeeds, his fame and fortune will be worthy of
+ envy.
+73
+
+ LETTER VII.
+
+ _Emperor's March to Marocco.--Doubles the Customs' Duties of
+ Mogodor.--The Governor, Prince Abd El Melk, with the Garrison and
+ Merchants of Santa Crux, ordered to go to the Court at
+ Marocco.--They cross the Atlas Mountains.--Description of the
+ Country and Produce.--Dangerous Defile in the Mountains through
+ which the Author passed.--Chasm in the Mountain.--Security of Suse
+ from Marocco, originating in the narrow Defile in the Mountains of
+ Atlas.--Extensive Plantations of Olives.--Village of Ait
+ Musie.--Fruga Plains.--Marocco Plains.--Fine Corn.--Reception at
+ Marocco, and Audience with the Emperor.--Imperial Gardens at
+ Marocco.--Prince Abd El Melk's magnificent Apparel, reprobated by
+ the Sultan.--The Port of Santa Cruz, shut to the Commerce of
+ Europe, and the Merchants ordered to Mogodor.--The Prince banished
+ to the _Bled Shereef_ or Country of Princes, viz., Tafilelt, of the
+ Palace at Tafilelt.--Abundance of Dates.--Face of the Country.
+ --Magnificent Groves of Palm or Date-trees.--Faith and Integrity of
+ the Inhabitants of Tafilelt.--Imperial Gardens at Marocco.--Mode of
+ Irrigation.--Attar of Roses, vulgarly called Otto of Roses (Attar
+ being the Word signifying a Distillation.)--State of Oister Shells,
+ on the Top of the Mountains of Sheshawa, between Mogodor and
+ Marocco, being a Branch of the Atlas.--Description of the Author's
+ Reception on the Road from Marocco to Mogodor.--Of the Elgrored, or
+ Sahara of Mogodor._
+
+ TO JAMES WILLIS, ESQ.
+
+ Santa Cruz, March 15, 1797.
+
+ When the emperor Soliman proceeded from Fas with a numerous army to
+74 the south, he doubled the export and import duties at Mogodor,
+ viz., from six to twelve per cent., payable in kind. Those of Santa
+ Cruz remained as before, but so soon as his imperial majesty
+ reached Marocco, he sent orders for the prince Abd El Melk, who is
+ his nephew and governor of Santa Cruz, with the garrison, together
+ with the merchants, to proceed to Marocco; accordingly we all
+ departed, the prince having first engaged a revered (fakeer) saint
+ to accompany the army across the Atlas mountains, the fastnesses of
+ which it appeared no army would be permitted to pass, without the
+ protection of this fakeer. We departed about noon, and passed
+ through the plains of the Arab province of Howara[100], a very fine
+ country; we pitched our tents at sunset, near a sanctuary, where we
+ had all kinds of provisions sent to us, in great abundance: we
+ continued our journey the following morning through the plains, and
+ about the middle of the day we reached the foot of Atlas.
+
+ This country abounds in extensive plantations of olives, almonds,
+ and gum trees; some plants of the (_fashook_) gum ammoniac are here
+ discovered. Vines producing purple grapes of an enormous size and
+ exquisite flavour: (_dergmuse_) the Euphorbium plant is discovered
+ in rocky parts of the mountains; and great abundance of worm-seed
+75 and stick-liquorice.[101] The indigo plant (_Enneel_) is found
+ here; as are also pomegranates, of a large size and a most
+ exquisitely sweet flavour, and oranges. Ascending the Atlas, after
+ five hours' ride, we reached a table-land, and pitched our tents
+ near a sanctuary. The temperature of the air is cooler here, and
+ the trees are of a different character; apples, pears, cherries,
+ walnuts, apricots, peaches, plums, and rhododendrums, were the
+ produce of this region. The next morning at five o'clock, the army
+ struck their tents, and after ascending seven hours more, we met
+ with another change in vegetation. Leguminous plants began to
+ appear; pines of an immense size, ferns, _the belute_, a species of
+ oak, the acorn of which is used as food, and is preferred to the
+ Spanish chesnut; elms, mountain-ash, _seedra_ and _snobar_, the two
+ latter being a species of the juniper. After this we passed through
+ a fine campaign country of four hours' ride: we were informed that
+ this country was very populous; but our fakeer and guide avoided
+ the habitations of men. We now began again to ascend these
+ magnificent and truly romantic mountains, and in two hours
+ approached partial coverings of snow. Vegetation here diminishes,
+ and nothing is now seen but firs, whose tops appear above the snow;
+ the cold is here intense; and it is remarkable, that, the pullets'
+ eggs that we procured in the campaign country just described, were
+ nearly twice the size of those of Europe. Proceeding two hours
+76 further, we came to a narrow pass, on the east side of which was an
+ inaccessible mountain, almost perpendicular, and entirely covered
+ with snow; and on the west, a tremendous precipice, of several
+ thousand feet in depth, as if the mountain had been split in two,
+ or rent asunder by an earthquake: the path is not more than a foot
+ wide, over a solid rock of granite. Here the whole army dismounted,
+ and many prostrated in prayer, invoking the Almighty to enable them
+ to pass in safety; but, however, notwithstanding all possible
+ precaution, two mules missed their footing, and were precipitated
+ with their burdens into the yawning abyss. There is no other pass
+ but this, and that of Belawin, which is equally dangerous for an
+ army; so that the district of Suse, which was formerly a kingdom,
+ might be defended by a few men, against an invading army from
+ Marocco of several thousands, by taking a judicious position at the
+ southern extremity of this narrow path and tremendous precipice,
+ which is but a few yards in length. Proceeding northward through,
+ this defile, we continued our journey seven hours, (gradually
+ descending towards the plains of Fruga, a town of considerable
+ extent, distant about fifteen miles from the mountains.) Proceeding
+ two hours further, making together nine hours' journey, the army
+ pitched their tents, and we encamped on another table-land, on the
+ northern declivity of Atlas, at the entrance of an immense
+ plantation of olives, about a mile west of a village, called Ait
+77 Musie, a most luxuriant and picturesque country. The village of Ait
+ Musie contains many Jews, whose external is truly miserable; but
+ this appearance of poverty is merely political, for they are a
+ trading and rich people, for such a patriarchal country. The olive
+ plantations at this place, and in many other parts of this country,
+ do honour to the agricultural propensity of the emperor Muley
+ Ismael, who planted them. They cover about six square miles of
+ ground; the trees are planted in right lines, at a proper distance;
+ the plantation is interspersed with openings, or squares, to let in
+ the air. These openings are about a square acre in extent.
+
+ [Footnote 100: migration from this tribe attacked and took the
+ city of Assouan, in Egypt, some years ago. Vide Burckhardt's
+ Travels in Nubia.]
+
+ [Footnote 101: This root abounds all over Suse, and is called
+ by the natives _Ark Suse, i.e._ the foot of Suse: the worm-seed
+ is called sheh.]
+
+ In travelling through the various provinces of South and West
+ Barbary, these extensive plantations of olives are frequently met
+ with, and particularly throughout Suse. It appeared that they were
+ all planted by the emperor Muley Ismael, whose indefatigable
+ industry was proverbial. Wherever that warrior (who was always in
+ the field) encamped, he never failed to employ his army in some
+ active and useful operation, to keep them from being devoured by
+ the worm of indolence, as he expressed it. Accordingly wherever he
+ encamped, we meet with these extensive plantations of olive trees,
+ planted by his troops, which are not only a great ornament to the
+ country, but produce abundance of fine oil. The olive plantations
+ at Ras El Wed, near Terodant in Suse, are so extensive, that one
+78 may travel from the rising to the setting sun under their shade,
+ without being exposed to the rays of the effulgent African sun.
+
+ We remained encamped at Ait Musie[102] three days, amusing
+ ourselves by hawking with the prince's falconer, and hunting the
+ antelope. Early in the morning of the fourth day, we descended the
+ declivity of the Atlas, and travelling eight hours, we reached the
+ populous town of Fruga, situated in the same extensive plain
+ wherein the city of Marocco stands. From this village to Marocco, a
+ day's journey, the country is one continued corn-field, producing
+ most abundant crops of wheat and barley, the grain of which is of
+ an extraordinary fine quality, and nearly twice the size of the
+ wheat produced at the Cape of Good Hope.
+
+ [Footnote 102: Here the prince sent couriers to the emperor, to
+ announce his approach.]
+
+ On our approach to the metropolis, the emperor sent the princes
+ that were at Marocco to welcome the prince Abd El Melk. They were
+ accompanied by 100 cavalry, who saluted our prince with the Moorish
+ compliment of running full gallop and firing their muskets. These
+ princes, who were relations of Abd El Melk, son of Abd Salam, shook
+ hands with him respectively, and then kissed their own. This is the
+ salutation when friends of equal rank meet. We entered the city of
+ Marocco at the _Beb El Mushoir_, which is the gate situated near
+ the palace and place of audience, towards the Atlas mountains. The
+79 next day I had an audience of the emperor, who received me in (the
+ _Jenan En neel_) the garden of the Nile, a small garden adjoining
+ the palace, containing all the fruits and plants from the Nile[103]
+ of Egypt. The (_worde fillelly_) Tafilelt-rose grows in great
+ luxuriance in this garden, resembling that of China; the odour is
+ very grateful and strong, perfuming the air to a considerable
+ distance. This is the rose, from the leaves of which the celebrated
+ (_attar el worde_) _i.e._ distillation of roses is made, vulgarly
+ called in Europe, _otto_ of roses.
+
+ [Footnote 103: This orthography, _Nile_, has been imported from
+ France; with the French it is pronounced as we pronounce Neel;
+ and this is the intelligible pronunciation in Africa.]
+
+ The emperor declared the port of Santa Cruz to be shut; and that no
+ European merchant of any nation should continue there. He gave me
+ my choice, either to quit the country, or establish a house at
+ Mogodor. I entreated a short time to consider which I should
+ choose, which was readily granted.
+
+ The prince Abd El Melk was magnificent in his apparel, the Emperor
+ dressed very plain; these were two incompatible propensities, the
+ latter had probably heard of the prince's extravagance in this
+ respect, and chose to moralise with him by comparing his own
+ parsimonious and plain apparel to _his_ costly attire; and
+ insinuating that the iron buckle to his belt answered every purpose
+ of a gold one, reprimanded the prince for the extravagance and
+ vanity of his wardrobe, and acquainted his Highness that the port
+80 of Santa Cruz should no longer remain open to European commerce.
+ The prince remained some days after this notification at Maroco; an
+ annual stipend was allowed him and he was sent to (the _Bled
+ Shereef, i.e._ the country of princes, viz.) Tafilelt, and had
+ apartments allotted him in the Imperial Palace at that place, which
+ is very magnificent and extensive. It is built of marble collected
+ for the most part from the _Kaser Farawan_ or ruins of Pharaoh, an
+ ancient city now in ruins, contiguous to the sanctuary of Muley
+ Dris Zerone, east of the city of Mequinas, on the western declivity
+ of the Atlas; this marble was transported across the mountains of
+ Atlas on camels, a distance of fifteen journies to Tafilelt. The
+ inhabitants of this part of Bled Eljereed live principally on
+ dates, which abound so in this country that the fruit of one
+ plantation is commonly sold for 1000 dollars, producing 1500 camel
+ load of dates, or 4500 quintals; there are thirty-five species of
+ this rich fruit, of which the _butube_ is unquestionably the best
+ and the most wholesome; it is rich, of a fine flavour, and sweet as
+ honey: the _buscre_ is also good; but so dry and full of saccharine
+ matter that it resembles a lump of sugar. Undoubtedly if this
+ country were in the hands of Europeans they would extract sugar,
+ perhaps as much as 150 lb. from a camel load of dates weighing 300
+ lb. The _adamoh_ is the date that is imported to this country; it
+ is the best for keeping, but at Tafilelt they use it only for the
+ cattle, considering it an unwholesome kind and heavy of digestion.
+81 The country from the eastern declivity of Atlas to Tafilelt, and to
+ the eastward of Tafilelt, even unto Seginmessa is one continued
+ barren plain of a brown sandy soil impregnated with salt, so that
+ if you take up the earth it has a salt flavour; the surface also
+ has the appearance of salt, and if you dig a foot deep, a brackish
+ water ooses up. On the approach, to within a day's journey of
+ Tafilelt, however, the country is covered with the most magnificent
+ plantations and extensive forests of the lofty date, exhibiting the
+ most elegant and picturesque appearance that nature, on a plain
+ surface, can present to the admiring eye. In these forests there is
+ no underwood, so that a horseman may gallop through them without
+ impediment. Wheat is cultivated near the river, and honey is
+ produced of an exquisite quality. The faith and honour of the
+ (filelly) inhabitants of Tafilelt is proverbial; a robbery has not
+ been known within the memory of man; they use neither locks nor
+ keys, having no need of either!
+
+ Having had my audience of leave of the Emperor, I prepared to
+ proceed to Mogodor, but before I describe the country through which
+ we passed thither, it may not perhaps be uninteresting to give some
+ account of the Imperial gardens at Marocco, which are three, the
+ _Jenan Erdoua_, the _Jenan El Afia_, and the _Jenan En. neel_: the
+ last is confined to plants brought from the Egyptian Nile. The
+ _Jenan El Afia_, and the _Jenan Erdoua_, contain oranges, citrons,
+82 vines, figs, pomegranates, water and musk melons, all of exquisite
+ flavour. The orange and fig trees are here as large as a middling
+ sized English oak. Roses are so abundant at Marocco that they grow
+ every where, and have a most powerful perfume, insomuch that one
+ rose scents a large room; all other flowers are in abundance, and
+ many that are nursed with care in English hot-houses are seen in
+ the Marocco plains growing spontaneously. These gardens, as well as
+ others throughout the country, are watered by the Persian or
+ Arabian wheel, with pitchers fixed to it, which discharge the water
+ into a trough or tank; as the pitchers rise and turn over their
+ contents into this tank, the water is communicated to the garden
+ and inundates the plants. Departing from Marocco to Mogodor, the
+ first day's journey is through the plains of Sheshawa, a fine
+ campaign country abounding in corn; the mountains of Sheshawa,
+ which are higher than any in Great Britain, have strata of oyster
+ and other shells at the top of them. We encamped at the foot of
+ these mountains; I had the curiosity to examine the depth of these
+ strata of shells, and found them several feet deep, and extending
+ all the way down the mountains. The rivers Sheshawa and Wed Elfees
+ water these plains. The next day's journey brought us to a
+ sanctuary, where we met very good entertainment, that is, such as
+ the country affords, plenty of good provisions and hospitable
+ treatment.
+83
+ The next evening we encamped at a place called _Dar El Hage
+ Croomb_, a very picturesque situation, where we were hospitably
+ entertained; the Sheik coming to drink tea with me, related the
+ history of his ancestors and traced his descent through many
+ generations of warriors, whose dextrous management of the lance was
+ the burden of the story. The next day, after travelling about six
+ hours, we arrived at the extremity of the productive country, and
+ entered _El Grored_, or the desert of sandy hills, which divide the
+ rocky peninsula of Mogodor, from the cultivated land; this Sahara
+ consists of loose sand-hills very fatiguing to the horses, and
+ although not more than three miles in width, we were an hour and a
+ half in crossing them, before we entered the gate of Mogodor.
+84
+
+ LETTER VIII.
+
+ FROM MR. WILLIS TO MR. JACKSON.
+
+ Harley-Street, London,
+
+ My Dear Sir, 12th December, 1797.
+
+ I thank you warmly for your intelligence concerning the interior of
+ Africa, and beg you will continue to favour me with all the
+ information you can collect upon this subject. Mr. Park has been
+ almost as far as Jinnie, but did not reach Timbuctoo; he is now on
+ his way to England, in an American ship, via America. We are
+ anxious for his arrival, which may be expected in the course of the
+ present month; and all the Africani are extremely curious to hear
+ the detail of his most interesting journey, which we hope will
+ produce some authentic knowledge, of a considerable part of those
+ regions, that have hitherto baffled all the ardour and energy of
+ European enquiry, though they have always excited the curiosity of
+ the most eminent and enlightened men, both in past and present
+ times.
+
+ I thank you also for the commercial intelligence you have sent me.
+
+ Do you know whether the emperor of Marocco has any collection of
+ books? If he has, probably some ancient books, of great value,
+ might be found among them.
+85
+ I should consider it as a very great obligation if you could
+ procure, and send me any book or manuscript in the character and
+ language of Timbuctoo. We are informed that, besides the Arabic,
+ they have a character of their own, perfectly different.
+
+ I remain, my dear Sir,
+ Sincerely your's,
+
+ J. WILLIS.
+
+
+ _Extract of a Letter to Mr. Jackson, from His Excellency J.M.
+ Matra, British Envoy to Marocco, &c._
+
+ Tangier, November 8, 1797.
+
+ I have not yet received any answer from Sir Joseph Banks to the
+ letter from you, which I sent to him. Should you be able to obtain
+ any information from Timbuctoo[104], or of the interior of this
+ country, which would gratify one's curiosity, I will be very
+ thankful for a slice of it.
+
+ I am ever, dear Jackson,
+ Most faithfully your's,
+ JAMES M. MATRA.
+
+ [Footnote 104: All _my information_ respecting Timbuctoo, will
+ be found in Jackson's Account of Marocco, Chapter XIII.]
+86
+
+ LETTER IX.
+
+ _Custom of visiting the Emperor on his Arrival at Marocco.--Journey
+ of the Merchants thither on that occasion.--No one enters the
+ imperial Presence without a Present.--Mode of travelling.--The
+ Commercio.--Imperial Gardens at Marocco.--Audience of the
+ Sultan.--Amusements at Marocco.--Visit to the Town of
+ Lepers.--Badge of Distinction worn by the Lepers.--Ophthalmia at
+ Marocco.--Its probable Cause.--Immense Height of the Atlas, east
+ and south of Marocco.--Mode of visiting at Marocco.--Mode of
+ eating.--Trades or Handicrafts at Marocco.--Audience of Business of
+ the Sultan.--Present received from the Sultan_.
+
+ TO JAMES WILLIS, ESQ.
+
+ Mogodor, 1788.
+
+ The emperor having departed from Mequinas where he passed the
+ winter, to Marocco, his summer residence, it becomes an incumbent
+ duty for all loyal subjects, to pay their respects to him. All the
+ bashaws of provinces, south of the river Morbeya, which divides the
+ northern part of his dominions from the southern, as well as all
+ the alkaids or governors of towns and districts under the authority
+ of the bashaws of the provinces, are expected to show their
+ loyalty, by obtaining permission to present themselves to the
+ imperial presence; when they give an account of the state of the
+87 district which they respectively govern. The bashaw of each
+ province communicates with the emperor, and determines which of the
+ alkaids[105] shall have the honour of presenting themselves. On
+ these occasions, that is, when the emperor comes to Marocco, it is
+ customary for the merchants of Mogodor to perform the journey to
+ the metropolis[106] of the south, and to present his imperial
+ majesty with a present; indeed, it is not the etiquette of this
+ court for any one to demand an audience (which the lowest subject
+ in the realm may claim) without being prepared to present
+ something; so that the poor may have an audience by presenting half
+ a dozen eggs, or any similar trifle, such as some fruit or flowers;
+ but no one enters the imperial presence (_khawie_, as they term it,
+ _i. e._) empty-handed. The routine is this: The European merchants,
+ together with the house of Guedalla and Co., who are native Jews,
+ are called _el commercio;_ the commercio, therefore, solicit the
+ honour of presenting themselves to the emperor, to offer their
+ congratulations on his arrival; this is acceded to, and the
+ minister, who is denominated the _talb cadus_, a term designating a
+ man who disperses orders and communications to every one, writes a
+88 letter to the commercio, expressive of the emperor's disposition to
+ see them, and requesting them to repair to his presence: a guard is
+ given by the alkaid of Mogodor, and a present _ought_ to be
+ selected of such articles as are not to be bought at the markets of
+ the country. A present consisting of such articles, previously
+ ordered from Europe, and judiciously selected, is better calculated
+ to gratify the emperor, than ten times the value injudiciously
+ collected. The merchants accordingly prepared themselves to proceed
+ to Marocco; some rode mules, some horses, for there are no
+ carriages in this country; and every individual had his tent and
+ servants with him. We travelled three days through a fine country,
+ and reached the city of Marocco the fourth day, in the afternoon,
+ travelling eight hours each day, at the rate of four miles an hour.
+ On our approach to the city, we sent an express to the _talb
+ cadus_, who, by the imperial order, appropriated the emperor's
+ garden, _jinnen el afia_, for our reception, the pavilion in which
+ was appropriated to our service; we preferred, however, in this
+ delightful climate, sleeping in our tents, which we were permitted
+ to pitch in this beautiful garden. We dined in the _coba_, or
+ pavilion. The (_talb cadus_) minister paid us a visit, to say that
+ the emperor requested we would take the following day to rest from
+ our journey, and at eight o'clock on the following morning, he
+ would receive us; the present was accordingly prepared, which was
+89 carried by four-and-twenty men; every article (the bulky ones
+ excepted) being enveloped in a Barcelona silk handkerchief. The
+ emperor was in the (_m'ushoir_) place of audience, on that side of
+ the city which faces the mountains of Atlas. At our presentation we
+ did not prostrate ourselves, but bowed, in the European manner; the
+ emperor said, bono el commercio, a Spanish phrase which he uses in
+ interviews with Europeans, and which is equivalent to his saying,
+ you are welcome, merchants. To this we replied, _Allah iberk amer
+ seedi_, God bless the life of my master. The emperor asked if we
+ were recovered from the fatigue of our journey, and was quite
+ affable; he then said, communicate with the effendi[107], and
+ whatever you want shall be granted to you; for I am disposed to
+ encourage and (_amel el k'here_) to do good to my merchants. The
+ master of the audience then came to us, and signified that we might
+ depart; we made our obeisance, and returned to our habitation. This
+ was the audience of introduction, which is always short; the second
+ audience is for business; and the third is the audience of
+ departure. We remained encamped in the imperial garden a fortnight
+ before we had another audience; in the mean time we amused
+ ourselves in riding about the country, and in visiting some of the
+90 most respectable inhabitants, among whom was the _cadus_, who has a
+ noble mansion, replete with every convenience, and a garden in the
+ centre of it. The rooms of this house were long and narrow, with a
+ pair of high doors in the centre of the room, through which alone
+ the light is admitted; the floors were paved with small glazed
+ tiles, about two inches square, very neatly fitted, and of
+ different colours; the walls were the same, a mode of building
+ which in this warm climate imparts a grateful coolness; the
+ ceilings are painted in the Araberque style, with brilliant
+ colours. The roofs are of terras, and flat, having an insensible
+ declivity, just sufficient to give the rain that falls a course,
+ which falling into the pipes, is received in the (_mitfere_) a
+ subterraneous cistern, which supplies the family with water the
+ whole year, till the rainy season returns again.
+
+ [Footnote 105: In each province, or bashawick, there are
+ several alkaids or governors of districts.]
+
+ [Footnote 106: The city of Fas is the metropolis of the north,
+ as Marocco is of the south. Mequinas is the court town of the
+ north, and resembles the Hague, where few reside but such as
+ are employed in the service of the crown.]
+
+ [Footnote 107: This word was used by the seed, or emperor, in
+ the presumption that it is understood by Europeans; but _cadus_
+ is the Arabic term.]
+
+ There is near to the walls of Marocco, about the north-west point,
+ a village, called (_Deshira el Jeddam_) i.e. the Village of Lepers.
+ I had a curiosity to visit this village; but I was told that any
+ other excursion would be preferable; that the Lepers were totally
+ excluded from the rest of mankind; and that, although none of them
+ would dare to approach us, yet the excursion would be not only
+ unsatisfactory but disgusting. I was, however, determined to go; I
+ mounted my horse, and took two horse-guards with me, and my own
+ servant. We rode through the Lepers' town; the inhabitants
+91 collected at the doors of their habitations, but did not approach
+ us; they, _for the most part_, showed no external disfiguration,
+ but were generally sallow; some of the young women were very
+ handsome; they have, however, a paucity of eyebrow, which, it must
+ be allowed, is somewhat incompatible with a beauty; some few had no
+ eyebrows at all, which completely destroyed the effect of their
+ dark animated eyes. They are obliged to wear a large straw hat,
+ with a brim about nine inches wide; this is their _badge of
+ separation_, a token of division between the clean and unclean,
+ which when seen in the country, or on the roads, prevents any one
+ from having personal contact with them. They are allowed to beg,
+ and accordingly are seen by the side of the roads, with their straw
+ hat badge, and a wooden bowl before them, to receive the charity of
+ passengers, exclaiming (_attanie m'ta Allah_) "bestow on me the
+ property of God;" (_kulshie m'ta Allah_) "all belongs to God!"
+ reminding the passenger that he is a steward of, and accountable
+ for the appropriation of his property; that he derives his property
+ from the bounty and favour of God. When any one gives them money,
+ they pronounce a blessing on him; as (_Allah e zeed kherik_) "may
+ God increase your good," &c. The province of Haha abounds in
+ lepers; and it is said that the Arganic[108] oil, which, is much
+ used in food throughout this picturesque province, promotes this
+ loathsome disease!
+
+ [Footnote 108: This oil, which is excellent, and generally used
+ for frying fish, should be thus prepared, according to the
+ learned Doctor Barata, who was pensioned physician to the
+ _Commercio_ of Mogodor, by which preparation it becomes
+ perfectly wholesome, and deprived of any leprous or other bad
+ quality: Take a quart of Argan oil, and put in it a large onion
+ cut in slices; when it boils add a piece of crumb of bread,
+ equal in size to an onion, then let it boil a few minutes more,
+ take it off, let it cool, and strain the oil through a sieve,
+ and bottle it for daily use.]
+
+92
+ The chain of Atlas, east of Marocco, continually covered with snow,
+ gives a pleasant coolness to the air of the city, in the summer
+ season, particularly in the morning and evening; the coolness is
+ generally said, however, to produce ophthalmia.[109] These
+ mountains are immensely high, and their magnitude makes them appear
+ not more than five miles from the city. It is, however, a day's
+ journey to the foot of them, after which the ascent is so gradual,
+ that it takes two days more to reach the snow. This part of the
+ chain of Atlas, east of the city of Marocco, is seen at sea, twenty
+ miles west of Mogodor, which latter place is about 120 miles from
+93 Marocco; it is 35 miles from the city of Marocco to the foot of
+ Atlas; and it is two days' journey from the foot of Atlas to the
+ snow, which constantly covers the summit of these immense
+ mountains. They are thus seen at a distance of 245 miles:
+
+ 20 miles from land at sea.
+ 120 do. Mogodor to Marocco.
+ 35 do. Marocco to the foot of
+ the mountains.
+ 70 do. the foot of Atlas to the snow.
+ ---
+ Seen at 245 miles distance.
+ ---
+
+ [Footnote 109: Ophthalmic disorders prevail among the Jews of
+ Marocco, but are seldom seen among the Moors. The Jews live in
+ great filth at Marocco; the dung-hills and ruins are in some
+ places as high as the houses. The Muhamedan doctrine does not
+ allow the Moors to neglect personal cleanliness, which, among
+ these people, is a cardinal virtue; and this, I presume, is the
+ cause of their being, in a great measure, exempt from
+ ophthalmia, whereas the Jews, on the contrary, are generally
+ affected with it.]
+
+ In this calculation, the direct distance in the ascent of the
+ mountain, is less than the travelling distance; but without taking
+ notice of the distance from the border of the snow to the summit of
+ this lofty mountain, which is said to be another day's journey, the
+ one may balance the other: we may therefore calculate 70 miles as
+ the direct longitudinal distance, although I am persuaded it is
+ much more from the foot to the summit of that part of the Atlas
+ which is visible at sea.
+
+ H.T. Colebrooke, Esq., in a paper inserted in the Asiatic
+ Transactions, vol. xii. asserts, that it requires an elevation of
+ 28,000 feet, for an object to be visible at the distance of 200
+94 geographical miles; now 245 English miles are equal to 211-1/2
+ geographical miles; consequently, if Mr. Colebrooke be correct, the
+ summit of Atlas, east of Marocco and Dimenet, which is seen at a
+ distance of 211-1/2 geographical miles, must be 29,610 feet high,
+ or above five miles and a half.
+
+ Again, the chain of Atlas in Lower Suse, which lies east of Elala,
+ and which is constantly covered with snow, is situated three days'
+ journey, horse travelling, east-south-east from Elala, in Lower
+ Suse; Elala is three days' journey from Santa Cruz, horse
+ travelling, making together 180 miles: add for distance from the
+ foot of the Elala mountains to the snow, 60 miles, and the Atlas in
+ Lower Suse will be seen at the distance of 240 miles, or 207
+ geographical miles.
+
+ Thus, from Santa Cruz to the }
+ foot of the Atlas mountains, in the} 180 miles.
+ district of Elala, in Lower Suse }
+
+ Add for distance from the foot }
+ of the Elala mountains to the } 60
+ snow }
+ ---
+ So that the Atlas in Lower Suse, }
+ being seen at a distance of } 240
+
+ Or 207 geographical miles, must have an altitude of 28,980 feet.
+
+ On the north side of the city of Marocco is a gate called _Beb El
+ Khummes_, and near it is held, every Thursday, a market called soke
+ _El Khummes_; at which immense quantities of horses, camels, mules,
+ asses, oxen, sheep, goats, wheat and barley are sold; oils, gums,
+95 almonds, dates, raisins, figs, bees' wax, honey, skins, &c. &c.
+ &c.; also, slaves, male and female. Such a horse as would cost in
+ London 50_l._, sells here for 50 dollars; a good mule sells for the
+ same, viz. 50 dollars; a bull, 12 dollars; a cow, 15 dollars;
+ sheep, a dollar and a half, each; a goat, a dollar. Very fine large
+ grained wheat, which increases one-fifth in the grinding, sells at
+ one dollar per saa, or about half a dollar per Winchester bushel.
+ The slaves are conducted through the market by the auctioneer
+ (_delel_), who exclaims, occasionally, (_khumseen reeal aal
+ zeeada_, i.e.) "50 dollars on the increase," till he finds no one
+ will advance; when he goes to the owner and declares the price
+ offered; the owner then decides if he will sell or not; if he
+ sells, the money is paid immediately, but if not, he takes his
+ slave away with him, and tries him again the next market-day, or
+ waits in expectation that this wretched article of trade will rise
+ in value.
+
+ A stranger passing through Marocco would consider it an irregular
+ miserable town; but the despotic nature of the government induces
+ every individual to secrete or conceal his opulence; so that the
+ houses of the gentry are surrounded with a shabby wall, often
+ broken or out of repair, at a considerable distance from the
+ dwelling house, which does not appear, or is invisible to the
+ passenger. Some of these houses are very handsome, and are
+ furnished with couches, circular cushions to sit on, and other
+96 furniture, in all the luxury of the East. When a visitor or a guest
+ enters one of these houses, slaves come in with perfumes burning,
+ in compliment to the visitor. Coffee and tea are then presented in
+ small cups, having an outer cup to hold that which contains the
+ liquor, instead of a saucer; the sugar being first put into the
+ pot. The coffee or tea being poured out, already sweetened with
+ sugar, a negro boy generally takes his station in one corner of a
+ spacious room, pours out the liquor, and sends it to the guests by
+ another boy. The tea table is a round stand, about twelve inches
+ from the ground, at which the tea boy sits down on a leather
+ cushion, cross legged.
+
+ When dinner is served, the food is in a large dish or bowl, on a
+ round stand, similar to that above described; three, four, or more
+ sit round it; a servant comes to the company with a ewer and
+ napkin; each person wash their right hand, and eat with their
+ fingers; in the higher circles, rose-water is used instead of
+ plain; if soup is served, they eat it with wooden spoons; in this
+ respect the emperor himself sets them the example, who reprobates
+ the use of the precious metals with food.
+
+ When the Moors sit down to eat; high and low, rich and poor, (for I
+ have partaken of food with all ranks, from the prince to the
+ plebeian,) they invariably invoke God's blessing, previous to the
+ repast, and offer thanks at the conclusion. Their first grace is,
+ invariable, short, and comprehensive; _bis'm illah_, "In the name
+97 of God." The after grace is, _El Ham'd u littah_, "Praise be to
+ God."
+
+ A very excellent dish is generally eaten in this country, called
+ _cuscasoe_; it is made with flour, granulated into particles the
+ size of a partridge shot, which is, put over a steamer, till the
+ steam has sufficiently passed through it, so as to produce the
+ effect of boiling; it is then taken off, broken, and returned to
+ steam a second time; in the meantime, a chicken or some meat is
+ boiling in the saucepan, under the steamer, with onions, turnips,
+ and other vegetables; when the _cuscasoe_ has been steamed a second
+ time, it is taken off, coloured with saffron, and mixed with some
+ butter, salt, and pepper, and piled up in a large round bowl or
+ dish, garnished with the chicken or meat and vegetables. This is a
+ very nutritious, wholesome, and palatable dish, when well cooked.
+ It is in high estimation with the Arabs, Moors, Brebers, Shelluhs,
+ and Negroes. When they sit down to eat, each person puts his
+ fingers into the dish before him; and in respectable society, it is
+ remarkable how dextrously they jerk the food into their mouths,
+ which never come into contact with their hands; so that this mode
+ of eating is scarcely objectionable, certainly not obnoxious, as
+ some travellers have represented it; but who probably had
+ associated with the lower ranks of society, who, indeed, are not
+ particular in these observances.
+98
+ All kind of trades are carried on at Marocco: jewellers,
+ goldsmiths, blacksmiths, coppersmiths, tanners, &c. &c.; but that
+ which is the most honourable, is a shoe-maker, because Muhamed
+ himself was one. At Mequinas they make excellent shoes, of leather
+ impervious to water, for 1_s._ 8_d._ per pair.
+
+ The time now approached for our audience of business, and we had
+ represented to the _Talb Cadus_, that the export duties on some
+ articles were too heavy, viz. on wax, almonds, and olive oil; also
+ on certain imports, viz. iron, steel, and Buenos Ayres hides; but
+ no diminution was obtained, except in the duty of bees' wax. The
+ emperor gave hopes of an exportation of grain, and desired us to
+ write to Europe for ships to come and load wheat, barley, Indian
+ corn, caravances, beans, lentils, and millet. We were favourably
+ received; the emperor asked several questions respecting Europe,
+ and informed us we should return to Mogodor in a few days. Three
+ days after this audience we were ordered to meet the emperor in the
+ _Jenan En neel_, where we had our audience of leave, and the
+ emperor gave each of us a fine horse, chosen by ourselves out of
+ his own stable; and we took our leave and departed for Mogodor the
+ following evening. We slept encamped under the magnificent and
+ lofty date trees, in the neighbourhood of the city, the first
+ night.
+99
+
+ LETTER X.
+
+ FROM MR. WILLIS TO MR. JACKSON.
+
+ Harley-street, London,
+
+ My dear Sir, September 10, 1798.
+
+ I write to acknowledge the receipt of your favour. I know no man
+ better qualified than yourself for the station of an African
+ consul; and really think, that to assist you in obtaining such a
+ post, is to render service to my country, as well as to yourself.
+ Your information concerning the interior of Africa, and especially
+ concerning Timbuctoo, appears to me to be more accurate, authentic,
+ and extensive than that of any other person I have met with;
+ considerably more so than that of any of the correspondents of the
+ African association. Mr. Park, of whose return you are informed,
+ has brought home no addition to the stock of our knowledge of that
+ important place; though I think his geographical communications are
+ highly valuable, particularly as they regard the river and course,
+ &c. of the Niger. This celebrated river will, I think, in time be
+ the channel of communication between Europe and the interior of
+ Africa. It seems to penetrate into that continent, in its widest
+ and most interesting part; if it should be navigable through its
+ entire course, we might hereafter make it the instrument of the
+ most important discoveries, and the channel of the most valuable
+100 commerce. I shall be much obliged to you for information concerning
+ this river, particularly as to its termination. I suspect it
+ discharges itself into some interior sea or vast lake, like the
+ Caspian; unless, like the Burrampooter, after various and extensive
+ windings, it may return towards its source, and fall into the
+ Atlantic.
+
+ You will have heard of the landing of a French army in Egypt, under
+ Buonaparte; the French are enterprising, and if they should
+ penetrate from the eastward, while we advance from the west, the
+ interior of the African continent may at length be laid open.
+
+ I remain, my dear Sir,
+ Your's sincerely,
+
+ J. WILLIS.
+101
+
+ LETTER XI.
+
+ FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
+
+ Harley-street, London,
+ June 10.1800.
+ My dear Sir,
+
+ I did not receive, till the 22d November, your favour, dated 1st
+ September last, for which I beg you to receive my best thanks. I
+ have transmitted an extract of it to Lord Moira, Sir Joseph Banks,
+ and to a friend of mine, who is a member of parliament, and has
+ great influence with his majesty's ministers; in order that he may
+ lay it before the secretary of state, in such a manner as to draw
+ his attention to it in the most impressive and effectual manner;
+ but I much fear that the pressure of the war, and its consequent
+ effects; the arrangements of finance, &c. will preclude their
+ immediate support to objects which they consider as of very
+ subordinate importance. The time is certainly highly favourable for
+ the cultivation of the friendship of the emperor, and of other
+ Muhamedan sovereigns; now that the British arms have preserved the
+ principal empire of the Moslems, by the victory at Aboukir, and the
+ defense of Acre; in consequence of which, Egypt has been recovered,
+ and one of the sacred gates of the Caaba again opened to the
+102 Mussulmen. This appears to be an event of the highest consideration
+ to the Muhamedans of Africa, since it is by Grand Cairo, that the
+ western pilgrims communicate with Mecca.
+
+ I suppose you have received the narratives, published by Park and
+ Browne, of their respective journies and discoveries in the
+ interior of your continent; they have done much, but much more
+ still remains to be done; and above all, the discovery of Timbuctoo
+ and its commercial relations.
+
+ There is a captain Wild, now either at Tunis or Algiers, preparing
+ himself for this journey, (as I am informed,) a man of intrepidity,
+ judgment, and enterprise; whom Sir Joseph Banks writes me, he hopes
+ to engage in the employment of the African association.
+
+ I assure you that I consider you, as the only European that
+ possesses any substantial and interesting information concerning
+ that part of interior Africa, which we are most solicitous to
+ investigate; and, therefore, set a high value upon whatever you are
+ so good as to communicate. I am also of opinion, that your plans
+ may very probably be adopted by administration, when the return of
+ peace shall leave their minds at liberty to attend to it.
+103
+
+ LETTER XII.
+
+ FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.
+
+ Harley-street, London,
+ 5th May, 1801.
+ My dear Sir,
+
+ I wrote you at considerable length on the 1st of June last, and
+ assure you that none of your letters, received prior to that date,
+ have remained unanswered. I have now to acknowledge the receipt of
+ your several favours, and beg you to accept my best thanks, for
+ your very curious and valuable present of the gold ring from
+ Wangara, which has been shown to several persons of great
+ distinction, and even to the king himself. _It is universally
+ considered as a great curiosity_; and I have taken care to make it
+ known that you are the person to whom I am indebted, for the first
+ _Wangarian_ jewel that has ever been seen in England. I have also
+ shown your letter, containing your judicious opinions upon the
+ course of the Niger[110], and other geographical points, to Sir
+ Joseph Banks and Major Rennell; and have invariably represented you
+ to them, and to others, as the person possessing eminently the best
+ information concerning the interior of Africa; an object which
+ draws at present the earnest attention, both of the learned and the
+104 great, and which our late victories in Egypt, render more
+ peculiarly interesting.
+
+ [Footnote 110: See Jackson's account of Marocco, last chapter.]
+
+ I think, with you, it is probable there is a communication by water
+ between Jinnie and Egypt; but I should rather imagine there is some
+ large lake or Mediterranean sea, like the Caspian, for instance,
+ into which the Niger may discharge itself from the west, and a
+ branch of the Nile from the east. This idea seems to reconcile the
+ opinions of ancient geographers, with those resulting from modern
+ discoveries. If we should be able to effect the complete conquest
+ of Egypt, and to retain that kingdom, much light will probably soon
+ be acquired upon these interesting subjects.
+105
+
+ LETTER XIII.
+
+ _Journey from Mogodor, to Rabat, to Mequinas, to the Sanctuary of
+ Muley Dris Zerone in the Atlas Mountains, to the Ruins of Pharaoh,
+ and thence through the Amorite Country to L'Araich and
+ Tangier.--Started from Mogodor with Bel Hage as my_ (Tabuk) _Cook,
+ ana Deeb as my_ (Mule Lukkerzana) _Tent Master.--Exportation of
+ Wool granted by the Emperor.--Akkermute depopulated by the
+ Plague.--Arabs, their Mode of hunting the Partridge.--Observations
+ respecting the River Tansift.--Jerf El Eudie, or the Jews'
+ Pass.--Description of Saffy, and its Port or Road.--Woladia
+ calculated to make a safe Harbour.--Growth of Tobacco.--Mazagan
+ described.--Azamor the Abode of Storks.--Saneet Urtemma a dangerous
+ Country.--Dar El Beida, Fedalla, and Rabat described.--Mausoleum of
+ the Sultan Muhamed ben Abd Allah at Rabat.--Of Shella, a Roman
+ Town.--Of the Tower of Hassan.--Road of Rabat.--Productive Country
+ about Rabat.--Salee.--The People inimical to Christians.--The
+ Dungeon where they confined Christian Slaves.--Ait Zimurh,
+ notorious Thieves.--Their Mode of Robbing.--Their Country disturbed
+ with Lions.--Arrival at Mequinas.--Some Account of that City and
+ its imperial Palace.--Ladies of Mequinas extremely
+ beautiful.--Arrival at the renowned Sanctuary of Muley Dris
+ Zerone.--Extraordinary and favourable Reception there by the
+ Fakeers of the Sanctuary.--Slept in the Adytum.--Succour expected
+ from the English in the Event of an Invasion by
+ Bonaparte.--Prostration and Prayer of Benediction by the Fakeers at
+106 my Departure from the Sanctuary.--Ruins of Pharaoh near the
+ Sanctuary.--Treasures found there.--Ite Amor.--The Descendants of
+ the Ancient Amorites.--Character of these People.--Various Tribes
+ of the Berebbers of Atlas.--El Kassar Kabeer.--Its Environs, a
+ beautiful Country.--Forest of L'Araich.--Superior Manufacture of
+ Gold Thread made at Fas, as well as Imitations of Amber.--Grand
+ Entry of the British Ambassador into Tangier.--Our Ignorance of
+ African Matters.--The Sultan's Comparison of the Provinces of his
+ Empire to the various Kingdoms of Europe._
+
+ TO JAMES WILLIS, ESQ.
+
+ Tangier,
+ 8th August, 1801.
+ Dear sir,
+
+ My journey to meet His Excellency James M. Matra, the British
+ ambassador to the Court of Marocco, was undertaken principally to
+ obtain permission to ship a large quantity of wool which I had in
+ my possession, the exportation of which had been recently
+ prohibited. I thought I could not select a more seasonable time
+ than when our ambassador was at court; accordingly, I started from
+ Mogodor (the morning after I dispatched two vessels for Europe) on
+ the 4th June last, at four o'clock, P.M. My journey was first to
+ Rabat; thence, across the country, to Fas and Mequinas; thence to
+ the renowned and revered sanctuary of Muley Dris Zerone, on the
+ declivity of the mountains of Atlas, east of Mequinas; thence to
+ _Kassar Farawan_ (the ruins of Pharaoh), and through the warlike
+107 province of the Ait Amor, to L'Araich, Arzilla, and to Tangier.
+
+ I took with me two of the finest horses in the country, to ride
+ alternately. Two mules and three camels carried my baggage, tents,
+ &c. Muhamed of Diabet, commonly called _Deeb_, I engaged as
+ tent-master; this is the man that astonished Aly Bey El Abassy,
+ when he shot the fish in the river, as recorded by that interesting
+ traveller. I engaged a most excellent fellow as cook, a man who had
+ performed many journies in a similar capacity with the princes; he
+ was acquainted with the roads, the country, and the character of
+ the people; the camel-drivers and muleteers completed our party.
+ We arrived at Tela at nine o'clock in the evening, being a journey
+ of five hours. We remained at Tela the whole of the following day,
+ and started on the 6th June at seven o'clock; arrived, at ten
+ o'clock, at Akkermute, a town in ruins, in the plains west of
+ _Jebbel El Heddeed_ (the iron mountains), which was depopulated by
+ the plague about fifty years since. Passing through the plains of
+ Akkermute, towards the river Tensift, we saw a party of Arabs
+ hunting partridges; we did not stop to see this novel sport, but I
+ was informed that the dogs were directed by the huntsmen to the
+ spot where the birds settled, which roused them; they then pursued
+ them again, and after rousing them several times without
+ intermission, the birds become fatigued and exhausted by continual
+108 flying, and the dogs then run them down and seize on them. In six
+ hours from Akkermute, at four o'clock, P.M., we reached the river
+ Tensift, which brings its water from the Atlas, east of Marocco,
+ meandering through the plains and passing about three miles north
+ of that city.
+
+ We pitched our tents under the walls of the (_Luksebba_) castle, on
+ the south bank of the river.
+
+ We started the next morning at six o'clock, and travelling through
+ a fine country, we came to a narrow pass on the declivity of a
+ lofty mountain called Jerf El Eudie, a most picturesque country,
+ and arrived at the port of Saffy at eleven o'clock. Saffy has no
+ harbour, but a road where ships are obliged to put to sea whenever
+ the south-wind blows; the town was fortified when in possession of
+ the Portuguese, and is situated in a declivity between two hills,
+ so that during the rainy season the waters come down so rapidly
+ that they sometimes overflow the lower apartments of the houses and
+ commit considerable damage. On the 8th June we started from Saffy
+ at nine o'clock, and arrived at the sanctuary of Seedi Cuscasoe at
+ five o'clock, P.M.; and proceeding on, we reached El Woladia at
+ nine, and pitched our tents. This place might be made a secure
+ harbour for the whole British navy, by blowing up a rock which
+ impedes the narrow passage at the entrance of a long and extensive
+ bay. From hence we started at half-past five o'clock in the
+ morning; we proceeded northwards along the coast till eleven
+109 o'clock, when we reached the beautiful and abundant valley, the
+ Woolga; travelling on through the country, leaving the sea to the
+ left, we arrived at six o'clock at the Douar, (an encampment of
+ Arabs,) called _Woled Aisah, i.e._ "Sons of Jesus," situated in the
+ productive province of Duquella. The environs of the Douar of Woled
+ Aisah abound in plantations of tobacco, of a superior quality,
+ equal to the Havannah. The next morning, viz. on the 10th June, we
+ struck our tents at six o'clock, and travelling three hours we
+ arrived, at nine, at the _Jerf el Saffer_ (the Yellow Cliff): three
+ hours more brought us to Tet, and an hour more to Mazagan, which we
+ reached at one o'clock. Mazagan is the Portuguese name; the Moorish
+ name is El Burreja. This is a very strong place, having several
+ stout bastions; there is a magnificent (_mitfere_) cistern of
+ water, built by the Portuguese, supported by many pillars of great
+ strength of the Tuscan order. The water in the neighbourhood of
+ Mazagan is very salubrious; this country is full of springs. The
+ inhabitants have a good healthy colour, very different from the
+ inhabitants of the plains of the province of Duquella, which being
+ supplied by water from wells only, of from 100 to 200 feet deep,
+ have a sallow and sickly appearance. It may, in Europe, appear
+ extraordinary that the quality of water should produce such a
+ manifest difference in the complexion of the inhabitants, but when
+ we consider that these people drink no wine, spirits, or malt
+110 liquor, the paradox will immediately vanish. After viewing the
+ mitfere, or cistern, and batteries at Mazagan, we mounted at four
+ o'clock, and arrived at Azamor at seven o'clock P.M., pitched the
+ tents in a large spacious fondaque, or caravansera, in the centre
+ of the town. We were annoyed during the night by thousands of
+ storks, the cluttering of whose bills would not permit us to sleep.
+ This town is in the centre of a beautiful country. On the 11th
+ June, at noon, we pursued our journey, and reached Sancet Urtemma
+ at eight o'clock P.M. This is a dangerous country, infested with
+ robbers, who, from the undulating face of the country, have many
+ modes of escape; we, therefore, retired into a solitary retreat,
+ and lay on our arms, without sleep, all night. At six o'clock next
+ morning, being the 12th June, we started, and arrived at Dar el
+ Beida at twelve. Here I was hospitably entertained by the agents of
+ the Spanish house of the Cinquo Gremos of Madrid, who were
+ established here for the purpose of shipping corn to Spain. We left
+ Dar el Beida, at half-past three, and reached Fedalla at half-past
+ seven. This is a fine productive country, abounding in grain as
+ well as Dar el Beida. On the 13th we started at four o'clock, and
+ reached El Mensoria at seven; stopped and dined, mounted at ten
+ A.M. and arrived at Rabat at seven o'clock, P.M. after a journey
+ from Mogodor, of 80-1/2 hours of actual travelling, or 242 English
+ miles.[111]
+
+ [Footnote 111: Calculated at the rate of three miles an hour,
+ including stoppages and refreshments.]
+111
+ Rabat is the largest town on the coast of the empire, it is walled
+ round; its circumference is about four miles; an aqueduct conveys
+ abundance of water to the town from a distance of several miles.
+ The mausoleum of the sultan Muhamed, father to the present sultan
+ Soliman, is in the town of Rabat, it is a neat building, surrounded
+ by a colonade; here is a lamp continually burning, and a
+ _muden_[112], who is a fakeer, is continually proclaiming the
+ omnipotence of God, and that Muhamed is the prophet. "_La Allah,
+ ila Allah, wa Muhamed rassul Allah._" There is a very strong
+ battery towards the sea, at the mouth of the river, which is bomb
+ proof. The city wall is high, and is strengthened by several
+ bastions mounting cannon: towards the land, about a mile from
+ Rabat, there is a spring, reported to have been discovered by the
+ Romans, and near it is the Roman town of Shella, which none but
+ musulmen are permitted to enter. In it are said to be the tombs of
+ two sultans, but most probably of Roman generals. Kettles or pans
+ of coins are continually found by the people who dig the ground at
+ this place, and the coins found are Roman. Some European travellers
+ enhanced the price of these coins so much, by their eagerness to
+ purchase them, that they offered more than double their intrinsic
+112 value, so that the Jews imitated them so well that they deceived
+ even these antiquaries. There are several mosques in this town, but
+ that which attracts particularly the notice of travellers, is the
+ _sma Hassan, i.e._ the tower of Hassan, situated about a mile from
+ Shella, on the south banks of the river Buregreg, so called from
+ its being in the province of Beny Hassan, it is an old tower built
+ in a superior manner by an architect of Grenada, the same that
+ built the tower at Marocco, called _Jamaa Lifenar_, one at
+ Timbuctoo, and that at Seville; it is about 200 feet high,
+ perfectly square, and a person may ride up to the top on horseback,
+ having a gradual ascent, and seven chambers one above the other:
+ the cement with which it is made is so hardened that no pickaxe can
+ destroy it. It was represented to the sultan Muhamed that the
+ apartments in this tower were the haunts of vice and immorality,
+ and the sultan ordered the floor or terras, by which visitors
+ ascend, to be broken; it was found, however, impossible to destroy
+ it, wherefore the workmen were ordered to desist, and the entrance
+ was blocked up with loose stones. This tower I ascended with my
+ friend the Comte de Fourban, nephew to the duke de Crillon, who
+ conducted the famous siege of Gibraltar, and whose machinations
+ were so admirably defeated by the immortal governor of that
+ garrison, General Elliott, Lord Heathfield. The Comte had ruined
+ his constitution by being immolated in a dungeon in France, during
+113 the reign of Robespierre, where he remained during fifteen months,
+ oftentimes seated on steps in water up to his ankles. The Comte was
+ a very generous and liberal man, an emigrant French nobleman,
+ protected by the British consul at the court of Morocco. The
+ disorder contracted by ill usage and confinement in prison, brought
+ on a disease which, after applying various remedies to no purpose,
+ carried him off, and he died at Rabat. The house of the French
+ consul and those of some other European consuls who formerly
+ resided here, are conveniently situated on the southern banks of
+ the river Buregreg, which divides Rabat from Salee. Ships of one
+ hundred tons, that do not draw much water, may pass the bar and
+ load close to these houses; but larger vessels must come to anchor
+ in the offing, and take in their cargoes by boats. The country
+ about Rabat and Salee is wonderfully abundant in all the finest
+ grain, leguminous plants, fruits, vegetables, and cattle; the
+ orange, lemon, Seville, or bitter orange, and citron plantations
+ are here very extensive and extremely productive. Several ships
+ might be loaded here with oranges in October and November, before
+ the gales of the latter half of December and the month of January
+ set in. One hundred fine large oranges may be had for a drahim, a
+ silver coin worth 6_d._ sterling. The orange plantations of Rabat
+ are of incalculable extent; the trees are as large as a
+ middling-sized oak; the vineyards and cotton plantations are
+ likewise most abundant; and nothing can exceed the good quality of
+114 the grapes, figs, oranges, citrons, apricots, peaches, and
+ water-melons; the quality of the latter is peculiarly _sweet_, they
+ are called _Dilla Seed Billa_; the seed of which might be
+ advantageously transported to our new colony, the Cape of Good
+ Hope. The vineyards of Rabat are very extensive; the vines are
+ cultivated in the Arabian system, on the ground, which is a light
+ sandy soil: the immense numbers of turtle-doves that are in these
+ vineyards is such, that a bad sportsman cannot fail killing a dozen
+ or two at every shot; they rise just before you in thousands, and
+ the foulahs, or vine cultivators, express their gratitude to the
+ Christians who go to shoot them. These birds, from being
+ unmolested, are so tame and so abundant, that they destroy an
+ incalculable quantity of the best fruit.
+
+ [Footnote 112: The muden is the man who ascends the tower of
+ the Mosque and announces prayer.]
+
+ On the 14th, the Comte de Fourban accompanied me, and we crossed
+ the river, in the ferry, to visit Salee. The inhabitants of this
+ town are inimical to Christians: we viewed the subterraneous cavern
+ where the Sallee rovers formerly confined their Christian slaves:
+ it resembled a mitfere or large subterraneous granary; it had two
+ grates to let in the air; it appeared perfectly dry, but no one was
+ in it. The Comte observed that it was far preferable to the prison
+ where he was confined in France, during the reign or usurpation of
+ Robespierre. The air of Salee and Rabat, and the adjacent country,
+115 is strongly perfumed, morning and evening, with the sweet odour of
+ the orange-flower, of which they make immense quantities of
+ delectable comfits.
+
+ On the morning of the 15th, we pursued our journey to Mequinas,
+ passing through a very fine country, inhabited by a Kabyl of
+ Berebbers, called Ait Zemurh. We halted, at four o'clock P.M. at a
+ circular Douar of these Berebbers, in a fine campaign country. The
+ next morning, at five o'clock, we struck the tents, and proceeded
+ through a dangerous country, infested by artful robbers, and the
+ occasional depredations of the lion and other wild beasts, whose
+ roaring we heard at a distance. We saw several square buildings,
+ which our guides informed us were built by the Berebbers, for the
+ purpose of destroying the lion. The patient hunter will conceal
+ himself in one of these buildings, which are about five feet by
+ seven, and will wait whole days for an opportunity to get a shot at
+ the lion: these noble beasts are here said to be the largest in all
+ Africa. After travelling this day ten hours, we pitched our tents
+ at another circular encampment of the Zimurite[113] Berebbers.
+ These people drive in stakes and place thorny bushes round their
+ encampment, eight feet high, and fill up the entrance every night
+ with thorns, as the fiercest lions of Africa abound in the adjacent
+ forests, and sometimes attack their habitations, accordingly they
+116 keep a large fire all night to deter the lions and other wild
+ beasts from approaching. About two hours after midnight, my grey
+ horse, who was an old campaigner, neighed and awoke us; this gave
+ the alarm, and my people were presently on the alert, and perceived
+ two men approaching our tents, crawling naked along the ground,
+ which was of the same colour with their bodies. We did not wish to
+ take them, fearing that the people of the Douar would espouse the
+ cause of their countrymen, but my people gave the alarm, and
+ exclaimed "_Erd abellek asas_," i.e. "Be watchful, guards!" We then
+ saw these marauders jump up, and run away as fast as they could;
+ keeping watch the rest of the night: we were advised to take no
+ notice of this circumstance. The people of Ait Zimurh are professed
+ robbers: they would not allow us to pitch our tents _within_ their
+ circular encampment, a privilege universally granted to strangers
+ and travellers. I thought this very unhospitable; being totally
+ different from any thing I had ever before witnessed in this
+ country, where hospitality generally exceeds all bounds. I have no
+ doubt that the people of the Douar were in league with the robbers;
+ I considered my escape, the next day, when I was apprised of the
+ danger of the country I had confided in, quite providential, and I
+ have no doubt but these people would delude any one that would
+ trust to their honour: they reminded me of the ancient Africans, as
+ described by Sallust, in the wars of Jugurtha.
+
+ [Footnote 113: The Zimurites, or Ait Zimure, are probably the
+ descendants of the Zemarites: for which see 1 Chron. i. 16.]
+117
+ We struck our tents at five o'clock, and travelled very fast to get
+ out of these treacherous habitations; for we learned that, the
+ preceding night, Alkaid L'Hassan Ramy, a Negro captain of the
+ emperor's army, passed this Douar, and was robbed of his bridles,
+ saddles, and tent equipage, with which the thieves made off,
+ without being discovered. I afterwards met Alkaid L'Hassan Ramy at
+ Mequinas; and he appeared quite astonished that I should have
+ escaped being robbed at the above Douar, calling the whole Kabyl a
+ set of lawless thieves. On the 17th, we started at five o'clock,
+ and arrived at Mequinas at nine o'clock, performing the journey
+ from Rabat to Mequinas in twenty-two hours, being sixty-six miles.
+ The city of Mequinas is the court-town of the northern division of
+ the empire: the imperial palace at this place is above two miles in
+ circumference. At the corners are erected (_Coba's_) square
+ buildings or pavilions, containing one room up stairs, where the
+ emperor frequently transacts business. This palace was built by the
+ sultan Muley Ismael: it is very neat, and consists for the most
+ part of moresque architecture; the marble columns and other
+ decorations were brought from (_Kasser Farawan_) the ruins of
+ Pharaoh, about a day's journey to the eastward. There is a superior
+ garden of choice fruit within the wall which surrounds the palace,
+ and in the latter are many elegant apartments, ornamented
+ _A-la-mauresque_. The ladies of Mequinas are so extremely handsome,
+118 that I cannot say I saw one plain young woman, although I visited
+ several families; nay, I can say, without offense to truth, that I
+ did not see one that was not comely and handsome. I was most
+ hospitably entertained wherever I went. On the 18th June, at eight
+ o'clock A.M. we started for Fas; when we had approached the latter
+ city, we met a messenger, with the prince Muley Abdsalam's
+ secretary, from the emperor to his excellency J.M. Matra, the
+ British ambassador to the court of Marocco, who informed me that
+ his excellency had just terminated his embassy, had waited for my
+ arrival two days, and was on his return to Tangier. Presuming,
+ therefore, that the ambassador had negociated my business for me, I
+ turned to the north-east, travelled all day without halting, till
+ eight o'clock in the evening, when we arrived at the renowned
+ sanctuary[114] of Muley Dris Zerone, on the declivity of North
+ Atlas; a most magnificent, beautiful, and picturesque country,
+ abounding in all the necessaries and luxuries of life. This
+ sanctuary was never before, nor since, visited by any Christian. It
+ was here that the standard of Muhamed was first planted in
+ North-western Africa, by the fakeer and prince Muley Dris, the
+ founder. A favourable combination of circumstances, of which I
+ availed myself, enabled me to procure not only an asylum, but a
+119 most hospitable and kind reception and entertainment in this
+ renowned sanctuary; and I actually slept in the _Horem_ or Adytum
+ itself, which honour I obtained by a present, appropriated to the
+ circumstance, and sent to the chief fakeer of the sanctuary,
+ accompanied with some observations expressed in a manner which was
+ agreeable to the holy fraternity. When I entered the _Horem_ of
+ this renowned sanctuary, where I slept alone, its silence reminded
+ me of the silence of death, which formed one of the ancient
+ mysteries of Egypt. The chief of the fakeers met me in the portico,
+ and cordially shook hands with me, calling me his brother. At this
+ time there was a rumour that Bonaparte was preparing to invade the
+ country; and indeed he had intimated as much, the English were
+ therefore courted; it was even hoped and expected by the emperor
+ that they would in such an event become his allies, and give him
+ succour. The next morning, I gave the fakeer some wax candles
+ accompanied with observations emblematical of the present, which
+ was so favourably received, that no less than nine saints
+ prostrated themselves at the place of prayer, which is at the
+ entrance of the town, as I passed out to pursue my journey,
+ uttering with audible voices a (_fatha_) prayer of benediction,
+ invoking on me the protection of Almighty God, and a blessing on
+ the English nation; also that God would avert every danger from the
+ embassy, and restore them in safety to their native land. I am
+120 perfectly aware that, in recording this extraordinary circumstance,
+ persons who have visited this country, and have remarked the
+ rancour that generally exists with the lower orders against
+ Christians, may doubt my veracity, so unprecedented a circumstance
+ it is for a Christian to be admitted into a _Horem_! the most
+ respected also and the most sacred in the empire! My answer to such
+ is, that the circumstance is so incredible, that I should not have
+ presumed to lay it before the British public, if I had not two most
+ respectable witnesses, _now living_ in West Barbary, who can and
+ will corroborate my report; these two men are Bel Hage, a Muselman,
+ who had been the prince's cook, and who officiated as mine during
+ the journey, and Muhamed, commonly called Deeb, of Diabet, a
+ village near Mogodor, the same man whose dexterity Aly Bey, in his
+ travels, alludes to, when he shot a fish in the river near Mogodor.
+
+ [Footnote 114: The town, in the centre of which stands the
+ sanctuary, contains about 5000 inhabitants.]
+
+ Half an hour's journey after leaving the sanctuary of Muley Dris
+ Zerone, and at the foot of Atlas, I perceived to the left of the
+ road magnificent and massive ruins; the country for miles around is
+ covered with broken columns of white marble, the ruins appeared to
+ be of the Egyptian, and massive style of architecture. There were
+ still standing two porticos, about thirty feet high and twelve feet
+ wide, the top of which was one entire stone. I attempted to take a
+ view of these immense ruins, which have furnished marble for the
+121 imperial palaces at Mequinas and at Tafilelt; but I was obliged to
+ desist, seeing some persons of the sanctuary following the
+ cavalcade. Pots and kettles of gold and silver coins are
+ continually dug up from these ruins. The country, however, abounds
+ in serpents, and we saw many scorpions under the stones that my
+ conductor Deeb turned up. These ruins are said by the Africans to
+ have been built by one of the Pharaohs: they are called "_Kasser
+ Farawan_" i.e. the ruins of Pharaoh.[115] Here begins the territory
+122 of the Brebber Kabyl, the Amorites or Ite-amor, said to be the
+ descendants of the ancient[116] Amorites, whose country was
+ situated east of Palestine. These people retain their ancient
+ warlike spirit, but they are a faithless tribe, and intolerable
+ thieves, unlike the other Kabyles (who are, at least, faithful to
+ one of their own Kabyl); but these marauders are exceedingly
+ mistrustful of their own brethren, so that their habitations
+ consist of two or three tents only, in one encampment; and even
+ these are sometimes at variance with each other. The lamentable
+123 result of this mistrustful and marauding spirit, is wretched and
+ universal poverty. Their country is a succession of gentle
+ undulating hills, without trees or plantations of any kind. The
+ late sultan Muhamed used to compare the provinces or races of men
+ in his empire, to the nations of Europe, the English he called
+ warriors, the French faithless, the Spaniards quiet and
+ inoffensive, the Romans, i.e. the people of Italy, treacherous, the
+ Dutch a parsimonious and trading people; the other powers of
+ Europe, having no consul at Marocco, nor merchants in the country,
+ are known only by name: accordingly, in allusion to the warlike
+ spirit of the English, he would call the Ait Amor, "the English of
+ Barbary;" Temsena, the French; Duquella, the Spanish; Haha, the
+ Italians; and Suse, the Russians. When the sultan Muhamed began a
+ campaign, he never entered the field without the warlike Ait Amor,
+ who marched in the rear of the army; these people received no pay,
+ but were satisfied with what plunder they got after a battle; and
+ accordingly, this principle stimulating them, they were always
+ foremost on any contest, dispute, or battle. They begin the
+ campaign almost in a state of nudity, and seldom return to their
+ homes without abundance of apparel, arms, horses, camels, and
+ money; but this property quickly disappears, and these people are
+ soon again reduced to their wonted misery and nudity, and become
+124 impatient for another campaign of plunder. When the present sultan,
+ Soliman, came from Mequinas, in the year of the plague (1799), a
+ division of his army passed near Mogodor, and the encampments of
+ the Ait Amor, or Amorites occupied the whole of the country from
+ the river to the Commerce Garden, a distance of three miles. It is
+ very probable that some other of the tribes bordering on Palestine,
+ may have emigrated in remote times, and may have taken their abode
+ on the Atlas mountains. There are above twenty (kabyls) tribes
+ of[117] Berebbers occupying the mountains of Atlas, as Ait-Girwan,
+ Zian, Ait-Ziltan, Ait-Amor, Ait-Ebeko, Ait-Kitiwa, Ait-Attar,
+ Ait-Amaran, and many more whose names I do not now recollect. We
+ travelled seven hours through the Amorite country, and pitched our
+ tents in the north part of the plains of Msharrah Rummellah. Fire
+ being lit, the Moors sat round to warm themselves, and confidently
+ animadverted on the prosperity that would necessarily attend our
+ journey, after having met with such a hospitable and favoured
+ reception at the renowned sanctuary before mentioned.
+
+ [Footnote 115: In reply to those learned sceptics who have
+ studied books; but not men, and the manners of different
+ countries; who believe nothing but what they have seen; and who
+ say that Pharaoh never came so far west; I reply, that our
+ knowledge of African history is extremely imperfect. In fact,
+ we now know as certainties, various articles of which no record
+ is to be found in any ancient writer; for the affairs of
+ Africa, which, of late, have so deservedly excited the
+ attention of the learned, were as little known to the ancients
+ as they are to the moderns; insomuch that not a word is to be
+ found in any ancient record or history extant, of those curious
+ astronomical representations, the Zodiacs, which adorn the
+ ceilings of the temples in _Egypt_, nor of the paintings which
+ cover the silent and solemn repositories of their dead. Even
+ the royal sepulchres, surpassing all the efforts of art
+ hitherto known, in brilliancy of colours and decorative
+ sculptures, are recorded by no historian! Neither in any
+ history, _known to Europe_, is there any allusion to the
+ Egyptian custom of placing books, i.e. rolls of manuscript, in
+ the mummy coffins with the bodies of the deceased. For much of
+ the knowledge collected respecting Africa, we are indebted to
+ the catacombs of Egypt, and we must not hope to know much more,
+ whilst our ignorance of the Arabic language is so manifest; we
+ must travel far out of the precincts of Greek and Latin lore,
+ before we shall procure correct histories of African affairs!
+ Our knowledge of Hebrew, in Europe I apprehend, is almost as
+ much confined and as imperfect as that of Arabic! By the
+ assistance, however, of the latter, what store of learning
+ might we not expect from complete Arabic translations of many
+ of the Greek and Latin authors, _viz._ of the _complete_ works
+ of Livy, Tacitus, and many others. I recollect conversing with
+ Abdrahaman ben Nassar, bashaw of Abda, (a gentleman deeply
+ versed in Arabian literature,) about the close of the last
+ century, who mentioned circumstances, which gave me reason to
+ suppose that there is extant a complete Arabic translation of
+ Livy as well as of Tacitus, as the bashaw assured me there was,
+ and that he had read them, and they were to be found in the
+ recondite chests of the Imperial library at Fas, in which it is
+ more than probable that there are many valuable transcripts in
+ Arabic of ancient authors, quite lost to erudite Europe! A
+ knowledge of the Arabic language in this country is so
+ indispensable, and is held in such high estimation, that every
+ one who does not understand it, is denominated _ajemmy_, _i.e._
+ barbarian or European.--St. Paul in the same spirit says, I
+ Corinth. ch. xiv. v. 11., "He that speaketh unintelligibly, is
+ unto us a barbarian."]
+
+ [Footnote 116: See Genesis, xv. 16. Deuteron. xx. 17. Judges,
+ i. 34.]
+
+ [Footnote 117: Some persons consider several tribes of these
+ Berebbers to be colonies of the ancient Phenicians.]
+
+ On the morning of the 20th June, we struck our tents at six
+ o'clock, and pursued our journey to L'Araich, and soon entered the
+ territory that belongs to the agriculturists of El Kassar Kabeer, a
+125 beautiful country not unlike that of Ait-Amor in appearance, but
+ bearing the evidences of agricultural industry. Here we discovered
+ magnificent and extensive plantations of olives, immense
+ citron-trees, orange-groves, and spacious vineyards, peaches,
+ apricots, greengages, and walnuts were also the produce of this
+ country, besides excellent wheat of a large and long transparent
+ grain like amber, yielding, when ground into flour, from fifteen to
+ twenty per cent. increase, in quantity. Anxious now to overtake His
+ Excellency the ambassador, for the purpose of being present at his
+ entry into Tangier, we accelerated our pace, with a view of coming
+ up with him at L'Araich. We arrived at the forest of L'Araich at
+ dusk, and travelled through it all night till five o'clock next
+ morning.
+
+ Having travelled incessantly twenty-three hours without halting,
+ being much fatigued, I desired Deeb to take a little rest with me
+ in an adjacent field, and we sent on Bel Hage with the baggage to
+ L'Araich, to wait our arrival at the ferry. We pursued our journey
+ at seven o'clock, and entered the town at nine. On reaching the
+ ferry, Bel Hage introduced a courier, who had been dispatched to me
+ from Fas, by a friend of mine, who informed me how much he, and
+ many of my Moorish friends had been disappointed, that I did not
+ enter that city, where I understood preparations had been made for
+ my entertainment, in the odoriferous gardens of the merchants of
+126 Fas. The courier brought me a present of gold wire and gold thread,
+ of the manufacture of Fas, and some gold ornaments of filligrane
+ work from Timbuctoo, of the manufacture of Jinnie. It is more than
+ probable that the Fasees learned the art of manufacturing gold
+ thread from the Egyptians: it is much superior to that which is
+ imported into Barbary from Marseilles. The ladies ornament their
+ cambric dresses with it, and the Fas gold-thread never loses its
+ colour by washing, but the French does; the Fas gold thread wears
+ also much better, and is more durable; the change of colour may
+ possibly originate from the great proportion of alloy in the gold
+ of the French manufacture, whereas that of Fas, according to an
+ imperial edict, must be of a certain fineness, approaching to pure
+ gold; the gold wire of which it is made being first assayed by the
+ (_M'tasseb_) supervisor of manufactures. Great quantities of gold
+ thread are used in the elegant shawls and sashes of silk and gold
+ made at Fas, the better kind of which are reserved for princes and
+ bashaws, in which they use, as before observed, the Fas thread
+ only. They manufacture also at Fas, a very correct imitation of
+ amber-beads, impossible to be discriminated by the best judges, but
+ by rubbing the artificial amber, and then applying it to a bit of
+ cotton; the latter does not adhere, but the natural amber attracts
+ the cotton as a magnet does iron; and this is the discriminating
+ criterion whereby to distinguish them.
+127
+ But, to return to our journey, we found the ambassador had passed
+ the preceding day, we therefore crossed the river, and travelled on
+ till nine o'clock at night, when, after being a-horseback
+ thirty-four hours, refreshed only by two hours' sleep, we came up
+ with the ambassadors, Cafila, and guard, in a fine open campaign
+ country, half-way between Tangier and Arzilla; and soon after I
+ received a courier from Sir Pieter Wyk, Swedish consul-general to
+ the empire residing at Tangier, with a very friendly invitation to
+ his house and table, which being the first offer and from a sincere
+ and worthy friend, I with pleasure accepted it, and returned the
+ express immediately. On the morning of the 22d June, I breakfasted
+ at five o'clock with the ambassador, and, discussing with him my
+ business, I learned that he had terminated it to my satisfaction.
+ We started together at seven o'clock, and moved slowly on towards
+ Tangier, it having been ordered by the emperor, that the English
+ ambassador's entry into that town should be marked with every
+ possible honour and attention. An hour before we reached Tangier,
+ the governor, with the whole garrison, came out to salute and greet
+ the ambassador, the cavalry running full gallop, and firing their
+ muskets, as is the custom with them in all rejoicings. At half-past
+ eleven the cannon of Tangier began to announce the ambassador's
+ arrival, and continued, not a royal salute, but every gun in
+ Tangier was discharged; and at twelve o'clock we entered the gates.
+128
+
+ LETTER XIV.
+
+ _Result of the British Embassy_.
+
+ FROM HIS EXCELLENCY J.M. MATRA TO MR. J.
+
+ Old Fez, Sunday night, June 14, 1801.
+
+ Dear Jackson;
+
+ After a most unpleasant and tedious negotiation of nine days, I
+ have just finished my business. I march off early to-morrow
+ morning, and am much employed in packing up, translating, and
+ copying of papers.
+
+ The letter I solicited for you is just brought to me, mixed with
+ Mr. Foxcroft's business, and the provision for the shipping in
+ Mogadore; but the Talb promises to bring me a separate one very
+ early in the morning, when I will inclose it to you.
+
+ _Through the interest of Muly Abdel-melk-ben Driss, the orders were
+ some time since sent to Mogadore, to reduce your new duty to the
+ old standard of Seedi Muhamed_.
+
+ I have been treated by the emperor like a prince, and with a
+ friendly personal attention I had no idea of; but my business has
+ been marvellously tormented. Of that, as we are to meet soon, I
+ will say no more. I am half dead.
+
+ God bless you.
+ J. MATRA.
+129
+
+ LETTER XV.
+
+ _European Society at Tangier.--Sects and Divisions among Christians
+ in Muhamedan Countries counteracts the Propagation of Christianity,
+ and casts a Contempt upon Christians themselves.--The Cause of
+ it.--The Conversion of Africa should be preceded by an Imitation of
+ the divine Doctrine of Christ among Christians themselves, as an
+ Example eligible to follow_.
+
+ TO JAMES WILLIS, ESQ.
+
+ It is not only the duty, but it is the manifest policy of
+ Christians who reside in Muhamedan countries, to preserve that
+ peace and harmony that is so often inculcated by our divine Master:
+ there should be no followers of Paul or of Apollos, of the Pope or
+ of Luther, but Christians altogether should forget sects, and
+ become followers of Christ, by practising his divine and luminous
+ doctrine. This principle, strictly adhered to, would have greater
+ effect in propagating the Christian doctrine, than the united
+ efforts, however arduous, of all the missionaries in Africa. We
+ should first begin by reforming the manners of those Christians who
+ are established in Muhamedan countries, holding responsible
+ situations, so as to show the Muhamedans, by their harmony and good
+ will, the advantages of the benign influence of the great Christian
+ principle, "Love thy neighbour as thyself." Until the disgraceful
+130 animosity lamentably prevalent between the Catholic and Protestant,
+ the Lutheran, Calvinist, and other sects of Christians be
+ annihilated, it cannot be expected by any reasonable and reflecting
+ mind, that essential progress can be made in the propagation of
+ Christianity in Africa, at least in the Muhamedan part of it. We
+ must purify our own actions, and set a laudable example of chaste
+ and virtuous conduct, as a prelude to the conversion of the people
+ of this continent. The Africans, viz. the Arabs, Berebbers,
+ Shelluhs, Moors, and Negroes are, _generally_ speaking, shrewd,
+ acute, discerning races of men; and it cannot be supposed by any
+ but insane enthusiasts, that the doctrines of Christ can be
+ propagated in those countries, until an example be set for their
+ imitation better than their own practice, and more conformable to
+ the true Christian doctrine than any that has hitherto been offered
+ for their imitation.
+
+ Tangier is the residence of the consuls-general of all the nations
+ of Europe, who send occasionally ambassadors to the Court of
+ Marocco; and these gentlemen generally act as envoys or ministers,
+ as well as consuls. The English, French, Dutch, American, Spanish,
+ Portuguese, Swedish, and Danish consuls reside here, some with
+ their families, some without. I had not been long here before I
+ perceived that the Moors of Tangier manifested an extraordinary
+ contempt for Christians, the general respect which is shown to them
+ at Mogodor, is unknown here. The reason is evident: the families of
+131 these gentlemen were at variance with each other, and the
+ respective ladies did not visit one another. This circumstance was
+ too well known to the Moors, and materially contributed to create
+ among those people that contempt for the Christians, which,
+ perhaps, is due to all, whatever be their _professed_ doctrines,
+ who have not charity enough, in the correct acceptation of the
+ word, to maintain harmony in their own community. I was shocked to
+ see so many amiable families at variance. I will not declare if it
+ was pride, ambition, or contention for pre-eminence that produced
+ this want of harmony; but it is most certain, that Christians,
+ whose destiny it is to reside among Muhamedans, should have more
+ than ordinary care to preserve that philanthropic disposition to
+ each other, which carries with it a high recommendation,
+ particularly in a country like _West Barbary_, where the gate of
+ every tent is open to the largest, most disinterested, and
+ unqualified hospitality, and where the sheik of every douar
+ considers it his first and indispensable duty to provide food and
+ rest to the needy traveller, and to the stranger at his gate.
+132
+
+ LETTER XVI.
+
+ _Diary of a Journey from Tangier to Mogodor, showing the Distances
+ from Town to Town, along the Coast of the Atlantic Ocean; useful to
+ Persons travelling in that Country_.
+
+ TO THE SAME.
+
+ Mogodor, 1801.
+
+ If you should ever come to this country, and have occasion to
+ travel through it, the following journal of a journey from Tangier
+ to Mogodor may be of service to you, in ascertaining the distances
+ from one port to another, &c.
+
+ Departed from Tangier for Mogodor,
+ July 15, 1801, at 9 o'clock, A.M. Hours.
+
+ Arrived at Arzilla, at 7, P.M. 10
+
+ Mounted at 7, A.M.; arrived at L'Araich,
+ at 2, P.M. 7
+
+ Started at 5, A.M.; arrived at Ras Doura,
+ at 3, P.M. 10
+
+ Mounted at 6, A.M.; travelled three hours;
+ came to a plain, level country, and arrived
+ at Sallee, at 10 o'clock, P.M. 16
+
+ Crossed the river in the ferry, and remained
+ at the French Consul's Hotel, at
+ Rabat, three days. Mounted at 9; arrived
+ at El Mensoria, at 9, P.M. 12
+133
+ Mounted at 6, A.M.; arrived at Dar El
+ Beida, at half-past 2, P.M. 8-1/2
+
+ Proceeded without halting, and arrived at
+ the Douar of Woled Jeraar, at 9, P.M.
+ and pitched our tents. 7
+
+ Mounted at 5, A.M.; arrived at Azamore,
+ at 7, P.M. 14
+
+ Mounted at 7, A.M.; travelled southward,
+ leaving Mazagan to the right, and arrived
+ at the Douar of Woled Aisah, at
+ 1 o'clock, P.M. and pitched our tents. 6
+
+ Departed at 7, A.M.; arrived at El Woladia,
+ at 6, P.M. 11
+
+ Mounted at 8; arrived at Saffy, at 5. 9
+
+ Started at 1, P.M.; rode six hours to the
+ river Tansift; slept at the Sanctuary
+ near the river. 6
+
+ Rose at midnight, struck the tents, and
+ mounted at 1 o'clock, A.M. arrived at
+ the Sanctuary of Seedi Buzurukton, at
+ 11. 10
+
+ Dined, slept, and started again at 4
+ o'clock, P.M. and entered Mogodor at
+ half-past 7 o'clock. 3-1/2
+
+ 130
+
+ Average rate of travelling, (including stoppages,) three miles per
+ hour, 390 miles in 130 hours.
+134
+
+ LETTER XVII.
+
+ _An Account of a Journey from Mogodor to Saffy, during a Civil War,
+ in a Moorish Dress, when a Courier could not pass, owing to the
+ Warfare between the two Provinces of Haha and Shedma.--Stratagem
+ adopted by the Author to prevent Detection.--Danger of being
+ discovered.--Satisfaction expressed by the Bashaw of Abda,
+ Abdrahaman ben Nassar, on the Author's safe Arrival, and
+ Compliments received from him on his having accomplished this
+ perilous Journey_.
+
+ TO THE SAME.
+ Mogodor, 1802.
+
+ Having arranged all my affairs, I awaited an opportunity to depart
+ for England. A Spanish vessel was lying at the port of Saffy,
+ nearly ready to sail, bound to Cadiz; but how to reach the former
+ port was the difficulty; the provinces of Shedma and Haha, through
+ which I must necessarily pass, were at war against each other, and
+ an army of several thousand men were encamped at Ain el Hajar, a
+ spring near the road, between Mogodor and Saffy; so that all
+ communication was cut off, insomuch that it was dangerous, even for
+ a courier, to attempt to pass from one port to the other. I was
+ extremely anxious to reach Europe, and I determined to go to Saffy
+ by land. I accordingly sent for a trusty Arab, whose character for
+135 fidelity I had often before proved. I asked him if he would
+ undertake to conduct me to Saffy. He required a day to consider of
+ it. He then resolved to attempt it, provided I would adopt the
+ dress of an Arab, and accompany him: I agreed; and we started from
+ Mogodor at 4 o'clock; P.M. We passed into a convenient recess, to
+ change my dress, which being done, we mounted our horses and rode
+ away; we had not gone two hours, before some scouts of the army
+ came galloping towards us. Billa (my trusty guide, who was a native
+ of Shedma, and a man of considerable influence in that province)
+ and his friend rode off with speed to meet them, and having
+ satisfied them that we were about business relating to the army,
+ they returned, and Billa's friend joining me, we inclined our steps
+ towards the sea, whilst Billa kept guard at a distance; and,
+ reaching a convenient and solitary retreat, we halted there till
+ dark; when retracing our steps for a few miles, it was concerted
+ that I should pass as a wounded man retiring from the army to have
+ my wounds examined and dressed. Billa was so well acquainted with
+ the roads, and all the bye-passes of the country, that, travelling
+ fast over the plains, not on the roads, we soon reached to the
+ northward of the encampments of Shedma. We passed several
+ straggling parties from the army, who saluted us with (_Salem u
+ alikume_) "Peace be to you;" to which we replied ("_Alikume
+236 assalam_") "To you peace;" and Billa added "_Elm'joroh_," i.e. a
+ wounded man. In the old bed of the river Tansift, now full of
+ bushes of white broom, I narrowly escaped being discovered: as the
+ day was breaking, a party of Arabs suddenly turned a corner, and I
+ had just time to cover my mouth and chin with my (_silham_) cloak,
+ before they gave the salutation, or they would have discovered me
+ (being without a beard) to be a Christian; we passed the river,
+ however, perfectly safe, and were then soon in the province of
+ Abda, when all danger was at an end; we entered the town of Saffy,
+ at two o'clock in the afternoon. The Bashaw of Abda, _Abdrahaman
+ ben Nassar_, a renowned warrior, who had been at the head of an
+ army of 60,000 horse, in opposition to the Emperor, Muley Soliman,
+ received me with his accustomed urbanity and hospitality, and asked
+ me if I had come to Saffy through the air, or by sea. I replied, I
+ had come by neither, but by land. "How is it possible," said he,
+ "that you could come by land, when even a courier could not pass.
+ Did you meet with no impediment?--you astonish me: but praise be to
+ God, that you have arrived safe, and you are welcome."
+137
+
+ LETTER XVIII.
+
+ _Journey to the Prince Abd Salam, and the Khalif Delemy, in
+ Shtuka.--Encamped in his Garden.--Mode of living in
+ Shtuka.--Audience of the Prince.--Expedition to the Port of Tomie,
+ in Suse.--Country infested with rats.--Situation of
+ Tomie.--Entertainment at a Douar of the Arabs of Woled
+ Abbusebah.--Exertions of Delemy to entertain his Guests.--Arabian
+ Dance aud Music.--Manner and Style of Dancing.--Eulogium of the
+ Viceroys and Captains to the Ladies.--Manners of the latter.--Their
+ personal Beauty.--Dress.--Desire of the Arabs to have a Commercial
+ Establishment in their Country.--Report to the Prince respecting
+ Tomie.--Its Contiguity to the Place of the Growth of various
+ Articles of Commerce.--Viceroys offer to build a House, and the
+ Duties.--Contemplated Visit to Messa.--Nature of the Country.--Gold
+ and Silver Mines.--Garden of Delemy.--Immense Water-melons and
+ Grapes.---Mode of Irrigation.--Extraordinary People from Sudan at
+ Delemy's.--Elegant Sword.--Extensive Plantations.--The Prince
+ prepares to depart for Tafilelt_.
+
+ TO THE SAME.
+ Santa Cruz, June 7, 1794.
+
+ I received a letter from the[118] Prince Muley Abdsalam, who lately
+ went from Santa Cruz to the Khalif of Suse, Alkaid Muhamed ben
+ Delemy, whose castle is in Shtuka. The prince wished to see me on
+138 some commercial business that had been suggested to him by the
+ khalif or viceroy. We (that is, Signor Andrea de Christi, a native
+ of Italy, and a Dutch merchant established at Santa Cruz, and
+ myself) prepared our tents and servants, and departed for Shtuka
+ early in the morning. We passed through a fine campaign country,
+ occupied by a tribe of the Woled Abbusebah Arabs, and arrived, late
+ at night, at (_Luksebba_) the castle of Delemy, who was also sheik
+ of an emigration of the Arabs called Woled Abbusebah, and of
+ another emigration of Arabs called Woled Deleim, who had taken up
+ their abodes in Shtuka. When we arrived, our reception was in the
+ true style of Arabian hospitality. Delemy had prepared and had
+ pitched tents in a large garden adjoining his castle, wherein we
+ resided. Our own tents were pitched in the Mushoir, or place of
+ audience, a spacious plain, enclosed by a wall, where the sheik
+ gave audience to the various kabyls of Suse. The following day we
+ had an audience of the prince, who requested me to accompany Delemy
+ to a port of Suse, which had been formerly frequented by European
+ ships, which took in water there, and ascertain if it were a port
+ convenient for a commercial establishment. The name of this seaport
+ was called Tomie by the Portuguese, who formerly had an
+ establishment there; but by the Arabs, _Sebah Biure_, i.e. the
+ Seven Wells, because there were seven wells of excellent water
+139 there: three of them, however, when we visited this port, were
+ filled up and useless. We left Delemy's castle in the afternoon,
+ about two or three o'clock, and we went at a pace called by the
+ Arabs _el herka_[119], over a plain country infested with rats, and
+ the haunts of serpents, our horses continually stumbling over the
+ rat-holes. We were, to the best of my recollection, about four
+ hours going. We found Tomie, an open road, not altogether
+ calculated to form an advantageous commercial establishment. Its
+ situation with respect to the sea being somewhat objectionable. We
+ sat down near one of the wells, and after Delemy and his guards had
+ amused themselves with (_lab el borode_) running full gallop and
+ firing, we drank Hollands till we became gay. The sun had just set,
+ when we mounted our horses to return. After an hour's _herka_, we
+ approached a douar of the Woled Abbusebah Arabs, who, seeing their
+ sheik, came forward and kissed his stirrups, entreating him to pass
+ the night with them, which, it appeared, would have been contrary
+ to the etiquette of Arabian hospitality to refuse. Delemy,
+ therefore, asked us if we would consent to sleep there; and,
+ apologising for not conducting us to our own beds that night, again
+ intimated, that it was, in a manner, incumbent on him, not to
+ refuse. We, therefore, consented to stop. This noble-spirited Arab,
+140 anxious to entertain us, and justly conceiving that the beds and
+ habits of these Arabs were very different from what we had been
+ accustomed to, sought to beguile the time, and accordingly
+ endeavoured to engage some ladies belonging to the douar to dance,
+ but they positively declined dancing before Christians. Delemy
+ expostulated with them, representing the propriety of doing so,
+ before the prince's guests; but the ladies apologised, by declaring
+ that their splendid dancing dresses were not made up. Delemy,
+ however, with the true energy of an Arab, was determined that he
+ would make our abode here as pleasant as possible, and desirous
+ also to show us the spirit of Arabian dancing, he went himself,
+ accompanied by two of his friends, to a douar, at some miles'
+ distance, and, after much persuasion, he prevailed on six young
+ ladies to come and dance. In about two hours, the sheik returned,
+ and informed us, that knowing that beds in the desert would not
+ suit our customs, he had engaged some young girls to amuse us with
+ dancing during the night, assuring us at the same time that they
+ excelled in that graceful art, and he had no doubt they would amuse
+ us. The tents were cleared and lighted; two sheep were killed, and
+ the _cuscasoe_ was preparing, when the ladies arrived. The music
+ consisted of an instrument similar to a flageolet, (_tabla_) a
+ kettle-drum, and a sort of castanets of steel, an _erbeb_, or
+ fiddle with two strings, played with a semicircular bow. The tunes
+141 were gay and sprightly, and the damsels tripped along on the light
+ fantastic toe in a very superior and elegant style. They danced
+ without men; advancing gently at first, apparently without taking
+ the foot off the ground, but gradually advancing; after which they
+ performed some steps similar to those in the Spanish bolera; and,
+ turning round on the toe, they danced a most elegant _shawl_ dance,
+ equal to what was danced at the Opera in London by Parisot, but
+ without the horizontal movement, or any motion that could offend
+ the chastest eye. This unique national dance was encouraged from
+ time to time by the approbation of twelve captains of the viceroy's
+ guard, warriors of fame in arms, who were Arabs of the Woled
+ Deleim, and who were seated in a circle, with us, round the
+ dancers, expressing their delight and gratification in witnessing
+ such superior grace and elegance, exclaiming--
+
+ "Afakume el Arabe, makine fal el Arabe,
+ El Hashema, u zin, u temara, fie el Arabe."
+ "Bravo, O Arabs! there is none equal to the Arabs:
+ Excellent is the modesty, beauty, and virtue of the Arabs."
+
+ [Footnote 118: Elder Brother of the present Emperor of Marocco,
+ Muley Soliman.]
+
+ [Footnote 119: A pace similar to that which European cavalry go
+ when charging.]
+
+ These eulogiums were not lost on the ladies, who increased the
+ spirit of the dance. When this amusement had continued about three
+ hours, the cuscasoe, meat, and vegetables were brought in, as a
+ supper. The Moors ate plentifully; but the abstemious Arabs ate
+ very little; the ladies partook of sweet cakes and dates; they very
+142 seldom chew meat, but when they do, they think it gross to swallow
+ it, they only press the juices from the meat, and throw away the
+ substance. The manners of these damsels were elegant, accompanied
+ with much suavity and affability, but very modest and unassuming
+ withal: indeed, they were all individuals, as I afterwards learned,
+ belonging to respectable and ancient Arab families, who could not
+ resist the exhortations of their sheik to amuse and entertain his
+ guests. The manners of these Arabs, their elegant forms, sparkling
+ black eyes, long black eye-lashes, which increased the beauty of
+ the eye, adding character to the countenance, seemed to make an
+ indelible impression on the whole party. The ladies wore robes of
+ Indian muslin, girdles of gold thread, interwoven with silk of the
+ Fas manufacture; and their shawls of silk and gold were displayed
+ in various elegant devices. We were given to understand by Delemy's
+ captains, on our return to the sheik's castle, that we had been
+ entertained with extraordinary honours: we certainly were highly
+ gratified, and my friend Signor Andrea declared he had never seen
+ better dancing at Venice, his native place. Among the Arabs was an
+ old man of ninety, who appeared very desirous of an European
+ establishment at Tomie. He related several anecdotes of his life;
+ and, among others, the money he had gained, by purchasing goods of
+ vessels which came forty or fifty years before to Tomie for water,
+ with which he said he used to exchange gums and almonds, feathers
+143 and ivory, for linens, cloths, and spices. I am disposed to think
+ these vessels were Portuguese; for this coast is but little known
+ to the English. The ladies having returned home, we prepared to
+ leave this douar early in the morning; and with no small regret did
+ I quit this abode of simple and patriarchal hospitality; a pleasing
+ contrast was here formed to the dissipation and pleasure of
+ civilised life--to the life of fashionable society, where the
+ refinements of luxury have multiplied their artificial wants beyond
+ the proportion of the largest fortunes, and have brought most men
+ into the class of the necessitous, inducing that churlish habit of
+ the mind, in which every feeling is considered as a weakness, which
+ terminates not in self, unlike those generous sympathies of the
+ Arabs, where every individual seems impelled to seek, as they
+ express it, (_e dire el khere fie nes_) "to do good to men." The
+ effect of luxury, dissipation, and extravagance, (where the fortune
+ is not large enough to support them,) tends to render man selfish
+ upon principle, and extinguishes all genuine public spirit, that
+ is, all real regard to the interests and good order of society;
+ substituting in its place, the vile ambition and rapacity of the
+ demagogue, which, however, assumes the name of patriotism. This
+ contrast between the temperance and sobriety of these Bedouin or
+ primitive Arabs, and the luxury and dissipation of civilised life,
+ was the more remarkable, when we observed among this rude people
+ such extraordinary and mutual exercise of benevolence, manly and
+144 open presence, honesty and truth in their words and actions.--On
+ our return to Delemy's castle, in Shtuka, the Prince asked me, what
+ observations I had made respecting Tomie; I told his Royal Highness
+ that it was an open roadstead, and not a convenient place for ships
+ to lie. The Prince appeared pleased at this report; but Delemy had
+ rendered to Muley Abdsalam so many essential services, that the
+ latter could not, in courtesy, refuse him any thing. When Delemy
+ found that my report to the Prince did not realise his
+ expectations, offers were made to me, supported by every possible
+ encouragement, to form a commercial establishment at Tomie, which,
+ as was observed, being advantageously situated for trade, being in
+ the neighbourhood of the gum, almond, and oil countries, would
+ offer advantages to the merchants which they could not expect at
+ Santa Cruz, or Mogodor. Accordingly, I was urged to send to Europe
+ for ships, with assurances that the duty on all imports, as well as
+ exports, should be only two per cent. _ad valorem_. A house was
+ offered to be built for me, according to any plan I might choose to
+ suggest, free of expense. The people were desirous of having a
+ commercial establishment in their country, and would have done any
+ thing to accomplish this object. The extensive connections which I
+ had throughout Suse, Sahara, and even at Timbuctoo, would have
+ facilitated my operations; but my connections in England were not
+ such as to enable me to engage advantageously in this enterprise, I
+ was obliged, therefore, though reluctantly, to decline it,
+145 although, if otherwise situated, I might have realised an
+ independent fortune in two or three years at Tomie, besides having
+ a most favourable opportunity of opening a trade with Timbuctoo,
+ and other territories of Sudan.
+
+ I now felt a strong inclination to visit the port of Messa, which
+ was reported to have been about two centuries before, a
+ considerable port of trade, and the capital of Suse, when that
+ country was a separate kingdom, and the state-prisoners were
+ banished to Sejin-messa[120], (commonly called Segelmessa in the
+ maps;) as the state prisoners of Marocco have been from time
+ immemorial, and are to this day sent to Tafilelt, which territory
+ lies contiguous to, and west of Sejin-messa. We started for Messa
+ in the morning, and reached the town in the afternoon. Delemy sent
+ a strong guard with me for protection, with an injunction to his
+ friend the _fakeer_ of Messa, to treat me as his friend and guest,
+ and to do whatever he could to gratify my curiosity in every
+ respect. The country about Messa is very picturesque, and
+ productive: the river also abounds with romantic scenery, it has a
+ sandbar at its entrance to the ocean, which is dry at low water;
+ but it was once navigable several miles up, as was reported to me.
+ On the south bank of the river, about two miles from the sea, is a
+146 gold-mine, in the territory of a tribe hostile to Delemy, but the
+ influence of the Fakeer, who is held in reverential awe, enabled us
+ to examine it without danger. What they told us was the entrance,
+ was filled with immense large pieces of rock-stone; and I was
+ informed, that when the Christians left the place, (the Portuguese,
+ no doubt,) they placed these stones at the entrance of the mine, to
+ prevent the natives from getting access to it. In the bed of the
+ river, near the sea, is a mine of silver; the ore is in very small
+ particles, like lead-coloured sand, intermixed with mud. I sent a
+ small quantity of this to England to be analysed; and it produced,
+ as I was informed, just enough to pay the expenses of analysation.
+ I sent also several specimens of gold and silver ore, which I
+ collected in various parts of Suse; but I apprehend that sufficient
+ attention was not paid to them, and they also scarcely paid for the
+ analysation. I sent also to the Honourable Mr. Greville, brother to
+ the late Earl of Warwick, a great many basaltick and other stones,
+ collected in the mountains of Barbary, which that gentleman
+ considered valuable. After remaining two days at Messa, I returned
+ to Shtuka. I was again urged to form an establishment at Tomie;
+ but, limited as my connection was in England, I did not feel
+ competent to the undertaking, and was obliged, reluctantly indeed,
+ but finally, to decline it.
+
+ [Footnote 120: Sejin Messa signifies the prison of Messa.]
+
+ The garden of Delemy, where we encamped, is stocked with very fine
+147 vines from the mountains of Idautenan,[121] a mountainous and
+ independent country, a few miles north of Santa Cruz; these grapes
+ were of the black or purple kind, as big as an ordinary-sized
+ walnut, and very sweet flavoured, as much superior to the finest
+ Spanish grapes, as the latter are superior to the natural grown
+ grapes of England. Large pomegranates, exquisitely sweet, the
+ grains very large, and the seed small, brought from Terodant; figs,
+ peaches, apricots, strawberries, oranges, citrons of an enormous
+ size, water-melons, weighing fifty pounds each, four of which were
+ a camel load, together with culinary vegetables of every
+ description. This garden was watered by a well, having what is
+ called a Persian wheel, worked by a horse, having pots all round
+ the perpendicular wheel, which, as they turn round, discharge their
+ contents into a trough, which communicated to the garden, and laid
+148 the beds under water. This is the general mode of irrigation
+ throughout west and south Barbary, as well as in Sudan.
+
+ [Footnote 121: The mountains of Idautenan divide the province
+ of Haha from Suse: they are exempt from _Ska u Laskor_, that
+ is, two per cent. on live stock, and 10 per cent. on produce
+ which is the regular impost on the country. They are a brave
+ race of Shelluhs, inhabiting a table-land in the mountains that
+ is a perfect terrestrial paradise. There is but one person in
+ Europe besides myself who has ever been in this country. Sheik
+ Muluke, the sheik of Idautenan, is a generous noble-spirited
+ independent character. When an emperor dies, the sheik sends
+ Muley Ismael's firman, emancipating the district from all
+ impost or contribution to the revenue, for some military
+ service rendered by this district to the ancestor of Ismael,
+ and the succeeding emperors invariably confirm their
+ emancipation of Idautenan.]
+
+ The Prince was very anxious to be of service to Delemy, who had
+ ingratiated himself with the former, by signalising himself in
+ feats of arms. He had been also a main pillar to the throne, and I
+ sincerely regretted that the combination of circumstances did not
+ permit me to accept the liberal and advantageous offers made to me.
+
+ Delemy's renown had spread far to the south, even unto Sudan: from
+ the latter country he was visited by some people, who wore circular
+ rings of pure gold, through the cartilage of the nose. The rings
+ were two or three inches in diameter; and when these people ate,
+ they turned them up over the nose. Delemy had received a present,
+ from some king of Sudan, of a very elegant sword, ornamented with
+ diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, he showed me this sword, which was
+ evidently manufactured in Europe; he told me, he had been offered
+ 5000 dollars for it; but he had been informed that it was worth
+ double that sum.
+
+ I was invited by the Khalif of Suse to visit the immensely
+ extensive plantations of olives at Ras el Wed, near Terodant,
+ through which a man may proceed a whole day's journey without
+ exposure to the sun: also he offered to accompany me to the eastern
+ part of Shtuka, where the produce of bitter and sweet almonds is
+ equally abundant, and the plantations equally extensive with those
+149 of the olive at Ras el Wed; but I had seen plantations of both on a
+ smaller scale at Ait-Musie, Fruga, and other parts of this empire;
+ and therefore the sight would have been no novelty, except in
+ extent. I understood these plantations were on the same plan and
+ principle with those I had seen, leaving at certain distances,
+ square openings, to admit the air, for the better promotion of the
+ growth and increase of the fruit and produce of the trees.
+
+ The Prince was preparing to depart through Draha, and Bled el
+ Jereed, to Tafilelt; and we had our audience of leave previous to
+ his departure.
+150
+
+ LETTER XIX.
+
+ _Journey from Santa Cruz to Mogodor, when no Travellers ventured to
+ pass, owing to civil War and Contention among the Kabyles.--Moorish
+ Philanthropy in digging Wells for the Use of Travellers.--Travelled
+ with a trusty Guide without Provisions, Tents, Baggage, or
+ Incumbrances.--Nature of the Warfare in the Land. Bitter Effects of
+ Revenge and Retaliation on the Happiness of Society.--Origin of
+ these civil Wars between the Families and Kabyles.--Presented with
+ Honey and Butter for Breakfast.--Patriarchal Manner of living among
+ the Shelluhs compared to that of Abraham.--Aromatic
+ Honey.--Ceremony at Meals, and Mode of eating.--Travelled all
+ Night, and slept in the open Air;--Method of avoiding the
+ Night-dew, as practised by the Natives.--Arrival at Mogodor_.
+
+ TO THE SAME.
+
+ Santa Cruz, April 7, 1795.
+
+ The province of Haha was in arms; caffilahs, and travellers could
+ not pass; but it was expedient that I should go to Mogodor. Men of
+ property in this country, influenced by a philanthropic spirit,
+ often expend large sums in digging wells in districts, through
+ which caffilahs pass, on their road from one country to another. I
+ knew one of these philanthropists who was at Santa Cruz, and who
+ had recently benefited the province of Haha, by having dug a well
+151 in the Kabyl of Benitamer, a mountainous district in Haha; I sent
+ for him, and as he was under obligations to me for various services
+ I had rendered to him and his family, he consented to accompany me
+ to Mogodor, through the disturbed province of Haha; and he assured
+ me, that his influence throughout that province was such, that, by
+ travelling quick, and without any baggage, tents, or incumbrances,
+ he did not doubt of conducting me safe to Mogodor. I agreed to go
+ with him, without servants, tents, or bedding, being determined to
+ reconcile myself, under present circumstances, to the accommodation
+ the country might afford. We started from Santa Cruz at sun-set;
+ travelling through Tamaract, to the river Beni Tamur. We continued
+ our journey till we arrived, at the dawn of day, at the foot of
+ immense high mountains, called Idiaugomoron. Here my companion and
+ guide L'Hage Muhamed bu Zurrawel, pointed out to me two castellated
+ houses, about two miles distant from each other; the
+ family-quarrels of these people had produced such animosity, that
+ the inhabitants of neither house could with safety go out, for fear
+ of being overpowered and killed by those of the other; so that
+ wherever they went, they were well armed, but dared not go far.
+ These two families were preparing for a siege, which often happens
+ in this province. Thus the inhabitants of one house attack another,
+ and sometimes exterminate or put to death the whole family, with
+ their retainers. The province of Haha was thus in a state of the
+152 most lamentable civil war, originating from these family-quarrels
+ and domestic feuds. The heathen and anti-christian principle of
+ revenge and retaliation, is here pursued with such bitter and
+ obstinate animosity, that I have known instances of men
+ relinquishing their vocation, to go into a far country to revenge
+ the blood of a relation after a lapse of twenty years, and pursue
+ the object of his revenge, for some murder committed in his family,
+ perhaps forty or fifty years before.
+
+ To a British public, blessed with the benign influences of the
+ Christian doctrine, it is perhaps necessary that I should elucidate
+ this retaliative doctrine by an example:--Two men quarrel, and
+ fight; they draw their kumaeyas (curved daggers about 12 inches
+ long), which all the people of Haha wear, as well as all the clans
+ or kabyles of Shelluhs; and if one happens to give his antagonist a
+ _deadly_ wound, it becomes an indispensable duty in the next of kin
+ to the person killed or murdered, (though perhaps it can hardly be
+ termed a murder, as it is not committed, like an European duel, in
+ cold blood, but in the moment of irritation, and at a period when
+ the mind is under the influence of anger,) to seek his revenge by
+ watching an opportunity to kill the survivor in the contest. If the
+ former should die, his next of kin takes his place, and pursues his
+ enemy, whose life is never safe; insomuch that, whole kabyles, when
+ this deadly animosity has reached its acme, have been known to quit
+153 their country and emigrate into the Sahara; for when the second
+ death has been inflicted, it then becomes the incumbent duty of the
+ next of kin of the deceased to seek his revenge: they call this
+ justifying blood. This horrible custom has the most lamentable
+ influence on the happiness of human life; for there will sometimes
+ be several individuals seeking the life of one man, till this
+ principle, pervading all the ramifications of relationship and
+ consanguinity, produces family-broils, hostility, and murder, _ad
+ infinitum!!_ We stopped at a friend of L'Hage Muhamed, who
+ presented us with honey and butter, thin shavings of the latter
+ being let to fall into a bowl of honey for breakfast. This bowl was
+ served up with flat cakes kneaded without leaven, and baked on hot
+ stones; these are converted from corn into food in less than half
+ an hour; they are in shape similar to our crumpets or pancakes. We
+ were pressed by this Shelluh to stay and dine with him, which being
+ agreed to, he sent a shepherd to his flock to kill a fat young kid,
+ which was roasted with a wooden spit, before the vital heat had
+ subsided, which was very tender, and of an exquisite flavour. The
+ bread or cakes above described appear to be similar to what the
+ women kneaded for the guests in the patriarchal ages: indeed, the
+ customs of these people, as well as those of the Arabs, is
+ precisely the same as they were in the patriarchal ages, and which
+ are delineated in the 18th chapter of Genesis, 1st to the 8th
+ verse.
+154
+ The honey of this province is very fine: it has an aromatic
+ flavour, derived from the wild thyme and other aromatic herbs on
+ which the bees feed. Among these people every meal is preceded with
+ a washing of their hands with water, which is brought round for the
+ purpose in a brass pan; each guest dips his right hand in the pan,
+ and a napkin is presented to wipe them; they then break the bread,
+ and, after saying grace, which is universally this,--_bismillah_,
+ i.e. "in the name of God," each guest takes a bit of bread, dips it
+ in the honey and butter, and eats it. It is reckoned uncourteous or
+ vulgar to bite the bread; therefore the piece broken off is
+ sufficient for a mouthful, so that there is nothing that should
+ offend a delicate appetite in this antique mode of eating. We
+ remained several hours with our hospitable Shelluh friend; and we
+ departed, after taking a little sleep, at four o'clock in the
+ afternoon. Travelling all night, we arrived, at the dawn of day, at
+ a large house in Idaugourd; the Shelluh to whom it belonged brought
+ us carpets, and we slept under the wall of his house till the sun
+ arose. The people of this country prefer sleeping in the open air
+ to a room, and they have an excellent mode of securing themselves
+ from the heavy dews of the night, by covering their heads and faces
+ with a thin woollen hayk or garment, which they throw over their
+ heads and faces. When I have had the Arabs of Sahara (who have
+ conducted the caffilahs from Timbuctoo) at my house at Santa Cruz,
+155 I gave them a long narrow room, 48 feet long, which was called
+ (_beet assuda_) the apartment of Sudan, to sleep in; but they
+ invariably came out at night, and placed their carpets and mats, as
+ beds, outside of the room, and slept under the balustrade, in
+ preference to the confinement, as they called it, of a room.
+
+ We rose at sun-rise, passed through the picturesque district of
+ Idaugourd and the Woolja, and entered Mogodor at four o'clock, P.M.
+156
+
+
+
+ AN ACCOUNT
+ OF THE
+ RISE, PROGRESS, AND DECREASE
+ OF
+ THE PLAGUE
+ _That ravaged Barbary in_ 1799;
+ FAITHFULLY EXTRACTED FROM
+ LETTERS WRITTEN BY THE HOUSE OF JAMES JACKSON
+ AND CO., OR BY JAMES G. JACKSON,
+ MERCHANTS AT MOGODOR,
+ TO THEIR CORRESPONDENTS IN EUROPE, DURING THE
+ EPIDEMY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ _Fragments respecting the Plague_.
+
+ When the Emperor's army proceeded from Fas to Marocco in the summer
+ of 1799, a detachment of which passed by Mogodor, consisting of
+ 20,000 horse and 10,000 foot, it had the plague with it; so that,
+ wherever it passed, the plague uniformly appeared three days after
+ its arrival at the respective douars near which it encamped; those
+ who died were buried in the tents, and the people of the provinces
+ knew little about it.
+
+ A large _akkaba_[122], consisting of upwards of 1700 camels,
+157 arrived 23d August, 1799, at Akka from Timbuctoo, laden with
+ gum-sudan, ostrich-feathers, and gold dust, which had brought also
+ many slaves; this _akkaba_ had deposited its merchandize at Akka,
+ till the plague should disappear and the country become healthy; as
+ the people of that territory, unlike Muhamedans in general, will
+ hold no communication with the infected, nor will they admit any
+ one from these parts.
+
+ [Footnote 122: An _akkaba_ is an accumulated caravan.]
+
+ Mogodor, April 31, 1799.
+
+ A violent fever now rages at Fas: some assert it to be the plague,
+ but that is Moorish report, and little to be depended on; the
+ European consuls at Tangier, and the Spanish ambassador, who,
+ having terminated his embassy, has lately left Mequinas, mention it
+ as an epidemical disorder.
+
+ May 20. The small-pox rages violently throughout this country, and
+ is of a most virulent kind: its origin is ascribed to the famine
+ that has of late pervaded this country, and which was produced by
+ the incredible devastation of the devouring locusts; the dregs of
+ olives, after the oil had been extracted, has been the only food
+ that could be procured by many thousands.
+
+ Mogodor, June 14, 1799.
+
+ Various reports reach us daily from _the city of Marocco_,
+ respecting the epidemy that prevails there, some say 200 die, some
+158 say 100, others limit the daily mortality to 50, in a population,
+ according to the imperial register, of 270,000.
+
+ When any _light_ rain falls, as is the case at Marocco at this
+ season of the year, the mortality increases. Mr. Francisco Chiappe,
+ an Italian merchant, is just arrived from Marocco, and is
+ performing quarantine, by his own desire, at the Emperor's
+ garden.[123] This gentleman reports, that the greater portion of
+ the people die of fear, from hunger, or bad food, or from the
+ small-pox, which latter has raged at Marocco the last month or two;
+ but he had not been able to ascertain, so various were the reports,
+ whether it was the plague or not. The emperor's army, a division of
+ which passed through this country, and encamped at the river, about
+ two miles south of this port, had the distemper with it. We have
+ been assured, that the soldiers who died, were immediately buried
+ within the tents, so that, by this stratagem, the mortality was not
+ perceived by the public; it was apprehended that, if the mortality
+ were known, the kabyls, through which the army passed from Mequinas
+ to Marocco, would not have supplied the troops with provision. This
+ detachment consisted of 20,000 horse and 10,000 foot. No disorder
+ has yet appeared here, nor in the adjacent provinces of Shedma and
+ Haha.
+
+ [Footnote 123: A garden in the province of Haha, five miles
+ from Mogodor, that was presented to the European merchants by
+ the late sultan, Seedy Muhamed ben Abdallah.]
+159
+ July 5. We dispatched the Spanish brig yesterday; but she is still
+ at anchor in the road, waiting for passengers, who fly from hence
+ with precipitation, from fear of the fever or plague, which
+ prevails at Fas and at Marocco, and which, it is reported, has made
+ its appearance at the port of Saffy. We have, however, nothing of
+ the kind here yet, though we expect we shall not escape the general
+ scourge.
+
+ July 13. The epidemy in the interior provinces has greatly
+ augmented, insomuch, that the demand for linen to bury the dead
+ rapidly increases, and the stock is almost exhausted. This article
+ has risen to an unprecedented price. All the relatives of L'Hage
+ Abdallah have fallen victims to the epidemy. This gentleman is
+ consequently in possession of very considerable property; and (if
+ he be not also carried off) there will be no fear of our recovering
+ the debt he owes you.
+
+ We cannot ascertain if the disorder prevails in the outer town, and
+ in the Jews' quarter, or not; it is certain, however, that eight or
+ ten die daily of the small-pox, and as many more of fevers and
+ other disorders, as report proclaims.
+
+ July 25. We are so much engaged in making arrangements against the
+ epidemy, which is now confidently reported to us to be the plague,
+ of a most deadly species, that we have only time to refer you to
+ the captain of the Aurora, to whom we have communicated every
+160 particular, and who is extremely anxious to be off for England. The
+ deaths in this town, which contained a population of 10,000,
+ according to the imperial register, are from forty to fifty each
+ day.
+
+ Aug. 1. As the plague now rages violently here, no one thinks of
+ business or the affairs of this world; but each individual
+ anticipates that he will be next called away. I send the inclosed,
+ to be forwarded to Mr. Andrea de Christo, at Amsterdam, to announce
+ to him the sudden death of his partner, Mr. J. Pacifico, who is
+ lately dead of the plague. I paid him a visit a few hours before
+ his death; I met there Don Pedro de Victoria, who was smoking a
+ segar; he offered me one, and urged me to smoke it. I believe that
+ the smoke of tobacco is anti-pestilential; this, added to the
+ precaution of avoiding contact, and inhalation of the breath of the
+ person infected, appears to be quite sufficient to secure a person
+ from infection.
+
+ Aug. 1. (Translation of a letter to Mr. Andrea de Christi, merchant
+ at Amsterdam.) We are sorry that the subject of this letter is so
+ melancholy. All our domestics have left us; the plague rages so
+ violently here, that the daily mortality is from sixty to seventy,
+ among which we are sorry to announce the death of your partner, Mr.
+ J. Pacifico, who died two days since.
+
+ August 23. The best gum is selling at Akka for six dollars a
+ quintal: they will not bring it here, fearing the infection. A
+161 large Brazil ship has been wrecked off Cape Noon, her cargo,
+ consisting for the most part of silks and linens, is estimated at
+ half a million of dollars. The Arabs of Sahara convert the most
+ beautiful lace into bridles for their horses, by twisting it; and
+ superior silk stockings are selling at Wedinoon at a dollar per
+ dozen pair. The plague is rapidly diminishing from 100 deaths to 20
+ or 30 per day. Meeman Corcoes is dead, as well as most of the
+ principal tradesmen of Marocco and Fas; whole families have been
+ swept off, and there is none left to inherit their property.
+ Immense droves of horses, mules, and cattle of every description
+ stray in the plains without owners.
+
+ September 5. The plague continues to decrease; and in another month
+ we expect to be quite free from it. Signor Conton died this morning
+ of the epidemy; yesterday afternoon he was apparently quite well,
+ and paid me a visit. He wished me to shake hands with him, which I
+ declined, alleging as an excuse, that I would dispense with that
+ custom till the plague should pass over. He drank a glass of wine,
+ and appeared cheerful and in good health. I have had fixed in my
+ dining room, a table that extends from one end to the other. I walk
+ or sit on one side of the table, my visitors on the other. I am
+ only cautious to avoid personal contact. All the houses of the
+ other merchants are closely barricaded or bolted. A fumigating pot
+162 of gum sandrac stands at the entrance of my house, continually
+ burning, which diffuses an agreeable perfume, but is not, as I
+ apprehend, an antidote to the epidemy.
+
+ October 1. We have to apprise you of the decease of L'Hage Abdallah
+ El Hareishy, most of whose relations are dead. His brother is the
+ only one of the family besides himself that remains: he has
+ inherited considerable property, and thence will be enabled to pay
+ your bill on him in our favour.
+
+ October 29. The plague appears to have ceased in this town. All the
+ merchants have opened their houses; but the disorder continues in
+ the provinces, from whence there is little or no communication with
+ the town. The kabyls seem to be wholly engaged in burying their
+ dead, in arranging the affairs of their respective families, in
+ dividing the property inherited by them, and in administering
+ consolation to the sick.
+
+ Nov. 11. The plague having committed incalculable ravages
+ throughout this country, had put a stop to all commerce, which now
+ begins to revive, in proportion as that calamity subsides. Linens
+ are selling to great advantage, a cargo would now render 60 per
+ cent. profit, clear of all charges.
+
+ Nov. 29. The deadly epidemy that has lately visited us, and which
+163 at one period carried off above 100 each day, has now confined its
+ daily mortality to two or three; some days none. When, however, the
+ Arabs of Shedma, and the Shelluhs of Haha come to town, and bring
+ the clothes of their deceased relations for sale, the epidemy
+ increases to three, four, and five a day; then, in three or four
+ days, it declines again to its former number, one, two, or three.
+ We have reason to expect, that, before the vessels which we expect
+ from London shall arrive, the plague will have subsided entirely.
+
+ Mogodor, Dec. 12. 1799. The plague or mortality of this town is now
+ reduced to three or four weekly.
+
+ OBSERVATION.
+
+ After the plague had subsided, a murrain attacked the cattle, and
+ great numbers of all kinds died; so that they became reduced in the
+ same proportion as the race of man had been reduced before.
+
+ _Letter from His Excellency James M. Matra to Mr. Jackson_.
+
+ Gibraltar, 28th Oct. 1799.
+
+ Dear Jackson;
+
+ Within a few days of each other, I received your packets of the
+164 21st of September, and 8th instant. Their inclosures are of course
+ taken care of. Your letter about Soke Assa was received, and sent
+ home to government ages ago.
+
+ I never could understand the drift of the people either at Tangier
+ or Mogodor, in asserting that my report of the plague was
+ political. God knows, that our politics in Barbary are never
+ remarkable for refinement: they are, if any thing, rather too much
+ in the John Bull style; and the finesse they gave me such credit
+ for, was absolutely beyond my comprehension, as I never could
+ discover what advantage a genuine well-established plague in
+ Barbary could be to our country. Of its existence I had not the
+ shadow of doubt, for more than eight months before it was talked
+ of; and when Doctor Bell was going that way, I begged of him to be
+ particular in his enquiries, which he, as usual, neglected. When
+ John Salmon[124] was up, he was _very particular_, and _I_ of
+ course was laughed at. _Here_ I saw politics, and told all the
+ gentlemen, that when Salmon[125] arrived at Tariffa, then, and not
+ till then, we should have the plague in Barbary; and just so it
+ turned out.
+
+ [Footnote 124: John Salmon was Spanish envoy to the emperor of
+ Marocco, and was at this time up at Fas, _i.e._ on his
+ embassy.]
+
+ [Footnote 125: Arrived at Tariffa, and so secured his admission
+ into Spain on his return from his embassy.]
+165
+ I am confident, if my advice had been taken, the disease might have
+ been checked in the beginning; for it was almost three quarters of
+ a year confined to _old_ Fas. I wrote in the most pressing manner
+ to Ben Ottoman[126], who never believed me. A few days before he
+ was seized with it, he wrote me a melancholy letter for advice, and
+ pathetically lamented that he had not listened to me in time; and I
+ suppose that even Broussonet[127] believed me when he embarked. I
+ hope your opinion that it diminishes with you will prove well
+ founded; but I fear its ravages are only suspended by the great
+ heats; besides, you should recollect that people cannot die twice,
+ and with a population so diminished, you must not expect so many as
+ formerly on your daily dead-list. Mrs. M., who desires her
+ remembrance to you, is well, but barring plague, would rather be at
+ Tangier than Gibraltar; so would I.
+
+ Ever truly thine,
+
+ J. MATRA.
+
+ [Footnote 126: The emperor's prime-minister, or _talb cadus_ at
+ that time.]
+
+ [Footnote 127: Dr. Broussonet, French consul. This gentleman
+ was intendant of the botanical garden at Montpelier: he, with
+ another doctor embarked for Europe just as the plague began to
+ appear at Mogodor in the year 1799.]
+166
+ _Some Account of a peculiar Species of Plague which depopulated
+ West Barbary in 1799 and 1800, and to the Effects of which the
+ Author was an eye-witness._
+
+ From various circumstances and appearances, and from the character
+ of the epidemical distemper which raged lately in the south of
+ Spain, there is every reason to suppose, it was similar to that
+ distemper or plague which depopulated West Barbary; for, whether we
+ call it by the more reconcileable appellation of the epidemy, or
+ yellow fever, it was undoubtedly a plague, and a most destructive
+ one; for wherever it prevailed, it invariably carried off, in a few
+ months, one-half, or one-third, of the population.
+
+ It does not appear how the plague originated in Fas in the year
+ 1799.[128] Some persons, who were there at the time it broke out,
+ have confidently ascribed it to infected merchandise imported into
+ that place from the East; whilst others, of equal veracity and
+ judgment, have not scrupled to ascribe it to the locusts which had
+ infested West Barbary during the seven preceding years, the
+ destruction of which was followed by the (_jedrie_) small-pox,
+167 which pervaded the country, and was generally fatal. The _jedrie_
+ is supposed to be the forerunner of this species of epidemy, as
+ appears by an ancient Arabic manuscript, which gives an account of
+ the same disorder having carried off two-thirds of the inhabitants
+ of West Barbary about four centuries since. But however this
+ destructive epidemy originated, its leading features were novel,
+ and its consequences more dreadful than the common plague of
+ Turkey, or that of Syria, or Egypt. Let every one freely declare
+ his own sentiments about it; let him assign any credible account of
+ its rise, or the causes that introduced so terrible a scene. I
+ shall relate only what its symptoms were, what it actually was, and
+ how it terminated, having been an eye-witness of its dreadful
+ effects, and having seen and visited many who were afflicted, and
+ who were dying with it.
+
+ [Footnote 128: See the Author's observations, in a letter to
+ Mr. Willis, in Gentleman's Magazine, February, 1805.]
+
+ In the month of April, 1799, a dreadful plague, of a most
+ destructive nature, manifested itself in the city of Old Fas, which
+ soon after communicated itself to the new city. This unparalleled
+ calamity, carried off one or two the first day, three or four the
+ second day, six or eight the third day, and increasing
+ progressively, until the mortality amounted to two in the hundred
+ of the aggregate population, continuing _with unabating violence_,
+ ten, fifteen, or twenty days; being of longer duration in old than
+ in new towns; then diminishing in a progressive proportion from one
+168 thousand a day to nine hundred, then to eight hundred, and so on
+ until it disappeared. Whatever recourse was had to medicine and to
+ physicians was unavailing; so that such expedients were at length
+ totally relinquished, and the people, overpowered by this terrible
+ scourge, lost all hopes of surviving it.
+
+ Whilst it raged in the town of Mogodor, a small village, _Diabet_,
+ situated about two miles south-east of that place, remained
+ uninfected, although the communication was open between them: on
+ the _thirty-fourth day_, however, after its first appearance at
+ Mogodor, this village was discovered to be infected, and the
+ disorder raged with great violence, making dreadful havock among
+ the human species for _twenty-one_ days, carrying off, during that
+ period, one hundred persons out of one hundred and thirty-three,
+ the original population of the village, before the plague visited
+ it; none died after this, and those who were infected, recovered in
+ the course of a month or two, some losing an eye, or the use of a
+ leg or an arm.
+
+ Many similar circumstances might be here adduced relative to the
+ numerous and populous villages dispersed through the extensive
+ Shelluh province of Haha, all which shared a similar or a worse
+ fate. Travelling through this province shortly after the plague had
+ exhausted itself, I saw many uninhabited ruins, which I had before
+ witnessed as flourishing villages; on making enquiry concerning the
+169 population of these dismal remains, I was informed that in one
+ village, which contained six hundred inhabitants, four persons only
+ had escaped the ravage. Other villages, which had contained four or
+ five hundred, had only seven or eight survivors left to relate the
+ calamities they had suffered. Families which had retired to the
+ country to avoid the infection, on returning to town, when all
+ infection had apparently ceased, were generally attacked, and died;
+ a singular instance of this kind happened at Mogodor, where, after
+ the mortality had subsided, a corps of troops arrived from the city
+ of Terodant, in the province of Suse, where the plague had been
+ raging, and had subsided; these troops, after remaining three days
+ at Mogodor, were attacked with the disease, and it raged
+ exclusively among them for about a month, during which it carried
+ off two-thirds of their original number, one hundred men; during
+ this interval the other inhabitants of the town were exempt from
+ the disorder, though these troops were not confined to any
+ particular quarter, many of them having had apartments in the
+ houses of the inhabitants of the town.
+
+ The destruction of the human species in the province of Suse was
+ considerably greater than elsewhere; Terodant, formerly the
+ metropolis of a kingdom, but now that of Suse, lost, when the
+ infection was at its acme, about eight hundred each day; the
+170 ruined, but still extensive city of Marocco[129], lost one thousand
+ each day; the populous cities of Old and New Fas diminished in
+ population twelve or fifteen hundred each day[130], insomuch, that
+ in these extensive cities, the mortality was so great, that the
+ living having not time to bury the dead, the bodies were deposited
+ or thrown altogether into large holes, which, when nearly full,
+ were covered over with earth. All regulations in matters of
+ sepulture before observed were now no longer regarded; things
+ sacred and things prophane had now lost their distinction, and
+ universal despair pervaded mankind. Young, healthy, and robust
+ persons of full stamina, were, for the most part, attacked first,
+ then women and children, and lastly, thin, sickly, emaciated, and
+ old people.
+
+ [Footnote 129: I have been informed that there are still at
+ Marocco, apartments wherein the dead were placed; and that
+ after the whole family was swept away the doors were built up,
+ and remain so to this day.]
+
+ [Footnote 130: There died, during the whole of the above
+ periods, in the city of Marocco, 50,000; in Fas, 65,000; in
+ Mogodor, 4500; and in Saffy, 5000; in all 124,500 souls!]
+
+ After this violent and deadly calamity had subsided, we beheld a
+ general alteration in the fortunes and circumstances of men; we saw
+ persons who before the plague were common labourers, now in
+ possession of thousands, and keeping horses without knowing how to
+ ride them. Parties of this description were met wherever we went,
+171 and the men of family called them in derision _el wuratu_, the
+ inheritors.[131] Provisions also became extremely cheap and
+ abundant; the flocks and herds had been left in the fields, and
+ there was now no one to own them; and the propensity to plunder, so
+ notoriously attached to the character of the Arab, as well as to
+ the Shelluh and Moor, was superseded by a conscientious regard to
+ justice, originating from a continual apprehension of dissolution,
+ and that the _el khere_[132], as the plague was now called, was a
+ judgment of the Omnipotent on the disobedience of man, and that it
+ behoved every individual to amend his conduct, as a preparation to
+ his departure for paradise.
+
+ [Footnote 131: _Des gens parvenus_, as the French express it;
+ or upstarts.]
+
+ [Footnote 132: The good, or benediction.]
+
+ The expense of labour at the same time increased enormously[133],
+ and never was equality in the human species more conspicuous than
+ at this time; when corn was to be ground, or bread baked, both were
+ performed in the houses of the affluent, and prepared by
+ themselves, for the very few people whom the plague had spared,
+ were insufficient to administer to the wants of the rich and
+ independent, and they were accordingly compelled to work for
+ themselves, performing personally the menial offices of their
+ respective families.
+172
+ [Footnote 133: At this time I received from Marocco a caravan
+ of many camel-loads of bees-wax, in serrons containing 200 lbs.
+ each; I sent for workmen to place them one upon another, and
+ they demanded one dollar per serron for so moving them.]
+
+ The country being now depopulated, and much of the territory
+ without owners, vast tribes of Arabs emigrated from their abodes in
+ the interior of Sahara, and took possession of the country
+ contiguous to the river Draha, as well as many districts in Suse;
+ and, in short, settling themselves, and pitching their tents
+ wherever they found a fertile country with little or no population.
+
+ The symptoms of this plague varied in different patients, the
+ variety of age and constitution gave it a like variety of
+ appearance and character. Those who enjoyed perfect health were
+ suddenly seized with head-aches and inflammations; the tongue and
+ throat became of a vivid red, the breath was drawn with difficulty,
+ and was succeeded by sneezing and hoarseness; when once settled in
+ the stomach, it excited vomitings of black bile, attended with
+ excessive torture, weakness, hiccough, and convulsion. Some were
+ seized with sudden shivering, or delirium, and had a sensation of
+ such intense inward heat, that they threw off their clothes, and
+ would have walked about naked in quest of water wherein to plunge
+ themselves. Cold water was eagerly resorted to by the unwary and
+ imprudent, and proved fatal to those who indulged in its momentary
+ relief. Some had one, two, or more buboes, which formed themselves,
+173 and became often as large as a walnut, in the course of a day;
+ others had a similar number of carbuncles; others had both buboes
+ and carbuncles, which generally appeared in the groin, under the
+ arm, or near the breast. Those who were affected[134] with a
+ shivering, having no buboe, carbuncle, spots, or any other exterior
+ disfiguration, were invariably carried off in less than twenty-four
+ hours, and the body of the deceased became quickly putrified, so
+ that it was indispensably necessary to bury it a few hours after
+ dissolution. It is remarkable, that the birds of the air fled away
+ from the abode of men, for none were to be seen during this
+174 calamitous period; the hyaenas, on the contrary, visited the
+ cemeteries, and sought the dead bodies to devour them. I
+ recommended Mr. Baldwin's[135] invaluable remedy of olive oil,
+ applied according to his directions; several Jews, and some
+ Muselmin[136], were induced to try it, and I was afterwards visited
+ by many, to whom I had recommended it, and had given them written
+ directions in Arabic how to apply it: and I do not know any
+ instance of its failing when persevered in, even after the
+ infection had manifested itself.
+
+ [Footnote 134: _M'drob_ is an idiom in the Arabic language
+ somewhat difficult to render into English; it is well known
+ that the Muhamedans are predestinarians, and that they believe
+ in the existence of spirits, devils, &c.; their idea of the
+ plague is, that it is a good or blessing sent from God to clear
+ the world of a superfluous population--that no medicine or
+ precaution can cure or prevent it; that every one who is to be
+ a victim to it is (_mktube_) recorded in the Book of Fate; that
+ there are certain Genii who preside over the fate of men, and
+ who sometimes discover themselves in various forms, having
+ often legs similar to those of fowls: that these Genii are
+ armed with arrows: that when a person is attacked by the
+ plague, which is called in Arabic _l'amer_, or the destiny or
+ decree, he is shot by one of these Genii, and the sensation of
+ the invisible wound is similar to that from a musquet-ball;
+ hence the universal application of _M'drob_ to a person
+ afflicted with the plague, i.e. he is shot; and if he die,
+ _ufah ameruh_, his destiny is completed or terminated (in this
+ world). I scarcely ever yet saw the Muselman who did not affirm
+ that he had at some time of his life seen these Genii; and they
+ often appear, they say, in rivers.]
+
+ [Footnote 135: Late British Consul in Egypt.]
+
+ [Footnote 136: Muselman, sing.: Muselmin. plur.]
+
+ I have no doubt but the epidemy which made its appearance at Cadiz,
+ and all along the southern shores of Spain, immediately as the
+ plague was subsiding in West Barbary, was the same disorder with
+ the one above described, suffering, after its passage to a
+ Christian country, some variation, originating from the different
+ modes of living, and other circumstances; for nothing can be more
+ opposite than the food, dress, customs, and manners of Muhamedans
+ and Christians, notwithstanding the approximation of Spain to
+ Marocco. We have been credibly informed, that it was communicated
+ originally to Spain, by two infected persons, who went from Tangier
+ to Estapona, a small village on the opposite shore; who, after
+ eluding the vigilance of the guards, reached Cadiz. We have also
+ been assured that it was communicated by some infected persons who
+175 landed in Spain, from a vessel that had loaded produce at L'Araiche
+ in West Barbary. Another account was, that a Spanish privateer,
+ which had occasion to land its crew for the purpose of procuring
+ water in some part of West Barbary, caught the infection from
+ communicating with the natives, and afterwards proceeding to Cadiz,
+ and spread it in that town and the adjacent country.
+
+ It should be observed, for the information of those who may be
+ desirous of investigating the nature of this extraordinary
+ distemper, that, from its character and its symptoms, approximating
+ to the peculiar plague, which (according to the before mentioned
+ Arabic record) ravaged and depopulated West Barbary four centuries
+ since, the Arabs and Moors were of opinion it would subside after
+ the first year, and not appear again the next, as the Egyptian
+ plague does; and agreeably to this opinion, it did not re-appear
+ the second year: neither did St. John's day, or that season, affect
+ its virulence; but about that period there prevails along the coast
+ of West Barbary, a trade-wind, which, beginning to blow in the
+ month of May, continues throughout the months of June, July, and
+ August, with little intermission. It was apprehended that the
+ influence of this trade-wind, added to the superstitious opinion of
+ the plague ceasing on St. John's day, would stop, or at least
+ sensibly diminish the mortality; but no such thing happened: the
+ wind did set in, as it invariably does, about St. John's day; the
+176 disorder, however, increased at that period, rather than
+ diminished. Some persons were of opinion, that the infection
+ maintained its virulence till the last; that the decrease of
+ mortality did not originate from a decrease of the _miasma_, but
+ from a decrease of population, and a consequent want of subjects to
+ prey upon; and this indeed is a plausible idea; but admitting it to
+ be just, how are we to account for the almost invariable fatality
+ of the disorder, when at its height, and the comparative innocence
+ of it when on the decline? for _then_, the chance to those who had
+ it, was, that they would recover and survive the malady.
+
+ The old men seemed to indulge in a superstitious tradition, that
+ when this peculiar kind of epidemy attacks a country, it does not
+ return or continue for three or more years, but disappears
+ altogether, (after the first year,) and is followed the seventh
+ year by contagious rheums and expectoration, the violence of which
+ lasts from three to seven days, but is not fatal. Whether this
+ opinion be in general founded in truth I cannot determine; but in
+ the spring of the year 1806, which was the seventh year from the
+ appearance of the plague at Fas in 1799, a species of influenza
+ pervaded the whole country; the patient going to bed well, and, on
+ rising in the morning, a thick phlegm was expectorated, accompanied
+ by a distressing rheum, or cold in the head, with a cough, which
+ quickly reduced those affected to extreme weakness, but was seldom
+ fatal, continuing from three to seven days, with more or less
+ violence, and then gradually disappearing.
+177
+ During the plague at Mogodor, the European merchants shut
+ themselves up in their respective houses, as is the practice in the
+ Levant; I did not take this precaution, but occasionally rode out
+ to take exercise on horseback. Riding one day out of the town, I
+ met the Governor's brother, who asked me where I was going, when
+ every other European was shut up? "To the garden," I
+ answered.--"And are you not aware that the garden and the adjacent
+ country is full of (_Jinune_) departed souls, who are busy in
+ smiting with the plague every one they meet?" I could not help
+ smiling, but told him, that I trusted to God only, who would not
+ allow any of the _Jinune_ to smite me unless it were his sovereign
+ will, and that if it were, he could effect it without the agency of
+ _Jinune_. On my return to town in the evening, the beach, from the
+ town-gate to the sanctuary of Seedi,[137] Mogodole was covered with
+ biers. My daily observations convinced me that the epidemy was not
+ caught by approach, unless that approach was accompanied by an
+ inhaling of the breath, or by touching the infected person; I
+ therefore had a separation made across the gallery, inside of my
+ house, between the kitchen and dining parlour, of the width of
+ three feet, which is sufficiently wide to prevent the inhaling the
+178 breath of a person. From this partition or table of separation I
+ took the dishes, and after dinner returned them to the same place,
+ suffering none of the servants to come near me; and in the
+ accounting-house, I had a partition made to prevent the too near
+ approach of any person who might call on business; and this
+ precaution I firmly believe to be all that is necessary, added to
+ that of receiving money through vinegar, and taking care not to
+ touch or smell infectious substances.
+
+ [Footnote 137: A sanctuary a mile south-east of the town of
+ Mogodor, from whence, the town receives its name.]
+
+ Fear had an extraordinary effect in disposing the body to receive
+ the infection; and those who were subject thereto, invariably
+ caught the malady, which was for the most part fatal. At the
+ breaking out of the plague at Mogodor, there were two medical men,
+ an Italian and a Frenchman, the latter, a man of science, a great
+ botanist, and of an acute discrimination; they, however, did not
+ remain, but took the first opportunity of leaving the place for
+ Teneriffe, so that the few Europeans had no expectation of any
+ medical assistance except that of the natives. Plaisters of gum
+ ammoniac, and the juice of the leaves of the _opuntia_, or _kermuse
+ ensarrah_, _i.e._ prickly pear, were universally applied to the
+ carbuncles, as well as to the buboes, which quickly brought them to
+ suppuration: many of the people of property took copious draughts
+ of coffee and Peruvian bark. The _Vinaigre de quatre voleurs_, was
+179 used by many, also camphor, smoking tobacco, or fumigations of gum
+ Sandrac; straw was also burned by some, who were of opinion, that
+ any thing which produced abundance of smoke, was sufficient to
+ purify the air of pestilential effluvia.
+
+ During the existence of the plague, I had been in the chambers of
+ men on their death-bed: I had had Europeans at my table, who were
+ infected, as well as Moors, who actually had buboes on them; I took
+ no other precaution than that of separation, carefully avoiding to
+ touch the hand, or inhale the breath; and, notwithstanding what may
+ have been said, I am decidedly of opinion that the plague, at least
+ this peculiar species of it, is not produced by any infectious
+ principle in the atmosphere, but caught solely by touching infected
+ substances, or inhaling the breath of those who are diseased; and
+ that it must not be confounded with the common plague of Egypt, or
+ Constantinople, being a malady of a much more desperate and
+ destructive kind. It has been said, by persons who have discussed
+ the nature and character of the plague, that the cultivation of a
+ country, the draining of the lands, and other agricultural
+ improvements, tend to eradicate or diminish it; but, at the same
+ time, we have seen countries depopulated where there was no morass,
+ or stagnate water for many days' journey, nor even a tree to impede
+ the current of air, or a town, nor any thing but encampments of
+ Arabs, who procured water from wells of a great depth, and
+180 inhabited plains so extensive and uniform, that they resemble the
+ sea, and are so similar in appearance after, as well as before
+ sun-rise, that if the eye could abstract itself from the spot
+ immediately surrounding the spectator, it could not be ascertained
+ whether it were sea or land.
+
+ I shall now subjoin a few cases for the further elucidation of this
+ distemper, hoping that the medical reader will pardon any
+ inaccuracy originating from my not being a professional man.
+
+ Case I.--One afternoon, I went into the kitchen, and saw the cook
+ making the bread; he appeared in good health and spirits; I
+ afterwards went into the adjoining parlour, and took up a book to
+ read; in half an hour the same man came to the door of the room,
+ with his eyes starting from his head, and his bed-clothes, &c. in
+ his hands, saying, "open the gate for me, for I am (_m'dorb_)
+ smitten." I was astonished at the sudden transition, and desired
+ him to go out, and I would follow and shut the gate. The next
+ morning he sent his wife out on an errand, and got out of bed, and
+ came to the gate half-dressed, saying that he was quite recovered,
+ and desired I would let him in. I did not, however, think it safe
+ to admit him, but told him to go back to his house for a few days,
+ until he should be able to ascertain that he was quite well; he
+ accordingly returned to his apartments, but expired that evening,
+ and before day-break his body was in such a state, that his feet
+181 were actually putrified. His wife, by attending on him, caught the
+ infection, having a carbuncle, and also buboes, and was confined
+ two months before she recovered.
+
+ Case II.--L'Hage Hamed O Bryhim, the old governor of Mogodor, had
+ twelve or more children, and four wives, who were all attacked, and
+ died (except only one young wife); he attended them successively to
+ the grave, and notwithstanding that he assisted in performing the
+ religious ceremony of washing the body, he never himself caught the
+ infection; he lived some years afterwards, and out of the whole
+ household, consisting of wives, concubines, children, and slaves,
+ he had but one person left, which was the before-mentioned young
+ wife: this lady, however, had received the infection, and was
+ confined some time before she recovered.
+
+ Case. III.--Hamed ben A---- was smitten with the plague, which he
+ compared to the sensation of two musket balls fired at him, one in
+ each thigh; a giddiness and delirium succeeded, and immediately
+ afterwards a green vomiting, and he fell senseless to the ground; a
+ short time afterwards, on the two places where he had felt as if
+ shot, biles or buboes formed, and on suppurating, discharged a
+ foetid black pus; a (_jimmera_) carbuncle on the joint of the arm
+ near the elbow was full of thin ichor, contained in an elevated
+ skin, surrounded by a burning red colour; after three months'
+ confinement, being reduced to a skeleton, the disorder appeared to
+182 have exhausted itself, and he began to recover his strength, which
+ in another month was fully reestablished. It was an observation
+ founded on daily experience, during the prevalence of this
+ disorder, that those who were attacked with a nausea at the
+ stomach, and a subsequent vomiting of green or yellow bile,
+ recovered after suffering in various degrees, and that those who
+ were affected with giddiness, or delirium, followed by a discharge
+ or vomiting of black bile, invariably died after lingering one,
+ two, or three days, their bodies being covered with small black
+ spots similar to grains of gun-powder; in this state, however, they
+ possessed their intellects, and spoke rationally till their
+ dissolution.
+
+ When the constitution was not disposed, or had not vigour enough to
+ throw the miasma to the surface in the form of biles, buboes,
+ carbuncles, or blackish spots, the virulence is supposed to have
+ operated inwardly, or on the vital parts, and the patient died in
+ less than twenty-four hours, without any exterior disfiguration.
+
+ Case IV.--It was reported that the Sultan had the plague twice
+ during the season, as many others had; so that the idea of its
+ attacking like the small-pox, a person but once in his life, is
+ refuted: the Sultan was cured by large doses of Peruvian bark
+ frequently repeated, and it was said that he found such infinite
+ benefit from it, that he advised his brothers never to travel
+ without having a good supply. The Emperor, since the plague, always
+ has by him a sufficient quantity of quill bark to supply his
+ emergency.
+183
+ Case V.--H.L. was smitten with the plague, which affected him by a
+ pain similar to that of a long needle (as he expressed himself)
+ repeatedly plunged into his groin. In an hour or two afterwards, a
+ (_jimmera_) carbuncle appeared in the groin, which continued
+ enlarging three days, at the expiration of which period he could
+ neither support the pain, nor conceal his sensations; he laid
+ himself down on a couch; an Arabian doctor, applied to the
+ carbuncles the testicles of a ram cut in half, whilst the vital
+ warmth was still in them; the carbuncle on the third day was
+ encreased to the size of a small orange; the before-mentioned
+ remedy was daily applied during thirty days, after which he
+ resorted to cataplasms of the juice of the (_opuntia_) prickly
+ pear-tree, (_feshook_) gum ammoniac, and (_zite el aud_) oil of
+ olives, of each one-third; this was intended to promote
+ suppuration, which was soon effected; there remained after the
+ suppuration a large vacuity, which was daily filled with fine hemp
+ dipped in honey; by means of this application the wound filled up,
+ and the whole was well in thirty-nine days.
+
+ Case VI.--El H--t--e, a trading Jew of Mogodor, was sorely
+ afflicted; he called upon me, and requested some remedy; I advised
+ him to use oil of olives, and having Mr. Baldwin's mode of
+184 administering it[138], I transcribed it in the Arabic language, and
+ gave it to him; he followed the prescription, and assured me, about
+ six weeks afterwards, that (with the blessing of God) he had
+ preserved his life by that remedy only; he said, that after having
+ been anointed with oil, his skin became harsh and dry like the
+ scales of a fish, but that in half an hour more, a profuse
+ perspiration came on, and continued for another half hour, after
+ which he experienced relief: this he repeated forty days, when, he
+ was quite recovered.
+
+ [Footnote 138: Mr. Baldwin observed, that, whilst the plague
+ ravaged Egypt, the dealers in oil were not affected with the
+ epidemy; and he accordingly recommended people to anoint
+ themselves with oil every day as a remedy.]
+
+ Case VII.--Moh--m'd ben A---- fell suddenly down in the street; he
+ was conveyed home; three carbuncles and five buboes appeared soon
+ after in his groin, under the joint of his knee, and arm-pits, and
+ inside the elbow; he died in three hours after the attack.
+
+ Case VIII.--L.R. was suddenly smitten with this dreadful calamity,
+ whilst looking over some Marocco leather; he fell instantaneously;
+ afterwards, when he had recovered his senses, he described the
+ sensation as that of the pricking of needles, at every part wherein
+ the carbuncles afterwards appeared: he died the same day in
+ defiance of medicine.
+
+ Case IX.--Mr. Pacifico, a merchant, was attacked, and felt a
+ pricking pain down the inside of the thick part of the thigh, near
+ the sinews; he was obliged to go to bed. I visited him the next
+ day, and was going to approach him, but he exclaimed, "Do not come
+185 near for although I know I have not the prevailing distemper, yet
+ your friends, if you touch me, may persuade you otherwise, and that
+ might alarm you; I shall, I hope, be well in a few days." I took
+ the hint of Don Pedro de Victoria, a Spanish gentleman, who was in
+ the room, who, offering me a sagar, I smoked it, and then departed;
+ the next day the patient died. He was attended during his illness
+ by the philanthropic Monsieur Soubremont, who did not stir from his
+ bed-side till he expired; but after exposing himself in this
+ manner, escaped the infection, which proceeded, as he thought, from
+ his constantly having a pipe in his mouth.
+
+ Case X.--Two of the principal Jews of the town giving themselves
+ up, and having no hope, were willing to employ the remainder of
+ their lives in affording assistance to the dying and the dead, by
+ washing the bodies and interring them; this business they performed
+ during thirty or forty days, during all which time they were not
+ attacked: when the plague had nearly subsided, and they began again
+ to cherish hopes of surviving the calamity, they were both smitten,
+ but after a few days' illness recovered, and are now living.
+
+ From this last case, as well as from many others similar, but too
+ numerous here to recapitulate, it appears that the human
+ constitution requires a certain miasma, to prepare it to receive
+ the pestilential infection.
+
+ _General Observation._--When the carbuncles or buboes appeared to
+186 have a blackish rim round their base, the case of that patient was
+ desperate, and invariably fatal. Sometimes the whole body was
+ covered with black spots like partridge-shot; such patients always
+ fell victims to the disorder, and those who felt the blow
+ internally, showing no external disfiguration, seldom survived more
+ than a few hours.
+
+ The plague appears to visit this country about once in every twenty
+ years[139]: the last visitation was in 1799 and 1800, being more
+ fatal than any ever before known.
+
+ [Footnote 139: This opinion is confirmed by the plague, being
+ now (1820) in Marocco just twenty years since the last plague.
+ 65,000 persons have been lately carried off by this disease in
+ the cities of Old and New Fas.]
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ _Observations respecting the Plague that prevailed last Year in
+ West Barbary, and which was imported from Egypt; communicated by
+ the Author to the Editor of the Quarterly Journal of Literature,
+ Science, and the Arts, edited at the Royal Institution of Great
+ Britain, No, 15, published in October, 1819._
+
+ His Majesty's ship, which was lying in the port of Alexandria, when
+ Colonel Fitzclarence passed through Egypt, from India, on his way
+ to England, convoyed to Tangier a vessel which had on board two of
+ the sons of Muley Soliman, emperor of Marocco; on their arrival at
+ Tangier, the princes immediately landed and proceeded to their
+ father at Fas; but it was discovered by the governor or alkaid of
+187 Tangier, that during the passage some persons had died; and
+ accordingly the alkaid would not suffer any of the passengers to
+ land, except the princes, until he should have received orders from
+ the Emperor how to act; he accordingly wrote to Fas, for the
+ imperial orders, and in the mean time the princes arrived, and
+ presented themselves to the emperor: the latter wrote to the
+ alkaid, that as the princes had been suffered to land, it would be
+ unjust to prohibit the other passengers from coming ashore also. He
+ therefore ordered the alkaid to suffer all the passengers, together
+ with their baggage, to be landed, and soon afterwards the plague
+ appeared at Fas, and at Tangier. Thus the contagion which is now
+ ravaging West Barbary was imported from Egypt. It does not appear
+ that the mortality is, or has been, during its acme at Fas, any
+ thing comparable to what it was during the plague that ravaged this
+ country in 1799,[140] and which carried off more than two-thirds of
+ the population of the empire.
+
+ [Footnote 140: It has been asserted by a physician who has
+ lately written, _Observations on contagion, as it relates to
+ the plague and other epidemical diseases_, reviewed in article
+ 20th of the _British Review_, and _London Critical Journal_,
+ published in May last, that I have asserted that the deaths
+ during the prevalence of that disorder in West Barbary in 1799,
+ amounted to 124,500; but on a reference to my account of
+ Marocco, Timbuctoo, &c., 2d or 3d edition, note, page 174, it
+ will appear, that this mortality was that of two cities, and
+ two sea-ports only, viz., the cities of Fas and Marocco, and
+ the ports of Saffy and Mogodor; the mortality, however, was
+ equally great in the imperial cities of Mequinas and Terodant,
+ and in the sea-port towns of Tetuan, Tangier, Arzilla,
+ L'Araich, Salee, Rabat, Dar el Bieda, Azamore, Mazagan, and
+ Santa Cruz, or Agadeer; and considerably greater among the
+ populous and numerous encampments of the Arabs, throughout the
+ various provinces of the empire; not to mention the incredible
+ mortality in the castles, towns, and other walled habitations
+ of the Shelluh province of Haha, the first province, travelling
+ from the shores of the Mediterranean, where the people live in
+ walled habitations, the seaports excepted.]
+188
+ Whence proceeds this difference? Is it a different species of
+ plague, and not so deadly a contagion? Or is it because the remedy
+ of _olive_ oil, applied and recommended generally by me, and by
+ some other Europeans during the plague of 1799, is now made public
+ and generally administered? This is an inquiry well deserving the
+ attention of scientific men. And His Majesty's ministers might
+ procure the information from the British consul at Tangier, or from
+ the governor of Gibraltar: perhaps the truth is, that the contagion
+ is of a more mild character.
+
+ With regard to the remedy of olive oil applied[141] internally, I
+ should, myself, be disposed to doubt its efficacy unless M. Colaco,
+189 the Portuguese consul at L'Araich, is competent to declare, _from
+ his own knowledge and experience_, that this remedy has been
+ administered effectually by him to persons having the plague, who
+ did not _also use the friction with oil_. I say, till this can be
+ ascertained, I think the remedy of oil applied _externally_, should
+ not be forsaken; as _it has been proved during the plague in
+ Africa, in 1799, to be infallible_, and therefore indispensable to
+ people whose vocation may lead them to associate with, or to touch
+ or bury the infected. For the rest, such persons as are not
+ compelled to associate with the infected, may effectually avoid the
+ contagion, however violent and deadly it may be, by avoiding
+ contact. I am so perfectly convinced of this fact, from the
+ experience and observation I have made during my residence at
+ Mogodor, whilst the plague raged there in 1799, that I would not
+ object to go to any country, although it were rotten with the
+ plague, provided my going would benefit mankind, or serve any
+ useful purpose; and I would use no fumigation, or any other remedy
+ but what I actually used at Mogodor in 1799. I am so convinced from
+ my own repeated and daily experience, that the most deadly plague
+ is as easy to be avoided BY STRICTLY ADHERING TO THE PRINCIPLE OF
+ AVOIDING PERSONAL CONTACT AND INHALATION, AND THE CONTACT OF
+ INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES, that I would ride or walk through the most
+190 populous and deeply-infected city, as I have done before, without
+ any other precaution than that of a segar in my mouth, when, by
+ avoiding contact and inhalation, I should most assuredly be free
+ from the danger of infection!!
+
+ [Footnote 141: Mr. Colaco, having lately observed that oil was
+ used externally to anoint the body, as a preservative against
+ the plague; conceived the idea of administering this simple
+ remedy _internally_ to persons already infected; numerous
+ experiments were made by this gentleman, who administered from
+ four to eight oz. olive oil at a dose; and out of 300
+ individuals already infected, who resorted to this remedy, only
+ twelve died.]
+
+ When these precautions are strictly observed, I maintain, (in
+ opposition to all the theoretical dogmas that have lately been
+ propagated) that there is no more danger of infection with the
+ plague, than there is of infection from any common cold or rheum.
+
+191
+
+ JOURNEY FROM TANGIER TO RABAT
+ _THROUGH THE PLAINS OF SEBOO_,
+
+
+
+
+ To accompany Dr. Bell, in Company with the Prince Muley Teib and an
+ Army of Cavalry.
+
+ _Officiated as Interpreter between the Prince and Dr.
+ Bell.--Description of Food sent to us by the Prince.--The Plains of
+ M'sharrah Rummellah, an incomparable fine and productive
+ Country.--The Cavalry of the Amorites,--their unique Observations
+ on Dr. Bell.--their mean Opinion of his Art, because he could not
+ cure Death.--Passage of the River Seboo on Rafts of inflated
+ Skins.--Spacious Tent of Goat's Hair erected for the Sheik, and
+ appropriated to the Use of the Prince.--Description of the
+ magnificent Plains of M'sharrah Rummellah and Seboo.--Arabian
+ Royalty.--Prodigious Quantity of Corn grown in these
+ Plains.--Matamores, what they are.--Mode of Reaping.--The Prince
+ presents the Doctor with a Horse, and approves of his
+ Medicines.--The Prince and the Doctor depart south-eastwardly, and
+ the Author pursues his Journey to Rabat and Mogodor._
+
+ I happened to be at Tangier when the (_shereef_) prince Muley Teib
+ was collecting an army to join that of the emperor, which was on
+ the banks of the river Morbeya, (see the map of West Barbary, p.
+ 55,) in Shawiya. Doctor Bell, who had then recently arrived from
+ Gibraltar, to attend the prince, whose lungs were affected, was to
+192 accompany his Royal Highness; and, as I had nothing to detain me in
+ Tangier, and was going to Rabat, I engaged to accompany the doctor,
+ and offered to officiate as interpreter between him and the prince
+ till our arrival at Rabat; after which I should leave him, and
+ proceed to Mogodor. The Doctor readily assented to my proposition,
+ because it is considered more respectable in this country, where
+ the Jews are reprobated and despised, to have for an interpreter a
+ Christian; the prince also, when he heard that I had thus offered
+ my services, expressed himself much gratified, and I received a
+ very polite message from him. The next day we started from Tangier,
+ in the morning at ten o'clock. The army halted east of Arzilla, in
+ the plains: the prince sat down under the shade of a tree to
+ dinner, Dr. Bell and myself under another tree, about 100 yards
+ distant. The Prince sent us a capon stewed _a-la-mauresque_ with
+ saffron, the exquisite flavour of which proved that he had an
+ excellent cook with him. We departed in half an hour; and the tents
+ were pitched at sunset, in a campaign country, between Arzilla and
+ L'Araich. The Ait-Amor or Amorites who formed a part of this army,
+ a wild, uncontrolled race of Berebbers, saw the attention that was
+ paid by the shereef to the doctor, and after dinner they were
+ determined to see what sort of a fellow this doctor was, whom the
+ shereef treated so familiarly. They galloped their high-mettled
+ horses up to the doctor; and stopping short to examine him, made a
+193 reflection on him and returned. The doctor observed the wild and
+ tattered appearance of these excellent horsemen. There was nothing
+ evil-minded in them; but their observations were remarkable. The
+ Doctor wore powder, a custom unknown in this country: one party
+ would say, "He has got lime in his head to kill the vermin;"
+ another would observe that "He was old or grey-headed." The Doctor
+ was fond of his bottle, and some said _skurren bel akkaran_, i.e.
+ "The[142] son of a cuckold is drunk." Others would bawl out, _Wa
+ Tebeeb washka't dowie elmoot_, i.e. "O, doctor, canst thou cure
+ death?" To which he replied, "No."--"Then," returned they, "thou
+ art no doctor!" On the following morning at sun-rise we proceeded,
+ and reached L'Araich at twelve o'clock; we did not enter the town,
+ but dined in the plains, and proceeding afterwards out of the main
+ road, we directed our course south-east, till we reached a most
+ beautiful and very extensive plain, called M'sharrah Rummellah.
+ This plain was covered with numerous and immense flocks of sheep
+ and horned cattle, and is many times more extensive than Salisbury
+ plain. We pitched our tents near a very extensive and populous
+ douar of Arabs. We departed the next morning at sun-rise, and
+ reached the plains of the river Seboo about two o'clock in the
+ afternoon; which plains are a continuation of those of M'sharrah
+194 Rummellah; the army were engaged the remaining part of the day and
+ the whole night crossing the river Seboo, on rafts made of inflated
+ cow-hides, covered with planks and straw. The river is here about
+ twenty yards wide, but very deep and rapid; the Arabs had a long
+ and spacious sheik's tent pitched for the reception of the prince,
+ about forty feet long and fifteen wide, somewhat similar to the
+ hull of a ship reversed, having the long side open to the sun.
+ These tents are the palace of the sheik of the Arabs, and are
+ erected on great occasions only, such as that of the emperor, or a
+ prince passing through their territory. The plains of M'sharrah
+ Rummellah are one hundred and fifty British miles in circumference,
+ perfectly flat, without a stone, a tree, a hedge, or a ditch; with
+ the majestic river Seboo passing through the centre of the plain.
+ The soil of this territory, which, in the hands of Europeans, might
+ be made a terrestrial paradise, is a rich, productive, decomposed
+ vegetable earth, which extends, as we perceived from various
+ chasms, to the depth of several feet from the surface. It produces
+ incredible quantities of the finest wheat, of a hard grain, very
+ large and long, clear as amber, and yielding a prodigious increase
+ of flour, so that a saa of wheat[143] produces a saa and a sixth of
+195 flour. The prince, Muley Teeb, seated on an eminence in this
+ spacious tent, resembled what we should imagine the patriarch
+ Abraham to have been, entertaining his friends; or Saul upon his
+ throne, with his javelin in his hand. He had twelve lanciers, six
+ on each side of him in a row, standing with their lances erect, the
+ Prince having one in his hand. It appears that this is the Arabian
+ etiquette; and the Arabs appeared much gratified that the prince
+ had personified their sheik, with all the paraphernalia of royalty.
+ His Royal Highness whose mind seemed moved with the beauty of this
+ country, sent for the Doctor and myself, and asked us if we had
+ ever seen such a country before. We frankly confessed we had not.
+ The prince smiled, and said, that the (_sehell_) plain we were on,
+ although extremely populous, and full of douars, could grow
+ seventeen times as much corn as the inhabitants could consume; that
+ there was then corn enough in the matamores[144] of this plain, to
+ supply (_El garb kamel_) the whole of El garb, i.e. the country
+ north of the river Morbeya.[145]
+
+ [Footnote 142: Intoxication is a damnable vice with these
+ people; and when they remark drunkenness, they invariably add
+ an opprobrium to the observation.]
+
+ [Footnote 143: A saa of wheat is little less than two
+ Winchester bushels. The wheat is very heavy, and this measure
+ weighs 100 lb., equal to 119 lb. English.]
+
+ [Footnote 144: The matamores are subterraneous depositories for
+ corn, in which they preserve the wheat sound and good thirty
+ years; but when a matamore is once opened, it is expedient to
+ consume the corn immediately, otherwise it contracts what is
+ called the matamore twang. These depositories are indispensable
+ in countries exposed to drought, scarcity, or locusts, and
+ _should be adopted in our colony of South Africa_. The art of
+ constructing them is very peculiar, and I devoted some time in
+ learning it.]
+
+ [Footnote 145: See the map of West Barbary.]
+196
+ We took our leave of the Prince, who appeared much gratified with
+ the hospitable entertainment of the Arabs, and with their
+ patriarchal style of living, and sent us an enormous dish of
+ cuscasoe, coloured with saffron.
+
+ Encamped in the centre of this plain, when the sun had set, and the
+ twilight came on, we could have imagined ourselves in the midst of
+ the ocean. Not a cloud was in the sky, nor a hill on the land, to
+ intercept the uniformity of the horizon; the moon shone so bright,
+ that we could read by its light, and the universal novelty of the
+ scene resembled enchantment.
+
+ On this rich land they use no dung: they reap the corn about a foot
+ from the ground, and burn the stubble. The produce is greater even
+ than that of the _new-dyke land_, on the banks of the river Ems, in
+ North Holland. The allotments of land are ascertained by a large
+ stone, placed at each corner of the square, when the reapers reach
+ these stones, they desist from proceeding or reaping the corn of
+ other proprietors. We rose early in the morning, and found the air
+ of this terrestrial paradise strongly perfumed with millions of
+ odoriferous flowers, that were growing spontaneously throughout the
+ plains. Walking with Dr. Bell through the Prince's camp, we saw a
+ beautiful grey horse. The doctor admired it. I recommended him to
+ ask the Prince for it, he was not acquainted with the customs of
+197 this country, and ridiculed my observation. "If you wish to have
+ that horse, Doctor," said I, "I will engage that the Prince will
+ get it for you. I represented immediately to His Royal Highness,
+ that the Doctor had taken a liking to the horse, and would wish to
+ buy it. Not buy it," said the Prince; "he will receive it as a
+ present from me. Tell him, he deserves seven horses for the benefit
+ he has done me: all doctors that I have heretofore had have taken
+ twenty-four hours to give me ease; he relieves me in one. Tell him
+ so," said the prince, "and that he (_massab ala genibuna_) is in
+ the number of my dearest friends. (_e jeek elkhere attibib u
+ asselem_), Good be with you, doctor, and peace be with you." Thus
+ ended the negociation for the horse. I found afterwards that it
+ belonged to a sheik of the Arab province of Beni Hassen, who
+ regretted parting with it, but the Prince gave him the value of it,
+ and much courtesy withal. We struck our tents next morning at
+ eleven o'clock, and, travelling southward, the Prince received an
+ express from the Emperor to join his imperial army forthwith:
+ accordingly the Prince and his doctor departed south-east, and I
+ took leave of them, and pursued my journey to Rabat.
+
+198
+
+ OF
+ THE EXCAVATED RESIDENCES
+ OF THE
+ INHABITANTS OF ATLAS:
+ THE
+ _ACEPHALI, HEL SHUAL, AND HEL ELKILLEB:_
+
+
+
+
+ _The Discovery of Africa not to be effected by the present System
+ of solitary Travellers; but by a grand Plan, with a numerous
+ Company; beginning with Commerce, as the natural Prelude to
+ Discovery, the Fore-runner of Civilization, and a preliminary Step,
+ indispensable to the Conversion of the native Negroes to
+ Christianity._
+
+ The inhabitants of the snowy or upper regions of the Atlas live,
+ during the months of November, December, January, February, and
+ half of March, in caves or excavations in the mountains; the snow
+ then disappears, and they begin to cultivate the earth.
+
+ I have repeatedly heard reports of the (_Helel Killeb_,[146])
+ dog-faced race; of the (_Hel Shual_,) tailed race; and of the race
+199 having one eye,[147] and that in the breast. It is extremely
+ difficult to ascertain the origin of these reports, which are so
+ involved in metaphor that the signification is not intelligible to
+ Europeans; their existence is not doubted, however, in Africa. Of
+ the _Hel El Killeb_ some ignorant people affirm that the Almighty
+ transformed one of the tribes of the Jews into these people, and
+ that these are their descendants; others report them to be a
+ mongrel breed, between the human and ape species; their strength is
+ said to be very great. The Africans assert with considerable
+ confidence, which is corroborated, that the Hel Shual have a tail
+ half a cubit long; that they inhabit a district in the Desert at an
+ immense distance south-east of Marocco; that the Hel El Killeb[148]
+200 are in a similar direction; that the latter are diminutive, being
+ about two or three cubits[149] in height; that they exclaim _bak,
+ bak, bak_, and that they have a few articulate sounds, which they
+ mutually understand among themselves; that they are extremely swift
+ of foot, and run as fast as horses. The Arimaspi of Herodotus are
+ called by the Arabs _Hel Ferdie_, these are represented by the
+ Arabs of the Desert as living at the foot of the lofty mountains of
+ the Moon, near Abyssinia: the male and female are equally without
+ hair on their head, having large chins and nostrils, like the ape
+ species; they are said to have a language of their own; their
+ costume is a _jelabea_,[150] and a belt, without shoes or head
+ dress; their country is said to abound in gold. It is "a
+ consummation devoutly to be wished," that our knowledge of Africa
+ should increase so as to enable us to unravel the mystery of these
+ doubtful reports, to ascertain the degree of credit that is due to
+ these mysterious traditions. These desiderata, however, can hardly
+201 be expected, whilst the present injudicious plans for the discovery
+ of Africa are persevered in. We must, if we desire to discover
+ effectually the hidden recesses and reported wonders of this
+ continent, adopt plans and schemes very different from any that
+ have hitherto been suggested; we must adopt _a grand system upon an
+ extensive scale_, a system directed and moved by a person competent
+ to so great an undertaking. The head or director of such an
+ expedition should be master of the general travelling and
+ trafficking language of Africa, the modern Arabic: he should
+ moreover be acquainted with the character of the people, their
+ habits, modes of life, religious prejudices, and fanaticism. A
+ grand plan, thus directed, could hardly fail to secure the command
+ of the commerce of Africa to Great Britain. Then the discovery of
+ the inmost recesses would follow the path of commerce, and that
+ continent, which has baffled the researches of the moderns as well
+ as of the ancients, would lay open its treasures to modern Europe,
+ and civilisation would be the natural result. Then would be the
+ period to attempt the conversion of the Negroes to Christianity;
+ and the standard of peace and good will towards men might be
+ successfully planted on the banks of the _Nile El Kabeer_, or _Nile
+ Assudan_, the Great Nile, or Nile of Sudan, or Nigritia, commonly
+ called the Niger.
+
+ [Footnote 146: Apollonius Rhodius calls these people [Greek:
+ emikuges] or half-dogs.]
+
+ [Footnote 147: The ingenious author of Philosophic Researches
+ concerning the Americans, speaking of a race which appear to
+ resemble the Acephali of Herodotus, or the race of men having
+ one eye, and that in their chest, says, "There is in Canibar a
+ race of savages who have hardly any neck, and whose shoulders
+ reach up to their ears. This monstrous appearance is
+ artificial, and to give it to their children they put enormous
+ weights upon their heads, so as to make the vertebrae of the
+ neck enter, if we may so say, the channel bone, (clavicule.)
+ These barbarians, from a distance, seem to have their mouth in
+ the breast; and might well enough, in ignorant and enthusiastic
+ travellers, serve to revive the fable of the Acephali, or men
+ without heads." (See Larcher's Notes on Herodotus's Melpomene,
+ cap. 191.)--Saint Augustin, whose veracity is scarcely to be
+ doubted, declared in his thirty-third sermon, intituled _"A ses
+ Freres dans le Desert"--Avoir vu en Ethiopie des hommes et des
+ femmes sans tete avec des grands yeux sur le poitrine._]
+
+ [Footnote 148: We have heard of a pig-faced lady; if there is
+ such a person, there might also be a pig-faced gentleman, and
+ these might generate a pig-faced race; and if a pig-faced race,
+ why not a dog-faced race?]
+
+ [Footnote 149: Seven Cubits make four English yards.]
+
+ [Footnote 150: The best description I can give of a _jelabea_
+ is this: Take a large sack and cut a hole in the bottom, big
+ enough to admit the head; then cut the two bottom corners off
+ to admit the arms: this garment will then resemble the
+ _jelabea_.]
+
+202
+
+ CAUTIONS
+ TO BE USED IN TRAVELLING.
+
+
+
+
+ _Danger of travelling after Sun-set.--The Emperor holds himself
+ accountable for Thefts committed on Travellers, whilst travelling
+ between the rising and the setting Sun.--Emigration of
+ Arabs.--Patriarchal Style of living among the Arabs; Food,
+ Clothing, domestic Looms, and Manufactures.--Riches of the Arabs
+ calculated by the Number of Camels they possess.--Arabian Women are
+ good Figures, and have personal Beauty; delicate in their Food;
+ poetical Geniuses; Dancing and Amusements; Musical Instruments;
+ their Manners are courteous_.
+
+ Travellers in West and South Barbary should never be out after
+ sun-set: it is not safe to travel in many parts of the country
+ during the night. The emperor holds himself accountable for thefts
+ committed between the rising and the setting sun; so that, if a
+ traveller be robbed of property, the value should be ascertained,
+ and an application being made to the bashaw of the province where
+ the robbery was committed it will be restored forthwith; but if
+ there be any demur, an application should be made to the Emperor,
+ personally, if possible, but if not, by letter; and the district is
+ immediately ordered to pay double the loss, one half to the person
+ robbed, and the other half to the Imperial treasury.
+203
+ These robberies, however, rarely occur; for the bashaws of the
+ provinces and the alkaids of the douars feel it a duty incumbent on
+ them to protect all travellers and strangers; so that they would,
+ in the event of a robbery being committed, expose themselves to a
+ severe reprimand from the emperor, and an intimation that they
+ were, by suffering such irregularity, incompetent to their
+ situation, and would be liable to a heavy fine, or a discharge from
+ their office, for _neglect of vigilance_, which, in this country,
+ is considered _very reprehensible_.
+
+ Travelling through the province of Suse, I once witnessed the
+ emigration of an extensive douar of Arabs, amounting to about 200
+ families. They were just leaving their habitation, where they had
+ been encamped only a few months: it was a fine grazing country; the
+ camels, horses, mules, asses, oxen and cows, were all laden with
+ the tents and baggage of these wanderers. On enquiring the cause of
+ this emigration, I was told that the inhabitants were infested with
+ musquitoes and fleas to such a degree, that they had all
+ unanimously resolved to emigrate to another place, which they had
+ fixed upon, and that they would reach it by night. These wandering
+ Arabs, without any fixed habitation, are of a restless,
+ ungovernable spirit: they never cultivate the earth, as do the
+ Arabs of the plains of Marocco, but live, for the most part, on
+ camels' milk, occasionally killing a camel or a goat for food;
+204 grazing their camels in the adjacent country: they live in the true
+ Patriarchal style, and seek the means of supplying all their wants
+ within themselves. To effect this purpose, they barter a few of
+ their camels for wool, and thus supply themselves with that article
+ for clothing, which is made in every (_keyma_) Arab tent, by the
+ women, at their own respective looms; each female being the
+ manufacturer for her own family. The cloth is wove in pieces of
+ seven cubits long and about two and a half broad, of the natural
+ colour of the wool: these pieces of cloth are afterwards converted
+ into cloaks, mantles, and tunics. Those who choose to indulge in
+ the luxury of dress, by wearing linen, or turbans, send a few
+ goat-skins, collected from the goats that have served them
+ occasionally for food, to Mogodor, or Marocco, or barter them with
+ some Jews for linen or shoes, and thus supply all their wants; so
+ that their resources considerably exceed their wants, for some of
+ them have several thousand camels which cost them nothing. These
+ animals browse on the bushes in the environs of their habitations,
+ and are continually increasing and multiplying. They never kill any
+ animal for food until full grown: this custom, from which the Arab
+ never departs, is manifestly calculated to increase property,
+ which, being invested in camels, is transportable, without trouble
+ or expense, wherever they choose.
+
+ The Arabs are gay and cheerful; the brow of care is rarely seen
+205 among them. The more children they have, the greater the blessing.
+ They turn their hands in early youth to some useful purpose: so
+ soon as they can walk they attend the camels, or are put to some
+ domestic occupation; thus forming a useful link in the chain of
+ their patriarchal society. The independence of these Arabs is
+ depicted in their physiognomy; they are oppressed by no cankering
+ care, no anxiety, no anticipation of distress. The food and
+ clothing of the Arab is always at hand; fuel is not required in
+ this warm country; and a glass of cool water is all that is desired
+ to allay the thirst. This simple and abstemious mode of living is
+ congenial to the human constitution; accordingly they enjoy
+ uninterrupted health: sickness is so uncommon with them that to be
+ old and to be sick are synonymous terms. They think one cannot
+ happen without the other. Some of the women of these people, whilst
+ young, are extremely delicate, handsome, and have elegant figures.
+ They account it gross to swallow food, that would, they say, fatten
+ them like their Moorish neighbours; they therefore masticate it
+ only. Their physiognomy is very interesting and animated; their
+ features are regular; large black expressive eyes; a ready wit,
+ poetic fancy, expressing themselves in poetic effusions, in which,
+ from constant habit, some of them have become such adepts, that
+ they with facility speak extempore poetry; those who are unable to
+206 converse in this manner are less esteemed. Their evening amusements
+ consist in dancing and music, vocal and instrumental. Generally,
+ throughout all the Arab provinces, but particularly in Suse, among
+ the Mograffra Arabs, the Woled Abbusebah, and Woled Deleim, the
+ whole country is in a blaze of light of a summer's evening; music,
+ dancing, and rejoicing, is heard in every direction. Their music
+ consists of a kettle-drum, a flute or reed, similar to what Homer
+ describes as the instrument of the ancient shepherds, a rhabeb or
+ two-stringed fiddle, played with a semicircular bow, a tamboureen,
+ and brass castanets. They play in precise time; and the ladies
+ arrange themselves at the entrance of the sheik's tent. It is
+ pleasant to observe the beauty of their fine-formed feet, uninjured
+ by tight shoes, and free from corns and all excrescences. They
+ dance some dances barefooted, making very short steps, scarcely
+ raising the foot from the ground, in a peculiar manner. They have
+ elegant and circular ankles; and their light motions fascinate the
+ eyes of the spectators and the admiring strangers, who occasionally
+ exclaim, (_Allah ehrduh alikume ia Elarb_) "the protection of God
+ be upon you, O Arabs!" (_makine fal Elarb_,) "there are none
+ comparable to the Arabs!" They have a very elegant shawl-dance: in
+ the management of the shawl they display singular grace, and
+ practise elegant figures, sometimes concealing their faces,
+207 sometimes showing their brilliant eyes through an opening in the
+ shawl. The manners of these ladies is courteous, but chaste;
+ perfectly modest, but without reserve; and the other sex pay them
+ courteous attention.
+
+208
+
+ ABUNDANCE OF CORN
+ PRODUCED IN
+ WEST BARBARY.
+
+
+
+
+ _Costly Presents made by Spain to the Emperor.--Bashaw of
+ Duquella's weekly Present of a Bar of Gold.--Mitferes or
+ Subterraneous Depositories for Corn_.
+
+ The empire of Marocco, west of the Atlas, during the reign of Seedi
+ Muhamed ben Abdallah, father of the present Emperor Soliman, was
+ one continued corn-field. At that time the exportation was free to
+ all parts of the world. It is impossible to conceive the abundance
+ produced in this prolific land, none but those who have actually
+ seen the standing corn in the ear, and have seen it reaped, can
+ form any correct idea of its prodigious increase. The plains of
+ Rahamena, of Shawiya, of Temsena, of Abda, and Duquella, those
+ immense plains of M'sharrah Rummellah, of Ait-Amor, and many
+ others, form each, separately, extensive fields of corn, farther
+ than the eye can reach. To give an idea of the quantity produced in
+ the plains near Dar El Beida, it will be sufficient to say, that
+ 250 sail of ships, from 150 to 700 tons, were loaded at that port
+ in one year of Seedy Muhamed's reign. At the other ports on the
+209 shores of the Atlantic, viz. at Arzilla, L'Araich, Meheduma, Rabat,
+ Azamor, Mazagan, Saffy, and Mogodor, were shipped a quantity,
+ almost equal in proportion to what was shipped at Dar-El-Beida, so
+ that the duties at one dollar per fanegue, of 80 lb. weight on the
+ exportation of wheat, barley, Indian corn, caravances, beans, and
+ seeds, in one year, according to the imperial registers, amounted
+ to 5,257,320 Mexico dollars.[151] Besides which, presents to an
+ incalculable amount were made from time to time by Spain and
+ Portugal, particularly by the former, to keep the Emperor in good
+ humour, and to prevent him from prohibiting the exportation of
+ grain, of which however there was little chance, as his Imperial
+ Majesty was always diligent in the accumulation of treasure, and
+ let no opportunity pass of encouraging the agriculture of his
+ dominions. This system gave general occupation to the Arabs, or
+ agriculturists, and enriched them so universally, that the
+ diffusion of wealth among them, produced other incalculable sources
+ of revenue, insomuch that it was customary for Muhamed Ben Amaran,
+ Bashaw of Duquella, to present to the Emperor at Marocco, every
+ Friday, (the Muhamedan sabbath), as he returned home from the
+ mosque, a massive bar of pure gold of Timbuctoo, valued at some
+210 thousand dollars; which was considered as the fee by which he held
+ his bashawick. The Arabs who are the agriculturists of the
+ before-mentioned plains, besides the corn exported, lay up immense
+ quantities in subterraneous caverns, constructed by a curious
+ process, well deserving the attention of the colonists of South
+ Africa; these repositories are called mitferes[152], they are
+ constructed in a conical form, and will contain from 200 to 2000
+ quarters of corn.[153] It is expedient, in their construction, to
+ exclude the atmospheric air; and the soil, in which they are
+ constructed, should be essentially conservative, the air being
+ never changed, is constantly of the same temperature, very dry, and
+ not subject to the variations of humidity, which affect the
+ external air: this, with other necessary precautions being
+ observed, they will preserve the corn twenty or thirty years
+ perfectly sound. In countries, (like that of the Cape of Good
+ Hope,) subject to drought, inundations, or locusts, these mitferes,
+ or catacombs are indispensable, as they preserve corn as a reserve
+ stock, in the event of scarcity, or famine, produced by any of the
+ before mentioned calamities, or providential visitations. It is
+211 more than probable that this singular art of constructing mitferes,
+ was derived in ancient times from the catacombs of Egypt, and that
+ Joseph might have preserved Pharaoh's corn[154] upwards of seven
+ years, in similar magazines. The Emperor Seedi Muhamed, who
+ possessed considerable talent, and had a perfect knowledge of the
+ disposition and character of his subjects, used to say in the
+ (_em'shoer_,) place of audience, before all the people, in the
+ latter part of his reign:--"You complain of my decrees; but when I
+ am departed from this world, you shall seek for one day of Seedi
+ Muhamed's reign, but you shall not find it." This prediction has
+ been literally verified throughout the respective reigns of his
+ sons Muley Yezzed, and Muley El Hesham, and even his son the
+ present Emperor has often manifested an anti-commercial system, and
+ has accordingly (probably by the advice of the Fakeers belonging to
+ the divan) prohibited the exportation of most articles of clothing,
+ and provision, such as wool, Fas manufactures, corn, olive oil,
+ raisins, &c.[155]
+
+ [Footnote 151: Barley and wheat imported from different ports
+ of England and from the Continent into London (which is more
+ than is imported into Great Britain) in 1818, was 6,179,330
+ quintals or saas of Barbary, which are equal to 7,415,390
+ fanegues $.]
+
+ [Footnote 152: Genesis, xli. 9.--"And Joseph gathered corn as
+ the sand of the sea very much."]
+
+ [Footnote 153: I descended into a mitfere in the Arab province
+ of Duquella, and remained there whilst the Arab explained to me
+ the mode of constructing them; this was near the douar of Woled
+ Aisah (see the map): it had just been emptied, and produced
+ 3450 saas or quintals.]
+
+ [Footnote 154: Genesis, xli. 48.]
+
+ [Footnote 155: The result of this anti-commercial system is,
+ that corn is dearer than it was during the exportation. Many
+ millions of acres of the finest and most productive land lies
+ fallow for want of a market for its produce; indeed, the
+ produce has sometimes been so low for want of a market, that I
+ have known instances of the corn having been left standing, not
+ being worth the expense of reaping. Now this prohibition
+ undoubtedly will appear to many intelligent readers bad policy
+ in his Imperial Majesty, but it is nevertheless consistent
+ policy. The _sine qua non_ of the court of Marocco is to keep
+ the inhabitants poor. It is asserted by the political
+ economists of this country, that the Arab should not have more
+ than sufficient to feed and clothe him; every thing beyond this
+ turns to evil, and is an incentive to rebellion: the superflux,
+ they maintain, should go to (_Beit el melh d'el muselmen_,) the
+ Muselman treasury.]
+
+ A wine company, consisting of gentlemen of practical experience in
+ that branch of business, might form a most beneficial establishment
+212 at Santa Cruz, whither the grapes of Edautenan are brought to
+ market, and other grapes from the Arab countries, of exquisite
+ quality and flavour, infinitely superior in richness, size, and
+ flavour to those of Spain and Portugal, or any part of Italy;
+ indeed, I have no hesitation in declaring, (without fear of
+ contradiction,) that this country produces the finest grapes,
+ oranges, and pomegranates in the world, and in the greatest
+ abundance. I have myself tasted at Marocco, at a Hebrew Rabbi's
+ table, excellent imitations of burgundy, claret, champagne,
+ madeira, and rhenish, or old hock, all the produce of grapes reared
+ in the plains of that city, and in the adjacent mountains. The port
+ of Santa Cruz, if purchased of the Emperor by the English, would,
+ besides securing the trade to Sudan, and the interior of Africa,
+ supply the London market with abundance of all these excellent
+ wines.
+213
+ DOMESTIC SERPENTS OF MAROCCO.
+
+ Every house in Marocco has, or ought to have, a domestic serpent: I
+ say ought to have, because those that have not one, seek to have
+ this inmate, by treating it hospitably whenever one appears; they
+ leave out food for it to eat during the night, which gradually
+ domiciliates this reptile. These serpents are reported to be
+ extremely sagacious, and very susceptible. The superstition of
+ these people is extraordinary; for rather than offend these
+ serpents, they will suffer their women to be exposed during sleep
+ to their performing the office of an infant. They are considered,
+ in a house, emblematical of good, or prosperity, as their absence
+ is ominous of evil. They are not often visible; but I have seen
+ them passing over the beams of the roof of the apartments. A friend
+ of mine was just retired to bed at Marocco, when he heard a noise
+ in the room, like something crawling over his head, he arose,
+ looked about the room, and discovered one of these reptiles about
+ four feet long, of a dark colour, he pricked it with his sword, and
+ killed it, then returned to bed. In the morning he called to him
+ the master of the house where he was a guest, and telling him he
+ had attacked the serpent, the Jew was chagrined, and expostulated
+ with him, for the injury he had done him: apprehensive that evil
+ would visit him, he intimated to his guest, that he hoped he would
+ leave his house, as he feared the malignity of the serpent; and he
+ was not reconciled until my friend discovered to him that he had
+ actually killed the reptile.
+
+214
+
+ MANUFACTURES OF FAS.
+
+ _Superior Manufacture of Gold-thread.--Imitation of precious
+ Stones.--Manufactory of Gun-barrels in Suse.--Silver-mine._
+
+
+
+
+ The manufactures of West Barbary, are of various kinds. They excel,
+ in the city of Fas, in the manufacture of woollens, cottons, silks,
+ and gold-thread. The wool and cotton are made into _hayks_, which
+ are pieces of cloth five feet wide, and about three and a half, or
+ four yards long, used to throw loosely over the dress, when they go
+ out into the external air: it resembles the Roman toga, and when
+ _tastefully adjusted_, gives an elegance to the Moorish costume.
+ These _hayks_ are manufactured in most of the private families of
+ Fas; the women employ themselves about them, and sell them to the
+ merchants. They are sometimes made of cotton mixed with silk, and
+ also altogether of silk. They make also pieces of silk of various
+ bright colours, called _bulawan_; the sky-blue, dark-blue, scarlet,
+ and yellow, are vivid colours, produced by their mode of dying the
+ silk before it is manufactured. They manufacture their silks from
+ _Bengal raw silk_, which they call _emfitla_. The _bulawan_ is
+215 striped, or chequered, pink, blue, yellow, scarlet, and green: it
+ resembles what is called, in England, Persian, but it is much
+ stronger, and more[156] durable, though equally light. The silk
+ sashes, called _hazam_, are made in large quantities, and are
+ deserving of imitation in Europe; they are very substantial, but of
+ the same superior colours with the _bulawan_. They are made
+ generally half a yard wide, and three yards long: these sell at
+ Fas, from two to fifty dollars each. The superior kind made for the
+ ladies of the _horam_[157], or emperor's seraglio, for the ladies
+ of the bashaws, and for those of the great and opulent, are
+ intermixed with a beautiful gold-thread, much superior to any that
+ is manufactured in Europe, insomuch, that the gold-thread imported
+ from Leghorn and Marseilles is used only in such _hazams_ as are
+ made for exportation to Sudan, Draha, or Bled-el-Jereed, but those
+ made for the great and opulent, for home consumption, are
+ manufactured with the gold thread of the Fas manufacture. Whether
+ these expert artificers learned the mystery of gold beating, and
+ gold wire drawing, by which they obtain gold-thread, from the
+216 Egyptians, I am not competent to say; but _they_ say they derived
+ it in ancient times from the Arabs, as well as the art of cutting,
+ polishing, and setting precious stones. They make a composition in
+ imitation of amber, which cannot, by the keenest eye, be
+ distinguished from the natural amber, the latter, however, by[158]
+ friction attracts cotton, but the manufactured amber does not; this
+ is the only criterion by which they ascertain the true from the
+ false amber. They also compose artificial stones with equal
+ sagacity; the topaz, the emerald, and the ruby they imitate to
+ perfection. The wool with which they make shawls almost equal in
+ appearance to those of Kashmere, is procured from the sheep of the
+ province of Tedla, and is finer than the Spanish Merino. They might
+ manufacture shawls of goats' hair, equal to those of Kashmere, from
+ the goats of the eastern declivity of the Atlas, whose hair is like
+ silk: these goats are called (_el maize Felelley_,) i.e. Tafilelt
+ goats.[159] There can be no doubt, if our intercourse with Marocco
+217 had not been impeded by a general ignorance of the language of that
+ country, that we might long since have received from the
+ manufacturers of Fas, shawls of Tafilelt goat-hair, equal to the
+ finest of the Kashmere manufacture. There is a very extensive
+ manufactory of red woollen caps at Fas, the contexture of which is
+ well deserving investigation. There is also a manufactory of gun
+ locks and barrels; the former appear to have reached the acme of
+ the art, the latter are not so good as those which they procure
+ from Europe: so that a Spanish or an English barrel, and a Fas
+ lock, is considered a complete gun. Such articles of manufacture as
+ require a complication of machinery and power to produce they
+ import from Europe, except only when the market is bare, and then
+ necessity compels them to attempt their construction. The (_hayk
+ Filelly_,) i.e. Tafilelt hayk, is a fine elegant woollen cloth,
+ thin as a muslin. The Emperor Seedi Muhamed ben Abdallah patronised
+ this manufacture of his native country, and never wore any other.
+ The art of manufacturing leather is carried to great perfection at
+ Mequinas: shoes of the thinnest leather are there made impervious
+ to water. The manufactures at Marocco and Terodant are similar to
+ those of Fas, with the exception of that of gold-thread, and the
+ cutting and polishing of precious stones. The preparation of
+ leather at Marocco surpasses any thing known in Europe: lion and
+ tiger skins they prepare white as snow, and soft as silk. There are
+218 two plants that grow in the Atlas mountains, the leaves of which
+ they use in the manufacture of leather; they are called _tizra_,
+ and _tasaya_. Whether these render the leather impervious, I am not
+ competent to say; every inquiry that I have made at Marocco
+ respecting this beautiful manufacture, has been unsatisfactory. I
+ have always found the manufacturers very guarded, and extremely
+ jealous; but I have often thought that two or three of our leather
+ manufacturers, well versed in their art, and withal of penetrating
+ minds, might contrive to extract the secret from them. In the
+ mountains of Idaultit, in Lower Suse, they have iron-mines, and
+ they make gun-barrels and gun-locks equal to what are made at Fas.
+ The temptations to agriculture, however, are such, that sufficient
+ only for the consumption of their own _kabyl_ are manufactured;
+ which is done rather from a principle of self-defense, and from the
+ _amor patriae_, than with a view to gain. The silver from the mines
+ of Elala, comes to the Santa Cruz market pure, and in round lumps,
+ weighing about two ounces each. I have bought it for its weight in
+ Spanish dollars; but it is generally taken to the Mint for sale.
+ Ores of gold from the mines of South Barbary, and silver dust from
+ the bed of the river at Messa, collected personally by me, I sent
+ to England to be assayed: the person who got them assayed,
+ reported, that the metal yielded was scarcely sufficient to pay the
+ charges of assaying; so that the speculation was abandoned.
+
+ [Footnote 156: The spirit of avarice does not sufficiently
+ prevail to induce the manufacturer to make imperfect articles
+ for the purpose of sale only. Moreover, they are restrained
+ from deception by an officer, who inspects the quality of
+ manufactures, and does not suffer an imperfect article to be
+ sold.]
+
+ [Footnote 157: This word is called by Europeans _haram_ or
+ seraglio; but haram thus applied, is a barbarism: it signifies
+ _vicious_. Horam is the correct pronunciation: it signifies a
+ place of safety, that admits of no intrusion.]
+
+ [Footnote 158: Thales, the chief of the seven wise men of
+ Greece, detected the existence of electricity in amber about
+ 600 years before the Christian era. He was the first who
+ observed _attraction_ to be the distinguishing property of
+ amber; and he was so forcibly struck with this singular
+ discovery, that he was almost led to suppose that it possessed
+ animation. The term electricity is derived from the Greek word
+ [Greek: electron], amber. See Remarks on Electricity and
+ Galvanism, by M. La Beaume, p. 29.]
+
+ [Footnote 159: There was a breed of these goats on the island
+ of Mogodor, kept there by the emperor's orders. This island is
+ the state-prison of the empire.]
+
+219
+
+ ON THE STATE OF SLAVERY
+ IN MUHAMEDAN AFRICA.
+
+
+
+
+ The state of slavery in this country is very different from that
+ which is experienced by the unfortunate men who are transported
+ from Africa to work under our Christian brethren in the West India
+ islands. No man, who is sufficiently erudite to read the Koran can
+ be (_abd_) a slave in a Muhamedan country. It is incumbent on a
+ good muselman to give such his liberty, that the propagation of the
+ (_Deen el Wasah_[160]) muselman faith, be not impeded. A man who
+ has served his master faithfully[161] seven years, sometimes gets
+ liberated. This liberation, however, is not compulsory; but
+ conscientious muselmen, of good moral character, often adopt this
+ enlarging system. I have, however, met with many Moors, who, on
+ offering liberty to their slaves, the latter have declined it,
+ preferring to continue in obeisance; a clear proof that their
+ servitude is not very severe. All slaves, without exception, are
+ brought to this country from the various territories of Sudan, by
+ the akkabars, kaffilas, or caravans, that traverse Sahara. They are
+ all pagans or idolaters (from the interior regions). They are worth
+220 from ten to twenty dollars at Timbuctoo; and at Marocco and Fas
+ they sell for, from seventy to one hundred dollars. They are
+ received into the Moorish families as domestic servants, and soon
+ forget their idolatrous superstitions, and become (nominally at
+ least) Muhamedans. After which, many learn to read the Koran, and
+ becoming observers of ablution and prostration, often procure their
+ liberation; for if any one should neglect to liberate such a slave,
+ his brethren in Muhamed will urge him to it, as a good and
+ charitable work, becoming a true, muselman.[162]
+
+ [Footnote 160: So called by Muhamedans: _literally_ means the
+ liberal of _wide doctrine_, alluding to that of the Arabian
+ Prophet.]
+
+ [Footnote 161: Jeremiah, xxxiv. 14.]
+
+ [Footnote 162: The etymology of _muselman_ is, a man of peace;
+ from _salem_, peace.]
+
+ The man who wrote the letter from Timbuctoo, giving his master at
+ Mogodor an account of Mungo Park, having visited Kabria, which
+ letter I read, and reported its contents on my arrival in England
+ from Mogodor, about the year 1807, to my Lord Moira (now the
+ Marquis of Hastings), to Sir Joseph Banks, and to Sir Charles
+ Morgan, was a liberated negro of Seed el Abes Buhellel, a Fas
+ merchant, whose father had an establishment at Timbuctoo. When
+ Buhellel liberated this negro, he had such confidence in him, that
+ he advanced to him, on his own personal credit, goods to a
+ considerable amount, with which he crossed Sahara, and took them to
+ Timbuctoo for a market. It were to be desired, for the sake of
+ _humanity_, that our West-India planters would take a lesson on
+ this subject from the Moors, whose conduct, in this particular, is
+ worthy of imitation.
+
+221
+
+ THE PLAGUE OF LOCUSTS.
+
+ _Their incredible Destruction.--Used as Food.--Remarkable Instance
+ of their destroying every Green Herb on one Side of a River, and
+ not on the other._
+
+
+
+
+ In the autumn of 1792, (Jeraad) locusts began to appear in West
+ Barbary. The corn was in ear, and therefore safe, as this devouring
+ insect attacks no hard substance. In (the _liahli_,) the period of
+ heavy rains comprised between the forty longest nights, _old
+ style_, they disappeared; so that one or two only were seen
+ occasionally: but so soon as the _liahli_ had passed, the small
+ young green locust began to appear, no bigger than a fly. As
+ vegetation increased, these insects increased in size and quantity.
+ But the country did not yet seem to suffer from them. About the end
+ of March, they increased rapidly. I was at (_Larsa Sultan_) the
+ emperor's garden, which belongs to the Europeans, and which was
+ given to the merchants of Mogodor by the emperor Seedi Muhamed ben
+ Abdallah, in the kabyl of Idaugourd, in the province of Haha, and
+ the garden flourished with every green herb, and the fruit-trees
+ were all coming forward in the productive beauty of spring. I went
+ there the following day, and not a green leaf was to be seen: an
+222 army of locusts had attacked it during the night, and had devoured
+ every shrub, every vegetable, and every green leaf; so that the
+ garden had been converted into an unproductive wilderness. And,
+ notwithstanding the incredible devastation that was thus produced,
+ not one locust was to be seen. The gardener reported, that (_sultan
+ jeraad_) the king of the locusts had taken his departure eastward
+ early in the morning; the myriads of locusts followed, so that in a
+ quarter of an hour not one was to be seen. The depredations of
+ these devouring insects was too soon felt, and a direful scarcity
+ ensued. The poor would go out a locusting, as they termed it: the
+ bushes were covered; they took their (_haik_) garment, and threw it
+ over them, and then collected them in a sack. In half an hour they
+ would collect a bushel. These they would take home, and boil a
+ quarter of an hour; they would then put them into a frying-pan,
+ with pepper, salt, and vinegar, and eat them, without bread or any
+ other food, making a meal of them. They threw away the head, wings,
+ and legs, and ate them as we do prawns. They considered them
+ wholesome food, and preferred them to pigeons. Afterwards, whenever
+ there was any public entertainment given, locusts was a standing
+ dish; and it is remarkable that the dish was always emptied, so
+ generally were they esteemed as palatable food.
+
+ A few years after the locusts appeared, I performed a journey from
+223 Mogodor to Tangier. The face of the country appeared like a newly
+ ploughed field of a brown soil; for it was completely covered with
+ these insects, insomuch that they had devoured even the bark of the
+ trees. They rose up about a yard, as the horses went on, and
+ settled again; in some places they were one upon another, three or
+ four inches deep on the ground; a few were flying in the air, and
+ they flew against the face, as if they were blind, to the no small
+ annoyance of the traveller. It is very remarkable, that on reaching
+ the banks of the river[163] Elkos, which we crossed, there was not,
+ on the north side of that river, to my great astonishment, one
+ locust any where to be seen; but the country was flourishing in all
+ the luxuriance of verdure, although the river was not wider than
+ the Thames at Windsor. This extraordinary circumstance was
+ accounted for by the Arabs, who said that not a locust would cross
+ the river, till (_sultan jeraad_) the king of the locusts should
+ precede and direct the way.
+
+ [Footnote 163: See the Map of the empire of Marocco.]
+
+224
+
+ ON THE INFLUENCE
+ OF THE
+ GREAT PRINCIPLE OF CHRISTIANITY
+ _ON THE MOORS_.
+ (Mat. vii. 12.)
+
+ _Of the Propagation of Christianity in Africa.--Causes that prevent
+ it.--The Mode of promoting it is through a friendly and commercial
+ Intercourse with the Natives.--Exhortation to Great Britain to
+ attend to the Intercourse with Africa.--Danger of the French
+ colonizing Senegal, and supplanting us, and thereby depreciating
+ the Value of our West-India Islands._
+
+
+
+
+ That it is a Christian duty to attempt, by lenient measures, to
+ propagate the Christian religion among the Idolaters and Muhamedans
+ of Africa, I think cannot be doubted; but this propagation will not
+ spread to any considerable extent until, (in that country,) the
+ morals of Christians in general shall approach nearer than they
+ actually do to the standard of Christian perfection. It is,
+ however, most certain that there never was a more promising, or a
+ more favourable opportunity of subverting paganism in Africa, and
+ establishing Christianity on its ruins, than at this present
+ period; and I think the best method to effect this desirable
+ purpose is through the medium of commerce, which must, in that
+ continent, necessarily precede science and civilisation. It is well
+225 known, by all men of penetration who have resided in Muhamedan
+ countries, that the principles of the religion of Muhamed are not
+ so repugnant to Christianity as many, nay, most persons have
+ imagined. Various causes, however, tend to increase the hostility
+ that exists between the two religions. First, it is augmented by
+ the fakeers, and by political men, who are ever active in bringing
+ to their aid superstition and enthusiasm, to increase the
+ hostility. Secondly, it is augmented by the very little intercourse
+ which they have with Christians, originating, for the most part, in
+ our ignorance of the Arabic language, an ignorance which has been
+ lamented by the emperor[164] Seedy Muhamed ben Abdallah himself.
+ Thirdly, the hostility of these two religions is augmented by a
+ very ancient tradition, that the country will be invaded by the
+ Christians, and converted to Christianity, that this event will
+ happen on a Friday (the Muhamedan sabbath), during the time that
+ they are at the (_silla dohor_) prayers at half past one o'clock,
+226 P.M.; so that throughout the empire they close the gates of all the
+ towns on this day, at this period of time, till two o'clock, P.M.:
+ when the prayers are over, and the people go out of the mosques,
+ the gates are again thrown open. This tradition, which is
+ universally believed, acts on the minds of the whole community, and
+ fans the embers of hostility already lighted between Christians and
+ Muhamedans, bringing to the recollection of the latter the hostile
+ intentions of the former to invade and take their country from
+ them, when an opportunity shall offer. On the other hand, what
+ tends to reconcile the two creeds is, the influence that European
+ commerce, and the principles of the Christian doctrine, have had on
+ the muselmen of Africa. This influence extends as far as the
+ commerce with Europeans extends. Wherever the Europeans negociate
+ with the Moors, the great principle of the Christian doctrine is
+ known and discussed,--that principle which surpasses every doctrine
+ propagated by the Grecian philosophers, or the wise men of the
+ East,--that truly noble, liberal, and charitable principle, "Do as
+ you would be done by," influences the conduct of the better
+ educated muselmen who have had long intercourse and negociations
+ with Christians; and they do not fail to retort it upon us,
+ whenever _our conduct_ deviates from it. Thus, the minds of
+ muselmen, wherever European commerce flows, are tinctured with this
+ great principle of the Christian doctrine. And, to an accurate
+227 observer of mankind, it will appear that this principle, from its
+ own intrinsic beauty, has in many superseded the muselman
+ retaliative system of morality, originating in the Mosaic law,--"An
+ eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." For I have heard
+ muselmen, in their individual disputes with one another, advance
+ this precept as a rule of conduct. If, therefore, this divine
+ principle be recognised by muselmen, who have had intercourse and
+ commercial negociations with Europeans, in defiance of the
+ obstacles to this doctrine suggested by the fakeers and political
+ men; what might we not expect from the due cultivation of an
+ extensive commerce, upon a grand national scale, with this
+ interesting continent? Might we not expect a gradual diffusion of
+ the principles of Christianity among the muselmen, as well as among
+ the pagans and idolaters, of Africa? I would venture to assert,
+ that in the event of the British government engaging, with energy
+ and determination, to cultivate a commercial intercourse and
+ extensive connection with Africa, that the negroes, and possibly
+ even the Muhamedans, might gradually be converted to Christianity.
+ This event would take a long time to accomplish, but its gradual
+ progress, most probably, would be more rapid than was the progress
+ of Muhamedanism during the life of the Arabian prophet.
+
+ [Footnote 164: When this Emperor, for the purpose of satisfying
+ his people that he administered retributive justice, ordered
+ two teeth of an English merchant to be drawn, he repented so
+ much of what he had done, that he offered to make any amends
+ that the merchant might require, expressing his wish that he
+ had an English consul with whom he could converse colloquially,
+ without the inconvenience of an interpreter; and for this
+ purpose the Emperor, after granting him considerable favours,
+ urged him to accept of the British consulship; adding, that he
+ himself would secure him the appointment, and that he would
+ then refuse nothing, but whatsoever the English should ask of
+ him, they should have.]
+
+ Associations have been formed in this philanthropic country,
+ through the medium of extensive subscriptions, for the civilisation
+228 of Africa, and the abolition of the slave trade: the greatest merit
+ is due to the individuals who have subscribed to such institutions;
+ their motives have been unexceptionable, but we grossly deceive
+ ourselves, and the whole is an illusion! The French, as it were,
+ have taken the staff out of our hands; and whilst we are in vain
+ endeavouring to abolish the trade in slaves, _by the capture of
+ slave-ships at sea_[165], they are insidiously cultivating the
+ growth of cotton, coffee, sugar, indigo, and other colonial
+ produce, on the banks of the Senegal river; insomuch that if we
+ shall continue thus supinely to disregard their important African
+ agricultural operations, the result in a few years will probably
+ be, that they will be able to undersell us in West-India produce,
+ in the markets of continental Europe; for they can cultivate, with
+ free negroes at Senegal, colonial produce at considerably less
+ expense than our West-India cultivation. The voyage, also, is not
+ half the distance; so that the continental market for the sale of
+ West-India produce will be shortly supplied from Senegal, from
+229 whence it is more than probable that colonial produce will be
+ imported to Europe at little more than half the expense of
+ importing it from the West Indies: thus Great Britain may be driven
+ out of the market for colonial produce, except for what may be
+ sufficient for her own domestic supply.
+
+ [Footnote 165: Many naval officers concur in thinking, that to
+ suppress the slave trade, by interrupting the ships, would
+ employ all the navy of Great Britain; and entail a war-expense
+ on the nation; besides the enormous expense that will be
+ necessarily incurred by the various commissions dispatched to
+ Sierra Leone, Havannah, &c. &c. for the adjudication of
+ slave-causes. To which may be added, our expensive presents to
+ Spain and Portugal, to induce those powers to coalesce in the
+ abolition; which there is too much reason to apprehend will be
+ evaded by the subjects of those powers.]
+
+ This has been a favourite scheme of the French, who have now begun
+ to taste the fruits of it: they have had it in view and in
+ operation _ever since we gave them possession of Senegal_. It was
+ the system of her late Emperor, Bonaparte, suggested to him by the
+ arch and brilliant genius of Talleyrand, to indemnify the loss of
+ St. Domingo.
+
+ Moreover, the French, who are cultivating the territory of Senegal
+ with indefatigable industry, will be, in a few years, not only able
+ to supply the continental markets of Europe with colonial produce,
+ but they will become masters of North Africa, establish another
+ Ceuta at the African promontory of the Cape de Verd, and, in the
+ event of a war, annoy incalculably our East-India trade, and
+ enhance the price of East-India produce in the British dominions;
+ whilst they will, by the aid of the Americans, who will be always
+ ready to assist them, form a depot for East-India goods at the Cape
+ de Verd, and from thence introduce them into Africa and France, to
+ the almost total exclusion of Great Britain. If we are to prevent
+ these events from taking place, we must adopt different measures
+230 from what we have adopted; we must move in a very different sphere
+ from that in which we have been accustomed to move; we must be much
+ more energetic, more vigilant, and more active than we have been,
+ with respect to African matters. It is presumed that these
+ suggestions are well deserving the consideration of His Majesty's
+ ministers. May they view with the eye of an eagle and the wisdom of
+ the serpent the insidious encroachments that are thus making on our
+ colonial markets!!
+
+ The Africans, by which term I mean the natives, viz. the Moors, the
+ Arabs, the Berebbers, the Shelluhs, and the Negroes, (not the Jews,
+ who, although numerous in this country, yet, as they are and have
+ been ever since their Theocratical Government, a distinct race, and
+ their customs and manners well known, I do not include them in the
+ term Africans, although from their birth they are entitled to the
+ appellation,)--the Africans, I say, are seldom met with in closed
+ rooms, but are constantly in the open air, transacting their
+ business in _dwarias_, which are detached rooms, or apartments,
+ with three sides, the fourth being supported by pillars; this
+ custom of living continually in or exposed to the external air
+ renders them strong and healthy, wherefore their bodies, by an
+ _antiperistasis_, have the natural heat repelled and kept within,
+ increasing by this action their appetite for food, which is always
+ strong. They live in a frugal manner, seldom eating but of one
+231 food: the prevailing dish throughout North Africa is cuscasoe, a
+ granulated paste, cooked by steam, and garnished with vegetables,
+ and chickens, or mutton; this is a very nutritive, palatable, and
+ wholesome dish. They are not incumbered at their meals with a
+ variety of dishes; but a large bowl, or spacious plate, is
+ introduced on a round table, supported by one pillar, like the
+ _Monopodia_ of the ancients, rather larger than the bowl or dish,
+ and about six inches high. Half a dozen Moors sit round this
+ repast, on cushions or on the ground, cross-legged; a position
+ which they remain in with perfect ease and pliability from custom
+ and the loose dress they wear. When the company have seated
+ themselves, a slave or a servant comes round to the guests, to
+ perform the ceremony of (_togreda_) washing of the hands; a brass
+ bason or pan, which they call _tas_, is brought round to all the
+ company, the slave holding it by his left hand, while, with the
+ right hand, he pours water on the hands of the guests from a
+ (_garoff_) pitcher, in the form of an Etruscan vase, having
+ (_zeef_) a towel thrown over his shoulder to dry their hands. This
+ ceremony is performed before and after meals. The master of the
+ feast, before they begin to eat, pronounces (_Bismillah_) the grace
+ before meat, which signifies, "In the name of God;" after the
+ repast, he says (_El Ham'd u lillah_) "Praise be to God." Each
+ guest eats with the fingers of his right hand, none ever touching
+ the food with their left. If a piece of meat, or a joint of a fowl
+232 or chicken is to be divided, two of the guests take hold of it, and
+ pull it till it is divided. This is somewhat repugnant to an
+ European's ideas of delicacy; but if we consider that the hands are
+ previously washed, and that they never come in contact with the
+ mouth in decent or respectable society, there is not so insuperable
+ an objection to this way of eating as might otherwise appear. Each
+ person in eating the granulated flour or cuscasoe, puts his two
+ fore-fingers into the dish before him, and by a dextrous turn of
+ the hand converts the quantity taken up into the form of a ball,
+ which he, with a peculiar dexterity, jirks into the mouth. The
+ Africans never drink till they have done eating; when dinner is
+ over, a large goblet, or _poculum amicitiae_, of pure water is
+ passed round, and each person drinks copiously; the washing is then
+ repeated, and the repast is terminated. Afterwards coffee is
+ introduced, without milk: the cup is not placed in a saucer, nor do
+ they hand you a spoon, for the sugar is mixed in the coffee-pot;
+ the cup is presented in an outer cup of brass, which preserves the
+ fingers from being burned. They use no bells in their tents; but
+ the slaves or servants are called by the master when wanted, one
+ generally standing in the corner of the tent to superintend the
+ others. The pipe is sometimes introduced after the coffee, but this
+ is by no means a general custom, except among the negroes. The pipe
+ is of rose-wood, of jasmin, or of rhododendrum wood: great
+233 quantities of the latter are conveyed across the Sahara, for
+ pipe-tubes for the negroes of Timbuctoo, and other territories of
+ Sudan, bordering on the Nile el Abeed, or Nile of the Negroes
+ (Niger).
+
+ Passing through this territory of encampments, when travellers are
+ disposed to sleep at a douar, one of the party presents himself at
+ the confines of the encampment, and exclaims (_Deef Allah_) "The
+ guest of God." The sheik of the douar is immediately apprised of
+ the circumstance; and after investigating the rank of the
+ travellers, he enquires if they have tents with them; if they have
+ not, he has his own or (_kheyma deaf_) the guest's tent
+ appropriated for the travellers. If they have their own tents,
+ which persons of respectability generally have, the sheik comes and
+ directs the servants where to pitch them; the camels and mules are
+ disburdened, and the sheik declares (_atshie m'hassub alia_) "For
+ all this baggage I hold myself accountable." Europeans travelling
+ in this country generally follow their own customs: accordingly,
+ among the English, tea is ordered; a most delectable refreshment
+ after a fatiguing journey on horseback, exposed to the scorching
+ rays of the African sun. If the sheik and a few of his friends are
+ invited to tea, which these Arabs designate by (_elma skoon u el
+ hadra_) hot water and conversation, they like it very sweet, and
+ drink half-a-dozen cups at least. Nothing ingratiates travellers
+ with these people so much as distributing a few lumps of sugar
+234 among them: sugar, honey, or any thing sweet, being with these
+ Arabs emblematical of peace and friendship. Some of the women of
+ the Arabs are extremely handsome; in all the simplicity of nature
+ "when unadorned adorned the most." To fine figures they unite
+ handsome profiles, good and white teeth, and large, black,
+ expressive, intelligent eyes, like the eyes of a gazel; dark
+ eye-brows, and dark long eye-lashes, which give a peculiar warmth
+ and softness to the eye. They concern themselves little about time,
+ and will sometimes come to converse after midnight with the
+ Europeans. When the guard of the tent informs them they cannot go
+ in, that the Christian is a-bed and undressed, they are not less
+ astonished than we are to see them sleeping in the open air at
+ night, on the ground, with their clothes on. When candles are
+ brought into the tent at night, the servant wishes the company a
+ good evening: he says "_M'sah elkhere_," the literal meaning of
+ which is "_Good be with you this evening_;" which salutation it is
+ courteous to return, even to a slave; and if any one, however great
+ his rank, were not to return it, he would be considered a bad
+ muselman, a disaffected and inhospitable barbarian. The morning
+ salutation is (_Alem Allah sebak_,) "May your morning be
+ accompanied with the knowledge of God;" or, (_Sebah el khere_, or
+ _sebahk b'elkhere_) "Good morning to you," or "May your morning be
+ good." Equals meeting, touch hands, and then each kisses his own
+235 respectively; they then say, (I now speak of the middle order of
+ society,) "And how are you, and how have you been: how long it is
+ since I saw you! and how are you, and how are your children; (_uhel
+ Dar'kume_,) and the people of your family, how are they, certainly
+ you are well:" and so they will go on, sometimes for a quarter of
+ an hour, repeating the same thing. If an inferior meets a superior,
+ he kisses his hand or his garment and retires, when there is a
+ greater disparity of rank, the inferior kisses the stirrup of the
+ superior; or prostrates himself if the superior is a prince, a
+ fakeer, or a bashaw.
+
+ Another salutation among respectable individuals is, by each
+ placing his right hand on his heart, indicating that part to be the
+ residence of the friend!
+
+ The Jews of this country retain the customs of their ancestors more
+ pure and unmixed than those in other countries.
+
+ When a Jew dies he is interred the same day, or the day after at
+ farthest. The female relations and the friends of the deceased
+ assemble round the corpse, and utter bitter lamentations, tearing
+ their faces and their hair in a most woeful manner; they disfigure
+ their faces with their finger-nails, till they bleed, and during
+ the whole time keep stamping or moving their legs, beating time, as
+ it were, with their feet; these lamentations are continued, with
+ occasional intermission, till the body of the deceased is carried
+236 away for interment. The performers of these bitter lamentations
+ appear to have all the marks of hideous grief inscribed on their
+ faces, but most of them feel no real concern; some of the girls,
+ young and handsome, near akin to the deceased, are ambitious to
+ disfigure themselves, and they lacerate their pretty faces most
+ lamentably. The more wounds these bear on their cheeks the greater
+ is their grief considered to be. But the corpse being removed the
+ mourners regale themselves with _Mahaya_, or African brandy, and
+ make up for their lamentations, by converting their bitter strains
+ into conviviality.
+
+ There is a strange resemblance between this custom and that
+ practised by the inhabitants of New Zealand; insomuch that we might
+ imagine the latter to be one of the lost tribes of this
+ extraordinary people. It is true that we have no record of such a
+ perfection of navigation as to enable us to conjecture how a tribe
+ of Jews could reach New Zealand: but many things remain in great
+ obscurity even in this enlightened age; and we have had no
+ historical record transmitted to us from the ancients of many
+ extraordinary discoveries that recently have been made in Egypt.
+
+237
+
+ INTEREST OF MONEY.
+
+ _Application of the Superflux of Property or Capital._
+
+
+
+
+ In this country the law allows no interest of money; the
+ consequence is, that the country is overwhelmed with usurers, who
+ exact, generally, an oath of secrecy, and lend money on pledges of
+ valuable and convertible merchandise: the interest paid on these
+ negociations is most exorbitant; I have known five, six, eight,
+ ten, and even twelve per cent, per month paid for the use of money!
+ There is no paper money in this country; but a bank might be
+ established at Mogodor, for the convenience of internal trade: the
+ _sine qua non_ of the bank should be, AN ADEQUATE CAPITAL. The
+ advantages that would necessarily result from an establishment of
+ this kind are incalculable; the paper of a bank, _thus
+ established_, would be current in a short time, UNDER JUDICIOUS AND
+ INTELLIGENT MANAGEMENT, in all the territories of Sudan, through
+ the heart of Africa, through Bambara, Timbuctoo, Houssa, Cashna,
+ Wangara, Bernoh, Fas, and Marocco, and various other countries. The
+238 immense advantages of the carriage of paper through the Desert and
+ through Sudan, _convertible_ into cash at every commercial city,
+ port, or district in a country like this, would greatly facilitate
+ the operations of commerce; this must be evident to every political
+ economist acquainted with the nature of commercial negociations in
+ Africa.
+
+ The superflux of coin, consisting principally of Mexico dollars,
+ and doubloons, (over and above the quantum necessary for the
+ circulating medium of commercial negociations,) is either buried
+ under ground by the owner, or converted into jewels for the ladies
+ of his family; there is a general propensity to these subterraneous
+ hordes; the bulk of the people, the lower classes in particular,
+ have an idea that they will enjoy in the next world what they save
+ in this; which opinion is not extraordinary, when we consider how
+ many cases there are, wherein we see the sublimest capacity
+ prostrate at the shrine of an _early imbibed_ superstition. Many of
+ these erring philosophers, therefore, attentive to the accumulation
+ of riches, retire from this sublunary world with an immense
+ immolated treasure, wherewith to begin, as they imagine, their
+ career in the world to come!
+
+ "We," they say, "convert our superflux to jewels and costly apparel
+ for our females, and we have the gratification of seeing them well
+ apparelled and agreeably ornamented. Moreover, a great part of our
+ possessions is appropriated to the sacred rites of hospitality,
+239 which you Christians know not how to practise; for you worship the
+ idol of ostentation; you invite your friends to dinner; you incur
+ an intolerable and injudicious expense, and provide a multiplicity
+ of dishes to pamper their appetites, sufficient for a regiment of
+ muselmen; when nature and national beings, which men were born to
+ be, require only one dish. Moreover, your sumptuous entertainments
+ are given to those only who do not want; therefore is it an
+ ostentatious and a wanton waste! We, on the contrary, that is to
+ say, every good Muselman, gives one-tenth of his property to the
+ poor; and moreover much of his substance is appropriated to the
+ support, not of the rich and independent, who do not want it, but
+ to (_deefan_) strange guests who journey from one country to
+ another; insomuch that, with us, a poor man may travel by public
+ beneficence and apt hospitality from the shores of the
+ Mediterranean to the borders of Sahara, without a fluce[166] in
+ (_hashituh_) the corner of his garment.[167] A traveller, however
+ poor he may be, is never at a loss for a meal, several meals, and
+ even for three days entertainment, wherever he travels through our
+ country; and if any man were to go to a douar in any of the Arab
+240 provinces of our Sovereign's empire, and not receive the
+ entertainment and courtesy of a brother, that douar would be
+ stamped with a stigma of indelible disgrace! Pardon us, therefore,
+ if we say, you have not such hospitality in your country, although
+ the great principle of (_Seedna Aisa_) our Lord Jesus, is
+ charity." [168] I should, however, observe that this hospitality is
+ shown almost exclusively to Muhamedans.
+
+ [Footnote 166: A fluce is a copper coin, one hundred of which
+ are equal to sixpence English.]
+
+ [Footnote 167: In the corner of his garment:--The Africans have
+ no pockets; they carry their money in the corner of their
+ garment, and tie it with a knot to secure it.]
+
+ [Footnote 168: The Muhamedans acknowledge Jesus Christ to have
+ been a Prophet that worked miracles; the indelible proof of his
+ mission.]
+
+ Respecting women and horses, speaking of the treatment of them in
+ England, they remark, that "England is a paradise for women, who
+ are there exalted beyond the fitness of things; and it is
+ (_gehennum_) a hell for horses, for those poor ill-treated animals
+ in the hackney coaches and carts, need only to be seen to be
+ pitied; the hard blows which they receive from their cruel masters
+ are calculated to impress our minds with an opinion that we are in
+ a land of barbarians, whereas you call yourselves a civilised
+ people: You say you are such; your actions deny the fact, and we
+ judge by actions, not by words or self-commendations. When,
+ therefore, you pride yourselves on your superiority and
+ civilisation the whole is a delusion; and when we hear you set
+ forth these absurd pretensions, we are compelled to commiserate our
+ common race, and to exclaim, Alas, poor human nature!" This is the
+241 verbatim reply that a very intelligent but irritated Muselman made
+ to my animadversions on the absurdity of burying treasure. This
+ gentleman's father had been ambassador from the Emperor of Marocco
+ to Great Britain, and to France; and had seen much of French,
+ Spanish, and English manners, among the higher orders of society in
+ those countries.
+
+ Too much cannot be said in commendation of this generous,
+ open-hearted philanthropy of the Arabs, here described: but the
+ intelligent reader will understand, that it applies particularly to
+ the Arabs, or cultivators of the plains, in the empire of Marocco;
+ and, in its large and unlimited extent, to the Bedouin or roving
+ Arabs of the Sahara, and of Lower Suse, from whose (_kabyles_)
+ clans, the Arabs cultivators are early emigrations; almost all of
+ them having their original stock in the Sahara. It is also
+ confined, almost exclusively, to Muhamedans, and does not, like the
+ divine doctrine of Jesus Christ, with universal benevolence embrace
+ all mankind, without distinction of party, sect, or nation;--a
+ doctrine which has lately been put in considerable practice in our
+ own country, by institutions supported by voluntary subscriptions
+ for the destitute, for foreigners in distress, and for negroes; by
+ institutions in aid and support of all needy persons labouring
+ under sickness, or having need of surgical aid; by institutions for
+ the encouragement of industry, for the refutation of vice and
+242 immorality; by institutions that reflect immortal honour on this
+ country, and cast a lustre on the respective individuals who have
+ contributed to all these heart-approving institutions, which are
+ calculated to afford relief to almost every description of
+ suffering humanity!!
+
+ Itinerant (_tebeebs_) doctors travel through the country to
+ administer to the sick; which, however, are seldom found. They
+ carry over their shoulders a leathern bag, containing their
+ surgical apparatus, which consists of a lancet, a scarifying knife,
+ and a caustic knife, or knife for burning: they scarify the neck,
+ the forehead, or the wrists. The caustic knife is an instrument of
+ very general application. They convert all gun-shot and other
+ wounds, as well as sores, into burns, by heating the knife in the
+ fire, and gently touching the circumference of the wound with it.
+ This produces acute pain; but the Africans bear pain heroically:
+ they say that this method prevents inflammation and festering. They
+ perform, by caustic, extraordinary cures. I imagine this method
+ would not agree with an European body, pampered with a variety of
+ high food and luxurious living.
+
+ The inhabitants of this country break their fast with (_el hassua_)
+ barley-gruel; they grind the barley to the size of sparrow-shot,
+ this they mix with water, and simmer over a slow fire two or three
+ hours. This food is esteemed extremely wholesome, and is
+243 antifebrile. The Emperor takes this before he drinks tea in a
+ morning: his father, Seedi Muhamed ben Abdallah, also, who drank
+ none but fine hyson tea, never would drink that beverage till he
+ had first laid a foundation of _el hassua_.
+
+ The Arabs and Shelluhs, with whom _el hassua_ is generally used,
+ urge its salubrity, by reporting that a physician alighted in a
+ strange country, and when he arose in the morning, after performing
+ his matins, he seated himself with some of the inhabitants, and,
+ conversing, asked them how they lived, and with what food they
+ broke their fast? "With _el hassua_," was the reply: "Then,"
+ rejoined Esculapius, (_Salam u alikume_,) "Peace be with you; for
+ if you eat _el hassua_ in the morning you have no need of a
+ doctor:" and he immediately departed.
+
+ When I established the port of Santa Cruz, and opened it to
+ European commerce, the gratitude and hospitality of the Arabs and
+ Shelluhs of the province of Suse, was demonstrated in every way: so
+ rejoiced were they to see their port, after an inactivity of thirty
+ years, again re-established. If I rode out to visit any part of the
+ country, the women, on my approach to a douar, would come out to a
+ great distance with bowls of milk on their heads; others with bowls
+ of honey, with thin scrapings of butter in them, and bread or
+244 cakes[169], similar to pancakes, baked in five minutes, on stones
+ heated with the embers of charcoal. These greetings I received by
+ tasting every bowl of milk, and dipping a bit of bread in the honey
+ and eating it. The milk thus presented is emblematical of peace and
+ amity; the honey of welcome: to refuse eating or tasting what is
+ thus presented, is considered, among this patriarchal people, a
+ great breach of good manners, an inexcusable want of courtesy,
+ which they say none but a _kaffer_[170] would commit. They would
+ then say, _Birk eeaudee, birk attajar u straha_, "Alight, I pray
+ thee, alight, merchant! and rest yourself."
+
+ [Footnote 169: See a similar custom in Genesis, xxiii. 5--8.]
+
+ [Footnote 170: Kaffer is the Arabic term for Infidel. All the
+ idolatrous Negro nations are, by Muhamedans, denominated
+ Kaffer, (or Caffres). Sing. Kaffer--plural Kaffer.]
+
+ In these halcyon days, these grateful people never knew when to
+ cease offering presents. They sat on the ground in the refulgent
+ meridian sun, and when I dismounted to walk to the shade of a tree,
+ to partake of their hospitality, they would exhort me to shun the
+ shade, (_lie e drab'k elbird_) for fear it should give me cold.
+245 These Bedouin[171] Arabs of Suse and Sahara are the descendants of
+ the ancient Arabs, whose bold and figurative language is the same
+ that was spoken in Arabia twelve centuries ago, in the time of
+ Muhamed.
+
+ [Footnote 171: The Arabs of the vast plains of the empire of
+ Marocco, who live in douars, or encampments, are emigrations
+ from the original stock or clan in Sahara; who are the pure or
+ Bedouin Arabs. Being established in the beautiful and
+ productive plains of West and South Barbary, they soon forget
+ their Bedouin customs, change their wandering, plundering
+ habits, and become cultivators, and stationary; for the immense
+ produce of their labour in these plains, which require no dung,
+ nor any preparation but the plough, soon rewards their
+ industry, so as to determine them to continue this new mode of
+ life.]
+
+ Passing early one morning by a douar, in the territory of
+ Howara,[172] I was invited to join a party to hunt the wild boar.
+ The plains of Howara, between the city of Terodant and Santa Cruz,
+ abound with boars: we started, in a few hours, seven of these
+ animals, two of which were taken and killed. The dogs best
+ calculated for this sport are what they call _sereet telt_, or the
+ third race of greyhounds, which is a very strong dog. One of these,
+ I observed, attacked the boars by the nape of the neck, and never
+ left his hold till the other dogs came up to the attack: although
+ the boar would toss him about in all directions, he never left his
+ hold. The Arabs of Suse are very dextrous and active at this sport:
+ they hunt with javelins; some have guns, which they fire when
+ opportunity offers, but they never expend their powder and shot
+ (_batal_) vainly, as they express it, but always make sure of their
+246 mark. I could not but admire this celebrated (_slogie_) greyhound;
+ which the Arab to whom it belonged observing, insisted on my taking
+ it home to Santa Cruz, adding, that whenever I wished to hunt, to
+ let him know, and he would accompany me. I offered him a present of
+ money for the dog, which is what I never had refused before in the
+ provinces north of Suse; but he declined the offer, saying he was
+ more than recompensed already by the establishment of the port of
+ Santa Cruz. "Myself, my family, my kabyl," said he, "hail you as a
+ father; (_e moot alik_) they will die in your cause." No favour
+ could have equalled that of re-establishing the commerce of
+ Agadeer. These circumstances serve to show what reception might be
+ expected from these people, if the British Government would
+ negociate with the Emperor for the purchase of the port of Agadeer,
+ or Santa Cruz, preparatory to the establishment of a commerce with
+ Timbuctoo, and other regions of Sudan.
+
+ [Footnote 172: In the 815th year of the Hejira, an emigration
+ from the Howara Arabs attacked, took possession of, and
+ destroyed the city of Assouan, in Egypt.]
+
+247
+
+ PLAN
+ FOR THE
+ GRADUAL CIVILISATION OF AFRICA.
+
+ _On the Commercial Intercourse with Africa, through the
+ Sahara and Ashantee._
+
+
+
+
+ To cultivate an extensive commercial intercourse with Africa, I
+ have already observed, that the best method, the simplest, and that
+ which is, from contingent circumstances, the most likely to
+ succeed, is the plan which I have pointed out in the following
+ prospectus. I shall now offer several reasons why this plan is
+ superior to any other hitherto suggested.
+
+ The riches of the Arabs of Sahara generally, as well as of that
+ part which I have contemplated as a convenient spot for
+ establishing a colony, and for opening a communication with Sudan,
+ consists exclusively in camels. The independence of a man is there
+ ascertained by the number of camels he possesses; it is not said,
+ how many thousand dollars has he? or, what quantity of gold does he
+ possess? or, what land has he? but, how many camels does he own?
+ The master of these, aptly denominated, ships of the Desert, is
+248 urged by interest to let on hire his camels, as the master of a
+ ship of the ocean is urged by interest to seek freight for his
+ ship. And it is observed, that the ferocious appearance among the
+ Arabs, (which is too often assumed,) subsides in proportion to the
+ intercourse they have with merchants, who negociate with them for
+ the transport of their goods. Thus, at the _depots_ for camels
+ between the cultivated country and the Desert, viz. at _Akka,
+ Tatta, Ufran,_ and _Wedinoon_, the ferocity of the Arabs is greatly
+ lost in the commercial spirit and endeavour to let their camels on
+ hire to the merchants. The Mograffra, the Woled Abbusebah, and the
+ Tejakant Arabs, therefore, who possess the Sahara, from the shores
+ of the Atlantic to the confines of Timbuctoo, would act in concert
+ with the colony, and would have a joint interest in promoting their
+ commercial views. The Brabeesh Arabs who receive, occasionally,
+ tribute from Timbuctoo, would also find it expedient to promote the
+ commerce of Sudan, and the prosperity of Timbuctoo; both which
+ would necessarily be united to their own interest, and would
+ provide a demand for their camels.
+
+ If the profits of this commerce, when once established and secured
+ to the British, were to be cent. per cent., the whole would remain
+ a bonus to the colony. There would be no shereef of Fezzan, or
+ bashaw of Tripoli, to take their share of the profits, in any
+ shape, in exchange for the privilege of being suffered to pass
+249 through their country. But, on the contrary, the Arabs of the
+ Mograffra and other tribes would find it so evidently their
+ interest and advantage to be friendly with us, that we might
+ absolutely have the entire command of the Desert, from the shores
+ of the Atlantic to the city of Timbuctoo, which would eventually
+ throw such a weight of power into our hands, as to make even that
+ city itself, in a manner, tributary to us.
+
+ A plan of this kind should be executed _upon a grand national
+ scale_, and be pursued with discretion and perseverance.
+
+ An attempt to penetrate to Timbuctoo, through Ashantee, and
+ establish a commerce through that country, might meet with
+ temporary success; but I apprehend that we should labour under the
+ same inconveniences, and be subject to the same arbitrary imposts
+ and exactions, whether in the shape of duties, part of the profits,
+ or otherwise, as we should, by opening a communication through
+ Tripoli. There would be a present or douceur to the king of
+ Ashantee; others to the princes of the adjoining territories; and,
+ finally, (taking the character of this king to be as represented by
+ the late traveller in that country, Mr. Bowdich), might we not
+ reasonably anticipate that, on the first dispute respecting the
+ division of the profits, the king of Ashantee would order all the
+ English out of his country, and, to terminate the dispute, plunder
+ them of their property? But, perhaps the establishment of a colony
+ in Ashantee, _conjoined_ to one in Sahara, might not be
+250 objectionable. We should then have two routs to the grand emporium
+ of central Africa: if one failed, the other would remain open for
+ our countrymen to recover their property and to return by; and
+ thus, in establishing a commercial intercourse with the interior of
+ Africa, through two routes, we should secure, at the same time, our
+ retreat, by one of them, and not remain at the mercy of the
+ barbarous king of Ashantee, or any other African potentate, who
+ might be urged, from jealousy or avarice, to sacrifice our people,
+ when once he had them in his power!
+
+251
+
+ PROSPECTUS OF A PLAN
+ FOR FORMING A
+ NORTH AFRICAN OR SUDAN COMPANY,
+
+ To be instituted for the purpose of establishing an extensive
+ Commerce with, and laying open to British Enterprise, all the
+ Interior Regions of North Africa.
+
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ OBJECTS OF THE SOCIETY.
+
+ 1_st_. To lay open the interior regions of North Africa to British
+ enterprise--to supply those vast and unexplored countries with
+ British manufactures, with East-India goods, and with colonial
+ produce.
+
+ 2_dly_, To encourage our manufactories, by opening a new market
+ calculated to improve the revenue of the country, to provide
+ employment for the labouring poor, and to enrich the mercantile
+ community; _the genial influence of which sources of prosperity
+ will necessarily diffuse itself through all classes_.
+
+ 3_dly_, To facilitate, through the medium of commerce (_the only
+ medium by which it can possibly be effected_), the exploration of
+ the interior regions of Africa, (_which have remained to this day a
+ sealed book, notwithstanding the many adventurous expeditions that
+252 have been undertaken_,) by opening a communication with the natives
+ of that vast and little-known continent, and BY CALLING TO OUR AID
+ THE CO-OPERATION OF THE NATIVE CHIEFS, BY HOLDING OUT TO THEM THE
+ BENEFITS WHICH THEY WILL DERIVE FROM COMMERCIAL INTERCOURSE AS A
+ REWARD FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE AND EXERTIONS IN PROMOTING THIS
+ DESIRABLE OBJECT.
+
+ For these purposes it is proposed--
+
+ That the funds to be raised be one hundred thousand pounds, in
+ shares of one hundred pounds each. Ten shares to constitute a
+ director.
+
+ The spot proposed to be fixed on as the point of communication, and
+ commercial depot, between Great Britain and the interior of Africa
+ is SAFE AND HEALTHY: it will afford a _direct communication with
+ Timbuctoo and the interior regions of Sudan_, without being subject
+ to the uncertainty of securing the favour and protection of the
+ various sultans and sheiks of the respective territories of the
+ interior, through which the merchants and traders may pass--a
+ measure which would have been indispensable in every plan that has
+ hitherto been suggested for the discovery of those interesting
+ regions.
+
+ The plan now to be adopted, on the contrary, will be subject to
+ none of those impediments and uncertainties; but the merchants and
+ travellers will pass through territories where they need fear no
+ hostility, but will be received with hospitality and attention by
+ the natives, who will give them every assistance and accommodation
+253 in their progress through their country.
+
+ Connected with this plan, a school for instructing the British
+ youth in African Arabic, so as to initiate them in the rudiments of
+ that language previously to their departure for Africa, might be
+ established, under the direction of JAMES GREY JACKSON, professor
+ of African Arabic, &c.
+
+ The present scheme has been many years in contemplation, but no
+ favourable opportunity of making it thus public having hitherto
+ occurred, it is now offered to the public, in consequence of the
+ energies lately manifested by France and by America for African
+ colonisation, and also by Holland.
+
+ The projectors, for the honour of their own country, are anxious
+ that Great Britain may not, through supineness, suffer this
+ important discovery to be wrested from her by any foreign power,
+ but that she should _at least share the glory_ due to this
+ important achievement, the completion of which would _immortalize
+ the prince who should cherish it to its maturity_.
+
+ Capitalists, and gentlemen resident in Great Britain, desirous of
+ further information on this subject, may address themselves to
+ JAMES GREY JACKSON, whose residence, at any time, may be known at
+ Messrs. Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, London.
+
+ TO THE BRITISH PUBLIC.
+
+ London, 31st March, 1819.
+
+ The above plan is ingenuously, liberally, and disinterestedly
+254 submitted to the consideration of British capitalists and merchants
+ of respectability. The advantages to be derived from such an
+ establishment as is here contemplated, if not evident to Great
+ Britain, is clearly visible to Holland, to France, and to America.
+
+ The projector, therefore, without mentioning the offers that have
+ been made to him by a foreign maritime power, and _without
+ courting_ the suffrages of British merchants in support of this
+ plan, has it in contemplation, (_provided no attention is paid to
+ it in England_,) to lay this eligible scheme open to a foreign
+ power. If, therefore, the projector should accept employment in
+ this undertaking from a foreign power, it will be in the
+ conviction, that _it is more to the interest of mankind in general,
+ and to Europe in particular_, that this plan for opening an
+ _extensive, lucrative, and beneficial commerce with Africa_, (which
+ would necessarily lead to its civilisation,) should be known to,
+ and adopted by, _a foreign power_, than that this vast and
+ little-known continent should, (to the indelible disgrace of
+ civilised Europe,) _still continue to remain_ an useless and an
+ undiscovered country to the present generation!
+
+ JAMES GREY JACKSON.
+
+ _Appendix to the foregoing Prospectus, being an Epitome of the
+ Trade carried on by Great Britain and the European States in the
+ Mediterranean, indirectly with Timbuctoo, the Commercial Depot of
+ North Africa, and with other States of Sudan_.
+
+ Marseilles, Genoa, Leghorn, and other commercial ports of France
+255 and Italy, as well as of Spain, send to Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli,
+ and Egypt, _for the markets of Sudan_, manufactured silks, damask,
+ brocade, velvets, raw silk, combs of box and ivory, gold-thread,
+ paper, manufactured sugar, cochineal, and various other
+ merchandise.
+
+ Great Britain sends to the Barbary ports in the Mediterranean, and
+ to Mogodor on the Atlantic Ocean (which are afterwards conveyed to
+ Timbuctoo), for distribution at the several markets of Sudan--
+
+ _East India Goods, viz._--Gum benjamin, cassia, cinnamon, mace,
+ nutmegs, cloves, ginger, black pepper, Bengal silk, China silks,
+ nankeens, blue linens, long cloths, and muslins (mulls).
+
+ _West India Produce_.--Pimento, tobacco, coffee, cocoa, and
+ manufactured sugar.
+
+ _Linens_.--Dimities, plattilias, creas, rouans, Britannias,
+ cambrics, and Irish linens.
+
+ _Hardware_.--Iron nails, copper ditto, brass ditto, sword blades,
+ dagger ditto, guns, gunpowder, knives, &c. &c.
+
+ _Cloths_.--Superfine, of plain brilliant colours, not mixtures, and
+ cassimeres. And various other articles of merchandise.
+
+ Immense quantities of salt are also sent to Timbuctoo, which is for
+ the most part collected at the mines of Tishet and Shangareen, (see
+ the map of northern and central Africa, in the New Supplement to
+ the Encyclopaedia Britannica,) through which the caravan would pass
+ to Timbuctoo.
+256
+ The following are the articles purchased by the Moors and Arab
+ traders, and are the returns brought back to Barbary from Sudan;
+ viz.
+
+ Gold dust, and trinkets of pure Wangara gold, of various fashions,
+ of the manufacture of Housa and Jinnie.--_B'Kore Sudan_ (fumigation
+ of Sudan), a kind of frankincense highly esteemed by the Africans.
+ Ostrich feathers (the finest in the world). Elephants' Teeth.
+ _Korkidan_, so called by the Arabs, being the horns of the
+ rhinoceros: these are a very costly article, and are in high
+ estimation among the muselmen, for sword-hilts and dagger-handles.
+ _Guza Sarawie_ (Grains of Paradise). Gum Copal Assafoetida, and a
+ great variety of drugs for manufacturing uses, and various roots
+ for dyeing. Ebony. Camwood. Sandal wood. Indigo, equal to that of
+ Guatimala: to which may be added, the command of the gum trade of
+ Senegal.
+
+ All the foregoing merchandise being first landed at Alexandria,
+ Tripoli, Tunis, Algiers, and Tetuan, and other Barbary ports in the
+ Mediterranean, _as well as at Mogodor on the western coast of
+ Africa_, are afterwards sold to the Muhamedan merchants, who sell
+ them with a very good profit to other Moors. These goods frequently
+ go through three, four, and five hands, before they reach the
+ consumer in Sudan, subject to a profit gained by each holder of
+ from twenty to thirty per cent.; the last purchaser, who conveys
+257 them through the Desert, however, expects, and generally obtains,
+ from fifty to sixty per cent. profit on them, to which he considers
+ himself entitled, from the fatigue and privations of his passage
+ through the Desert, during a journey through a country, for the
+ most part barren, of above fifteen hundred miles in length; through
+ various kingdoms and principalities, subject to a charge for
+ (_statta_) convoy at the exit and entrance of each respective state
+ or district on each side of the Sahara, as well as in the Sahara
+ itself.
+
+ But, according to the plan here suggested to the commercial
+ community, all these various articles, instead of passing through
+ five several hands, would now pass through only two hands, viz.
+ through those of the shippers in England, and those of their agents
+ established on _the western coast of Africa_, who would sell them
+ directly to the Timbuctoo trader, which latter, instead of having
+ several principalities and kingdoms to pass through (at the exit
+ from each of which, as well as at the entrance of them, he would
+ have a charge for protection or convoy, called _statta_, levied on
+ the goods), would have no convoy-charge, or statta, to pay; he
+ would have but ten hundred, instead of fifteen or sixteen hundred
+ miles to go, being about two-thirds of the distance of the road
+ from Tunis or Tripoli, through Fezzan, to Timbuctoo.
+
+ N.B. There is an immense bank near the contemplated depot, or port
+258 (abounding in fish, which now supplies the _wahs_, or cultivated
+ spots in the desert, as well as the territories on the southern
+ confines thereof), which produces fish sufficient to supply the
+ whole of the interior of Africa, as well as the shores of the
+ Mediterranean, &c. &c.
+
+ _Letter from Vasco de Gama, in elucidation of this Plan_.
+
+ Sir,
+
+ The Society of Encouragement for National Industry in France, has
+ granted prizes for various discoveries in the arts and sciences;
+ but I wish government, or some society of our own country, would
+ offer a liberal prize for the best mode of colonising Africa, and
+ for meliorating the condition of the inhabitants of that vast and
+ little known continent. A well-digested plan for the discovery of
+ this continent might be followed by the most desirable events. The
+ efforts of the African Association have, to say the least, been
+ lamentably disastrous; little good can be anticipated from the
+ efforts of solitary or scientific travellers in a country where
+ science is not cultivated, and where the travellers know little or
+259 nothing of the[173] general language of Africa, or of the manners
+ and dispositions of the natives.
+
+ [Footnote 173: The general language of North Africa is the
+ Western Arabic, with a knowledge of which language, a traveller
+ may make himself intelligible wherever he may go; either in the
+ negro countries of Sudan, in Egypt, Abyssinia, Sahara, or
+ Barbary.]
+
+ A knowledge therefore of the _African Arabic_ appears indispensable
+ to this great undertaking; and it should seem that a commercial
+ adventurer is much more likely to obtain his object than a
+ scientific traveller, for this plain reason,--because it is much
+ easier to persuade the Africans that we travel into their country
+ for the purposes of commerce and its result--_profit_, than to
+ persuade them that we are so anxious to ascertain the course of
+ their rivers!
+
+ Accordingly, it was aptly observed by the Negroes of Congo, when
+ they learned that Captain Tuckey came not to trade nor to make war;
+ _"What then come for? only to take walk and make book?"_
+
+ I do not mean now to lay down a plan for the colonisation of
+ Africa, or for opening an extensive commerce with that vast
+ continent, but I would suggest the propriety of the method by which
+ the East India Company govern their immense territories. _I would
+ wish to see an African Company formed on an extensive scale, with a
+ large capital_. I am convinced that such a company would be of more
+ service to the commerce of this country than the present India
+ trade, where the natives, _without being in want_ of our
+ manufactures, surpass us in ingenuity. But the Africans, on the
+ contrary, _are in want_ of our manufactured goods, and give immense
+260 sums for them. According to a late author, who has given us the
+ fullest description[174] of Timbuctoo[175] and its vicinity, a
+ _Plattilia_ is there worth fifty Mexico dollars, or twenty _meezens
+ of gold_, each meezen being worth two and a half Mexico dollars; _a
+ piece of Irish linen_ of ordinary quality, and measuring
+ twenty-five yards, is worth seventy-five Mexico dollars; and a
+ quintal of _loaf sugar_ is worth one hundred Mexico dollars. Now if
+ we investigate the parsimonious mode of traversing the Desert, we
+ shall find that a journey of 1500 English miles is performed from
+ Fas to Timbuctoo at the rate of forty shillings sterling per
+ quintal, so that loaf sugar (a weighty and bulky article) can be
+ rendered from London at Timbuctoo through Tetuan and Fas, including
+ the expense of a land-carriage of 1500 miles at about 6L. per
+ quintal, thus:
+
+ Refined sugar on board in London for _s. d._
+ per cwt. 70 0
+
+ Duty on importation in any part of
+ Marocco, ten per cent. 7 0
+
+ Freight, &c. five per cent. 3 6
+
+ Land carriage across the Desert on camels
+ to Timbuctoo 40 0
+ -----
+ s. 120 6
+ -----
+
+ [Footnote 174: See new Supplement to the Encyclopedia
+ Britannica, article Africa, page 98.]
+
+ [Footnote 175: See the account of Timbuctoo appended to
+ Jackson's account of Marocco, published by Cadell and Davies,
+ London, Chap, 18.]
+261
+ So that if 100 lb. of loaf sugar rendered, at Timbuctoo cost
+ 120_s_. 6_d_ and sells there for 100 Mexico dollars at 4_s_. 6_d_.
+ each, or for 22L. 5_s_. there will result a profit of 270 per cent.
+
+ The profit in fine goods, such as the linens before mentioned, is
+ still more considerable, not being subject to so heavy a charge for
+ carriage. The immense quantity of[176] gold dust and gold bars that
+ would be brought from Timbuctoo, Wangara, Gana, and other
+ countries, in exchange for this merchandise, would be incalculable,
+ and has, perhaps, never yet been contemplated by Europeans!!--In
+ the same work, above quoted, 3d edition, page 289, will be found a
+ list of the various merchandise exportable from Great Britain,
+ which suit the market of the interior of Africa or Sudan: and also
+ a list of the articles which we should receive in return for those
+ goods.
+
+ [Footnote 176: The Kings, David and Solomon, extracted from
+ Africa to enrich the temple of Jerusalem upwards of
+ 800,000,000L. sterling, a sum sufficient to discharge the
+ national debt; see Commercial Magazine for May 1819, page 6.;
+ which is eight times as much gold as the mines of Brazil have
+ produced since their discovery in 1756. See Commercial Magazine
+ for the same month, page 44.]
+
+ Plans to penetrate to the mart of Timbuctoo (which would supply
+ Housa, Wangara, Gana, and other districts of Sudan with European
+ merchandize) have been formed; but if a treaty of commerce were
+ made with any of the Negro kings, these plans would be subject to
+ various impediments.
+262
+ The goods, in passing through hostile territories, (these
+ sovereigns living in a state of continual warfare with each other,)
+ would be subject to innumerable imposts; _it would therefore be
+ expedient to form a plan whereby the goods should reach Timbuctoo
+ through an eligible part of the Desert_: but some persons who have
+ been in the habit of trading for gum to _Portandik_, have declared
+ the inhabitants of Sahara to be a wild and savage race, untractable
+ and not to be civilised by commerce, or by any other means. This I
+ must beg leave to contradict: the Arabs of Sahara, from their
+ wandering habits, are certainly wild, and _they are hostile to all
+ who do not understand their language_; but if two or three
+ Europeans capable of holding colloquial intercourse with them, were
+ to go and establish a factory on their coast, and then suggest to
+ them the benefit _they would derive_, being the _carriers_ of such
+ a trade as is here contemplated, their ferocity would be
+ transferred forthwith into that virtue in the practice of which
+ they so eminently excel all other nations, _hospitality_; and the
+ most inviolable alliance might be formed with such a people. I
+ speak not from the experience of books, but from an actual
+ intercourse, and from having passed many years of my youth among
+ them.
+263
+ An advantageous spot might be fixed upon on the western coast, in
+ an independent district, where our alliance would be courted, from
+ which the Kafila[177] or Akkaba would have to pass through only one
+ tribe with perfect safety, and subject to no impost whatever;
+ neither would they be subject to any duty on entering the town of
+ Timbuctoo, as they would enter at the _Beb Sahara_, or gate of the
+ Desert, which _exempts them_ from duty or impost.
+
+ [Footnote 177: Caravan.]
+
+ That civilisation would be the result of commerce, and that the
+ trade in slaves would decrease with the increase of our commerce
+ with these people, there can be little doubt; and, independent of
+ the advantages of an extensive commerce, the consolation would be
+ great to the Christian and to the Philosopher, of having converted
+ millions of brethren made in the perfection of God's image, and
+ endowed with reason, from barbarism to civilisation, if not to
+ Christianity!!!
+
+ Let us hope, then, that some of the intelligent readers of your
+ luminous and interesting pages will direct their attention to this
+ great national object, and produce ah eligible and well-digested
+ plan for the cultivation of a mutual intercourse _through the
+ medium qf commerce with Africa_, and for the civilisation of that
+ hitherto neglected continent.
+
+ VASCO DE GAMA.
+
+ _Eton, 28th May, 1819_.
+264
+
+ _On Commercial Intercourse with Africa_.
+
+ (TO THE EDITOR OF THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE.)
+
+ Sir,
+
+ The plan of your correspondent, for opening a commercial
+ intercourse with the interior of Africa, appears to me so direct
+ and simple, that I am only surprised it has not been thought of
+ before. The Moors are the merchants of Africa; the chain of
+ communication that runs from the states of Barbary to the negro
+ kingdoms, and from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea.
+ To judge of the humanity of these people from the accounts of
+ shipwrecked sailors, whom they have dragged into slavery, and then
+ liberated for money, would be not less fallacious than to estimate
+ the character of the English nation from the plunderers of the
+ wrecks on their coast. From such accounts, the name of Moor has
+ inspired us with horror; and Park's detention at the camp of Ali,
+ one of their chiefs, has contributed to confirm it. Park, however,
+ so far from endeavouring to conciliate his captors, endeavoured, by
+ his own confession, to appear as contemptible as possible in their
+ eyes; and yet, with this disadvantage, the greater part of the
+ miseries he endured proceeded from the climate and the irritation
+ of his own mind.
+
+ The Arabs of Sahara are the carriers of merchandize throughout
+ North Africa, and the Moors are in the constant habit of selling
+265 gum to the French on the Senegal. The French say they are
+ perfidious; but they give no proof of it that I have seen. I have
+ met with a French traveller, who owns that his countrymen deceive
+ them either in the weight or measure of the gum they purchase.
+
+ Bruce found a friend in every Moorish merchant, and integrity and
+ intelligence in all. And where should these qualities be found in a
+ country like the interior of Africa, in which learning has no place
+ but among merchants?
+
+ So much for the proposed carriers of English goods to Timbuctoo.
+ Now for the road. The fertile parts of Africa are hot and humid,
+ unwholesome and dangerous; and the kings are often at war with each
+ other. Park experienced both these evils; and the wonder was, not
+ so much that he perished on his second journey, as that he returned
+ from his first. The Desert is dry and heathful. It is sprinkled
+ with fertile spots, which form a succession of known
+ resting-places, and the distance between each requires a certain
+ number of days to travel. The Moors are at home in Sahara; and,
+ when they go long journeys, the fertile spots are their inns. The
+ road from the coast of Sahara is also the shortest that has yet
+ been pointed out to Timbuctoo.
+
+ If the means of executing the plan appear sufficient, it is not
+ necessary to say any thing in favour of the object: the exchange of
+ British manufactures for gold, speaks for itself. But there is no
+266 time to be lost. The French settlement of Galam is advantageously
+ situated for commerce with Timbuctoo: a Frenchman has already
+ travelled from Galam to that city, I believe on a commercial
+ speculation, and he has returned safe.
+
+ CATHERINE HUTTON.
+
+ _Impediments to our Intercourse with Africa_.
+
+ When we consider the maritime strength of Great Britain; her
+ command of the ocean; the vicinity to Europe of West Barbary, one
+ of the finest countries in the world; the rich and valuable produce
+ which is cultivated in this country;--when we consider that our
+ garrison of Gibraltar is in its vicinage, and but a few hours' sail
+ from it, we are naturally astonished that our communication with
+ this country is so limited. That we have less commercial
+ communication with Barbary, than we have with countries that do not
+ open to us any thing like the commercial advantages that this
+ country offers, though they are thousands of miles from us. It
+ appears relevant, therefore, to inquire, whence originates this
+ impeded intercourse? There are two great impediments to our free
+ intercourse with Sudan through Marocco: viz., a general ignorance
+ of the Arabic language, as spoken in the latter country; and the
+ repugnancy of the Muhamedan religion to that of Christ. With
+ respect to the first of these impediments, it is remarkable that
+ this learned language is so little known in Europe,--this language,
+267 the most prevalent in the world, a language which is spoken or
+ understood almost without intermission from the western shores of
+ Africa on the Atlantic ocean, to the confines of China,--a language
+ understood, wherever Muhamedans are to be found, throughout all the
+ populous and commercial regions of Africa, from the Western Ocean
+ to the Red Sea, and from the Mediterranean to the country of
+ Kaffers,[178] in the vicinage of the Cape of Good Hope. With
+ respect to the second of these impediments, the repugnancy of the
+ Muhamedan religion to that of Christ, it may justly be observed,
+ that this is not really so great as we are apt to imagine; the
+ moral principles of Muhamedans being not unlike those of the former
+ Christians, being in fact a composition of Hebrew and Christian
+ morality. They acknowledge Jesus Christ to be a prophet, and tell
+ us, that, in this respect, they are on the safe side, as we impute
+ no Divine authority to Muhamed. But a most violent repugnance to
+ Christians has been propagated by the (_Fakeers_) Muselmen saints,
+ or holy men. They have industriously circulated the belief of an
+ old superstitious prediction which they have on record, viz. that
+ the Christians will invade the Muhamedan countries, take their
+268 cities and towns, and establish the Christian religion on the ruins
+ of that of Muhamed, and take possession of the country. These
+ reports, propagated, as before observed, by the (_Fakeers_)
+ Muhamedan saints, among the lower orders, have kindled a high
+ degree of rancour and animosity, (equal to that which the Catholics
+ formerly indulged towards their protestant brethren,) which will
+ never be extinguished until a friendly alliance and extensive
+ commercial intercourse be established with them; which alone can
+ soften this rancour and animosity into peace and amity. This
+ animosity has been increased also by the rancorous anti-christian
+ disposition manifested towards these people by the writings of
+ Roman catholic priests and others.[179] If these uncharitable
+ opinions of each other could be eradicated, the blessings that
+ would result to the Africans would be incalculable; a reciprocal
+ exchange of good offices might pave the way to purchase of the
+ Emperor of Marocco the port of Agadeer or Santa Cruz, aptly
+ denominated, from its contiguity to the Sahara (_Beb Sudan_) "the
+ gate of Sudan," which, in the hands of the English, would be the
+ key to the whole of the interior of Africa, and an effectual link
+269 in our chain of communication with the interior of that
+ undiscovered continent; it would moreover secure to us the entire
+ commerce of those extensive and populous regions, to the exclusion
+ of our Moorish competitors of Cairo, Alexandria, Tripoli, Tunis,
+ Algiers, and other ports of Barbary, who supply the people of Sudan
+ with European merchandise at the fourth, fifth, and sixth hand.
+
+ [Footnote 178: _Kaffer (or Caffre_) is an Arabic word which
+ signifies infidels or unbelievers (in Muhamed); the very name
+ has been given by Muhamedans, and therefore it is to be
+ presumed that the Muhamedans approximate the countries
+ contiguous to the Cape.]
+
+ [Footnote 179: See Martin Martinius. Abraham Ecchellensis.
+ Maccarius, Theolog. Polemic. Peter Cevaller. Robert de Retz,
+ translator of the Koran. See also the support of this assertion
+ in Jackson's Account of the Empire of Marocco, enlarged
+ edition, published by Cadell and Davies, Strand, from p. 196.
+ to 208.]
+
+ The abolition of the slave-trade cannot be effected until we shall
+ have substituted some commerce with the Negro countries, equivalent
+ at least, or that shall be more than equivalent to it, otherwise
+ the negro sovereigns of Sudan will never be induced to relinquish
+ so great a source of profit. Every naval officer in His Majesty's
+ service knows, that if we were to have thirty sail of the line
+ continually off the coast of Guinea, it would not be sufficient to
+ annihilate this abominable traffic, or to deter people from
+ embarking in a trade that yields such extraordinary profits. This
+ being admitted, as it certainly will be by every intelligent man,
+ it follows, that the system now in operation by the British
+ government for the abolition of the slave-trade, will be attended
+ only with an unnecessary expense to this country, without the
+ possibility of effecting the desired object; but, on the contrary,
+ judging from recent events, there is every reason to presume, that
+ this detestable commerce will increase, as it has continued to
+ increase, these last two or three years, in spite of all our
+270 operations to prevent it; the Spaniards alone having imported into
+ the island of Cuba more slaves in 1818 and 1819, than in the four
+ preceding years. The result has been, that that island has
+ produced, in 1819, more than double the produce of the former year;
+ their waste lands, accordingly, are in progressive cultivation,
+ and, if they go on thus improving, that island, in a few years
+ hence, will produce coffee and sugar sufficient for the supply of
+ all the markets of Europe.
+
+ Finally, Slavery will never give way to any thing but civilisation;
+ the civilisation of Africa can never be accomplished but through a
+ great and extensive commercial intercourse, a commerce that will
+ _enrich the negroes, and enable them, by a supply of arms, to
+ contend with and gain an ascendancy over their Muhamedan
+ oppressors_, who want no other pretext for attacking them, than
+ that of their being idolaters, which idolatry, it is asserted,
+ authorises the Muselman to make them slaves. Thus, _the abolition
+ of slavery must depend on the Africans themselves_; and although it
+ is in our power to supply them with the means for _their
+ emancipation_, yet it is absurd to suppose that we can effect it by
+ our naval operations. If all the great sovereigns of Europe were to
+ agree to make the trading in slaves piracy, they would not prevent
+ it. WE cannot emancipate them; _that only can be accomplished by
+ their own energy_, awakened in them by commercial intercourse, and
+ its accompanying civilisation.
+271
+ Much might be done if all the African societies were to unite their
+ interest, knowledge, and abilities for this desired object. If the
+ African Company would unite their energies with the African
+ Association, and with the African Institution, such an union would
+ promote the civilisation of the African continent, and the
+ conversion of the Negroes to Christianity.
+
+ ARCHITECTURE OF THE MOSQUES.
+
+ The architecture of this country is of the Gothic character. The
+ mosques are built somewhat like our churches: the body of the
+ mosques are covered with green glazed tiles; the steeples are
+ invariably an exact square, the sides being ten or twelve feet, not
+ tapering as those of Coventry, but the top having the same
+ dimensions as the base. At the top is erected a smaller square,
+ with a flag-staff similar to a gallows, to which is suspended every
+ day at noon, a white flag, the signal of preparation for prayers;
+ but on Fridays, the Muhamedan Sabbath, a dark-blue one is
+ substituted for the same purpose. Some of the mosques are paved
+ with white and black chequered marble, some are tessellated
+ pavements, consisting of white, blue, and green glazed tiles, about
+ two inches square, a very pretty mode of paving, extremely clean,
+ and has a very cool appearance; others are terrassed, which is lime
+272 and small stones beaten down with wooden mallets. They excel in the
+ art of making terras. The houses are all flat roofed, so as to
+ resist the heaviest rains: the declivity of the terrasses is so
+ imperceptible, that it is just sufficient to give the rains a
+ tendency to the great conduit or pipe that leads to the mitfere
+ underneath the house, which is underground, and has a terras
+ bottom, impervious to the water. Here is collected water sufficient
+ for the family or household during the year; the lime that washes
+ into the mitfere from the terrassed roof, purifies the water, and
+ preserves it from worms and other insects. They have no ornaments
+ in their mosques; but the place where the Mufti or Fakeer reads
+ prayers, is covered with mats or carpets; the rest of the floor is
+ bare, and the respective individuals prostrate themselves on the
+ bare floor, or on an antelope's or _Elhorreh_[180] skin, or the
+ skin of a lion or tiger, prepared in a superior manner by the
+ tanners at Marocco, the leather of which is made soft as silk, and
+ white as snow.
+
+ [Footnote 180: For a description of this curious animal, see
+ Jackson's Marocco, page 83, Chapter on Zoology.]
+
+ The bodies of the dead are never laid in the mosques or near them,
+ but are invariably carried out of the town, to some coba[181] in
+273 the vicinity. The bodies of the dead are washed, and covered with
+ lawn, and placed on an oblong wooden machine, resembling a box
+ without a cover, called a _kiffen;_ it has four legs about six
+ inches long, to uphold it from the ground, and two horizontal
+ projections at each end, to place on the shoulders of four men,
+ generally the nearest relations of the deceased, who thus carry the
+ body to the grave, chaunting with the whole company, amounting
+ sometimes to some hundreds, _La Allah, ila Allah wa Muhamed Rassule
+ Allah_, "There is no God but God, and Muhamed is the prophet of
+ God." This repetition may appear extraordinary to the English
+ reader; but let it be observed that the Muhamedans never use the
+ pronoun for the name of the Omnipotent, but invariably the noun.
+ The body is taken out of the bier, and laid in the ground, the face
+ upwards, without any coffin or box, the legs towards Mecca, and
+ then covered with earth, so that it might, at the resurrection,
+ rise with its eyes towards (_El Kaaba_) Muhamed's mausoleum. No
+ money is paid for the ground, nor is any expense paid for a
+ monument: a stick or a stone stands erect at the head, and another
+274 at the feet. If the deceased lived a moral, inoffensive, and
+ exemplary life, the public, at its own expense, oftentimes erects
+ (_kaba_) a cubical building with a dome at the top to the departed,
+ and he is thence denominated (_fakeer_) a saint.
+
+ [Footnote 181: A coba is a cubical building, about forty or
+ fifty feet square, having a dome on the top, inhabited by a
+ fakeer; the ground adjacent to this building is consecrated for
+ the dead, but is never inclosed. The living reverence the dead
+ by never, riding over these grounds; but travellers, in passing
+ stop and repeat a fatha. When the ground has been consecrated
+ to the dead, and the _coba_ has an inhabitant, who must be a
+ sanctified person, he immediately assumes the name of fakeer or
+ priest, and the building, and cemetery attached to it, becomes
+ a _zowia_ or sanctuary.]
+
+ The palaces of this country generally consist of a perfect square
+ wall, containing from two to forty acres of land, or more; for the
+ imperial palace at Mequinas covers about two square miles of
+ ground. At each corner of the square is a cubical building, with an
+ angular top, of green glazed tiles, having four windows, one in
+ each side; in the centre of the square is the palace, surrounded by
+ a colonnade one or two stories high. The pavement is either
+ tessellated or of chequered marble; some of the walls of the rooms
+ are also tessellated with arabesque, borders, the ceilings are
+ painted with gay colours, viz. scarlet, sky-blue, green, yellow,
+ and orange, in arabesque, and some of them are very elegant. The
+ houses of the opulent are diminutive imitations of the palaces. The
+ house of (_the Talb Caduse_) the minister of the Sultan Seedi
+ Muhamed ben Abd Allah at Marocco, is a building, elegantly neat.
+ Abd Rahamen ben Nassar's house at Mogodor, is well deserving the
+ investigation of an European architect, and his magnificent new
+ house at Saffee, is a model of a particular style of architecture.
+ Some of the houses of the princes and the military at Mequinas are
+275 handsome buildings, and many of the houses of the opulent merchants
+ at Fas, who have their commercial establishments at Timbuctoo, and
+ other countries of Sudan, are extremely neat and truly unique,
+ having beautiful gardens in the interior, ornamented with the
+ choicest and most odoriferous flowers and shrubs; with fountains of
+ running water, clear as crystal, delectable to behold in this warm
+ climate, and such as are not to be seen in any part of Europe.
+
+276
+
+ FRAGMENTS, NOTES,
+ AND
+ ANECDOTES;
+
+ _Illustrating the Nature and Character of the Country_.
+
+
+
+
+
+ INTRODUCTION.
+
+ In recording the following Anecdotes and Fragments the naked truth
+ is stated, without the embellishments of language, or the labour of
+ rhetoric, which the wiser part of mankind have always approved of
+ as the most instructive way of writing; and all such as are
+ acquainted with books will readily agree with me, that many authors
+ stretch, even to the prejudice of truth, from an affectation of
+ elegance of style.
+
+ The following facts, therefore, will form the materials for a
+ history, rather than a history itself.
+
+ The study of the _language and customs of the Arabs is the best
+ comment upon the Old Testament_. The language of the modern Jews is
+ little to be regarded; their dispersion into various nations,
+277 having no fixed habitation, being _wholly_ addicted to their own
+ interest, their conformation to the respective customs of the
+ various nations through which they are dispersed; have caused them,
+ in a great measure, to forget their ancient customs and original
+ language, except what is preserved in the Bible and in the exercise
+ of their religion. Whereas the Arabs have continued in the constant
+ possession of their country many centuries, and are so tenacious of
+ their customs and habits, that they are, at this day, the same men
+ they were three thousand years ago. Accordingly, many of their
+ customs, at this day, remind us of what happened among their
+ ancestors in the days of Abraham.
+
+ _Trade with Sudan_.
+
+ 1795, June 14th. Two (_Akkabas_) accumulated caravans of Gum Sudan,
+ called in England "Turkey[182] Gum Arabic," have reached the Arab
+ encampment of Dikna, not far from the northern confines of the
+ Sahara; and will be at Santa Cruz, in the province of Suse, in a
+ fortnight.
+
+ [Footnote 182: This gum is conveyed from Sudan to Alexandria,
+ in Egypt; there it is shipped off for Smyrna, or
+ Constantinople, and from thence imported into England.]
+
+ _Wrecked Ships_.
+
+278 A large ship, supposed to be Spanish, bound to Lima, has been
+ wrecked near Cape Noon; the cargo consists of lace, silks, linens,
+ superfine cloths, and is estimated by the Jews, at Wedinoon, to be
+ worth half a million of dollars.
+
+ _Wrecked Ships on the Coast_.
+
+ Extract of a Letter from James Jackson, and Co. at Mogodor, to
+ their correspondents in London. January, 1801.
+
+ The wine and dollars per the Perola de Setubal, wrecked on the
+ coast of Suse, have been recovered from the Arabs, by Alkaid Hamo,
+ the governor of Santa Cruz; and we have just received them safe by
+ a boat. If this vessel had been wrecked on the coast of Cornwall,
+ it is more than probable that the cargo would have been plundered.
+ We have presented the governor with twenty dollars, for his
+ extraordinary energy, exertions, and great merit in the recovery of
+ the whole of this property.
+
+ The Prosperous, Captain Driver, a southwhaler, was wrecked near
+ Cape Noon, in 1790; the crew was redeemed by me, and brought to my
+ house at Santa Cruz, after being upwards of two years in captivity
+ in the Desert: and I sent them all from Santa Cruz to Mogodor on
+ mules, where, after remaining about two months, the Bull-dog sloop
+ of war came down from Gibraltar for them, and they were sent off to
+ her by the imperial order.
+279
+ _Wrecked Sailors_.
+
+ English seamen that are so unfortunate as to be wrecked on the
+ coast of Sahara, are generally better treated than the French,
+ Italian, or Spanish, because there is a greater probability of a
+ ransom; and because it is well known that the English admit no
+ slaves in their own country.
+
+ _Timbuctoo Coffee_.
+
+ Coffee grows spontaneously in the vicinage of Timbuctoo, _south of
+ the Nile Elabeed_. I sent a quantity to Mr. James Willis, formerly
+ Consul for Senegambia: it was of a bitter taste, which is the
+ general character of this grain before it is improved by
+ cultivation.
+
+ _Sand Baths_.
+
+ The Arabs bury the body erect in sand, up to the chin, as a remedy
+ for several disorders, particularly syphilis.
+
+ _Civil War common in West Barbary_.
+
+ In the provinces of Haha and Suse, particularly in the mountainous
+ districts, intestine wars frequently prevail: kabyl against kabyl,
+ village against village, house against house, family against
+280 family. In these lamentable wars, which so continually disturb the
+ peace of society, retaliation is considered an incumbent duty on
+ every individual who may have lost a relation, so that the embers
+ of hostility are thus incessantly fanned; and this lamentable
+ revenge pervades whole clans, to the utter destruction of every
+ humane and philanthropic propensity, converting the human race to a
+ degradation below the beasts of the field.
+
+ _Policy of the Servants of the Emperor_.
+
+ The Bashaws, and others holding responsible situations in the
+ empire, are continually purchasing a good name and good report at
+ court, by courtesy to and by feeing the ministers of the Emperor to
+ report favourably of them, whenever opportunity may offer.
+ Incredible sums are sometimes expended in this way.
+
+ _El_[183] _Wah El Grarbee, or the Western Oasis_.
+
+ The prince, Muley Abd Salam, elder brother of the reigning Emperor,
+ Muley Soliman, purchased, on his return from the pilgrimage to
+281 Mecca, a domain in (Santariah[184]) the Oasis of Ammon or Siwah, as
+ a retreat; and being appointed by his father Seedi Muhamed, viceroy
+ of the province of Suse[185], he was enabled to give succour to the
+ Shelluhs, inhabitants of that province, on their pilgrimage to
+ Mecca, and to entertain them with the comforts of hospitality on
+ their passage through the Desert. This was the more agreeable to
+ these Shelluhs, because, after passing a long journey of some
+ thousands of miles through Sahara, they reached, at Santariah, not
+ only a territory yielding every comfort and necessary of life, but
+ a country wherein their own prince had authority, and wherein their
+ own native language is spoken and understood.
+
+ [Footnote 183: In the Lybian Desert there are three _Wahs_ (or
+ _Oasises_, as we call them): the greater, called _El Wah El
+ Kabeer_; the lesser, called _El Wah Segrer_; and the Oasis of
+ Ammon, called _El Wah El Grarbie_, i. e. the Wah of the West.]
+
+ [Footnote 184: The Wah of the West is also called by the
+ Mograbines _Santariah_.]
+
+ [Footnote 185: See the map of West Barbary.]
+
+ When this prince's father, the emperor Seedi Muhamed died[186], the
+ prince Abdsalam engaged Alkaid Hamed ben Abdsaddock, late governor
+ of Mogodor, to go to Santariah, and sell this domain for him; which
+ he accordingly did. It is more than probable that the Shelluhs of
+ Siwah are an _emigration_ from Suse.
+
+ [Footnote 186: About twenty-eight years since.]
+
+ _Prostration, the etiquette of the Court of Marocco_.
+
+282 An ambassador from Great Britain was sent to the court of Marocco,
+ during the reign of Seedi Muhamed, father of the present emperor,
+ Soliman. On his arrival at Fas, (where the court was at that time
+ held,) the (_Mule M'shoer_) Master of the Audience, who was the
+ (_Sherreef_) Prince Muley Dris, came up to the ambassador and
+ informed him, that it was customary for all persons coming into the
+ imperial presence to take off their shoes, and to prostrate
+ themselves. To these ceremonies the ambassador objected, alleging
+ that he was received by the king his master with his shoes on; and
+ that he presumed the Emperor, on a proper representation being made
+ to him, would not exact from him greater obedience than he paid to
+ his own sovereign. The master of the audience reported the
+ interpretation of the ambassador's remarks to his imperial master.
+ The emperor paused, and (insinuating that the ambassador was
+ somewhat presumptuous in placing a Christian king on a par with a
+ Muselman emperor) commanded the prince to dismiss the ambassador
+ for that time, till the following day. In the interim, the Emperor
+ urged the master of the audience to make diligent inquiry how the
+ Christians conducted themselves in the act of prayer before the
+ Almighty God; and whether they then uncovered their feet, and
+ prostrated themselves, as Muhamedans did. The morning following,
+ the master of audience procured the necessary information
+ respecting this point, and acquainted the Emperor that the English
+283 Christians, like the Jews, prayed erect; but that they uncovered
+ their heads, and bowed at the name of Jesus of Nazareth. "Go,
+ then," replied the emperor, "and let the ambassador be presented to
+ me without uncovering his feet, and without prostration; for I
+ cannot require more obeisance from a foreigner, than he himself
+ pays to Almighty God."
+
+ _Massacre of the Jews_, _and Attack on Algiers_.
+
+ In the year 1806, when Algiers was attacked by the Arabs of the
+ mountains, and by the inhabitants of the plains, the Jews of the
+ city were massacred. It was suggested to the present Emperor of
+ Marocco that a favourable opportunity now offered to subdue
+ Algiers, and add it to the empire: but the Emperor replied, "That
+ it was wiser to secure and keep together all those provinces that
+ his father had left him, than to endeavour by _uncertain and
+ expensive_ warfare to extend his dominions, by invading a
+ neighbouring nation."
+
+ _Treaties with Muhamedan Princes_.
+
+ Treaties of peace and commerce between the Muselmen princes and
+ Christian powers, are regarded by the former no longer than it is
+284 expedient to their convenience. Muselmen respect treaties no longer
+ than it is their apparent interest so to do. When an ambassador
+ once expostulated with his imperial majesty for having infringed on
+ a treaty made, an emperor of Marocco replied--"Dost thou think I
+ am a Christian, that I should be a _slave_ to my word?"
+
+ _Berebbers of Zimurh Shelleh_.
+
+ This kabyl of Berebbers inhabit the plains west and south-west of
+ Mequinas. They are a fine race of men, well-grown, and good
+ figures; they have a noble presence, and their physiognomy
+ resembles the ancient Roman. The laws of hospitality, however, are
+ disregarded among them: they will plunder travellers who sojourn
+ with them, whenever they have an opportunity.
+
+ _The European Merchants at Mogodor escape from Decapitation_.
+
+ The late emperor, Muley Yezzid, proceeded from Mequinas to Marocco,
+ with an army of thirty thousand cavalry, to take the field against
+ the rebellious Abdrahaman ben Nassar, bashaw of the province of
+ Abda, acting conjointly with the bashaw of the province of
+ Duquella, who had collected an army of eighty thousand men, of
+285 which fifty thousand were horse. The Emperor, on his arrival at
+ Marocco, was exasperated against the kabyls of the south; and was
+ informed that the merchants of Mogodor had supplied his rebel
+ subject, Abdrahaman, with ammunition. Enraged at this report, which
+ the exasperated state of his mind prompted him to believe, he
+ issued an order to the Governor of Mogodor, implicating the greater
+ part of the European merchants of that port of high treason, and
+ ordered their decapitation. This order was brought by one Fenishe,
+ a relation of Tahar Fenishe; who had been, some years before,
+ ambassador from Marocco to the court of St. James's. The Governor,
+ however, suspecting that the order had been issued in a moment of
+ irritation, delayed its execution, in the hope that it might be
+ countermanded; or, in hope that the result of a battle would render
+ it unnecessary to be put in execution.--Soon afterwards, news
+ arrived at Mogodor that the two armies had met, had fought, and the
+ Emperor had vanquished his antagonists, who had more than double
+ his force, but was himself dangerously wounded. This induced the
+ governor still further to delay the execution; having now
+ ascertained that the order was obtained by a stratagem of malicious
+ and ill-disposed people. The next day news came that the Emperor
+ suffered extremely from a ball in the upper part of the thigh,
+286 which the surgeons could not extract. The Emperor, in a fit of
+ frenzy, from pain or passion, took his (_kumaya_) dagger, cut open
+ the wound to the ball, and expired soon after. Thus were the
+ merchants of Mogodor saved providentially from an untimely death.
+
+ _The Emperor Muley Yezzid's Body disinterred_.
+
+ When the united armies of Abda and Duquella were vanquished and
+ dispersed by the Imperial troops, in the neighbourhood of Marocco,
+ the report became general that the Emperor was wounded. It is
+ asserted that several men in ambush had orders to wait their
+ opportunity to fire at the Emperor, when he should approach; and
+ when the Emperor did approach the bush wherein these men lay
+ concealed, they all fired. It appears, however, that only one shot
+ had effect. The Emperor finding himself wounded, instead of being
+ discouraged, was reanimated to the combat, and entered into the
+ midst of it; a soldier by his side observed to him, that he was
+ wounded, and whilst expressing his hope that it was not dangerous,
+ the Emperor, with one stroke of his sabre, cut off his head! Even
+ after the death of this redoubted warrior, the people trembled,
+ doubting the truth of his decease. Abdrahaman went personally to
+ Marocco and had the body disinterred to ascertain the fact,
+ suspecting that the report of his death might be a stratagem; but
+287 having ascertained it, he returned to Saffy, and his brother Muley
+ Esslemmah was immediately proclaimed by Abdrahaman. Doubts of the
+ Emperor's death still pervaded the minds of men: it was reported
+ that he had been seen in the Atlas Mountains, in Draha, in Suse. At
+ length a person somewhat resembling him in person, appeared between
+ Wedinoon and Ait Bamaran (see the map): the panic took; and men
+ from all parts of the country, who had known the Emperor, hastened
+ to Wedinoon to ascertain the fact. Many who were too curious were
+ shot by order of this pretender, to prevent the possibility of
+ their returning to give notice of the imposture. The immense number
+ of persons who now believed him to be Yezzid was incalculable; his
+ party increased and multiplied, and he soon had thousands of
+ followers who supported his cause. The infatuation of the vulgar
+ and the bulk of the community was astounding; for the renowned
+ Muley Yezzid, like his Majesty George IV., was the first horseman
+ in his empire, and the most accomplished gentleman: whereas
+ Buhellesa[187], for so he was called in derision, was so bad a
+ horseman that he generally rode a mule.
+
+ [Footnote 187: So called from his generally riding a mule, with
+ a large stuffed saddle, rising high before and behind, covering
+ the whole of the mule's back, and forming a very secure seat.
+ This enormous and ponderous saddle-mattras is called _Hellesa_;
+ and as the Pretender rode on it, he was called _Bu Hellesa_;
+ that is the father of a _Hellesa_.]
+288
+ This man was reported to be an adept in the occult sciences; and it
+ was both reported and credited, that the occult art enabled him to
+ multiply corn and provision for the army to any quantity he might
+ want. I was established at Santa Cruz, which was three days'
+ horse-travelling from Buhellesa's standard; the (_Shereef,_) Prince
+ Abdsalam, brother to Yezzid, was then resident there, and Viceroy
+ of Suse. It was the Prince Abdsalam's desire to destroy this
+ pretender; for his army and followers exceeded now thirty thousand
+ men, the Prince sent to Muhamed ben Delemy, khalif of Suse, and
+ sheik of the Duleim Arabs, whose castle was about thirty miles
+ south of Santa Cruz. Delemy and the Prince were sworn friends: the
+ latter proposed to him to give battle to Buhellesa, and so prevent
+ the empire from being usurped. Neither Delemy nor the Prince had
+ funds to raise an army; so that neither of them knew what steps to
+ take. _Delemy, however, with the true spirit of a Bedouin Arab,
+ supported his friend in his adversity,_ and promised to exert
+ himself to counteract the operations of the arch-hypocrite
+ Buhellesa. Collecting the sheiks of the various kabyls of Suse, he
+ made an energetic harangue to them; and discussed with them the
+ expediency of their uniting together, to repel the impostor. The
+ sheiks were all loyal, and well affected to Muley Abd Salam; whose
+289 government of Suse, by his khaliff Delemy, added to the
+ hospitalities with which the Prince entertained the people of Suse
+ at his domain, the _Wah el Grabie_, or the Oasis of Ammon, called
+ _Santariah_, ingratiated Muley Abd Salam so much in their favour
+ and esteem, that they all unanimously (_passed l'aad_[188]) joined
+ hands, and determined, each individually, to raise his respective
+ kabyl to support the cause of Muley Abd Salam. In a short time they
+ raised an army among themselves of ten thousand horse, and
+ determined to attack Buhellesa, so soon as he should begin to move
+ forwards, and before he should reach Terodant, in his way to
+ Marocco; for there he had a strong party, which would augment his
+ forces. The hero Delemy, who was as valiant a soldier as Muley
+ Yezzid himself, and as expert and dextrous in the management of the
+ horse, determined therefore, with less than half the force of his
+ antagonist, to attack him, before he should be able to gather more
+ strength. The army of the sheiks joined, and proceeded towards
+ Wedinoon. At night they learned that Buhellesa, with an army of
+290 22,000 men, mostly horse, having been apprised of Delemy's
+ preparations and movements, had proceeded through Ait Bamaran
+ towards Shtuka, and that he intended to attack Delemy's castle. On
+ hearing this, the army halted for an hour, and returned towards
+ Shtuka again. In the morning they came up with Buhellesa, who was
+ encamped about four hours south of Delemy's castle. The march of
+ Delemy's troops, all hardy warriors and men of valour, was so
+ rapid, that Buhellesa was taken by surprise. The battle lasted
+ seven hours; during which Delemy's brother was wounded and
+ unhorsed, in the midst of the enemy's troops: but being unknown,
+ and in a similar dress with the rest, he recovered himself by the
+ assistance of some friends, sent to him by his brother the khalif,
+ and was enabled to rejoin his own troops. Buhellesa was so hard
+ pressed, that he made his retreat into a house: on being attacked
+ there, his pistol missed fire, and he was overcome. They
+ immediately cut off his head and his arms, when his army dispersed,
+ most of them making the best of their way to Wedinoon. That same
+ night, the man of Shtuka, who first attacked Buhellesa, was
+ dispatched with his head and feet to Muley Abd Salam, at Santa
+ Cruz.
+
+ [Footnote 188: The _L'aad_ of the Arabs is a joining of hands,
+ without Shaking: the palms of the right hands of the parties
+ coming in contact with each other, and the thumbs over each
+ other. This is a solemn obligation among them; a calling God to
+ witness their resolution of mutual assistance, offensive and
+ defensive; a swearing to stand by each other till death; an
+ obligation that nothing can dissolve; such a pledge, that if a
+ man were to break it, he would be execrated and rejected from
+ society!]
+
+ The reported approach of Buhellesa, with so strong a force, had
+ urged me to ship all the property I could collect; and I was on the
+291 beach early the following morning, directing the shipment of my
+ property; when taking a ride along the beach, I met an Arab, with a
+ basket before him, and a foot sticking out of it. "_Salam u alik_,"
+ I exclaimed, "And what have you got there?"--"_Alik Salam_," said
+ the Arab, "I have got Buhellesa's head and feet here: I killed him
+ myself; and the khalif Delemy has sent me with them to the Prince.
+ Dost thou think the Prince will reward me?"--"Certainly," said I,
+ "for such an essential service." The Prince gave the Arab one
+ hundred duckets[189]; the guns were fired; and the head and feet
+ were hung over an embrasure of the round battery, facing the south.
+ Thus terminated the career of Buhellesa.
+
+ A short time after this, I was on a visit to Delemy, and he
+ accompanied me to the field of battle; which was an undulating
+ plain, not unlike that of Waterloo: and the house to which
+ Buhellesa made his escape, was not unlike the hotel de la Belle
+ Alliance on the plains of Waterloo, having, however, a flat roof.
+
+ [Footnote 189: Worth 5_s._ each, but equal to 100_l_., or more,
+ in that country.]
+
+ _Shelluhs: their Revenge and Retaliation._
+
+ A Shelluh, of the province of Suse, had been a servant in the house
+292 of Mr. Hutchison, British Consul at Mogodor fifteen years; but it
+ happened to be twenty years since a relation of his, in Suse, had
+ been killed, to whom he was the next of kin but one: but the next
+ of kin dying, it devolved upon him to seek retaliation; no
+ opportunity, however, having occurred, he determined to go to Suse
+ to fulfil this his calling. Now above twenty years had elapsed
+ since the death or murder of the relation of Bel Kossem, the
+ Consul's servant. This man, foregoing the eligibility of his place,
+ apprised the Consul of his intention to leave him. Mr. Hutchison,
+ who esteemed him not a little for his long and faithful services,
+ was astonished to hear of his determination to depart; and,
+ apprehending that he might want an increase of pay, he offered to
+ increase it: but Bel Kossem told him that an imperious duty
+ devolved on him to revenge the blood of his ancestor. Accordingly
+ he received his wages, and departed forthwith for Suse. A few
+ months afterwards he found an opportunity of killing his enemy,
+ which being done, it was expected that this Shelluh would now
+ return to Mogodor, and resume his place again; but by a parity of
+ reasoning, it devolved to the next of kin of the man recently
+ killed to seek revenge for his murdered relation, but Bel Kossem,
+ to avoid the like fate, went into a distant country. This duty of
+ revenging death, is rigidly pursued among the Shelluhs, so that one
+ murder often produces ten, or even twenty deaths; each revenging
+ his relation or next of kin.
+293
+ _Travelling in Barbary._
+
+ It is extremely difficult, whilst travelling in this country, to
+ ascertain from the natives the distance of any (_douar_) encampment
+ of Arabs: the general answer to such a question is (_wahud saa_),
+ "an hour," but this is a very indefinite term, being used for a
+ distance from two to twelve miles, or more; therefore, as these
+ people have no definite notions of time or distance, the only way
+ of ascertaining distances, is by knowing the rate at which the
+ caravan goes, which is a regular pace, and consulting your watch;
+ by this means, the distance of any journey, however long, may be
+ accurately ascertained.
+
+ _Anecdote displaying the African Character, and showing them to be
+ now what they were anciently, under Jugurtha._
+
+ A Muhamedan was sent to prison, for having killed a man; and after
+ remaining there some time, it was expected that the Emperor's order
+ would come to have him shot, or to have his right hand cut off,
+ with which it was presumed he killed his enemy. A friend of the
+ prisoner, willing to liberate him, that he might escape the
+ punishment that awaited him, engaged a person well acquainted with
+ the prison to procure his enlargement; accordingly he promised him
+294 a sum of money, if he would effect this purpose. It was agreed that
+ the money should be paid. The liberator was then to prove to the
+ man advancing the money, that he had accomplished his purpose. The
+ night in which his liberation was to be attempted was fixed on;
+ ropes were ready to enable the prisoner to escape over the
+ prison-wall. In the mean time the next of kin of the man who had
+ been murdered, sought the blood of the prisoner, and was persuaded
+ by the man that had engaged to liberate the prisoner, that the
+ latter was not in prison, that he had made his escape, but that the
+ former would undertake to put him in his power, so as to enable him
+ to accomplish his revenge. This was agreed to, and accordingly a
+ sum of money was paid as a remuneration for the service. All
+ matters were arranged, and the person who paid the money was
+ desired to be on the rock, near the prison, outside of the town
+ wall, at two o'clock in the morning, and there he would find his
+ enemy. The person who made the first engagement was directed to be
+ at the same spot at three o'clock. In the mean time the liberation
+ was effected at two o'clock, and the prisoner was informed that his
+ friend would meet him under the rock at three o'clock, to conduct
+ him to a place secure from discovery. Soon after two o'clock, the
+ next of kin to the person whom the prisoner had killed came and
+295 plunged a dagger into his heart; afterwards came the other man, and
+ saw the body of his friend, whom he recognized. On expostulating
+ with the liberator, the latter replied, "I have executed my
+ engagement to liberate your friend; I am entitled to my reward:
+ what has happened to him since his liberation is no concern of
+ mine; see you to that. But I should inform you, that soon after his
+ liberation, I saw a man approach, and fearing that I was
+ discovered, I ran and hid myself under a rock. In a short time I
+ returned and found your friend weltering in his blood. When I
+ approached him, he had just time before he expired to name to me
+ his murderer, who, he said, was the next of kin to the man he had
+ himself killed."--Note, The Shelluhs consider it a duty incumbent
+ on them, each, individually to revenge the blood of their family;
+ that they are bound to seek the murderer, if possibly he can be
+ found. Such is their invariable attention to this principle of
+ revenging blood for blood, that I have known instances of men who
+ have relinquished eligible appointments, to go into distant
+ countries, several years after a murder has been committed, to
+ revenge the death of a relation, after becoming, by intervening
+ death, the next of kin of the murdered person.
+
+ The lamentable effects of this fatal retaliation is such, that one
+ death often produces twenty murders, and afterwards involves whole
+ kabyls in intestine wars.
+296
+ It is remarkable, that the more duplicity they use in these horrid
+ transactions, the more merit is ascribed to the agent; who is
+ praised in proportion to the extent of his ingenuity, or duplicity,
+ as was the case with the liberator above mentioned.
+
+ _Every Nation is required to use its own Costume._
+
+ The Jews in West and South Barbary, have a predilection for the
+ European costume, in preference to their own, the former being
+ respected, the latter not: moreover the character of a _merchant_
+ is highly respected by the Moors, and the European dress is a kind
+ of passport to a man as such. One day, the Emperor seeing in the
+ place of audience, at a great distance, a gentleman, apparently an
+ European ambassador, ordered the master of the audience to go and
+ see who he was, and what nation he represented; but it being
+ discovered that he was a Marocco Jew, his scarlet and gold dress
+ was torn from him, and a _burnose_, (a large black cloak, the
+ costume of the Jews of the lower order,) was put over him, when he
+ was buffetted and kicked out of the place of audience. The Emperor
+ was exasperated at this circumstance, which he considered a vain
+ deception: he ordered his secretary to write to all the ports in
+ his dominions, to desire that Jews should wear the _burnose_, that
+297 Christians only should wear the European costume, and Moors and
+ Arabs theirs; so that thus every individual might be known by their
+ respective dress. On this occasion, an opulent Hebrew merchant at
+ Mogodor felt so much the insults he was exposed to, from wearing
+ the Jewish costume, that he actually paid several thousand dollars
+ to obtain the privilege he had formerly enjoyed, which, in
+ consequence of his being an opulent man, and a foreign merchant,
+ was granted to him.
+
+ The name of this gentleman would here be mentioned to gratify the
+ curious; but as it might give umbrage to his family, and as the
+ intention here is only to describe the character and manners of the
+ country, there is, I conceive no necessity for stating
+ personalities.
+
+ _Ali Bey (El Abassi), Author of the Travels under that Name._
+
+ This extraordinary character visited Marocco about the year 1805 or
+ 1806. He pretended to be a native of Aleppo, called in Arabic
+ _Hellebee_, and was known by the name of Seed Hellebee, which
+ signifies "the gentleman of Aleppo." Europeans, as well as himself,
+ since his return to Europe, have converted this name into Ali Bey,
+ of the family of the Abassides. This gentleman possessed abilities
+ of no ordinary degree, he was supplied with money in abundance by
+298 the Spanish government. He had not been long at Mogodor, when his
+ munificence began to excite the suspicion of the governor, as well
+ as the admiration and applause of the populace. Adopting the
+ costume of the country, he professed himself to be a Muselman; and
+ as a pretext for not speaking the[190] Arabic language, he
+ pretended that he had gone from Aleppo, the place of his nativity,
+ to England when very young, and had forgotten it. He had, as he
+ declared, considerable property in the Bank of England. Being
+ desirous of collecting all the information possible respecting the
+ country, he procured two young Spanish renegado musicians, who
+ played on the guitar, and sung Arabic airs and songs, with which he
+ affected to be highly delighted, these musicians, however, served
+ his purpose in another way; for, being apprehensive of creating
+ suspicion by direct enquiries, he prevailed on these renegadoes to
+ procure the information he desired, by giving them from time to
+ time several questions to which they procured direct answers, as
+ reported by the natives.
+
+ [Footnote 190: He afterwards learned the Arabic language, and I
+ believe spoke it tolerably well when he quitted this country
+ and proceeded to Mekka.]
+
+ One day he gave a _fete champetre_ at (_L'arsa Sultan_), the[191]
+299 Sultan's garden, situated near a very picturesque rivulet, and
+ contiguous to springs of excellent water, which being collected in
+ a large tank, was conveyed by an aqueduct, which extended the
+ length of the garden, to immerge or irrigate the various beds of
+ flowers and plants. On his return home, as he was crossing the
+ river near the village of Diabet, a Shelluh shot a large fish as it
+ was passing the shallows, Seed Hellebee, or Seed Ali Bey admired
+ the dexterity of the Shelluh, (who, from his quickness, was
+ nicknamed Deib, i.e. the fox,) and desired him to take the fish to
+ his house at Mogodor, which he accordingly did, and received from
+ Ali Bey's secretary a handful of dollars. This Shelluh was a keen
+ sportsman, and seldom or never missed his shot: he generally
+ accompanied me in my shooting excursions, and he told me this
+ circumstance himself, adding, that Ali Bey was such a liberal man,
+ that, where any other gentleman gave a dollar, he gave a handful.
+ It was in this manner that Ali Bey purchased his popularity.
+
+ [Footnote 191: This garden is in the province of Haha, about
+ five miles S.S.E. of Mogodor, and belongs to the European
+ Commerce, to whom it was presented by the Late Emperor Seedi
+ Muhamed ben Abdallah.]
+
+ The governor of Mogodor, Alkaid Muhamed ben Abdsaddock now began to
+ suspect, not only the faith of this _soi disant_ Muhamedan, but
+ that he had some design unavowed; and desirous of ascertaining to
+ what nation of Christendom he belonged, the governor engaged
+ Monsieur Depras, a respectable French merchant of Mogodor, who
+ understood several languages, to ascertain if he was a Frenchman,
+300 and if not, who and what he was. The governor, in order to enable
+ M. Depras to converse with Ali Bey, invited them both to tea; this
+ introduction being effected the next day, Depras called on Ali Bey,
+ and conversed with him during an hour in the French language, which
+ he spoke so well, that the former thought there was no doubt of his
+ being a Frenchman. But soon after this, the Spanish Consul was
+ announced, and being introduced, Seed Ali Bey changed his discourse
+ to Spanish, which he also spoke so correctly, that Depras now
+ altered his opinion, and conceiving him to be a Spaniard, took his
+ leave. He then reported to the governor what he had seen and heard,
+ that he spoke French and Spanish so fluently, that he really did
+ not know whether he was a Frenchman or a Spaniard.
+
+ Ali Bey continued to live in a most sumptuous and costly style, and
+ afterwards resolved to visit Marocco. On his journey thither, he
+ was particularly inquisitive respecting the population, produce,
+ names and residencies of the (sheiks) chiefs of Haha and Shedma,
+ through which provinces he passed. On his arrival at Marocco, he
+ still continued his magnificent establishment and sumptuous mode of
+ living; distributing money to the people bountifully, on the most
+ trifling occasions, which mode of conduct procured him universal
+ popularity among the lower orders. This soon excited the suspicions
+301 of Alkaid Bushta, the governor of Marocco, who ingenuously informed
+ him, that such liberality was fit only for a Christian country, and
+ that he was mistaken if he flattered himself that it would be
+ tolerated at Marocco, and actually desired him to adopt a different
+ and a more parsimonious system, if he wished to be quiet; alleging,
+ that his munificence exceeded that of his Imperial Majesty, which
+ was highly indecorous; but afterwards finding little attention was
+ paid to his injunction, he published a decree throughout the city,
+ that any one that should be found asking for, or receiving money
+ from Ali Bey, should have a very severe bastinado! After residing
+ some time at Marocco, he expressed a desire to visit the Atlas
+ mountains, which appear a few miles east of Marocco, but which are,
+ in fact, a whole day's journey; their immense size and height
+ making them to appear so much nearer than they really are. Ali Bey
+ apprehending the hostility of Alkaid Bushta, he procured an
+ imperial order to visit the Atlas, but Bushta opposed it, and would
+ not, he said, permit him, he being governor of Marocco, without
+ having himself directly from the Emperor a permission to that
+ purpose. He then represented to the Emperor the impolicy of
+ allowing him to go and examine that country; and the imperial order
+ was immediately countermanded.
+
+ People now began to imagine that he was an agent of Bonaparte; and
+ their suspicion that he was a Christian spread far and near. It was
+302 discovered also that he had corns on his feet, excrescences unknown
+ to Muselmen, whose shoes are made tight over the instep, and loose
+ over the toes, so that the latter being unconfined and at liberty,
+ they never have corns.
+
+ Notwithstanding all these suspicions, the courtesy and suavity of
+ the manners of Ali Bey had such influence on the imperial mind,
+ that Muley Soliman gave him a beautiful garden to reside in,
+ wherein there was a (_koba_) pavilion. Ali Bey, finding his
+ influence considerable, erected with architectural taste several
+ edifices, suited, as he thought, to the imperial _gusto_, in which
+ he succeeded so well that his Imperial Majesty, when he returned
+ the next year to Marocco, resided almost exclusively in one of the
+ pavilions which he had erected.
+
+ The splendour of the imperial favour did not however continue long;
+ for Ali Bey began now to be suspected by the Emperor himself, and
+ it was bruited that his renegadoes had acted treacherously towards
+ him.
+
+ Ali Bey's knowledge of astronomy was peculiarly gratifying to the
+ Emperor. He could not altogether withdraw from him his attention.
+ The Emperor urged him to take unto himself a wife, and become an
+ useful member of society; but Ali objected, alleging various
+ motives for refusing. He was however at length prevailed on to
+ comply with the imperial injunction, and the Emperor gave him a
+303 young girl to marry. It was anticipated that his new wife was a
+ political one, and would betray him to be an uncircumcised dog. The
+ wife, however, became extremely attached to him, and no information
+ could be procured from her to favour the plot that had been laid
+ for him. Various suspicions having increased respecting him, the
+ Emperor finally resolved that he should quit his territory; and an
+ order was issued that himself, his wife, and slaves should be
+ escorted to the port of L'Araich, and there embark for Europe. When
+ the military guard, however, had reached the port of L'Araich, the
+ boat being ready, Ali Bey was desired to embark, when, not
+ suspecting any stratagem, the boatmen pushed off, leaving his
+ disconsolate wife on the beach, bewailing his abrupt departure. The
+ lady appeared deeply affected with this sudden and unexpected
+ separation; and jumping out of the litter tore her dishevelled
+ hair, and distributed it to the winds, and with loud shrieks, which
+ pierced the air, demonstrated to him how sorely she lamented his
+ premature departure, and violent separation. His principal slave
+ was sold, by order of the Emperor's minister, to Seed Abdel'mjeed
+ Buhellel, a merchant of Fas, who was lately in London, and the
+ money was given to his wife.
+
+ During his residence at Fas, he predicted an eclipse, and, having
+ foretold to the people of that city, that it would happen at such a
+304 time, they waited for the event with considerable curiosity. Now
+ his knowledge of futurity had spread abroad with demonstrations of
+ amazement; the eclipse happened precisely at the time he had
+ predicted, which established his fame as an (_alem min alem_), a
+ man wiser than the wise.
+
+ During the latter part of his residence in West Barbary, a report
+ prevailed that Bonaparte was preparing an immense army to invade
+ and subjugate the country. Ali Bey was not only suspected to be his
+ secret agent, but some persons were even ridiculous enough to
+ declare that he was Bonaparte himself in disguise; and accordingly
+ he was denominated _Parte_, for they would not add _Bona_, as that
+ word signifies good, in the _lingua franca_ of Barbary, and
+ Bonaparte, they said was not good, but a devil incarnate; so they
+ called him Parte. Last year I met in London the Moor who had
+ purchased Ali Bey's slave, and he told me that his son by the
+ before-mentioned wife lives at Fas; that he is a very amiable and
+ intelligent youth, about fifteen or sixteen years of age; and that
+ he is very poor, and would have starved, but for the charity and
+ protection of the highly respected fakeer of the city of Fas, Muley
+ Dris, under whose roof he resides, and is indebted to him for
+ protection and patronage. This man would be an acquisition to the
+ African Association, and means might be adopted to engage him in
+305 their service to explore Sudan.
+
+ _The Emperor's Attack of Diminet, in the Atlas_.
+
+ The emperor Seedi Muhamed ben Abdallah levied a powerful army, and
+ took the field against Diminet, in the mountains of Atlas, east of
+ Marocco. The people of Diminet, and the territory of Berebbers,
+ east of that country, had also levied a strong force to defend
+ themselves. The Diminets were taken by surprise; for they had not
+ had intimation of an attack from Marocco. The Emperor himself, with
+ a few attendants disguised in the Berebber dress, advanced a few
+ miles ahead of the army. A party of mountaineers had received
+ orders from their sheik, (when the latter was informed that the
+ Emperor's army was coming against them,) to seek the Emperor, and
+ endeavour to kill him. They mistook the Emperor and his party for
+ Berebbers, as His Majesty spoke the language correctly, and had in
+ the early part of his life lived among them. "Where is the
+ Emperor's guard?" the mountaineers enquired; "for we are in search
+ of them: we hear he is coming to attack us, in our inaccessible
+ mountains; but we will be beforehand with him, and dispatch him
+ before he reaches us. Dost thou know where he is, or where his
+ guard is." "We do know," replied the Emperor; "for, about an hour
+ behind us, we passed a few men on horseback, among whom was the
+ Emperor; but the army is a long way behind: if you make speed, you
+ will soon pass him, and it will be an easy matter for you to put
+306 the whole party to the sword, for they are not a dozen altogether."
+ The Berebbers, elated with this news, communicated from a party
+ whom they mistook for brethren of the neighbouring kabyl, rode off
+ at speed to seek their enemy, and in a short time found themselves
+ surrounded by the Emperor's army, who were scattered about in
+ ambush. These Berebbers were all secured, and were threatened with
+ torture if they would not discover where the army of their brethren
+ was, and what was their plan. The party discovered the plan and the
+ place of their encampment, which was not far off in recesses of the
+ mountain, and received a promise of remuneration if found correct.
+ By this discovery, the imperial army was enabled to surprise the
+ rebels; the latter were dispersed, and their houses burned. Thus
+ were they prevented from _harassing_ the Emperor's army, which is
+ their ordinary mode of warfare. To subjugate these people would be
+ impossible: it has often been attempted, but never succeeded. The
+ only lien the Emperor can get of them is, by having at court about
+ his person their sheik, whom he then makes answerable for the
+ obedience of the kabyl.
+
+ _Moral Justice_.
+
+ The imperial army being encamped in Temsena, on the confines of
+307 Tedla, (see the map,) an Arab chieftain found that a friend of the
+ Emperor came into his _keyma_[192] at night, and took liberties
+ with his wife. The Arab suspected that he was (_shereef_) a prince,
+ and therefore did not dare to kill him, but preferred a complaint
+ to the Emperor. The Emperor was vexed to hear of such a gross
+ breach of hospitality, and asked what time he made his visits? "At
+ one hour after midnight," the Arab replied. Then, said the Emperor,
+ "when he comes, do you let me know by giving the watch-word to this
+ man, and he will then know what to do; and depend thou on my seeing
+ justice done to thee for the aggression." The marauder came; the
+ Arab repaired to the guard of the imperial tent, and gave the word;
+ the guard apprised the emperor, as he was directed, who personally
+ repaired to the tent of the Arab, and, being convinced of the fact,
+ ran the man through with his lance; this was done without a light.
+ The body was brought before the tent, and it was discovered to be
+ an officer of the imperial guard. The Emperor, on seeing that it
+ was not a shereef (a prince) prostrated himself in fervent prayer
+ for a considerable time. The courtiers who were all assembled by
+ this time to witness this extraordinary occurrence, wondered what
+ could induce the Emperor to be so fervent in prayer; which his
+ majesty observing, told them, "that he went alone to the tent,
+308 thinking that nobody but a shereef would have dared to commit such
+ a breach of hospitality, in so open a manner; therefore he killed
+ him without having a light, lest, on discovering him to be a
+ prince, personal affection might give way to justice; but that when
+ he discovered that it was not a relation, he returned thanks to God
+ Almighty, that, in his determination to have justice administered,
+ he had not killed his own son!"
+
+ [Footnote 192: _Keyma_ is the name for an Arab's tent; they are
+ made of goats' hair, and are black.]
+
+ _Contest between the Emperor and the Berebbers of Atlas_.
+
+ March 10, 1797. The Sultan Soliman proceeds with a powerful army
+ against the warlike province of Shawiya, the rebellious Arabs'
+ retreat. The imperial army takes some of the women who are renowned
+ for personal charms. The army can get no food; and, being in danger
+ of starving, returns to Salee. The Arabs promise submission, in
+ hopes of having the women restored; but the Emperor's officers
+ violate them. The Arabs swear vengeance (_alia l'imin_[193]) by
+ their right hand. The emperor attacks them again, is repulsed, and
+ returns to Fas.
+
+ [Footnote 193: _Alia l'imin_, swearing by the right hand, is a
+ sacred oath; and those who take it will not swerve from its
+ obligation, which is peremptory.]
+
+ _Characteristic Trait of Muhamedans_.
+
+ One of the Emperor's ministers, when an English fleet was cruising
+309 off Salee, and just after some impost had been levied on the
+ merchandise already purchased and warehoused by the Christian
+ merchants, suggested the impolicy at that moment, of harsh measures
+ against Europeans: the Emperor, in a jocose manner, asked what harm
+ he could suffer from the fleets of Europeans? "They could destroy
+ your Imperial Majesty's ports," replied the minister. "Then I would
+ build them again for one-half what it would cost them to destroy
+ them. But if they dared to do that, I could retaliate, by sending
+ out my cruisers to take their trading ships, which would so
+ increase the premiums of insurance (for the (_kaffers_) infidels
+ insure all things on earth, trusting nothing to God[194]), that
+ they would be glad to sue for peace again."
+
+ [Footnote 194: The Muhamedans abuse the Christians for their
+ mistrust of Providence, exemplified in their insuring ships,
+ merchandise, &c.]
+
+ _Political Deception_.
+
+ When an embassy is going to the Emperor, the alkaid of the escort
+ endeavours to make the present, which necessarily accompanies every
+ embassy, as bulky and conspicuous as possible, that the Arabs of
+ the kabyls through which they pass, may be dazzled and astounded
+ with the great appearance of the presents, which the alkaid
+ proclaims to consist chiefly of money, or treasure. The Arabs
+ accordingly observed, on Mr. Matra's (the British consul) presents,
+ that the English, who had conquered Bonaparte in Egypt, and were
+ masters of the ocean and seas, yet were tributary to the Sultan.
+ This idea is industriously propagated by the officers of the
+ Emperor's court. "Thinkest thou," they ohserved, "that these
+ Christians give such large presents with a free-will? Certainly
+ not! They are compelled to do so. The (_Romee_) Europeans are too
+ fond of money to give it away in such loads,--even the English,
+ thou seest, are tributary to the Seed." [195]
+
+ [Footnote 195: A higher title among the _true Arabs_ than
+ Emperor: it implies conjointly, Emperor, Father of the People,
+ Protector, and Brother.]
+
+ _Etiquette of the Court of Marocco_.
+
+ The European commerce of Mogodor went to pay their respects to the
+ Emperor Seedi Muhamed, on his arrival, from Fas, at Marocco, as is
+ customary. The Emperor's son, Muley El Mamune, was master of the
+ audience, and ordered the commerce to advance into the imperial
+ presence; and standing barefooted, as is the custom before the
+ Emperor, he requested the merchants to take off their shoes, as
+ _he_ had done; but they expostulated, and said it was not their
+ custom. The Prince, however, stopped them, and would not allow them
+ to approach the imperial presence without first submitting to this
+ ceremony. Seedi Muhamed, observing the impediment, and knowing the
+311 cause, but willing at the same time to initiate the young prince in
+ the custom of foreign countries, called his son to him, and said,
+ "What do muselmen do, when they enter the _Jamaa_?"[196] "Revere
+ the holy ground, by entering barefooted," replied the prince.--"And
+ what do the Christians, when they enter their church?"--"They take
+ off their hats," rejoined the Prince. (_Allah e berk Amer
+ Seedi_,[197]) "God bless your Majesty's life."--"Then, what would
+ you more of these my merchants, than that they pay me, even the
+ same respect that they pay when they pray to _Allah_. Let them
+ approach uncovered, with their shoes on, which they never take off,
+ but to go to bed to rest".
+
+ [Footnote 196: An Arabic or Korannick word, signifying, the
+ congregation of prayer, or mosque.]
+
+ [Footnote 197: A term invariably used at court, in addressing
+ the Emperor.]
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ The province of Ait Atter, or the Atterites, in Lower Suse, is
+ considered as an independent province, and it pays no tribute. They
+ have a great dislike to _kadis_[198], _talbs_, and attornies,
+ alleging that they only increase disputes between man and man,
+ which is not at all necessary; all disputes are, therefore, decided
+ by the sheik, who is not a logical wrangler, but decides according
+312 to the simplest manner. The following decree of their sheik is on
+ record:--
+
+ "Four men conjointly bought a mule, which for elucidation, we will
+ call A, B, C, and D: each claimed a leg. D's leg was the off-hind
+ one. In a few days this leg began to swell: it was agreed to cure
+ it by (_el keeh_) burning it with a hot iron, (a common remedy in
+ this country.) This done, the mule was turned out, and went into a
+ field of barley. Some spark was attached to the hoof, and set fire
+ to the corn, which was consumed. The proprietors of the barley
+ applied to the sheik for justice; and A, B, C, and D, the owners of
+ the mule, were summoned to appear. The sheik, finding the leg which
+ caused the barley to be burnt, belonged to D, ordered him to pay
+ the value of the barley. D expostulated, and maintained that he had
+ no right to pay; for, if it had not been for A, B, and C's portions
+ of the mule, the barley would have remained. "How so?" replied the
+ sheik. "Because," quoth D, "the leg which belongs to me cannot
+ touch the ground; but it was brought to the corn-field by the legs
+ of A, B, and C, which were the efficient cause of the ignition of
+ the barley. The sheik reversed his decree, and ordered A, B, and C
+ to pay the damage, and D got off without expense.
+
+ [Footnote 198: _Kadis_, i.e. judges. _Talbs_, i.e. record
+ writers. _Kadi_ is generally spelt by the Europeans of the
+ south _Cadi_, because they have no K in their alphabet: the
+ Arabs have no C; the letter is _Kaf_ or K, not C.]
+
+313
+ _Customs of the Shelluhs of the Southern Atlas, viz. of Idaultit_
+ (_in Lower Suse_.)
+
+ The mountains of Idaultit are inhabited by a courageous and
+ powerful people, strict to their honour and word, unlike their
+ neighbours of Elala. They make verbal contracts between themselves,
+ and never go to law, or record their contracts or agreements,
+ trusting implicitly to each other's faith and honour. If a man goes
+ to this country to claim a debt due, he cannot receive it while
+ there, but must first leave the country, and trust to the integrity
+ of the Idaultitee, who will surely pay when convenient, but cannot
+ bear compulsion or restraint. They do not acknowledge any sultan,
+ but have a divan of their own, called _Eljma_, who settle all
+ disputes between man and man. These people cultivate the plains,
+ when there is no khalif in Suse; but when there is, they retire to
+ the fastnesses in their mountains, and defy the arm of power;
+ satisfying themselves with the produce of the mountains.
+
+ _Connubial Customs_.
+
+ The (_shereef_) Prince Muley Bryhim, son of the present Emperor
+ Soliman, was married to the daughter of the bashaw Abdrahaman ben
+ Nassar, who was powerful and rebellious, and prevented the Emperor
+ for some time from proceeding to the south. This couple was married
+314 in 1803. The bashaw died the same year; and in 1805 she was
+ divorced, and sent by the Emperor to Mogodor, with orders to a
+ sheik of Shedma to marry her, it being considered a degradation for
+ a prince to be united to the daughter of a rebellious subject. This
+ happened in January, 1806. The widow of the late Prince Muley
+ Abdrahaman, who rebelled against his father, and who was elder
+ brother to the Emperor Soliman, has been recently sent by the
+ Emperor to Bu Azar, a negro bashaw, and governor of the city of
+ Terodant, in Suse, to marry her. These marriages are promoted by
+ the royal decree, to prevent the females from contaminating the
+ royal blood by illicit connection, if they remain divorced, without
+ a new husband.
+
+ _Political Duplicity_.
+
+ A fakeer having interceded in behalf of a state prisoner, his
+ friend, who was confined in the island of Mogodor (the state prison
+ of the empire, except for princes, who are sent to Tafilelt), the
+ Emperor assured him he would release him; and urged the fakeer to
+ proceed to Mogodor, and wait there his Majesty's arrival. The
+ fakeer departed, and soon after his arrival at Mogodor, he learned
+ that the Emperor was not going there; but the alkaid of Mogodor
+ showed him a letter from the Emperor, ordering him to retain the
+ prisoner in safe keeping, and not attend to what the fakeer should
+ say. This system of breaking engagements and promises, is too often
+315 denominated policy. "Dost thou think I am a Christian," said an
+ emperor to a prince who was expostulating with him for not
+ fulfilling his engagements,--"Dost thou think I am a Christian, to
+ be a slave to my word?"
+
+ Senor P. a Spanish merchant, received a letter from the Emperor,
+ directed to the (_alkaid_) governor of Rabat, ordering him to show
+ Senor P. every attention, and to assist him if he should be
+ desirous of establishing a house at Rabat. Senor P. left the court
+ at Mequinas, well satisfied with his letter; but a few days after
+ his arrival, the alkaid told him he must embark and quit the
+ country in twenty-four hours, by the Emperor's order, which he
+ showed to Senor P. who could read Arabic. He was obliged to embark
+ immediately.
+
+ _Etiquette of Language at the Court of Marocco_.
+
+ If the Emperor should enquire about any person that has recently
+ died, it is not the etiquette to mention the word "death,"--a
+ muselmen is supposed never to die;--the answer is _Ufah Ameruh_,
+ "his destiny is closed," or "he has completed his destiny." To
+ which the following answer is invariably given--_Allah e Erhammoh_,
+ "God be merciful to him." If a Jew's death is announced to any
+ muselman prince, fakeer, or alkaid, the expression is, _Maat hashak
+ asseedi_, "He is dead, Sir." _Ashak_ is an Arabic idiom, the exact
+ meaning of which cannot easily be conveyed in English; but it may
+316 be assimilated to--"Pardon me for mentioning in your presence a
+ name contemptible or gross (as Jew)." Thus, for further elucidation
+ to the enquirer after the peculiarities of language, _Kie 'tkillem
+ ma el Kaba hashak asseedi_,--"He is talking with a prostitute--your
+ pardon, Sir, for the grossness of the expression."
+
+ If a man goes to the alkaid, to make a complaint against any one
+ for doing any indecent act, and in relating the circumstance he
+ omits the word _hashak asseedi_, the persons present will interrupt
+ him thus,--_Kul hashak b'adda_, "Say _hashak_ before you proceed."
+ Blood, dung, dirt, pimp, procuress, prostitute, traitor, &c. &c.
+ are words that (in correct company) are invariably followed by the
+ qualifying word _hashak_.
+
+ If a Christian is dead, the expression is _Mat el kaffer, or Mat el
+ karan, or Mat bel karan_, "The infidel is dead, the cuckold, or
+ the son of a cuckold is dead."
+
+ _Food_.
+
+ _Kuscasoe_ is, flour moistened with water, and granulated with the
+ hand to the size of partridge-shot. It is then put into a steamer
+ uncovered, under which fowls, or mutton, and vegetables, such as
+ onions, and turnips, are put to boil: when the steam is seen to
+ pass through the _kuscasoe_ it is taken off and shook in a bason,
+ to prevent the adhesion of the grains; and then put in the steamer
+ again, and steamed a second time. When it is taken off, some
+317 butter, salt, pepper, and saffron, are mixed with it, and it is
+ served up in a large bowl. The top is garnished with the fowl or
+ mutton, and the onions and turnips. When the saffron has made it
+ the colour of straw, it has received the proper quota. This is,
+ when properly cooked, a very palatable and nutritious dish.
+
+ _Hassua_ is gruel boiled, and then left over the fire two hours. It
+ is made with barley not ground into flour, but into small particles
+ the size of sparrow-shot. It is a very salubrious food for
+ breakfast, insomuch that they have a proverb which intimates that
+ physicians need never go to those countries wherein the inhabitants
+ break their fast with _hassua_.
+
+ _El Hasseeda_ is barley roasted in an earthen pan, then powdered in
+ a mortar, and mixed with cold water, and drank. This is the
+ travelling food of the country--of the Arab, the Moor, the
+ Berebber, the Shelluh, and the Negro; and is universally used by
+ travellers in crossing the Sahara: the Akkabas that proceed from
+ Akka and Tatta to Timbuctoo, Houssa, and Wangara, are always
+ provided with a sufficient quantity of this simple restorative to
+ the hungry stomach.
+
+ _The Woled Abbusebah, a whole Clan of Arabs, banished from the
+ Plains of Marocco_.
+
+ This populous, powerful, and valiant kabyl, during the former part
+ of the reign of the Sultan Seedi Muhamed ben Abdallah, father of
+318 the present Emperor Soliman, occupied the plains west of the city
+ of Marocco (being an emigration from the Bedouin tribe of the same
+ name in the Sahara); but their depredatory disposition made
+ travelling through their territory unsafe; wherefore the Emperor,
+ after endeavouring in vain to make an example of them, issued a
+ decree that they should all to a man leave his dominions, and they
+ were driven by his army out of their country to the south, and
+ entered the Sahara. The whole kabyl was thus outlawed, so that they
+ were plundered and killed as they passed through the plains of
+ Fruga, Ait Musie, Haha, and Suse, by the natives of those countries
+ respectively. Not half the number that emigrated, (which was some
+ thousands,) reached the original clan in the Sahara.
+
+ _The Koran, called also El Kateb el Aziz_.
+
+ The word Koran conveys the same signification as _Bible_: it means
+ "the reading" or "the book;"--_kora_, "to read; "_el Kateb el
+ Aziz_, i.e. "the dear or beloved book," meaning thereby the
+ _Koran_.
+
+ _Arabian Music_.
+
+ The Sultan Seedi Muhamed, after hearing the musical band of the
+ Marquis de Vialli, ambassador from Venice, expressed his
+ gratification at the music of the Italians, and laconically
+ observed that it possessed more harmony than that of any other
+ nation, excepting his own.
+319
+ _Sigin Messa_. (_Sigilmessa_.)
+
+ The country of Sigin Messa, called in the maps Sigilmessa, was the
+ state prison of the kingdom of Suse, when it formed a part of the
+ empire of Muley el Monsore, in the twelfth century of the Christian
+ era. Messa, a port in Suse, was then a large city, and the capital
+ of the kingdom of Suse. The state prisoners were sent to a place of
+ safe keeping, which was east of Tafilelt, and was therefore called
+ Sigin Messa, i.e. the prison of Messa.
+
+ _Mungo Park at Timbuctoo_.
+
+ In the month of March, 1806, a letter was received at Mogodor by
+ Seedi L'Abes Buhellal Fasee, from his liberated slave at Timbuctoo.
+ This letter was in Arabic, and the following is an extract
+ literally translated from it by myself:--
+
+ "A boat arrived a few days since from the West at Kabra, having two
+ or three Christians in it. One was (_rajel kabeer_) a tall man, who
+ stood erect in the boat, which displayed (_shinjuk bied_) a white
+ flag. The inhabitants of Kabra did not, however, understand the
+ signal to be emblematic of peace, and no one went to the boat,
+ although it remained at anchor before Kabra the whole day, till
+ night. In the morning it was gone."
+
+320 _Troglodytae_.
+
+ The Shelluhs of the Atlas, south-east of Santa Cruz, in Suse,
+ during the rainy season, from November till February inclusive,
+ live in caves and excavations in the rocks and earth; laying up
+ provisions sufficient for that period, until the snow begins to
+ melt. The Berebbers of North Atlas have followed the same custom
+ from time immemorial.
+
+ _Police of West Barbary_.
+
+ When the present Emperor came to the throne, he gave indefatigable
+ attention to the police. He wished, he said, to make the roads safe
+ for travellers, from the Desert, or Sahara, to the shores of the
+ Mediterranean. He was vigilant in discovering thefts, and rigorous
+ in punishing them. If any one was robbed, he had only to report it
+ to the Emperor, who would forthwith order the douar where the
+ robbery was committed to restore the sum stolen, and to pay a fine
+ to the treasury of the same amount. By adhering strictly to this
+ system, he improved the revenue, and made travelling perfectly
+ safe; so that one may travel now (1805), without danger, with
+ property or money, from one end of the empire to the other. Before
+ this system of policy was renewed, (for it is an old law of the
+ land,) travellers with property were obliged to have a _statta_:
+ thus, if a caravan was going from Terodant or Marocco to Fas, it
+ took a _statta;_ that is, two men, natives of the district of
+321 Rahamena, who accompanied the caravan in safety to the confines of
+ their territory; they then received a remuneration, and delivered
+ over the caravan to two men of Abda, who conducted it to the border
+ of Duquella: it was then delivered into the hands of two Duquella
+ Arabs; and so it went through the different provinces till it
+ reached Fas, under the protection, through each province, of a
+ _statta_, each of which _statta_ receives a remuneration. So that,
+ by the time of arrival at Fas, the merchandise was sometimes
+ subject to a charge of 8 or 10 per cent. for _statta_ or convoy
+ through the various provinces.
+
+ Before the Emperor Soliman thus established his authority, caravans
+ of gums, almonds, ostrich feathers, gold-dust, &c. &c. from Suse,
+ were sometimes twenty days going from Santa Cruz to Mogodor, a
+ distance of less than one hundred miles, the _statta_ being changed
+ and paid at the entrance of every kabyl, of which there are twelve
+ in the province of Haha alone; the camels being also changed at
+ every change of _statta_, increased the charge on the merchandise
+ to an immoderate amount. It would be a great acquisition to
+ England, if His Majesty were to negociate with the Emperor of
+ Marocco for the port of Santa Cruz; for the province of Suse
+ produces in abundance olive oil, almonds, and gums; worm-seed,
+ annis-seed, cummin-seed, and orchilla; oranges, grapes,
+ pomegranates, figs, melons, &c. This port was farmed, during the
+ reign of Muley Ismael, for an annual stipend. It is the key to
+322 Sudan, and a communication might be opened on an extensive scale
+ from hence with Timbuctoo, Housa, Wangara, and other regions of
+ Sudan, so as to supply, in a few years, the whole of the interior
+ of Africa with British and East-India manufactures.
+
+ _Muley Abdrahaman ben Muhamed_.
+
+ This prince, who was elder brother of the present Emperor Soliman,
+ had accumulated considerable treasure in executing the office of
+ (_khalif_) viceroy of the provinces of Duquella, Abda, and Shedma.
+ His father, jealous of his son's power, when supported by a command
+ of treasure, had recourse to the usual means of transferring it to
+ the imperial treasury. It is held as law in this country, that
+ little is sufficient for every purpose of life. When property
+ becomes accumulated, it is alleged that more than a sufficiency is
+ derogatory of the principles laid down in the Koran, and ought to
+ revolve to the national treasury, there to be deposited as a fund
+ in reserve against the invasion of the country by the Europeans, an
+ event, which they are quite sure, from an ancient tradition, will
+ happen at no very distant period.
+
+ Abdrahaman, however, equally avaricious with his father, objected
+ to deliver up his treasure; which so irritated the Sultan, that he
+ ordered a party of his negro soldiers to go to the Prince's house
+ and seize every thing valuable. These men, in their thirst for
+ plunder, out-ran their discretion, as it appears; for they
+323 proceeded to examine the ladies in the Horem, putting their base
+ hands on their persons, under the pretence of discovering if they
+ had concealed their jewels and gold. This outrage roused the
+ Prince's indignation and he lost no time in absenting himself for
+ ever from his father's dominions, for this insult on his
+ dignity.--"If my father," said the Prince, "had taken my treasure,
+ it would have passed from my hands to his; but to permit the
+ ignoble hands of slaves to offer me such an indignity, is more than
+ I can or will suffer." Abdrahaman therefore emigrated to the
+ province of Lower Suse, on the confines of Sahara, where he
+ remained encamped, ready, upon any alarm, at a moment's notice, to
+ penetrate into the Desert. He had always two _heiries_ ready
+ saddled at the gate of his (_keyma_) tent; one for carrying his
+ treasure, viz. gold dust and jewels, and the other for himself to
+ ride, on any emergency. Many fakeers were sent from the Sultan to
+ the Prince; with the most solemn assurances of his reconciliation,
+ and with urgent solicitations to him to return; but the Prince
+ never forgave or forgot the insult.
+
+ _Anecdote of Muley Ismael_.
+
+ Muley Ismael compared his subjects to a bag full of rats.--"If you
+ let them rest," said the warrior, "they will gnaw a hole in it:
+324 keep them moving, and no evil will happen." So his subjects, if
+ kept continually occupied, the government went on well; but if left
+ quiet, seditions would quickly arise. This sultan was always in the
+ tented-field: he would say, that he should not return to his palace
+ until the tents were rotten. He kept his army incessantly occupied
+ in making plantations of olives, or in building: rest and rebellion
+ were with him synonymous terms.
+
+ Before the Portuguese transplanted their African colonies to South
+ America, they had penetrated far into West Barbary; they frequently
+ made incursions into the country from Mazagan to Marocco, and
+ eastward of that city. They had a church near Diminet, on the
+ declivity of the Atlas, about thirty-five miles east of Marocco,
+ which is still existing: it is a kind of sanctuary; the Berebbers
+ say it is haunted; they will not approach it. There is said to be
+ an inscription on the building in Roman characters, over the
+ entrance; but I never could ascertain what it is.
+
+ _Library at Fas_.
+
+ When the present Emperor came to the throne there was a very
+ extensive and valuable library of Arabic manuscripts at Fas,
+ consisting of many thousand volumes. Some of the more intelligent
+ literary Moors are acquainted with events that happened formerly,
+325 during the time of the Roman power, which Europeans do not possess.
+ Abdrahaman ben Nassar, bashaw of Abda, was perfectly acquainted
+ with Livy and Tacitus, and had read those works from the library at
+ Fas. It is more than probable that the works of these authors, as
+ well as those of many other Romans and Greeks, are to be found
+ translated into the Arabic language, in the hands of private
+ individuals in West and in South Barbary. This library was
+ dispersed at the accession of Muley Soliman, and books commenting
+ on the Koran only were retained; the rest were burned or dispersed
+ among the natives.
+
+ _Deism_.
+
+ Deism was very prevalent throughout the empire. When the present
+ Emperor Soliman came to the throne, the deists went about in large
+ numbers, exclaiming, _La Allah ila Allah_, "There is no God but
+ God." The Emperor soon silenced these people, by proclaiming that
+ if any should be found uttering this truth, without adding,
+ "Muhamed is his prophet," should ([199]_ekul lassah_) be beat. The
+ sect soon disappeared.
+
+ [Footnote 199: This punishment is inflicted by two men, one on
+ each side; the culprit is stretched naked on the ground, and
+ beat on the back unmercifully, with sticks two yards long, and
+ as thick as a finger.]
+
+326
+ _Muhamedan Loyalty_.
+
+ An alkaid of a district in the province of Abda, when that province
+ submitted to the Emperor, went to His Majesty, taking with him the
+ fruit of his government, viz. 100,000 dollars. He prostrated
+ himself before the Emperor, and announced that he had brought this
+ money to the Muselman treasury, being what he had collected since
+ the death of the Emperor's father. "I have lived splendidly, and
+ have never wanted any thing, or I should have brought Your Majesty
+ much more treasure." "You have been," said the Emperor, "a faithful
+ servant, and you shall be rewarded." He was promoted to a
+ government, and had many opportunities of refunding his loss. A
+ large sum was returned to him for his fidelity.
+
+ _Cairo_.
+
+ The city of El Kahira is called by Europeans Cairo. When Kairo was
+ founded, in the 359th year of the Hejra, the planet Mars was in
+ ascension; and it is Mars who conquers the universe: "therefore,"
+ said Moaz, (the son of El Mansor) to _his_ son, "I have given it
+ the name of El-Kahira."[200]
+
+ [Footnote 200: El Kahira is the Arabic for the planet Mars, and
+ signifies _victorious_.]
+327
+ _Races of Men constituting the Inhabitants of West and South
+ Barbary, and that Part of Bled el Jereed, called Tafilelt and Sejin
+ Messa, east of the Atlas, forming the Territories of the present
+ Emperor of Marocco_.
+
+ _The Moors_, who inhabit the towns on the coast, and the cities of
+ Fas, Mequinas, Marocco, and Terodant; who speak a corrupt Arabic
+ language.
+
+ _The Berebbers_, who appear to be the Aborigines, and who retain
+ precisely the same character that was anciently given of the
+ Mauritanians by Sallust. These people inhabit the mountains of
+ Atlas, north of the city of Marocco, and have a language peculiar
+ to themselves. They are a hardy race of warriors, as artful as they
+ are indefatigable in war; when attacked by the imperial troops,
+ they defend themselves valiantly; and, by stratagem and device,
+ often surprise and defeat the Emperor's best troops, the _abeed
+ Seedy Bukaree_. They call the Negro and Arab troops of the Emperor,
+ (_maden el grudder_), a mine of deceit, and never trust to their
+ vows and promises, even if they swear by the Koran. They are a
+ restless turbulent race, and have never been conquered. They have
+ adopted the Muhamedan doctrines.
+
+ _The Shelluhs_, or inhabitants of the Atlas, who dwell in houses in
+ the mountains south of Marocco, in the province of Haha, and in
+328 part of Suse. These are a weaker race, not so athletic and robust
+ as the Berebbers. Their language has been represented to be similar
+ to that of the Berebbers, but that is evidently a mistake; I have
+ travelled through their country, and through the country of the
+ Berebbers, and have conversed with hundreds, nay, I may say, with
+ thousands of them: I have no hesitation in declaring them to be a
+ different race. Their language, costume, and habits differ; the
+ Shelluhs, however, possess the same art and duplicity with the
+ Berebbers.
+
+ _The Arabs_, who live in _douars_ of tents, and inhabit the immense
+ plains west of the Atlas, are the agriculturists of the country.
+ They form the principal population of this terrestrial paradise;
+ they are for the most part emigrations from the Sahara, several
+ centuries ago, and speak the true Arabic language. These are a fine
+ race of men, possessing, in a superlative degree, some of the
+ noblest qualities of the human race. To these may be added
+
+ _The Jews_, who wear a distinguishing costume, and a black cap;
+ they are all engaged in trade, and form one-seventh of the
+ population of the walled habitations. They are held in great
+ contempt, and are treated very rudely by the Arabs, and therefore
+ are seldom met with among the encampments of that people.
+
+ A _douar_ is a village of tents; these tents are made of goats' and
+ camels' hair; they are made by the females, are of a close texture,
+329 extremely warm, and impervious to the rain: thus they are cool in
+ the summer, and warm in the rainy season. In countries exposed to
+ the attacks of neighbouring kabyles, they are arranged in a
+ circular form, covering sometimes several acres of ground, having a
+ large keyma or Arab tent in the centre of the circle, which serves
+ for a _jamma_, or meeting for morning and evening prayers, and at
+ other times for an _emdursa_, or seminary, where the Muhamedan
+ youth are taught to read the Koran, and to write, as they call it,
+ (_Sultan men Elsen_) the sultan of languages, or language of
+ languages. The tent-pegs of the respective tents are indented
+ within each other, so that the cattle cannot go out or in;
+ moreover, a hedge of thorny bushes encircles the whole, secured by
+ staves drove into the ground. The camels, horses, mules, horned
+ cattle, sheep, and goats, are all inclosed in a division of the
+ circular area during the night, and a fire is kept all night, to
+ keep off the lions and wild beasts. The incessant barking of dogs,
+ which are very numerous among the Arabs, prevent the travellers
+ unaccustomed to these habitations from sleeping.
+
+ _Various Modes of Intoxication_.
+
+ All nations have some method of getting rid of reason, for the
+ purpose of indulging in the vacuum and temporary independence
+ produced by intoxication. We, of Europe, have recourse to wine to
+ effect this purpose: the opulent indulge in the libations of
+330 claret, burgundy, and champagne; the middling classes have recourse
+ to brandy, rum, and gin; but the African effects this purpose at
+ far less expense. A muselman procures ample temporary relief from
+ worldly care for a mere trifle: he buys at the (_attara_), drug
+ shop, for a penny, a small pipe of _el keef or hashisha_; this
+ completely effects his purpose. The leaves of this drug, which is a
+ kind of hemp, are called _el hashisha_; the flower of the plant is
+ called _el keef_, and is much more powerful in its inebriating
+ quality than the _hashisha_, but a pipe of the latter will have as
+ powerful an effect as two or three bottles of wine. It is said,
+ that when the patient is under the influence of pleasant
+ imaginations, the fume of this drug increases the sensation into
+ the most pleasing delirium, engendering the most luxuriant images,
+ and promoting a voluptuous vacuum. But when the person's ill fate
+ tempts him to taste it in a melancholy mood, it protracts the
+ gloomy moments, and gives the woes of life a longer duration: he
+ utters sighs and lamentations, he apprehends nothing but misery and
+ misfortune, till the effect of the drug is exhausted, and he awakes
+ from his dream of woe.
+
+ _Division of Agricultural Property_.
+
+ Agricultural property is ascertained by a large stone laid at each
+ corner of a plantation of corn, a direct line is drawn from stone
+321 to stone at the season of reaping; it has, perhaps, never been
+ known, that these partitions have been removed for the purpose of
+ encroachment; a mutual confidence, and a point of honour renders
+ this mode of discriminating the respective property of individuals
+ adequate to every purpose of hedge or ditch.
+
+ _Mines_.
+
+ The mountains that separate the province of Suse from that of
+ Draha, abound in iron, copper, and lead. Ketiwa, a district on the
+ declivity of Atlas, east of Terodant, contains also mines of lead
+ and brimstone; and saltpetre also, of a superior quality, abounds
+ in the neighbourhood of Terodant. In the same mountains, about
+ fifty or sixty miles south-west of Terodant, there are mines of
+ iron of a very malleable quality, equal to that of Biscay in Spain,
+ from which the people of Tagrasert manufacture gun-barrels, equal
+ to those made in Europe. At Elala in Suse, in the same ridge of
+ mountains, are several rich mines of copper, some of which are
+ impregnated with gold: they have also a rich silver mine, the metal
+ of which latter is cast in round lumps, weighing two or three
+ ounces each piece. I have bought of this silver at Santa Cruz, and
+ have paid Spanish dollars for it, weight for weight; it is very
+ pure. Mines of antimony and lead ore are also found in Suse,
+332 impregnated with gold, some specimens of which I sent to England to
+ be analyzed; but being informed that it yielded gold sufficient
+ only to pay the expenses of purifying, I gave no farther attention
+ to it, although I have had reason to think, since then, that an
+ importation of the ore would amply pay the importer.
+
+ _Nyctalopia, Hemeralopia, or Night-blindness, called by the Arabs
+ Butelleese; and its Remedy_.
+
+ During my residence at Santa Cruz, I had a cousin with me who was
+ afflicted with this disorder. When the sun sat his blindness came
+ on, and continued till the rising sun. This youth was so afflicted,
+ during a month, with this disorder, that he could scarcely see his
+ way with a candle in his hand, so that it was quite painful to see
+ him groping about. An Arab of the Woled Abbusebah Kabyl, who retain
+ much of the science and art of their ancestors, and whose
+ prosperity I had promoted at Santa Cruz, by facilitating his
+ commercial adventures, communicated to me a simple remedy for this
+ disorder; I put no faith in it, for it was so simple that I was
+ disposed to think it an illusion. He called on me, however,
+ repeatedly, and finding I had not applied it, he brought it one
+ morning himself, and urged me to try it, I did so; and that same
+ evening the eyes of the youth were almost well, and his sight was
+333 completely restored the following night. This ophthalmic affection,
+ in an Arabic translation of Hippocrates, is called _Butelleese;_
+ another translation of ancient date calls it _Shebkeret:_ the name,
+ however, by which it is known at the present day in Africa, is
+ _Butelleese:_ the Latins called it _Lusciosus_, which word denotes
+ precisely the disease, viz. one who sees imperfectly in the morning
+ and evening twilight, but whose vision is clear at broad day-light.
+ _Lusciosus ad lucernam non videt. Vesperi non videre quos lusciosos
+ appellant_. Plaut. Mil. Gl. ii. 3.
+
+ This ophthalmia has been by some denominated _hen-blindness_, from
+ the circumstance of hens' eyes being thus affected, when they are
+ unable to see to pick up small grains in the dusk of the evening. I
+ have frequently seen fowls thus affected soon after going to sea,
+ from the coast of Africa, after which they decline and grow sick. A
+ quantity of small gravel should be spread in their coops at sea,
+ which prevents this disorder, and will sometimes cure it. At the
+ commencement of this complaint, the circumstance that first engages
+ the patient's attention is the dimness of his eye-sight at
+ twilight: the nocturnal dimness of vision was such, in the instance
+ before-mentioned, that the youth could scarcely see, even with a
+ candle in his hand, which he described, as seen by him, as if it
+ were misty, or as glimmering in a thick fog. There was no external
+ disfiguration visible in the eyes, but they appeared as usual.
+334
+ What the cause of this disorder was I am unable to say; but I have
+ often suspected that it was contracted from the shining of the sun
+ on the white terras of the house where my cousin used to go of a
+ morning to shoot _tibeebs_, a bird somewhat resembling the European
+ sparrow. This youth was rather of a weak or delicate constitution.
+ I did not repeat the above remedy, as the boy's eyes continued
+ well, without any defect in the vision at any time of the day or
+ night, till seven-and-twenty days had elapsed, when the disorder
+ returned. I procured the remedy again, and he took it; it had the
+ same effect as before; he took it again, and then continued well
+ for a month. It again returned a third time, and was cured by one
+ single administration, after which it entirely disappeared, and
+ never returned. Some time after this, I was informed that the
+ British fleet in the Mediterranean was affected with this disorder;
+ that one-tenth, or more, of the crews of our ships had laboured
+ under it; and, on my return to England, I was urged to represent to
+ His Majesty's ministers, that I had an infallible remedy for the
+ disorder. I was referred to Doctor Harness, of the Transport Board.
+ I waited on the Doctor, and afterwards corresponded with him. He
+ appeared very desirous of knowing the remedy; but he was not at
+ liberty to grant me any remuneration for it. I, however, offered to
+ discover it, on being reimbursed the sum which the remedy cost me,
+335 on experimental proof being produced of its infallibility; which
+ proposition was rejected by the Transport Board in August, 1812,
+ who informed me at the same time, that the Lords Commissioners of
+ the Admiralty did not judge proper to grant the sum required by me
+ for the discovery of the remedy for Nyctalopia, which, I should
+ add, was between 500_l_. and 600_l_. The remedy, therefore, remains
+ a secret to this day.
+
+ A celebrated electrician and galvanist having conversed with me
+ lately respecting this remedy for Nyctalopia, suggested to me the
+ probability, that the same remedy might be effectual also in _gutta
+ serena_, as both those disorders are known to proceed from a defect
+ in the optic nerve. This opinion he corroborated, by quoting, in
+ confirmation of it, the opinion of a well-known author. The
+ electrician perceiving my incredulity, or more properly, my
+ ignorance of the wonderful connection that exists between the
+ intestines and the head, was prompted, as I verily believe, by a
+ philanthropic disposition; and actually proved to me,
+ experimentally, the influence which the eyes have on the
+ intestines, and _vice versa_. A patient with a _gutta serena_, who
+ had been, as he informed me, twelve months under the hands of a
+ celebrated oculist, was recommended by the latter, as a last
+ resource, to try galvanism. He had received no benefit whatever
+ whilst under the direction of the oculist above alluded to, but his
+ intestines were intolerably deranged by the effects of the mercury
+336 which he had taken. This gentleman galvanised his eyes, and the
+ man, who is a gunsmith, told me, that when he first went to have
+ the operation performed, he could not see the red border round the
+ hearth-rug in the front parlour, but when he returned into that
+ room, after having been galvanised, he assured me he saw it
+ plainly. He moreover declared that his bowels had been, and then
+ were, in a very deranged state, from the effects of the mercury
+ which he had taken, but that he felt incredible relief after having
+ been galvanised, and that, two or three days afterwards, they were
+ quite restored to health and strength. Being thus satisfied with
+ the influence that so wonderfully exists between the intestines and
+ the eyes, I am now making arrangements with the same gentleman, to
+ administer the remedy for the benefit, _as we hope_, of patients
+ afflicted with _gutta serena_. But I now declare to the public a
+ third time, that the remedy is simple, safe, and effectual, and
+ that I am ready and desirous of administering it to any one who may
+ choose to apply for it, who is afflicted with the disorder, with my
+ positive assurances, that it will effect a cure in eight-and-forty
+ hours at the utmost, but probably in twenty-four.
+
+ _Vaccination._
+
+ Intelligence received from West Barbary was instrumental in
+337 promoting the adoption of vaccination. In the latter years of the
+ last century, the small-pox pervaded West and South Barbary. Mr.
+ Matra, the British consul-general to the Empire of Marocco, wrote
+ to me at that period officially, to procure him every information
+ possible, and to inform him if I could discover if cattle in this
+ country were subject to the small-pox. I made every inquiry without
+ delay, and I reported to His Excellency, (who was ambassador as
+ well as consul), that I had ascertained that the horses, mules,
+ asses, and oxen were subject in this country to the small-pox, of
+ which there could be no doubt, as the name given to the disorder in
+ the beasts of the field, was the same as that which designated the
+ small-pox in the human species, viz. JEDRIE. In consequence of this
+ information, confirmed afterwards by other enquiries, His
+ Excellency wrote to England on the subject, and, I believe, sent
+ some vaccine pus home; soon after which Dr. Jenner began his
+ experiments on vaccine inoculation, which have since been adopted
+ throughout Europe, and in great part of Asia and America. Although
+ I was thus instrumental in the propagation of vaccine inoculation,
+ yet I never asked for or received any remuneration; but I feel a
+ satisfaction in having been thus instrumental of good to mankind,
+ in this new and eligible system of inoculation, by means of which
+ human life has been preserved; for, according to Sir Gilbert
+338 Blane's late statement, 23,134 lives have been saved during the
+ last 15 years by vaccination.
+
+ _Game_.
+
+ All kinds of game are plentiful in South and in West Barbary; viz.
+ _el gror_, a bird somewhat similar to the English partridge, but
+ unknown in Europe. I shot some of these birds for Doctor Brussonet,
+ the naturalist, who was intendant of the national garden of botany
+ at Montpelier, which that gentleman prepared in the oven, and sent
+ to the National Institute at Paris. He informed me this bird was a
+ non-descript. Hares, antelopes, woodcocks, snipes, plovers,
+ bustards. There is an abundance of partridges, red ducks as large
+ as geese, ducks, wigeon, and teal; curlews, in immense quantities,
+ are found in the flat parts of the country on the coast; immense
+ quantities of doves, wild pigeons, wood-pigeons, and large
+ sand-larks. Every person is at liberty to shoot; but the princes
+ and the great, consider field-sports beneath their dignity, except
+ hawking, and hunting the wild boar, the lion, and the tiger. The
+ Muhamedans do not prefer game to other food. When they have shot a
+ bird, they immediately cut its throat, that the blood may flow
+ freely; otherwise it is not lawful to eat it. Game is never seen in
+ the public markets. When they shoot for Europeans, they dispense
+ with the ceremony of cutting the throat of the game. They reproach
+ the Christians for eating such food, which they call (_m'jeefa_)
+ "strangled."
+339
+ _Agriculture.--Mitferes._
+
+ The agriculturists, in all the Arab provinces throughout this
+ empire, have subterraneous caverns or apartments, generally in the
+ form of a cone, for the preservation of their corn during a
+ scarcity or famine. During my residence in this country, I have
+ investigated the method, and have learned the art of constructing
+ these depositories of grain. They season them before the corn is
+ deposited. They should not be constructed in a clay soil. In these
+ _mitferes_, throughout the Arab provinces of Duquella, Temsena,
+ Shawiya, &c. they preserve the corn sound during thirty years. I
+ have been present at the opening of them after the corn had been
+ deposited twenty-one years. It was perfectly sound. When these
+ depositories are opened, each family takes a portion of the grain,
+ so as to distribute the whole immediately; otherwise, in a few
+ months, if not consumed, it acquires a peculiar bad flavour, which
+ is called the _mitfere_ _twang_. To prevent this, an Arab, on
+ opening one of these depositaries, lends corn to all his
+ neighbours, and in his turn he receives it back again, when they
+ respectively open theirs. It is unnecessary to expatiate on the
+ expediency of constructing _mitferes_ in a country oftentimes
+ visited by locusts, the plague, drought, or inundation. There would
+ be a manifest policy in establishing similar granaries in our
+340 colony in South Africa, where I understand they are visited by
+ locusts, and where the soil is similar to that of West and South
+ Barbary. All the valuable gums that Barbary now supplies Europe
+ with, and also many articles of commerce not yet known at the Cape,
+ might be procured from Barbary, and if transplanted to that colony,
+ would undoubtedly thrive, from the similarity of climate and soil.
+
+ _Laws of Hospitality_.
+
+ The territory of the Emperor of Marocco, west of the mountains of
+ Atlas, and from the shores of the Mediterranean to the confines of
+ the Shelluh province of Haha, is one continual corn-field,
+ inhabited by Arabs living in douars or encampments: much of the
+ ground, however, lies fallow. These encampments are fixed generally
+ at a considerable distance from the track of travellers, so that a
+ person unacquainted with this circumstance, would be disposed to
+ imagine the country thinly inhabited. The tents in safe countries,
+ where there is no fear of wild beasts, are pitched in a straight
+ line; but where lions or other ferocious animals are found, the
+ tents are disposed in a circular form; and thorny bushes are placed
+ round the douar, to prevent the visits of these unwelcome guests.
+ The Arabs are the agriculturists of the country, and are for the
+ most part emigrations from the original stock in Sahara. These
+ people have preserved from time immemorial the practice of open and
+341 unrestrained hospitality. Their prophet confirmed these
+ propensities; and hospitality has been ever since, the predominant
+ virtue of the Arab. Accordingly, Muhamedans are entitled, through
+ their various journeys, to be entertained three days wherever they
+ sojourn. A traveller, therefore, when he chooses to rest from the
+ fatigue of his journey, goes to one of these douars and exclaims
+ (_Deef Allah_) "the guests of God." The sheik then comes forth from
+ his tent to receive him or them: (_Kheyma Deaf_) the travellers' or
+ guests' tent is appropriated to the stranger; food is brought to
+ him, agreeably to his rank in life, but always simple, good, and
+ wholesome. Here he may remain, if he chooses, for three days,
+ without being considered an intruder, and free of all expense
+ whatsoever. If he wishes to exceed the three days allowed by the
+ Muhamedan law, he must prove his poverty; which being done, he may
+ be entertained for a further period of time: but this latter is
+ quite optional; no man is compelled to entertain and provide food
+ for strangers and travellers, without remuneration, above three
+ days.
+
+ This hospitality extends not generally to all mankind, but to
+ Muhamedans only. A Christian or a Jew would be expected to pay a
+ trifle for his entertainment; although, in travelling through the
+ province of Suse, the Arabs have absolutely refused to take any
+ remuneration from me; but, that is not generally the case, nor
+342 ought such conduct to be expected: in the instances
+ before-mentioned, these people considered themselves so much
+ benefited by the opening of the port of Santa Cruz, that they
+ thought they could not do enough for me. I was, therefore, every
+ where received in that province with the most cordial marks of
+ disinterested hospitality.
+
+ The laws of hospitality are sacred and inviolable. This I will
+ elucidate, by relating a circumstance that happened while I was at
+ Marocco. The Emperor was dissatisfied with the conduct of four
+ sheiks of Suse: they had not discharged the duties of their public
+ vocation, but had abused their office; the Emperor had issued
+ orders to arrest them, but by some means they got intelligence of
+ the orders; they therefore immediately ordered their horses, and
+ decamped in the evening from Marocco: they knew they should not be
+ safe any where from the Emperor's grasp, but under the protection
+ of the Khalif Muhamed ben Delemy, whom, however, they had in some
+ manner injured; nevertheless, knowing the noble character of the
+ man, they were resolved to try their fate; accordingly, they made
+ haste to reach the gates of his castle in Shtuka, before the
+ Emperor might discover their departure. They arrived, and
+ exclaiming _Deef Allah_, they were admitted. Delemy told them, that
+ although they had not behaved friendly to him, he would protect
+ them. His gates, he said, were always open to the children of
+343 adversity, and they might depend on his protection. The Emperor
+ soon discovered, by diligent enquiry, what route they had taken,
+ and His Imperial Majesty urged Delemy to deliver them up; but the
+ latter expostulated, and observing that he should not deserve the
+ name of an Arabian sheik, if he degraded himself by giving up those
+ who had claimed his protection, in his own country: and he actually
+ granted them protection several months; till, at length, finding
+ they could not escape the hand of power, by any plan but that of
+ going into the Sahara, Delemy agreed to see them safe out of the
+ Emperor's dominions, and accompanied them to Akka, and beyond that
+ place, till they reached the Sahara, where, being perfectly safe,
+ he took his leave of them, and they exchanged _Salems_.
+
+ _Punishment for Murder._
+
+ If a man commits murder, the friends of the murdered claim redress
+ of the alkaid, if in a town,--of the bashaw of the province, if in
+ the country. If the murderer is discovered, he is taken into
+ custody, to suffer death, unless the relations of the murdered man
+ choose to compromise with the relations of the murderer: in which
+ case, a sum of money is paid to the former, and the matter is thus
+ settled.
+
+ _Insolvency Laws._
+
+ An insolvent cannot be detained in prison after his insolvency is
+ ascertained. He gives up his property to his creditors; but if he
+344 should afterwards become a man of substance, his creditors can
+ claim the amount of their debts, deducting what they have already
+ received.
+
+ _Dances_.
+
+ The dances of the Arabs are peculiar to themselves. The youths
+ dance without females, and the females without youths. On all
+ marriages and rejoicings, music and dancing continue till the dawn
+ of day. Among the encampments of Arabs, in the summer season, the
+ whole country, at night, is in a blaze of light. The kettle-drum,
+ the triangle, the shepherd's pipe, and the _erbeb_ an instrument
+ resembling the fiddle, with two strings, form the band of music.
+
+ The youths form a double row of six or eight in each, and carry
+ themselves erect, with their arms hanging down close to their side;
+ moving obliquely to the right, then to the left, without taking
+ their feet from the ground, but moving their heels, then their toes
+ on the ground, advancing or gliding slowly along; keeping exact
+ time with the music: they then vault in the air, perform somersets
+ and various feats of agility. They sing also with great taste and
+ judgment, and some of them have excellent voices, being selected
+ for the purpose of affording entertainment to the spectators. The
+ ladies dance also in a similar manner, but without the vaulting and
+ somersets. They have a very elegant shawl-dance, which some of them
+ dance with great taste, and with much graceful movement.
+345
+ _Circumcision._
+
+ The circumcision of male children is the general practice of
+ Islaemism; it is also used among some of the[201] _Khaffers_ or
+ _Cafers_ of North, Central, and South Africa. Circumcision is not a
+ practice ascribed to a principle of cleanliness, or any other
+ cause, but ancient usage. The period of performing this operation
+ among the Arabs is at the age of eight years.
+
+ [Footnote 201: _Khaffer_ (singular number) is an Arabic term,
+ applied to all who are not Muhamedans; all Pagans, Jews, and
+ Christians, are called _Khaffer_, _K'fer_ (plural) _Kaffir
+ billa_, an atheist: hence Caffraria, the name of the country
+ near the Cape of Good Hope.]
+
+ _Invoice from Timbuctoo to Santa Cruz._
+
+ Transport of ([202]_Alk Sudan_) gum of Sudan, bought at Timbuctoo,
+ on account of Messrs. James Jackson and Co. by their agent, L'Hage
+ Muhamed O----n, and dispatched to Akka by the spring (_akkaba_)
+ accumulated caravan, in February, 1794.
+
+ M. Doll
+
+ 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 Wangaree_) 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.
+
+ 50 camel-load gum-sudan, weighing net 120 quintals.
+
+ _Charges_.--Hire of 50 camels to Akka, at 18 dollars each.
+
+ Stata to ditto, 1 dollar per load, to be paid by Sheik Aly ben
+ A----r.
+
+ _Copy of the Letter accompanying the foregoing Remittance._
+
+ Praise be to God alone; for there is neither beginning nor
+ strength, without God, the eternal God.
+
+ To my friends, L'Hage Zeyd and L'Hage Abdrahaman Elfellely. Peace
+ be with ye, and the mercy of the High God; and after that, know,
+ that I have sent to our agents at Akka, by the autumnal caravan, 50
+ camel loads of gum-sudan, being 100 skins; in each skin of gum I
+ have packed 5 skins of gold dust, and 1 bar of gold. L'Hage Tahar
+ ben Jelule will deliver to our agent at Akka, for you, 10 very
+ handsome cotton covers for beds, of Sudan manufacture. May all this
+ arrive safe, with the blessing of God. I will inform you by the
+ spring caravan what merchandize to send here next autumn. I refer
+ you to a long letter, which I have sent to you by L'Hage Tahar.
+ Peace be with you, and the blessing of God be upon you.
+349
+ Written at Timbuctoo, the 29th Duelhaja El Huram, year 1204.
+
+ L'HAGE HAMED ELWANGARIE.
+ [203]God protect him.
+
+
+ [Footnote 203: The Muhamedans, in signing their name, always
+ invoke the protection, mercy, or providence of God upon
+ themselves.]
+
+ _Food of the Desert._
+
+ The people, whose interest induces them to cross the desert, (for
+ there are no travellers from curiosity in this country,) obviate
+ the objection to salt provisions, which increases the propensity to
+ drink water, by taking with them melted butter, called _smin_; this
+ is prepared without salt. They also cut beef into long pieces,
+ about six inches long, and one inch square, without fat; these are
+ called _el kuddeed_, which are hung on a line, exposed to the air
+ till dry; they then cut them into pieces, two inches long; these
+ are put into (_buckul_) an earthen pot; they then pour the _smin_
+ into the _buckul_ till it is covered. This meat and butter, besides
+ being palatable, is comprised in a small compass, and feeds many.
+ When this butter has been thus prepared and kept twelve or fifteen
+ years, it is called _budra_, and is supposed to contain penetrating
+ active medicinal qualities. I have seen some thirty years old.
+
+ _Antithesis, a favourite Figure with the Arabs._
+
+ Mahmoud, sultan of Ghezna in the beginning of the eleventh century,
+350 though the son of a slave, was very powerful. He sent to the khalif
+ Alkader, requesting a title suited to his exalted dignity. The
+ latter hesitated; but fearing the power of the sultan, sent him at
+ the expiration of a year the ambiguous title, _Uly_, i.e. a prince,
+ a friend, a slave. Mahmoud penetrated the khalif's meaning, and
+ sent him immediately 100,000 pieces of gold, with a wish to know
+ whether a letter had not been omitted. Alkader received the
+ treasure, and took the hint, instantly dispatching letters patent
+ in full form, creating him _Uaely_ which signifies, without
+ equivocation, a sovereign independent prince.
+
+ _Arabian Modes of Writing_.
+
+ The Arabs have various modes of writing, the principal of which is
+ that used by the Koreish, the most learned of all the Western
+ tribes, and is denominated the _Niskhi_, or upright character: if
+ this is understood, the others may be easily comprehended. This is
+ the character in which the Koran was originally written. In the
+ seventh century, the Arabs adopted the invention of Moramer ben
+ Morra, a native of Babylonian Irak, which was afterwards improved
+ by the Kufik. The Kufik and the Niskhi are synonymous. Richardson,
+ in his Arabic Grammar, p. 4. say, "The Mauritannick character,
+ which is used by the Moors of Marocco and Barbary, descendants of
+351 the Arabians, differs in many respects _considerably_ from the
+ other modes of writing." But this is incorrect; for the
+ Mauritannick alphabet, excepting in the order of the letters, is
+ precisely the same with the Oriental, as now written and spoken,
+ with the exception only of the letters _Fa_ and _Kaf_, and the
+ formation even of these characters are alike. The punctuation only,
+ differs in the West, that is, west of the Egyptian Nile. The
+ Western punctuation of _Fa_, is one point below the letter, and the
+ punctuation of the letter _Kaf_ is one point above. In the East,
+ the former letter has one point above, the latter has two. This is
+ the only difference between the Eastern and the Western alphabets.
+ Richardson, (see his Grammar, page 5,) also says, that "the purest
+ Arabic is spoken at Grand Cairo," but this is not correct: the
+ language of Grand Cairo and of Tunis, Tripoli, Algiers, and Marocco
+ are much alike, but none of them are the pure Koraisch or Korannick
+ Arabic, which is only spoken at Mekka, and among some of the tribes
+ of Bedouins in the West. The language of the Woled Abbusebah, of
+ the Howara, and of the Mograffra is the pure Arabic. Finally, in a
+ note in Richardson's Grammar, page 18, it is said, "Some of our
+ European writers, and amongst others Voltaire, substitute _Koran_
+ for _Alcoran_, but perhaps improperly, as D'Herbelot and other
+ learned Orientalists, write uniformly _l'Alcoran, il Alcorano_, the
+ Alcoran." We have been too apt to copy the orthography of Oriental
+ names from the French, whose pronunciation of the Roman or European
+352 characters differs from ours. There cannot be a doubt that
+ D'Herbelot is incorrect. The word _Koran_ (for there is no _c_ in
+ the Arabic language) is derived from the verb _Kora_, to read;
+ _koran_, reading: _Al_ is the article; but, in this instance,
+ D'Herbelot uses this article twice, which is certainly erroneous,
+ for _l'_ is the French article in the word in question, and _al_ is
+ the Arabic article; whereas _one_ article only should precede a
+ noun. _L'Alcoran_ and the _Alcoran_ are therefore equally
+ incorrect; for the word in French should be _Le Coran_; in English,
+ _the Koran_; therefore Voltaire was correct. I have thought it
+ expedient to make these observations, because standing in
+ Richardson's Grammar on the authority of _learned orientalists_,
+ they are calculated to mislead the Arabic student.
+
+ _Decay of Science and the Arts among the Arabs_.
+
+ The literary fire of the Arabs and Persians has been extinguished
+ upwards of 300 years; but before that period, the encouragement to
+ learning in the East was unprecedented, and has never been equalled
+ by any European nation either before or since that period. Kadder
+ Khan, king of Turquestan, was the greatest support to science. When
+ he appeared abroad, he was preceded by 700 horsemen, with silver
+ battle-axes, and was followed by an equal number bearing maces of
+ gold. He supported with magnificent appointment a literary academy
+353 in his palace, consisting of 100 men of the highest reputation.
+ Amak, called Abu Naeib El Bokari, who was the chief poet, exclusive
+ of a great pension and a vast number of slaves, had, in attendance
+ wherever he went, thirty horses of state richly caparisoned, and a
+ retinue in proportion. The king before-mentioned used to preside at
+ their exercises of genius, on which occasions, by the side of his
+ throne were always placed four large basons filled with gold and
+ silver, which he distributed liberally to those who excelled.
+
+ Lebid suspended over the gate at Mecca a sublime poem; Muhamed
+ placed near it the opening of the second chapter of the Koran,
+ which was conceived to be something divine, and it gained the prize
+ of the _Ocadh_ assembly.
+
+ The remains of this custom of suspending over gates Arabic poems,
+ is perceived at this day among the western Moors. The gates or
+ entrances to Mogodor, Fas, Mequinas, Marocco, &c. have writing over
+ them, which is a kind of Arabic short-hand, that none but the
+ learned understand; these writings, however, are not moveable,
+ being engraven on a square table on the stone itself.
+
+ _Extraordinary Abstinence experienced in the Sahara_.
+
+ The Arabs or inhabitants of the Sahara, can support the most
+ extraordinary abstinence. Occasions occur, wherein they will travel
+354 several days without food. After suffering a privation of a day or
+ two, they tie their (_hazam_) belt round their loins, every morning
+ tighter than the preceding day, thereby preventing, in some
+ measure, that action of the bowels which promotes appetite. A
+ Saharawan will thus go five or six days without food of any kind,
+ in which case, when he reaches a habitation, or a (_wah_)
+ cultivated spot in the Desert, he will drink about half-a-pint of
+ camel's milk; this remains on the stomach but a short time: he then
+ takes another draught, which, with some, remains and gives
+ nourishment, but with others _it_ is also rejected by the stomach;
+ _a third draught is then taken, which restores the exhausted
+ traveller!_ I have been assured, that instances have been known in
+ Sahara, wherein a man has been without food of any kind for seven
+ days, and has afterwards been restored by the foregoing regimen!
+
+355
+
+ LANGUAGES OF AFRICA.
+
+ _Various Dialects of the Arabic Language.--Difference between the
+ Berebber and Shelluh Languages.--Specimen of the
+ Mandinga.--Comparison of the Shelluh Language with that of the
+ Canary Islands, and Similitude of Customs_.
+
+
+
+
+ Yareb, the son of Kohtan[204], is said to have been the first who
+ spoke Arabic, and the Muhamedans contend that it is the most
+ eloquent language spoken in any part of the globe, and that it is
+ the one which will be used at the day of judgment. To write a long
+ dissertation on this copious and energetic language, would be only
+ to repeat what many learned men have said before; a few
+ observations, however, may not be superfluous to the generality of
+ readers. The Arabic language is spoken by a greater proportion of
+ the inhabitants of the known world than any other: a person having
+ a practical knowledge of it, may travel from the shores of the
+ Mediterranean Sea to the Cape of Good Hope, and notwithstanding
+ that in such a journey he must pass through many kingdoms and
+ empires of blacks, speaking distinct languages, yet he would find
+356 men in all those countries versed in Muhamedan learning, and
+ therefore acquainted with the Arabic; again, he might cross the
+ widest part of the African continent from west to east, and would
+ every where meet with persons acquainted with it, more particularly
+ if he should follow the course of the great river called the Neel
+ El Abeed, on the banks of which, from Jinnie and Timbuctoo, to the
+ confines of lower Egypt, are innumerable cities and towns of Arabs
+ and Moors, all speaking the Arabic. Again, were a traveller to
+ proceed from Marocco to the farthest shore of Asia, opposite the
+ islands of Japan, he would find the Arabic generally spoken or
+ understood wherever he came. In Turkey, in Syria, in Arabia, in
+ Persia, and in India, it is understood by all men of education; and
+ any one possessing a knowledge of the Korannick Arabic, might, in a
+ very short time, make himself master of all its various dialects.
+
+ [Footnote 204: This Kohtan is the Joktan, son of Eber, brother
+ to Phaleg, mentioned in Genesis. Chapter x, verse 25.]
+
+ The letters of this language[205] are formed in four distinct ways,
+ according to their situation at the beginning, middle, or end of
+ words, as well as when standing alone; the greatest difficulty,
+ however, to be overcome, is the acquiring a just pronunciation,
+ (without which no living language can be essentially useful;) and
+ to attain which, the learner should be able to express the
+ difference of power and sound between what may be denominated the
+357 synonymous letters, such as [A] and [A] with [A] and [A] with [A]
+ and [A] with [A] and [A] and [A] with [A] and [A] with [A] and [A]
+ with [A] and [A] and [A] with [A].
+
+ [Footnote 205: The Oriental punctuation is here adopted.]
+
+ [Footnote A: Arabic character; cannot be displayed in this
+ file format.]
+
+ Besides these, there are other letters, whose power is extremely
+ difficult to be acquired by an European, because no language in
+ Europe possesses sounds similar to the Arabic letters [Arabic:], nor
+ has any language, except, perhaps, the English, a letter with the
+ power of the Arabian [A]. Those who travel into Asia or Africa
+ scarcely ever become sufficiently masters of the Arabic to speak it
+ fluently, which radical defect proceeds altogether from their not
+ learning, while studying it, the peculiar distinction of the
+ synonymous letters. _No European, perhaps, ever knew more of the
+ theory of this language than the late Sir William Jones, but still
+ he could not converse with an Arabian;_ a circumstance of which he
+ was not conscious until he went to India. This great man, however,
+ had he been told that his knowledge of this popular eastern
+ language was so far deficient, that he was ignorant of the separate
+ powers of its synonymous letters, and consequently inadequate to
+ converse intelligibly with a native Arab, he would certainly have
+ considered it an aspersion, and have disputed altogether that such
+ was the fact. Considering how much we are indebted to the Arabians
+358 for the preservation of many of the works of the ancients, which
+ would otherwise have never, perhaps, been known to us, it is really
+ surprising, that their language should be so little known in
+ Europe. It is certainly very difficult and abstruse, (to learners
+ particularly,) but this difficulty is rendered insurmountable by
+ the European professors knowing it only as a dead language, and
+ _teaching it without due attention to the pronunciation of the
+ before mentioned synonymous letters, a defect which is not likely
+ to be remedied, and which will always subject the speaker to
+ incessant errors_.
+
+ To shew the Arabic student the difference between the Oriental and
+ Occidental order of the letters of the alphabet, I shall here give
+ them opposite each other.
+
+ Oriental. Occidental
+
+ 1 Alif [A] -- 1 Alif [A]
+
+ 2 ba. [A] -- 2 ba [A]
+
+ 3 ta [A] -- 3 ta. [A]
+
+ 4 thsa [A] -- 4 tha [A]
+
+ 5 jim [A] -- 5 jim [A]
+
+ 6 hha [A] -- 6 hha [A]
+
+ 7 kha [A] -- 7 kha [A]
+
+ 8 dal [A] -- 8 dal [A]
+
+ 9 dsal [A] -- 9 dth'al [A]
+
+ 10 ra [A] -- 10 ra [A]
+
+ 11 za [A] -- 11 zain [A]
+359
+ 12 sin [A] -- 12 ta [A]
+
+ 13 shin [A] -- 13 da [A]
+
+ 14 sad [A] -- 14 kef [A]
+
+ 15 dad [A] -- 15 lam [A]
+
+ 16 ta [A] -- 16 mim [A]
+
+ 17 da [A] -- 17 nune [A]
+
+ 18 ain [A] -- 18 sad [A]
+
+ 19 gain [A] -- 19 dad [A]
+
+ 20 fa [A] -- 20 ain [A]
+
+ 21 kaf [A] -- 21 g'rain [A]
+
+ 22 kef [A] -- 22 fa [A]
+
+ 23 lem [A] -- 23 kaf [A]
+
+ 24 mim [A] -- 24 sin [A]
+
+ 25 nun [A] -- 25 shin [A]
+
+ 26 waw [A] -- 26 hha [A]
+
+ 27 he [A] -- 27 wow [A]
+
+ 28 ya [A] -- 28 ia [A]
+
+ 29 lam-alif: ligature lam + alif = [A]
+
+ Besides this difference of the arrangement of the two alphabets,
+ the Arabic student will observe that there is also a difference in
+ the punctuation of two of the letters: thus--
+
+ Oriental. Occidental.
+
+ fa [A] fa [A]
+
+ kaf [A] kaf [A]
+
+ [Footnote A: Arabic characters; cannot be displayed in this
+ file format.]
+
+360
+ Among the Western Arabs, the ancient Arabic figures are used, viz.
+ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9: they often write 100 thus, 1..--200,
+ 2..
+
+ To explain the force of the synonymous letters on paper would be
+ impossible; the reader, however, may form some idea of the
+ indispensable necessity of knowing the distinction by the few words
+ here selected, which to one unaccustomed to hear the Arabic
+ language spoken, would appear similar and undistinguishable.
+
+ ENGLISH. ARABIC, ARABIC.
+
+ Rendered as near to European pronunciation
+ as the English Alphabet
+ will admit.
+
+ A horse Aoud [Arabic:]
+
+ Wood Awad [Arabic:]
+
+ To repeat Aoud [Arabic:]
+
+ Fish Hout [Arabic:]
+
+ A gun Mokhalla [Arabic:]
+
+ A foolish woman Mokeela [Arabic:]
+
+ A frying pan Makeela [Arabic:]
+
+ A lion Seban [Arabic:]
+
+ Morning Seban [Arabic:]
+
+ Seventh Seban [Arabic:]
+361
+ Hatred Hassed [Arabic:]
+
+ Harvest Hassed [Arabic:]
+
+ Learning (Alem, or El Alem) [Arabic:]
+
+ A flag El Alem [Arabic:]
+
+ Granulated paste Kuscasoe [Arabic:]
+
+ The dish it is made in Kuscas [Arabic:]
+
+ Heart Kul'b [Arabic:]
+
+ Dog Kil'b [Arabic:]
+
+ Mould Kal'b [Arabic:]
+
+ Captain Rice [Arabic:]
+
+ Feathers Rish [Arabic:]
+
+ Mud G'ris [Arabic:]
+
+ Smell Shim [Arabic:]
+
+ Poison Sim[206] [Arabic:]
+362
+ Absent G'raib [Arabic:]
+
+ Butter-milk Raib [Arabic:]
+
+ White Bead [Arabic:]
+
+ A black El Abd [Arabic:]
+
+ Eggs Baid [Arabic:]
+
+ Afar off Baid [Arabic:]
+
+ A pig Helloof [Arabic:]
+
+ An oath Hellef [Arabic:]
+
+ Feed for horses Alf [Arabic:]
+
+ A thousand Elf [Arabic:]
+
+ [Footnote 206: The African Jews find it very difficult in
+ speaking, to distinguish between _shim_ and _sim_, for they
+ cannot pronounce the _sh_, [Arabic] but sound it like _s_
+ [Arabic]; the very few who have studied the art of reading
+ the language, have, however, conquered this difficulty.]
+
+ It is difficult for any one who has not accurately studied the
+ Arabic language, to imagine the many errors which an European
+ commits in speaking it, when self taught, or when taught in Europe.
+ This deficiency originates in the inaccuracy of the application of
+ the guttural and synonymous letters.
+
+ The ain [Arabic] and the [Arabic] grain cannot be
+363 accurately pronounced by Europeans, who have not studied the
+ language grammatically when young. The aspirated _h_, and the hard
+ _s_, in the word for _morning_ (sebah), are so much like their
+ synonymes, that few Europeans can discern the difference; the one
+ is consequently often mistaken for the other; and I have known a
+ beautiful sentence absolutely perverted through an inaccuracy of
+ this kind. In the words rendered _Hatred_ and _Harvest_, the two
+ synonymes of [Arabic:] and [Arabic:] or _s_ hard and _s_
+ soft, are indiscriminately used by Europeans in their Arabic
+ _conversations_, a circumstance sufficient to do away the force and
+ meaning of many a sentence.
+
+ The poetry as well as prose of the Arabians is well known, and has
+ been so often discussed by learned men, that it would be irrelevant
+ here to expatiate on the subject; but as the following description
+ of the noblest passion of the human breast cannot but be
+ interesting to the generality of readers, and, without any
+ exception, to the fair sex, I will transcribe it.
+
+ "Love [Arabic:] beginneth in contemplation, passeth to meditation;
+ hence proceeds desire; then the spark bursts forth into a flame,
+ the head swims, the body wastes, and the soul turns giddy. If we
+ look on the bright side of love, we must acknowledge that it has at
+ least one advantage; it annihilates pride and immoderate self-love;
+364 true love, whose aim is the happiness and equality of the beloved
+ object, being incompatible with those feelings.
+
+ "Lust is so different from true love [Arabic], and so far from a
+ perfection, that it is always a species of punishment sent by God,
+ because man has abandoned the path of his pure love."
+
+ In their epistolary writing, the Arabs have generally a regular and
+ particular style, beginning and ending all their letters with the
+ name of God, symbolically, because God is the beginning and end of
+ all things. The following short specimen will illustrate this:
+
+ Translation of a letter written in the Korannick Arabic by Seedy
+ Soliman ben Muhammed ben Ismael, Sultan of Marocco, to his Bashaw
+ of Suse, &c. &c.
+
+ "Praise be to the only God! for there is neither power, nor
+ strength, without the great and eternal God."
+
+ L.S.
+
+ Containing the Emperor's name and
+ titles, as Soliman ben Muhamed
+ ben Abdallah, &c, &c.
+
+ "Our servant, Alkaid Abdelmelk ben Behie Mulud, God assist, and
+ peace be with thee, and the mercy and grace of God be upon thee!"
+
+ "We command thee forthwith to procure and send to our exalted
+ presence every Englishman that has been wrecked on the coast of
+ Wedinoon, and to forward them hither without delay, and diligently
+365 to succour and attend to them, and may the eye of God be upon
+ thee!" [207]
+
+ [Footnote 207: When they write to any other but Muhamedans,
+ they never salute them with the words, "Peace be with thee,"
+ but substitute--"Peace be to those who follow the path of the
+ true God," _Salem ala min itaba el Uda_.]
+
+ "26th of the (lunar), month Saffer, year of the Hejra 1221. (May,
+ 1806.)"
+
+ The accuracy of punctuation in the Arabic language is a matter that
+ ought to be strictly attended to.
+
+ The foregoing observations will serve to prove the insufficiency of
+ a knowledge of this language, as professed or studied in Great
+ Britain when unaccompanied with a practical knowledge. These
+ observations may apply equally to the Persian language.[208]
+
+ [Footnote 208: "One of the objects I had in view in coming to
+ Europe, was to instruct young Englishmen in the Persian
+ language. I however met with so little encouragement from
+ persons in authority, that I entirely relinquished the plan. I
+ instructed, however, (as I could not refuse the recommendations
+ that were brought to me,) an amiable young man, Mr. S------n,
+ and thanks be to God, my efforts were crowned with success! and
+ that he, having escaped the instructions of _self-taught_
+ masters, has acquired such a knowledge of the principles of
+ that language, and so correct an idea of its idiom and
+ pronunciation, that I have no doubt, after a few years'
+ residence in India, he will attain to such a degree of
+ excellence, as has not yet been acquired by any other
+ Englishman." Vide Travels of Mirza Abu Taleb Khan, vol. i. p.
+ 200.]
+
+ If the present ardour for discovery in Africa be persevered in, the
+ learned world may expect, in the course of a few years, to receive
+366 histories and other works of Greek and Roman authors, which were
+ translated into the Arabic language, when Arabian literature was in
+ its zenith, and have ever since been confined to some private
+ libraries in the cities of the interior of Africa, and in Arabia.
+
+ Having said thus much with regard to the Arabic of the western
+ Arabs, which, with little variation, is spoken throughout all the
+ finest districts of North Africa, I shall proceed to say a few
+ words respecting the other languages spoken north of Sahara: these
+ are the Berebber and its dialects, viz. the Zayan and Girwan, and
+ Ait Amor; the Shelluh of Suse and South Atlas, all which, though
+ latterly supposed by some learned men to be the same, differ in
+ many respects; any one possessing a knowledge of the Berebber
+ language might, with little difficulty, make himself understood by
+ the Zayan of Atlas, the Girwan, or the Ait Amor; but the Shelluh is
+ a different language, and each so different from the Arabic, that
+ there is not the smallest resemblance, as the following specimen
+ will demonstrate:
+
+ BEREBBER. SHELLUH. ARABIC. ENGLISH.
+ Tumtoot Tayelt Ishira A girl
+ Ajurode Ayel Ishire A boy
+ Askan Tarousa Hajar A thing
+ Aram Algrom Jimmel Camel
+ Tamtute Tamraut Murrah A woman
+ Ishiar Issemg'h L'Abd A slave
+ Aouli Izimer Kibsh A sheep
+ Taddert Tikimie Dar House
+367 Ikshuden Asroen Lawad Wood
+ Eekeel Akfai Hellib Milk
+ Tifihie Uksume El Ham Meat
+ Buelkiel Amuran Helloof A hog
+ Abreede Agares Trek A road
+ Bishee Fikihie Ara Give me
+ Adude Asht Agi Come
+ Alkam Aftooh Cire Go
+ Kaym Gaeuze Jils Sit down
+ Imile Imeek Serire Little
+
+ _Specimen of the Difference between the Arabic and Shelluh
+ Languages._
+
+ SHELLUH. ARABIC. ENGLISH.
+ Is sin Tamazirkt Wash katarf Do you understand
+ Shelluh Shelluh?
+ Uree sin Man arf huh I do not understand it.
+ Matshrult Kif enta How are you?
+ Is tekeete Wash gite min Are you come from
+ Marokshe Marockshe Marocco?
+ Egan ras Miliah Good
+ Maigan Ala'sh Wherefore?
+ Misimmink As'mek What is your name?
+ Mensh kat dirk Shall andik How much have you got?
+ Tasardunt Borella A mule
+ Romi Romi An European
+ Takannarit Nasarani A Christian
+368 Romi Kaffer An infidel
+ Misem Bebans Ashkune mula Who is the owner?
+ Is'tkit Tegriwelt Washjite min Are you come from
+ Tegriwelt Cape Ossem?
+ Auweete Imkelli Jib Liftor Bring the dinner
+ Efoulkie Meziana Handsome
+ Ayeese El aoud A horse
+ Tikelline El Baid Eggs
+ Amuran Helloof Hog
+ Tayuh Tatta Camelion
+ Tasamumiat Adda Green lizard
+ Tenawine Sfune Ships.
+
+ Marmol says, the Shelluhs and Berebbers write and speak one
+ language, called Killem Abimalick[209]; but the foregoing specimen,
+ the accuracy of which may be depended on, clearly proves this
+ assertion to be erroneous, as well as that of many moderns who have
+ formed their opinion, in all probability, on the above authority.
+ Now, although the Shelluh and Berebber languages are so totally
+ dissimilar, that there is not one word in the foregoing vocabulary
+ which resembles its corresponding word in the other language, yet,
+369 from the prejudice which Marmol's authority has established, it
+ will still be difficult, perhaps, to persuade the learned that such
+ an author could be mistaken on such a subject. My account therefore
+ must remain for a future age to determine upon, when the languages
+ of Africa shall be better known than they are at present; for it is
+ not a few travellers occasionally sent out on a limited plan, that
+ can ascertain facts, the attainment of which requires a long
+ residence, and familiar intercourse with the natives. Marmol had
+ also misled the world, in saying that they write a different
+ language; the fact is, that when they write any thing of
+ consequence, it is in the Arabic; but any trifling subject is
+ written in the Berebber words, though in the Arabic character. If
+ they had any peculiar character in the time of Marmol, they have
+ none now; for I have conversed with hundreds of them, as well as
+ with the Shelluhs, and have had them staying at my house for a
+ considerable time together, but never could learn from any, that a
+ character different from the Arabic had ever been in use among
+ them.
+
+ [Footnote 209: Killem Abimalick signifies the Language of
+ Abimalick; this is evidently an error of Marmol, the Shelluh
+ language is denominated _Amazirk_; the Berebber Language is
+ denominated _Killem Brebber_.]
+
+ In addition to these languages, there is another spoken at the
+ Oasis of Ammon, or Siwah, called in Arabic [Arabic:] El Wah El
+ Grarbie, which appears to be a mixture of Berebber and Shelluh, as
+ will appear from the list of Siwahan words given by Mr.
+370 Horneman[210], in his Journal, page 19, part of which I have here
+ transcribed, to show the similitude between those two languages,
+ whereby it will appear that the language of Siwah and that of the
+ Shelluhs of South Atlas, are one and the same language.
+
+ ENGLISH. SIWAHAN. SHELLUH.
+ Sun Itfuckt Atfuct.
+ Head Achfe Akfie
+ Camel Lgum Arume
+ Sheep Jelibb Jelibb
+ Cow Tfunest Tafunest
+ Mountain Iddrarn Iddra[211]
+ Have you a horse? Goreck Ackmar Is derk Achmar?[212]
+ Milk Achi Akfie
+ Bread Tagor Tagora[213]
+ Dates Tena Tenia (sing.)Tena (plural.)
+
+ South of the Desert we find other languages spoken by the blacks;
+ and are told by Arabs, who have frequently performed the journey
+ from Jinnie to Cairo, and the Red Sea, that thirty-three different
+371 Negro languages are met with in the course of that route, but that
+ the Arabic is spoken by the intelligent part of the people, and the
+ Muhamedan religion is known and followed by many; their writings
+ are uniformly in Arabic.
+
+ [Footnote 210: In reading Mr. William Marsden's observations on
+ the language of Siwah, at the end of Horneman's Journal, in
+ page 190, I perceive that the short vocabulary inserted
+ corresponds with a vocabulary of the Shelluh language, which I
+ presented to that gentleman some years past.] [Footnote 211:
+ Plural Iddrarn.]
+
+ [Footnote 212: Or, Is derk ayeese?]
+
+ [Footnote 213: This is applied to bread when baked in a pan, or
+ over the embers of charcoal, or other fire; but when baked in
+ an oven it is called Agarom (g guttural.)]
+
+ It may not be improper in this place, seeing the many errors and
+ mutilated translations which appear from time to time, of Arabic,
+ Turkish and Persian papers, to give a list of the Muhamedan moons
+ or lunar months, used by all those nations, which begin with the
+ first appearance of the new moon, that is, the day following, or
+ sometimes two days after the change, and continue till they see the
+ next new moon; these have been mutilated to such a degree in all
+ our English translations, that I shall give them, in the original
+ Arabic character, and as they ought to be spelt and pronounced in
+ the English character, as a clue whereby to calculate the
+ correspondence between our year and theirs. They divide the year
+ into 12 months, which contain 29 or 30 days, according as they see
+ the new moon; the first day of the month Muharam is termed [arabic]
+ Ras Elame, i.e. the beginning of the year.
+
+ As we are more used to the Asiatic mode of punctuation, that will
+ be observed in these words.
+
+ Muharam [Arabic]
+ Asaffer [Arabic]
+372 Arabia Elule [Arabic]
+ Arabea Atthenie [Arabic]
+ Jumad Elule [Arabic]
+ Jumad Athenie [Arabic]
+ Rajeb [Arabic]
+ Shaban [Arabic]
+ Ramadan [Arabic]
+ Shual [Arabic]
+ Du'elkada [Arabic]
+ Du Elhajah [Arabic]
+
+ The first of Muharram, year of the Hejra 1221, answers to the 19th
+ March of the Christian aera, 1806.
+
+ Among the various languages spoken south of the Sahara, we have
+ already observed that there are thirty-three different ones between
+ the Western Ocean and the Red Sea, following the shores of the Nile
+ El Abeed, or Niger: among all these nations and empires, a man
+ practically acquainted with the Arabic, may always make himself
+ understood, and indeed, it is the language most requisite to be
+ known for every traveller in these extensive regions.
+
+ The Mandinga is spoken from the banks of the Senegal, where that
+ river takes a northerly course from the Jibel Kuthera to the
+373 kingdom of Bambarra; the Wangareen tongue is a different one; and
+ the Housonians speak a language differing again from that.
+
+ _Specimen of the difference between the Arabic and Mandinga
+ language; the words of the latter extracted from the vocabularies
+ of Seedi Muhamed ben Amer Sudani._
+
+ ENGLISH. MANDINGA. ARABIC.
+
+ One Kalen Wahud
+ Two Fula Thanine
+ Three Seba Thalata
+ Four Nani Arba
+ Five Lulu Kumsa
+ Six Uruh Setta
+ Seven Urn'klu Sebba
+ Eight Saeae Timinia
+ Nine Kanuntee Taseud
+ Ten Dan Ashra
+ Eleven Dan kalen Ahud ash
+ Twelve Dan fula Atenashe
+ Thirteen Dan seba Teltashe
+ Nineteen Dankanartee Tasatasli
+ Twenty Mulu Ashreen
+ Thirty Mulu nintau Thalateen
+ Forty Mulu fula Arbae'in
+ Fifty Mulu fula neentan Kumseen
+ Sixty Mulu sebaa Setteen
+ Seventy Mulu sebaa nintan Sebae'in.
+374 Eighty Mulu nani T'aramana'een
+ Ninety Mulu nani neentaan Tasa'een
+ One hundred Kemi Mia
+ One thousand Uli Elf
+
+ This Neen Hadda
+ That Waleem Hadduk
+ Great Bawa Kabeer
+ Little Nadeen Sereer
+ Handsome Nimawa Zin
+ Ugly Nuta Uksheen (k guttur.)
+ White Kie Bead
+ Black Feen Khal
+ Red Williamma Hummer
+ How do you do? Nimbana mcuntania Kif-enta
+ Well Kantee Ala-khere
+ Not well Moon kanti Murrede
+ What do you want Ala feta matume Ash-bright
+ Sit down Siduma Jils
+ Get up Ounilee Node
+ Sour Akkumula Hamd
+ Sweet Timiata Helluh
+ True Aituliala Hack
+ False Funiala Kadube
+ Good Abatee Miliah
+ Bad Minbatee Kubiah
+ A witch Bua Sahar
+ A lion Jatta Sebaa
+375 An elephant Samma El fel
+ A hyaena Salua Dubbah
+ A wild boar Siwa El kunjer
+ A water horse Mali Aoud d'Elma
+ A horse Suhuwa Aoud
+ A camel Kumaniun Jimmel
+ A dog Wallee Killeb
+ Hel el Killeb Hel Wallee Hel El Killeb
+ or the dog-faced
+ race.
+
+ A gazel Tankeen Gazel (g guttural)
+ A cat Niankune El mish
+ A goat Baa El maize
+ A sheep Kurenale Kibsh
+ A bull Nisakia Toor
+ A serpent Saa Hensh
+ A camelion Mineer Tatta
+ An ape Ku'nee Dzatute
+ A fowl or chicken Susee Djez
+ A duck Beruee El Weese
+ A fish Hihu El hout
+ Butter Tulu Zibda
+ Milk Nunn El hellib
+ Bread Mengu El khubs (k guttur.)
+ Corn Nieu Zra
+ Wine Tangee Kummer (k guttur.)
+ Honey Alee Asel
+ Sugar Tobabualee Sukar
+ Salt Kuee Mil'h
+ Ambergris Anber Anber
+376 Brass Tass Tass
+ Silver Kudee Nukra
+ Gold-dust Teber Tiber
+ Pewter Tass ki Kusdeer
+ A bow Kula El kos
+ An arrow Binia Zerag
+ A knife Muru Jenui
+ A spoon Kulia Mogerfa
+ A bed El arun El ferrashe
+ A lamp El kundeel El kundeel
+ A house Su Ed dar
+ A room Bune El beet
+ A light-hole Jinnee Reehaha
+ or window
+ A door Daa Beb
+ A town Kinda Midina
+ Smoke Sezee Tkan (k guttural)
+ Heat Kandia Skanna (k guttural)
+ Cold Nini Berd
+ Sea Bedu baha Bahar
+ River Bedu Wed
+ A rock Berri Jerf
+ Sand Kinnikanni Rummel
+ The earth Binku Dunia
+ Mountain Kuanku Jibbel
+ Island Juchuei Dzeera
+ Rain Sanjukalaeen Shta
+ God Allah Allah
+ Father Fa Ba
+ Mother Ba Ma
+ Hell Jahennum Jehennume
+377 A man Kia Rajil
+ A woman Musa Murrah
+ A sister Bum musa Kat (k guttural)
+ A brother Bum kia Ka
+ The devil Buhau Iblis
+ A white man Tebabu Rajil biad
+ A singer Jalikea Runai (r guttural)
+ A singing woman Jalimusa Runaiah (r guttural)
+ A slave June Abeed
+ A servant Bettela Mutalem
+
+ Having now given some account of the languages of Africa, we shall
+ proceed to animadvert on the similitude of language and customs
+ between the Shelluhs of Atlas and the original inhabitants of the
+ Canary Islands. The words between inverted commas, are quotations
+ from Glasse's History of the Discovery and Conquest of the Canary
+ Islands.
+
+ "The inhabitants of Lancerotta and Fuertaventura are social and
+ cheerful;" like the Shelluhs of Atlas; "they are fond of singing
+ and dancing; their music is vocal, accompanied with a clapping of
+ hands, and beating with their feet;" the Shelluhs resemble them in
+ all these respects; "Their houses are built of stone, without
+ cement; the entrance is narrow, so that but one person can enter at
+ a time."
+
+378 The houses of the Shelluhs are sometimes built without cement, but
+ always with stone; the doors and entrances are low and small, so
+ that one person only can enter.
+
+ "In their temples they offered to their God milk and butter."
+
+ Among the Shelluhs milk and butter are given as presents to princes
+ and great men; the milk being an emblem of good will and candour.
+
+ "When they were sick (which seldom happened) they cured themselves
+ with the herbs which grew in the country; and when they had acute
+ pains, they scarified the part affected with sharp stones, and
+ burned it with fire, and then anointed it with goat's butter.
+ Earthen vessels of this goat's butter were found interred in the
+ ground, having been put there by the women, who were the makers,
+ and took that method of preparing it for medicine."
+
+ The custom of the Shelluhs on such occasions is exactly similar;
+ the butter which they use is old, and is buried under ground many
+ years in (_bukul_) earthen pots, and is called _budra_: it is a
+ general medicine, and is said to possess a remarkably penetrating
+ quality.
+
+ "They grind their barley in a hand-mill, made of two stones, being
+ similar to those used in some remote parts of Europe".
+
+ In Suse, among the Shelluhs, they grind their corn in the same way,
+ and barley is the principal food.
+
+ "Their breeches are short, leaving the knees bare;" so are those
+ worn by the Shelluhs.
+379
+ "Their common food was barley meal roasted and mixed with goat's
+ milk and butter, and this dish they call Asamotan."
+
+ This is the common food of the Shelluhs of Atlas, and they call it
+ by a similar name, Azamitta.
+
+ The opinion of the author of the History and Conquest of the Canary
+ Islands, is, that the inhabitants came originally from Mauritania,
+ and this he founds on the resemblance of names of places in Africa
+ and in the islands: "for," says he, "Telde[214], which is the name
+ of the oldest habitation in Canaria, Orotaba, and Tegesta, are all
+ names which we find given to places in Mauritania and in Mount
+ Atlas. It is to be supposed that Canaria, Fuertaventura, and
+ Lancerotta, were peopled by the Alarbes[215], who are the nation
+ most esteemed in Barbary; for the natives of those islands named
+ milk _Aho_, and barley _Temecin_, which are the names that are
+ given to those things in the language of the Alarbes of Barbary."
+ He adds, that--
+
+ "Among the books of a library that was in the cathedral of St. Anna
+ in Canaria, there was found one so disfigured, that it wanted both
+ the beginning and the end: it treated of the Romans, and gave an
+380 account, that when Africa was a Roman province, the natives of
+ Mauritania rebelled and killed their presidents and governors, upon
+ which the senate, resolving to punish and make a severe example of
+ the rebels, sent a powerful army into Mauritania, which vanquished
+ and reduced them again to obedience. Soon after the ringleaders of
+ the rebellion were put to death, and the tongues of the common
+ people, together with those of their wives and children, were cut
+ out, and then they were all put aboard vessels with some grain and
+ cattle, and transported to the Canary islands." [216]
+
+ [Footnote 214: Telde or Tildie is a place in the Atlas
+ mountains, three miles east of Agadeer; the castle is in
+ ruins.]
+
+ [Footnote 215: The Alarbes, this is the name that the
+ inhabitants of Lower Suse and Sahara have, _El Arab_ or Arabs.]
+
+ [Footnote 216: One Thomas Nicols, who lived seven years in the
+ Canary Islands, and wrote a history of them, says, that the
+ best account he could get of the origin of the natives, was,
+ that they were exiles from Africa, banished thence by the
+ Romans, who cut out their tongues for blaspheming their gods.]
+
+ The following vocabulary will show the similarity of language
+ between the natives of Canaria and the Shelluhs (inhabitants of the
+ Atlas mountains south of Marocco).
+
+ LANCEROTTA AND SHELLUH OR ENGLISH.
+ FUERTAVENTURA DIALECT. LYBIAN TONGUE.
+
+ Temasin Tumzeen Barley
+ Tezzezes Tezezreat Sticks
+ Taginaste Taginast A palm-tree
+ Tahuyan Tahuyat A blanket,
+ covering, or petticoat.
+ Ahemon Amen Water
+381 Faycag Faquair Priest or lawyer
+ Acoran M'koorn God
+ Almogaren Talmogaren Temples
+ Tamoyanteen Tigameen Houses
+ Tawacen Tamouren Hogs
+ Archormase Akermuse Green figs
+ Azamotan Azamittan Barley meal fried in oil
+ Tigot Tigot Heaven
+ Tigotan Tigotan The Heavens
+ Thener Athraar A mountain
+ Adeyhaman Douwaman A hollow valley
+ Ahico Tahayk A hayk, or coarse garment
+ Kabeheira Kabeera A head man or a powerful
+ Ahoren ---- Barley meal roasted
+ Ara ---- A goat
+ Ana ---- A sheep
+ Tagarer ---- A place of justice
+
+ Benehoare, the name of the natives of Palma.
+
+ Beni Hoarie, a tribe of Arabs in Suse between Agadeer and
+ Terodant.[217]
+
+ [Footnote 217: For further particulars, see Glasse's History of
+ the Canary Islands, 4to. page 174.]
+
+382
+
+ TITLES
+ OF
+ THE EMPEROR OF MAROCCO,
+ STYLE OF ADDRESSING HIM,
+ AND
+ SPECIMENS OF EPISTOLARY CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+
+ * * * * *
+
+
+ _THE TITLES OF THE EMPEROR_
+ ARE
+
+ Servant of God.
+
+ Commander, Captain, or Leader of the (Mumeneen) _Faithful_ [i.e. in
+ Muhamed], _upheld by the Grace of God_.
+
+ _Prince of Hassenee_. Ever supported by God.
+
+ _Sultan of Fas, of Maroksh_ [Marocco], _of Suse, and of Draha, and
+ of Tafilelt and Tuat, together with all the kabyles_ [tribes] _of
+ the West, and of the Berebbers of Atlas, &c._
+
+ The Sultan calls his soldiers (_ketteffee_) "my shoulders or
+ support, or strength;" his subjects he calls his sons (_woledee_),
+ and himself the father of his people.
+
+ N.B. The Hejra, or Muhamedan aera began A.D. 622. The Muhamedan
+ years are lunar, 33 of which are about 32 solar years.
+
+383
+
+ THE STYLE
+ USED BY MUSELMEN,
+ _IN ADDRESSING THE EMPEROR,_
+ IS AS FOLLOWS:
+
+ "Sultan of exalted dignity, whom God preserve. May the Almighty
+ protect that royal purity, and bestow happiness, increase of
+ wealth, and prosperity on the nation of believers [i.e. in
+ Muhamed], whose welfare and power is attributed entirely to the
+ favour and benevolence of the Exalted God."
+
+ The Sultan is head of the ecclesiastical, military, and civil law,
+ and is universally considered by his subjects God's Vicegerent, or
+ Lieutenant on Earth. All letters written to his Imperial Majesty,
+ are begun with the praise of God, and with the acknowledgment, (in
+ opposition to idolatry,) that there is neither beginning nor power
+ but what proceeds from God, the eternal God, (_La hule u la kua ela
+ billa, Allah el adeem_.)
+
+384
+
+ SPECIMENS
+ OF
+ _MUHAMEDAN EPISTOLARY CORRESPONDENCE._
+
+ * * * * *
+
+
+ _The following Letters are literal translations from the original
+ Arabic, and, although not of great importance, yet it is some
+ satisfaction to the enquiring mind, to observe the various modes of
+ address, and to note the style of Epistolary Correspondence
+ practised by the Muhamedans, which is so different from that which
+ is used among European and other nations._
+
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ LETTER I.
+
+ _From Muley Ismael, Emperor of Marocco, to Captain Kirke at
+ Tangier; Ambassador from King Charles the Second, dated 7th Du
+ Elkadah, in the 1093d Year of the Hejra, (corresponding to the 27th
+ October, A. D, 1682_.)
+
+ Praise be to God, the most High alone! and the blessing of God be
+ upon those who are for his prophet.
+
+ From the shereef[218], the servant of God, who putteth his trust in
+385 God, the commander of the faithful, who is courageous in the way of
+ the omniscient God.
+
+ [Footnote 218: Shereef is a general term in the Arabic for a
+ prince, king, or emperor, signifying royal blood.]
+
+ L.S.
+
+ Ismael Son of a shereef; God illumine
+ and preserve him.
+
+ God assist his commanders, and give victory to his forces and
+ armies, Amen! To the captain of Tangier, Kirke, _peace be to those
+ who follow the right way[219]_; this by way of preface. Your letter
+ came to the lofty place of our residence, and we understand what
+ your discourse contained. As for the asking a cessation of arms by
+ sea; know, that it was not treated of between us till this present
+ time. Neither did we make truce with you concerning any thing but
+ Tangier alone. When you came to our illustrious house, we treated
+ with you about that matter for four years, and if you had sojourned
+ there yourself, no Muselman would ever have gone into that town
+ hostilely against you, but merely as a peaceable merchant.
+
+ [Footnote 219: This is a sentence which frequently occurs in
+ the Koran, but when used in epistolary correspondence with
+ Christians (for it is never used by Muhamedans between
+ themselves), it bears the appearance of a salutation, but the
+ allusion is to Muhamedans, who _these people think_ are the
+ only men who follow the true path or right way; it is, however,
+ a compliment to all who _think themselves_ in the right way.]
+
+ As to a cessation of arms by sea, it was not negociated by us,
+ neither did we discourse about it; but, when you desired it of us,
+386 we wrote to your Master in England, saying, If you desire a
+ cessation of arms by sea, and are willing to receive a firm peace
+ from us, send us two understanding men, of the chief of the Divan
+ of England, by whom the peace of all the Christians here may be
+ confirmed; and, when they shall arrive at the lofty place of our
+ residence, and sit before us, whatsoever they shall hear from us,
+ by way of agreement, shall be acceded to! And we have given you
+ security, at sea, for four months, viz. from the time we sent you
+ our letter to Tangier, till the day that there shall come an answer
+ from your Master, and until the arrival of the two ambassadors
+ aforementioned, after the aforesaid manner. As for those men who in
+ thy letter thou didst say were taken at sea: I neither know nor
+ have heard any thing of them. Your discourse about that matter
+ having been with Aly ben Abdallah, and he administered justice (to
+ you) upon the Muselmen who had taken these men prisoners for the
+ sake of him, for whom you made your complaint to us; and he
+ returned the Christians to you, and imprisoned the sailors for
+ capturing them. Now, if there shall happen to be a peace between me
+ and you at sea, as there is for four years by land, through your
+ mediation, and by reason of your coming to us, I will hang them,
+ and blot out their footsteps, and be revenged on them with the most
+ severe revenge.
+
+ Our servant Muhamed ben Hadu Aater, who came from your presence,
+ told us that lions are scarce in your country, and that they are in
+387 high estimation, with you. When your servant came to us, he found
+ we had two small young lions, wherefore by him we send them to you.
+ And know, that we have received by our servants from your Master,
+ _three_ coach-horses, now a coach requires _four_ horses to draw
+ it, wherefore you must needs send us another good one of the same
+ kind and size, that they may draw the coach with four horses.
+ Oblige us in this by all means. Farewell: we depend upon it.
+
+ Written 7th of the sacred month _Du El Kadah_, in the year of the
+ Hejra, ninety-three and a thousand, (A.D. 1682.)
+
+
+ LETTER II.
+
+ _From the same Muley Ismael to Sir Cloudesly Shovel, on board the
+ Charles Galley, off Salee, written Aug. 26. A.D. 1684, year of the
+ Hejra 1095_.
+
+ L.S.
+
+ I, servant of God, and Emperor of
+ Marocco and King of Mauritania,
+ whom God preserve in all
+ his undertakings, &c.
+
+ I Salute you and the rest of the captains.
+
+ As for the captives you have taken, they belong to several places,
+ and are not all my subjects; and what I do is out of charity, as
+ they are Muhamedans, being forced to go to sea for want of
+ maintenance. As for those that are my soldiers, they go to sea to
+388 fight and to die in my quarrels; but, those _Moors_ that _you_ have
+ taken, are inconsiderable and of no account.
+
+ Henceforward I shall have ships as big as yours, if not bigger,
+ hoping to take some of your ships and captains, and cruise for you
+ in your English seas, as you do for us in these.
+
+ I have written letters to the King of England, in which are kind
+ expressions: And when you had Tangier, all things were given to you
+ as you wanted, and all done out of kindness; and now that you have
+ left Tangier for the Moors, whatever His Majesty of Great Britain
+ wants, either by sea or by land, it shall be granted, so that there
+ be a peace betwixt the two crowns; for which I pass my word and
+ faith.
+
+ Now, _I have written several letters to his Majesty of Great
+ Britain, to which I have received as yet no answer_; but, when it
+ (the answer) reaches my hands, I hope there will be a good
+ accommodation between us.
+
+ You have taken several of our ships and destroyed others, and you
+ are cruising on our coast, which is not the way to make a good
+ peace, neither the actions of honesty in you.
+
+ God be praised that you have quitted Tangier and left it to us, to
+ whom it did belong: from henceforward we shall keep it well
+ supplied with stores, for it is the best port of our dominions.
+
+ As for the captives you have taken, you may do as you please with
+389 them, heaving them into the sea, or otherwise destroying them. The
+ English merchants that are here resident, shall satisfy all their
+ debts, which being done, none of them shall remain in my country.
+
+
+ LETTER. III.
+
+ _Captain Shovel's Answer_.
+
+ May it please Your Majesty,
+
+ We, the King of England's captains, return Your Majesty humble
+ thanks for your kind wishes to us. Your Majesty by this may know,
+ that we have received your letter, and by it we understand, that
+ Your Majesty is informed that most of these people that are taken
+ are not your subjects. We perceive by this, as well as in other
+ things, how grossly Your Majesty has been deceived by those people
+ you trust; else, we doubt not, but that, long before this, our
+ Master, whom God preserve, and Your Majesty had accommodated all
+ differences, and we should have had a firm peace.
+
+ Of those fifty-three slaves that are here, (excepting two or
+ three,) they are all Moors of their own country, as they themselves
+ can make appear; but, if they are to be disowned because they are
+ poor, the Lord help them!! Your Majesty tells us, that we may throw
+ them overboard, if we please: all this we very well know; but we
+ are Christians, and they bear the form of men, which is reason
+390 enough for us not to do so.
+
+ As to Tangier, our Master kept it twenty-one years; and the world
+ is sensible, that in spite of all your force, he could, if he had
+ pleased, have continued to keep it to the world's end; for, he
+ levelled your walls, filled up your harbour, and demolished your
+ houses, in the face of your Alkaid and his army; and when he had
+ done, he left your[220] barren country (without the loss of a man)
+ for your own people to starve in: but our departure from thence,
+ long before this, we doubt not, but you have repented of. When you
+ tell us of those mighty ships Your Majesty intends to build and
+ send to our coast, you must excuse us if we think ourselves the
+ better judges; for we know, as to shipping, what you are able to
+ do.
+
+ [Footnote 220: The gallant and magnanimous captain was better
+ acquainted with the coast than with the country, which is any
+ thing but barren.]
+
+ If you think fit to redeem those slaves, at 100 dollars a-piece,
+ they are at Your Majesty's service, and the rest shall be sent to
+ you; or, if you think fit to give us so many English in exchange,
+ we shall be well satisfied; but we think you will hardly comply
+ with that, for the poorest slave that ever our Master redeemed out
+ of _your_ country, cost him 200 dollars; and some of these five
+ times that sum, for he freely extended his charity to all, and
+ never forgets his people _because they are poor_.
+391
+ It is great wonder to us, that you should tax us with unjust
+ proceedings in taking your ships in time of truce, when Your
+ Majesty may remember that, during the time your ambassador was in
+ England, your corsairs took about twenty sail of my Master's ships;
+ and this very year, you have fitted out all the force in your
+ kingdom to sea, who have taken several of our ships, and at the
+ same time pretend to a truce for peace! But some of your ships, for
+ their unjust dealings, have had their reward, and the rest, when
+ they shall come to sea, we doubt not but God Almighty will put them
+ into our hands.
+
+ If Your Majesty think fit to send proposals to my Master concerning
+ peace, I shall take care for the speedy and safe conveyance of the
+ same. I desire Your Majesty's speedy answer; for I do not intend to
+ stay long before Salee.
+
+ Wishing Your Majesty long life and happiness, I subscribe myself,
+ Your Majesty's
+
+ Most obedient and humble Servant,
+
+ CLOUDESLY SHOVEL.
+ Sept. 1684 A.D.
+392
+
+ LETTER IV.
+
+ _A literal Translation of Muley Ismael, Emperor of Marocco's Letter
+ to Queen Anne, in the year of our Lord 1710, extracted from the
+ Harl. MSS. 7525_.
+
+ L.S.
+
+ In the name of the most
+ merciful God.
+
+ He that depends upon God goeth straight to the right way. From the
+ servant of God, the Emperor of the believers, who maketh war for
+ the cause of the Lord of both worlds, Ismael ben Assherif Al
+ Hassanee to the Queen of the English, nay of England, and the
+ mistress of the great parliament thereof, happiness to every one
+ that followeth the right way, and believes in God, and is so
+ directed.
+
+ This premised, we have heard from more than one of the comers and
+ goers from thy country, that thou hast seized our Armenian servant,
+ a person of great esteem. We sent him to thee, to compose a
+ difference between us and thee, and we wrote to thee concerning
+ him, that thou shouldst use him well. Then, after this, we heard
+ that thou didst set him at liberty: And wherefore didst thou seize
+ him? Hath he exceeded any covenant, or hath he made any covenant
+ with thee and broke it? We should not have sent him to thee, but on
+393 account of our knowledge and assurance of his understanding and
+ integrity; and when he resolved upon his journey into your country,
+ we gave him directions to dispatch some of our affairs. Wherefore
+ we wrote unto thee concerning him, and said, If thou hast any
+ necessity or business with us, he will convey it to us from thee.
+ And we said unto thee, Speak with him, and whatsoever thou sayest
+ unto him, he will communicate unto us, without addition or
+ diminution.
+
+ As for what our servant Alkaid Ali ben Abdallah did to ----, the
+ Christian, thy servant, by God we know nothing of it, nor gave him
+ any permission as to any thing that passed between them; and, at
+ the instant that we heard that he had taken thy man, we commanded
+ him to set him at liberty forthwith; and since then we have never
+ manifested any favour to Alkaid Ali, nor was our mind ever right
+ towards him afterwards till he died.
+
+ Our Christian servant, the merchant, Bayly, told us, that thou
+ hadst a mind to an ostrich, and we gave him two, a male and a
+ female, which shall come to you, if God will. And, lo! a secretary,
+ our servant, (who is much esteemed by us,) when he cometh he shall
+ bring what goods he hath collected with him, if it please God. And
+ we are in expectation of thy messenger the ambassador; and if he
+ comes, he shall see nothing from us but what is fair; and we will
+ deliver to him the Christians, and do what he pleases, if God will.
+ Wherefore be kind to our servant, with respect.
+394
+ Written the first of the Glorious Ramadan, in the year of the Hejra
+ 1125 (corresponding with A.D. 1710).
+
+
+ LETTER V.
+
+ _Translation of an Arabic Letter from the Sultan Seedi Muhamed[221]
+ ben Abdallah, Emperor of Marocco, to the European Consuls resident
+ at Tangier, delivered to each of them, by the Bashaw of the
+ province of El Grarb, on 1st day of June, 1788, corresponding with
+ the year of the Hejra, 1202_.
+
+ [Footnote 221: Father of the present Sultan Soliman ben
+ Muhamed.]
+
+ L.S.
+
+ Mohamed ben Abdallah, ben
+ Ismael, Sultan ben, Sultan,
+ &c.
+
+ In the name of God, for there is no power or strength but from God.
+
+ To all the Consuls at Tangier.
+
+ Peace (be) to those who follow the right path.
+
+ By this you will learn that we are in peace and friendship with all
+ the Christian powers until the month of May of the next year, (of
+ the Hejra, 1203,) and such nations as shall then be desirous to
+ continue in peace and friendship with us, are to write a letter to
+ us, when the month of May comes, to inform us if they are in peace
+ and friendship with us, then we shall be the same with them; but,
+ if any Christian nation desire to go to war with us, they will let
+395 us know before the month above-mentioned; and we trust God will
+ keep us in his protection against them; and thus I have said all I
+ had to say.
+
+ 2d day of Shaban, year of the Hejra 1202, (corresponding with 7th
+ May, 1788.)
+
+
+ LETTER VI.
+
+ _Letter from Muley Soliman ben Muhamed, Emperor of Marocco, &c. &c.
+ to His Majesty George III. literally translated from the original
+ Arabic, by James Grey Jackson, at the request of the Right Hon.
+ Spencer Perceval, after lying in the Secretary of State's Office
+ here for several months, and being then sent ineffectually to the
+ Universities for translation, and after various enquiries had been
+ made on behalf of the Emperor, to the Governor of Gibraltar, the
+ Bashaw of El Garb, and the Alkaid of Tangier, to ascertain if any
+ answer had been returned to his Imperial Majesty._
+
+ In the name of God! the all-merciful and commiserating God, on whom
+ is our account, and we acknowledge his support; for there is
+ neither beginning nor power but that which proceeds from God, the
+ High Eternal God.
+
+ From the servant of God, the commander of the faithful [in Muhamed]
+ upheld and supported by the Grace of God.
+
+ Soliman the son of Muhamed, the son of Abdallah, the son of Ismael,
+ Prince of [the house or dynasty of Hassan][222] who was ever upheld
+396 by the power of God, Sultan of Fas and Marocco, and Suse, and
+ Draha, and Tafilelt, and Tuat, together with all the territories of
+ the West.
+
+ [Footnote 222: The words between brackets are not in the original,
+ but implied.]
+
+ L.S.
+
+ Soliman, son of Mohamed, son
+ Abdallah, God illumine and support
+ him!
+
+ To our dearly beloved and cherished, exalted by the power of God,
+ the Sultan[223] George the Third, Sultan of the territories of the
+ United Kingdom of Great Britain, Ireland, Duke of Mecklenburg
+ Strelitz, Prince, descended from the dynasty of the Sultans of Rome
+ and Palestine, &c.
+
+ This premised, we inform you, that we make diligent inquiry about
+ you, desiring heartily that you may be at all times surrounded by
+ health and prosperity. We wish you to increase in friendship with
+ us, that our alliance may be more strongly cemented than
+ heretofore, even stronger than it was in the days of our ancestors,
+ whom God guard and protect.
+
+ Now therefore we make known to you, that your physician, Doctor
+ Buffe, has been in our royal presence, [which is] exalted by the
+ bounty of God, and we have been well pleased with his medical
+ knowledge and diligent attention, and moreover with the relief he
+ has given to us.
+
+397 We have therefore to entreat of you to give him your royal order to
+ return to Gibraltar, in our neighbourhood, well provided with all
+ good and necessary medicines; that he, residing at Gibraltar, may
+ be ready to attend quickly our royal presence, whenever we may be
+ in need of his [medical] assistance. We trust you will return him
+ without procrastination to our throne, seeing that he has been of
+ essential service to us.
+
+ We recommend you to exalt Dr. Buffe, in your favour and esteem on
+ our account, and we will always be your allies and friends. May you
+ ever be well and in prosperity! Peace be with you, 4th of the month
+ Jumad El Lule in the year [of the Hejra] 1221, (corresponding with
+ 5th July, 1806, A.D.)
+
+ [Footnote 223: This perhaps is the only letter extant, wherein
+ a Muselman Prince gives the title of Sultan to a Christian
+ king.]
+
+
+ LETTER VII.
+
+ In Muhamedan countries, an insolvent man continues liable to his
+ creditors till the day of his death, unless the debt is discharged;
+ but he can claim by law his liberation from prison, on making oath,
+ and bringing proof of his insolvency: but then if he succeed
+ afterwards and become possessed of property, he is compelled to pay
+ the debts formerly contracted; so that an European should be
+ cautious how he contracts debts with the Moors, lest the
+ misfortunes that commerce is liable to should oblige him to remain
+ all his life in the country. A letter, similar to the following,
+398 should be procured by every European, about to quit the country, to
+ prevent the extortion of the alkaid, who might, as has often
+ happened before, throw impediments in the way for the purpose of
+ extorting presents, &c.
+
+ _Translation of a Firman of Departure, literally translated from
+ the Original Arabic, by James Grey Jackson._
+
+ L.S.
+
+ Soliman ben Muhamed, ben
+ Abdallah, ben Ismael Sultan,
+ &c.
+
+ Praise be to God alone.
+
+ Our servants El Hage Mohamed o Bryhim, and Seid Mohamed Bel Akkia,
+ peace and the mercy of God be with you! This premised, I command
+ you to suffer the Christian merchant, Jackson, to embark for his
+ own country, if it appears to you that no one pursues him in law
+ [for debt,] as I wrote to you on this subject in my last letter: if
+ no one claims of him any right by law, allow him to go, and do not
+ impede him.[224] God protect you, and peace be with you. 3d day of
+ Saffer, the good year 1220 of the Hejra, (A.C. 1805.)
+
+ [Footnote 224: This repetition of the principal subject in
+ Arabic correspondence, is a mode of impressing on the mind more
+ forcibly, the subject intended to be impressed, and is commonly
+ practised by the best Arabian, and African writers; it also
+ frequently occurs in the inspired writings. See Psalms lxxv, l.
+ lxxvii, 1. &c.]
+
+
+ LETTER VIII.
+
+ As a specimen of the lofty style of writing so much in use among
+399 the Eastern authors, I shall add the summons which Hulacu the
+ Tartar conqueror of the East, (who took Bagdad, and entirely
+ subverted the government of the Saracens,) sent to Al Malek
+ Annasar, sultan of Aleppo, in the year of the Hejra 657, (of Christ
+ 1259.)
+
+ Let Al Malek Annasar know, that we sat down before Bagdad in the
+ 655th year (of the Hejra,) and took it by the sword of the most
+ high God: and we brought the master of it before us, and demanded
+ two things of him; to which he, not answering, brought deserved
+ punishment upon himself. As it is written in your Koran, "_God doth
+ not change the condition of a people, till their own minds are
+ changed_." He took care of his wealth, and fate brought him to what
+ he is come to. He chose to exchange precious lives for pieces of
+ money made of vile metal; which is plainly the same that God says
+ _They found_ [the reward of] _what they had done present with
+ them_.[225] For we have attained by the power of God, what we
+ desired; and by the help of the most high God we shall increase.
+ Nor is there any doubt of our being the army of God upon his earth.
+ He created us, and gave us power over every one upon whom his anger
+ rests. Wherefore, let what is past be to you an example, and what
+ we have mentioned a warning. Fortifications are nothing in our
+400 hands, nor doth the joining of battle avail you any thing; nor will
+ your intreaties be heard or regarded. Take warning therefore by
+ others, and surrender entirely to us, before the veil be taken off,
+ and [_the punishment of_] sin light upon you. For we shall have no
+ mercy upon him that complains, nor be moved by him that weeps. We
+ have wasted countries, we have destroyed men, we have made children
+ orphans, and the land desolate. It is your business to run away;
+ ours to pursue; nor can you escape our swords, nor fly from our
+ arrows. Our horses are racers; our arrows strike home; our swords
+ pierce like lightning; our fortifications are like mountains, and
+ our numbers like the sand. Whosoever surrenders comes off safe:
+ whosoever is for war, repents it. If you will obey our command, and
+ come to our terms, your interest and ours shall be the same; but if
+ you be refractory and persist in your error, blame not us, but
+ yourselves. God is against you, ye wicked wretches: look out for
+ something to screen you under your miseries, and find somebody to
+ bear you company in your affliction. We have given you fair
+ warning, and fair warning is fair play. You have eaten things
+ forbidden[226], you have been perfidious in your treaties. You have
+ introduced new heresies, and thought it a gallant thing to commit
+401 sodomy. Prepare yourselves therefore for scorn and contempt. Now
+ you will find what you have done; for they that have done amiss,
+ will now find their state changed. You take it for granted, that we
+ are infidels. We take it for granted, that you are _villains_; and
+ _He_ by whose hand all things are disposed and determined, hath
+ given us the dominion over you. The greatest man you have is
+ despicable among us; and what _you_ call rich, is a beggar. We
+ govern the world from east to west, and whosoever is worth any
+ thing is our prey; and we take every ship by force. Weigh therefore
+ what is fit to be done, and return us a speedy answer, before
+ _infidelity_[227] shall have kindled its fire, and scattered its
+ sparks among you, and destroy you all from off the face of the
+ earth. We have awakened you by sending to you: make haste with an
+ answer, lest punishment come upon you unawares.
+
+ [Footnote 225: A quotation from the Koran. The Tartar was a
+ deist, and quotes the Koran in derision.]
+
+ [Footnote 226: The Muhamedans, whose religion is a compound of
+ Judaism and Christianity, have borrowed many customs from
+ either, they abstain like the Jews from swine's flesh, &c.]
+
+ [Footnote 227: As the Muhamedans charge every nation that doth
+ not believe Muhamed to have been a prophet with infidelity, so
+ the Tartar (who was a Deist) returns it upon them.]
+402
+
+ LETTER IX.
+
+ _Translation of a Letter from the Emperor Muley Yezzid, to Webster
+ Blount, Esq. Consul General to the Empire of Marocco, from their
+ High Mightinesses the States-General, of the Seven United
+ Provinces. Written soon after the Emperor's Proclamation, and
+ previous to the Negotiation for the opening of the Port of Agadeer,
+ to Dutch Commerce._
+
+ "Praise be to God alone; for there is neither beginning nor power
+ without God."
+
+ L.S.
+
+ Yezzid ben Muhamed, Sultan ben Sultan, (i.e. Emperor and Son of an
+ Emperor.)
+
+ "To the Consul Blount. Peace be with those who follow the right
+ way, or the way of the true God: and this being premised, know that
+ I have received your letter, and that we are with you, (the Dutch
+ nation,) in peace and amity and good faith, and peace be with you.
+ 22 Ramadan, year of the Hejra 1204, (A.C. 1792.)"
+
+ Translated literally by the Author, from the original Arabic in his
+ possession.
+
+
+ LETTER X.
+
+ _Translation of a Letter from the Emperor Yezzid, to the Governor
+ of Mogodor, Aumer ben Daudy, to give the Port of Agadeer to the
+ Dutch, and to send there the Merchants of that Nation._
+
+ "Praise be to God alone; for there is neither beginning nor power
+ without God, the eternal God."
+403
+ L.S.
+
+ Yezzid ben Muhamed, Sultan
+ ben Sultan.
+
+ "Our servant (or agent) Alkaid Aumer ben Daudy, peace be unto you,
+ with the mercy and blessing of God: this premised, I command that
+ all the duties you have collected be sent to me speedily by my
+ brother[228] Muley Soliman, who will (_berik_) discharge you by
+ receipt for every thing you deliver to him, for he is our
+ representative. We are preparing to go to the siege of Ceuta, with
+ the acquiescence of the High God, by whose power we hope to enter
+ it, and take it. And we command you to send the Alkaid M'saud El
+ Hayanie to my port of Agadeer, with all things necessary for his
+ journey, assisting him with every possible succour, and send with
+ him twenty Benianters[229], who must be sailors skilful in the
+ management of boats; and the Christian merchants of the Dutch
+ nation will go to Agadeer, and establish their houses there; for I
+ have given that port to the Dutch to trade there: and send with
+ them Talb Aumer Busedra, and the eye of God be upon you, and peace
+ be with you."
+
+ [Footnote 228: The duties were at this time collected in kind;
+ viz. one tenth of every thing imported from Europe: and the
+ present Emperor Muly Soliman was deputed to convey them to the
+ camp before Ceuta, to his brother, the Emperor Muley Yezzid,
+ whose army was besieging that fortress.]
+
+ [Footnote 229: _Benianters_, are a kabyle of Shelluhs of Suse,
+ who are employed to work, and row the boats, and land the goods
+ at Mogodor.]
+404
+ Seventh day of Arrabea Ellule, year (Hejra) 1205.[230]
+
+ Translated by the Author, from the original Arabic in his
+ possession.
+
+ "Be vigilant with respect to the matter of the establishment of
+ Agadeer, and of M'saud El Hayanie." [231]
+
+ [Footnote 230: Corresponding with A.C. 1793.]
+
+ [Footnote 231: The Emperors of Marocco, and the Arabian writers
+ in general thus repeat the principal subject of a letter or
+ discourse, to impress it more forcibly on the mind.]
+
+
+ LETTER XI.
+
+ _Epistolary Diction used by the Muhamedans of Africa, in their
+ Correspondence with all their Friends who are not of the Muhamedan
+ faith_.
+
+ "Praise be to God alone; for there is neither beginning nor
+ strength without God, the eternal God.
+
+ "From the servant of the great God, El Hage Abdrahaman El Fellely,
+ to my friend Consul Jackson, peace be to those who follow the right
+ way, or who pursue the right path; and then, O my friend, I have
+ received your letter, and I have taken good notice of its contents,
+ &c. &c."
+
+ The letter, after explaining matters of business, concludes thus:--
+
+ "Do not leave me without news from you; and peace be with you, and
+ peace from me to our friend L'hage Muhamed Bu Zeyd; and peace from
+ me to Seed Muham'd bel Hassen, and to the Fakeer Seed Abdallah, and
+405 praise be to God, I am very well, and prosperous."
+
+ "Written 15th day of Shaban, year of the Hejra 1209, (1797, A.C.)"
+
+ The style in which letters are addressed is generally as follows:--
+
+ "This shall arrive, God willing, to the hands of Consul Jackson, at
+ Agadeer. May God prosper it."
+
+
+ LETTER XII.
+
+ _Translation of a Letter from the Sultan, Seedi Muhamed Emperor of
+ Marocco, to the Governor of Mogodor_.
+
+ "Praise be to God alone,
+
+ "I order my servant Alkaid Muhamed ben Amran, to deliver the
+ treasure and the merchandise to the Christian merchants at Mogodor,
+ which is in the possession of the Jews, Haim Miram, and Meemon ben
+ Isaac Corcos, and others of the Jews, friends of the Christian
+ merchants. God assist you, and peace be with you. 23d of the month
+ Jumad Ellule, year of the Hejra 1203.
+
+ "By order of the Sultan, empowered by God. Written by Talb El
+ Huderanie."
+
+ The courier who receives the letter is ordered by the minister whom
+ to deliver it to. It is then inclosed in a blank leaf or sheet of
+ paper, without any address, and not sealed. It is presumed, that
+ the courier or messenger will not dare to open it, or discover the
+ contents to any one; such a breach of confidence might cost him his
+ head, if discovered.
+406
+ _Doubts having been made in the Daily Papers, concerning the
+ accuracy of the two following Translations of the Shereef Ibrahim's
+ account of Mungo Park's Death; the following Observations, by the
+ Author, are laid before the Public in elucidation of those
+ Translations_.
+
+ The following is a copy of a letter, supposed to be a description
+ of Mungo Park's death; brought to England from Ashantee in Africa,
+ by Mr. Bowdich; and that gentleman assured me, about six months
+ after his arrival in England, and a few days previous to the
+ publication of his interesting account of a mission to Ashantee,
+ that he had by every means in his power endeavoured, but
+ ineffectually, to get this manuscript _decyphered_ and translated
+ into English; that he had sent it to several persons, who had
+ retained it in their hands a considerable time, but had returned it
+ without a decypher, or even a complete translation. When delivered
+ into my hands, I transmitted him a _decypher_, and a translation
+ immediately. The following is my translation, which, in that
+ gentleman's account of Ashantee, is coupled with another
+ translation, _not perspicuous, but unintelligible_; for which see
+ Bowdich's "Account of a Mission to Ashantee," Appendix, No. 2.
+
+ The original Arabic document, of which I have given a decypher in
+407 the work before mentioned, is, (for the information of gentlemen
+ desirous of referring to the same,) deposited in the British
+ Museum. There are also, in the same work on Ashantee, several
+ papers decyphered by me, of certain routes in Africa. Now I think
+ it expedient here, to declare to the public, that whenever the
+ British Government, the Court of Admiralty, or private individuals,
+ have stood in need of translations, and decyphers from the Arabic,
+ they have invariably found it expedient, ultimately, to apply to me
+ for the same, after having, however, endeavoured ineffectually to
+ procure their information at the Universities, the Post Office, and
+ elsewhere: but as this declaration may appear to many incredible, I
+ will mention three instances in elucidation of this my assertion,
+ which, as they are all on record, will place this fact beyond
+ doubt.
+
+ 1st. A vessel under Marocco colours, was, during last war, taken by
+ a British cruiser, and sent or brought into Plymouth, or other
+ port, in England. The captain and the ship were detained a
+ considerable time here; the former, at length, whose patience
+ became exhausted, expostulated at his detention, and insisted on
+ being released, if no interpreter in this commercial nation could
+ be found competent to translate his passport. _Mr. Slade, an
+ eminent proctor in Doctors' Commons_, then applied to me, after a
+ detention of, I believe, two months, and I translated the passport.
+408 Mr. Slade very liberally told me, that whatever I chose to charge
+ for this service, which he had _sought in vain to accomplish_,
+ should be gratefully paid. I charged five guineas; and it was
+ instantly paid. The passport consisted of two lines and a half.
+ This was in the Court of Admiralty. Mr. Slade, who is an honourable
+ and respectable man, will of course not hesitate to corroborate the
+ accuracy of this statement.
+
+ 2d. A letter was written by the present Sultan Soliman, emperor of
+ Marocco, &c. to our late revered sovereign, George III., in a more
+ courteous style than is usual for Muhamedan potentates to write to
+ Christian kings; with liberal offers on the part of the Sultan,
+ courting an augmentation of friendly intercourse, &c. This letter
+ (contrary to the usual courtesy of European courts) was neglected
+ some months, no answer being returned to it. It was sent to the
+ Universities for translation, but ineffectually; then to the Post
+ Office; and, at the expiration of some months, it was accidentally
+ transmitted to me, through the hands of the Right Honourable
+ Spencer Perceval, at that time Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I
+ delivered, at the request of that gentleman, a translation of it in
+ English. This letter was ten or fifteen times as long as the
+ passport before mentioned, and I charged thirty pounds for the
+ service. But the Treasury thought ten pounds a sufficient
+ remuneration, which I accepted!!
+409
+ This service was rendered to the British government, and I have
+ letters and documents in my possession, which corroborate this
+ fact.
+
+ 3d. Was the translation of an Arabic manuscript, respecting Mungo
+ Park's death; delivered gratuitously to a private individual, viz.
+ Mr. Bowdich, before mentioned; to satisfy the curiosity of my
+ country, whose interest was excited respecting the fate of that
+ enterprising and indefatigable African traveller. Mr. Bowdich, who
+ is an honourable man, will undoubtedly confirm the truth of this
+ statement, to any gentleman who may be desirous of ascertaining the
+ fact.
+
+ _The Shereef Ibrahim's account of Mungo Park's Death_.
+
+ (THE AUTHOR'S TRANSLATION.)
+
+ "In the name of God, the Merciful and Clement!
+
+ "This narrative proceeds from the territory in Husa, called Eeaurie
+ or Yeaurie. We observed an extraordinary event or circumstance, but
+ we neither saw nor heard of the river which is called Kude. And as
+ we were sitting we heard the voice of children; and we saw a
+ vessel, the like to which in size we never saw before. And we saw
+ the king of Eeaurie send cattle and sheep, and a variety of
+ vegetables, in great abundance. And there were two men and one
+ woman, and two slaves; and they tied them in the vessel. There were
+410 also in the vessel two white men, of the race called Christians:
+ and the Sultan of Eeaurie called aloud to them, to come out of the
+ vessel, but they would not. They proceeded to the country of Busa,
+ which is greater than that of the Sultan of Eeaurie. And as they
+ were sitting in the vessel, they hung[232], or were stopped by the
+ cape, or head-land of Kude."
+
+ [Footnote 232: Probably by an impetuous current.]
+
+ "And the people of the sultan of Busa called to them, and poured
+ their arms into the vessel; and the vessel reached the head-land or
+ cliff, and became attached or fixed to the head of the mountain or
+ projection in the river, and could not pass it. Then the men and
+ women of Busa collected themselves hostilely together, with arms of
+ all descriptions; and the vessel being unable to clear the
+ head-land, the man in the vessel killed his wife, and threw the
+ whole of her property into the river; they then threw themselves
+ into the river through fear. The news of this occurrence was then
+ conveyed to the Sultan Wawee, until it reached, by water, the
+ territory of Kanjee, in the country of the Sultan Wawee. And we
+ buried it in its earth; and one of them we saw not at all in the
+ water. And God knows the truth of this report from the mouth of the
+ Shereef Ibrahim. The end."
+
+411 OBSERVATION.
+
+ After giving the foregoing translation, it behoves me to inform the
+ intelligent reader, that I wrote a letter to Mr. Bowdich,
+ communicating to him my observations on several notes, transmitted
+ to him by Sir William Ouseley, on the manuscript of which the
+ foregoing is a translation, in which I informed him, that in
+ decyphering the Arabic manuscript, I had observed the Oriental or
+ Asiatic punctuation; knowing that Mr. Bulmer had not letters with
+ the occidental punctuation. Several observations I made, respecting
+ the Arabic manuscripts which could not be elucidated here without
+ the Arabic type. I shall, therefore, omit them, and conclude by
+ observing, that in translating this manuscript, two gentlemen
+ (Arabic scholars) had translated _akkadan Fie Asfeena_, "two maids
+ in the ship;" which words I have translated, "were tied or bound in
+ the vessel:" the word _akkadan_ being the preterite of the verb
+ _akkad_, to bind. I was not surprised to hear that _one_ translator
+ had made such an interpretation; knowing that incredible errors
+ have been frequently committed by professed Professors in the
+ Hebrew language as well as in the Arabic. But when I heard, as I
+ did, that another Arabic scholar had given a similar
+ interpretation, I must confess that I was not a little surprised.
+ However, a circumstance soon after unravelled the mystery; for I
+ discovered that these two gentlemen, at a loss no doubt to
+412 ascertain the meaning of _akkadan_, had referred to Richardson's
+ Arabic Dictionary, wherein the word is quoted to signify, in a
+ figurative sense, a virgin. _In a figurative sense!_ In translating
+ an ill-written, illiterate, and ungrammatical manuscript, these two
+ translators had had recourse to _rhetorical figures_, and actually
+ substituted a trope for what was a verb, generally used in the
+ West, signifying "to bind!"
+
+ As it has been asserted in the following extract, that my
+ translation of the foregoing manuscript differs _only in a trifling
+ degree_ from that of Mr. Abraham Salame, I here insert my answer to
+ that assertion, leaving the intelligent reader to determine,
+ whether they are alike or materially different.
+
+ _Extract from The Times, 3d May, 1819_.
+
+ MUNGO PARK.
+
+ The death of this enterprising traveller is now placed beyond any
+ doubt. Many accounts of it have been received, and although varying
+ as to the circumstances attending it, yet all agreeing that it has
+ taken place. One statement was given to Mr. Bowdich, while on his
+ mission to the King of the Ashantees, in 1817, by a Moor, who said
+ that he was an eye-witness; and the same gentleman procured an
+ Arabic manuscript declaratory of Mr. Park's death. This manuscript
+ has been deposited with the African Association, formed for the
+413 purpose of extending researches in that part of the world. Two
+ translations have been made of this curious document; one by Mr.
+ Salame, an Egyptian, who accompanied Viscount Exmouth in his attack
+ on Algiers, as interpreter; and the other by Mr. Jackson, formerly
+ consul at one of the Barbary courts. The following is Mr. Salame's
+ translation, from which, however, _the one by Mr. Jackson only
+ differs in a trifling degree_. The words in italics have been
+ inserted by Mr. Salame, in order to render the reading more
+ perfect, and are not in the original:--
+
+ _A literal Translation of a Declaration written in a corrupted
+ Arabic, from the Town of Yaud, in the Interior of Africa_.
+
+ "'In the name of God, the merciful and the munificent. This
+ declaration is issued from the town called Yaud, in the county of
+ Kossa. We (the writer) do witness the _following_ case (statement.)
+ We never saw, nor heard of the sea (river) called Koodd; but we sat
+ to hear (understood) the voice (report) of some persons, _saying_,
+ 'We saw a ship, equal to her we never saw before; and the King of
+ Yaud had sent plenty of every kind of food, with cows and sheep;
+ _there_ were two men, one woman, two male slaves, and two maids in
+ the ship; _the_ two white men _were_ derived from the race (sect)
+414 of Nassri (Christ, or Christianity.) The King of Yaud asked them to
+ come out to him (to land); but they refused coming out (landing);
+ and they went to the _King_ of the country of Bassa, who is greater
+ than the King of Yaud; and _while_ they _were_ sitting in the ship,
+ and gaining a position (rounding) over the Cape of Koodd, and
+ _were_ in society with the people of the King of Bassa, the ship
+ reached (struck) a head of mountain, which took (destroyed) _her_
+ away, and the men and women of Bassa all together, with every kind
+ of arms (goods); and the ship could find no way to avoid the
+ mountain; and the man who _was_ in the ship, killed his wife, and
+ threw all his property into the sea (river), and _then_ they threw
+ themselves _also_, from fear. Afterwards they took one _out of the_
+ water till the news reached the town of Kanji, the country of the
+ King of Wawi; and the King of Wawi heard of it; he buried him in
+ his earth (grave), and the other we have not seen; perhaps he is in
+ the bottom of the water. And God knows best.' Authentic from the
+ mouth of Sherif Abraham.--Finis.'
+
+ "In addition to the foregoing, another corroboration has been
+ obtained. Lieut. Col. Fitzclarence, when on his voyage down the
+ Mediterranean on board the _Tagus_ frigate, Capt. Dundas, with
+ despatches from the Marquis of Hastings, learnt from the governor
+ to the two sons of the Emperor of Marocco, who had been on a
+ pilgrimage to Mecca, and were then returning home, that he (Hadjee
+415 Tahib) had been at Timbuctoo in 1807, and had heard of _two white_
+ men, who came from the sea, having been near that place the year
+ before; and that they sold beads, and had no money to purchase
+ grain. This person added, that they went down the _Nile_ to the
+ eastward, and that general report stated that they _died of the
+ climate_. There can be little doubt but the _two white_ men here
+ alluded to were Mr. Park and his companion, Lieutenant Martyn, who
+ were at Sandsanding in Nov. 1805, and could, in the following year,
+ have been near Timbuctoo. Sandsanding is the place from whence the
+ last dispatches were dated by Mr. Park; and Amadi Fatouma, who was
+ his guide afterwards, was sent to learn his fate, and returned with
+ an account of Mr. Park being drowned. The statement of this person
+ was, however, of such a nature as to excite suspicions of its
+ correctness; and hopes were entertained that Mr. Park had not met
+ with such an untimely fate. Fourteen years have now almost elapsed
+ since the date of his last dispatches; and this circumstance is of
+ itself sufficient to demonstrate, that he is to be added to the
+ catalogue of those who have perished in their attempts to explore
+ the interior of Africa.--_Englishman_."
+
+ TO THE EDITOR OF THE BRITISH STATESMAN.
+
+ Sir;--Seeing in your Paper of yesterday a translation of the Arabic
+416 manuscript respecting Mr. Mungo Park's death, which is deposited
+ with the African Association, and _decyphered and transcribed by
+ me_ in Mr. Bowdich's account of a Mission to Ashantee, p. 480, and
+ perceiving that the errors in _that translation_ are thus
+ propagated to the public through the medium of the London Papers;
+ which although perhaps of little consequence to the general reader,
+ yet, as they are of importance to the critic, and to the
+ investigator of African affairs, I shall take the liberty of
+ offering a few observations on the subject.
+
+ The following passage, in the translation above alluded to, might
+ have passed the public eye without animadversion as the language of
+ a foreigner, (as we have understood Mr. Salame to be,) but from the
+ intelligent Editor of a London daily paper, might we not have
+ expected more correct phraseology?[233]
+
+ [Footnote 233: "The phrases thus objected to by our learned
+ Correspondent, were contained in the translations furnished to
+ us in common with other papers, and not the language of the
+ Editor. Indeed, this appears to be admitted by our
+ Correspondent himself, in the apparently very just comments he
+ has thus favoured us with.--EDITOR."]
+
+ "The ship reached a head of mountain which took her away, and the
+ men and women of Bassa, altogether with every kind of arms, and the
+ ship could find no way to avoid the mountain."
+
+ I have no hesitation in declaring to be incorrect the first two
+417 lines of Mr. Abraham Salame's translation, inserted in your paper
+ of yesterday, which runs thus:--
+
+ "_This declaration is issued from the town called YAUD, in the
+ country of KOSSA_."
+
+ My translation of this passage, inserted in Mr. Bowdich's account
+ of a Mission to Ashantee, page 478, runs thus:--
+
+ "_This narrative proceeds from the territory in HAUSA called
+ ECAUREE_."
+
+ No one, I presume, will say that there is not a _manifest_
+ difference between these two translations--between _the town called
+ Yaud, in the country of Kossa_, and the _territory of Hausa, called
+ Ecauree_.
+
+ One of these translations must therefore necessarily be incorrect.
+ The Arabic manuscript decyphered and transcribed by me, is inserted
+ in Mr. Bowdich's work, page 480. Those who may feel interested in
+ ascertaining which is the correct and precise translation, are
+ requested to refer to the transcript above-mentioned, or to the
+ original manuscript, in the possession of the African Association.
+ As for myself, I presume I am right; and would submit the decision
+ to the judgment of either Sir Gore Ousley, or to that of Sir
+ William, or to the opinion of any Arabic scholar, to decide this
+ question.
+
+ If, Mr. Editor, you had an Arabic type, to save the trouble of
+ referring to the original, I should ask the Arabic scholar if it
+ were possible for any man to translate the following passage in
+418 that document:--"Bled Hausa eekalu Ecuree"--"the town called Yaud,
+ in the country of Cossa;" whilst I should maintain that it would
+ admit of no other translation but the following, viz.--"the country
+ of Hausa, called Ecauree."
+
+ If you think this elucidation of the translation of the Manuscript
+ of Park's death sufficiently interesting to the public to deserve a
+ place in your intelligent paper, it is very much at your service.
+
+ From, Sir,
+
+ Your most obedient servant,
+
+ JAMES GREY JACKSON,
+
+ Professor of African Languages, and formerly British Consul and
+ Agent for Holland, Sweden, and Denmark, at Santa Cruz, South
+ Barbary.[234]
+
+ _Circus, Minories, May 4._ 1819.
+
+ [Footnote 234: See BRITISH STATESMAN, May 6th, 1819.]
+
+419
+
+ LETTERS RESPECTING AFRICA,
+ FROM
+ _J.G. JACKSON AND OTHERS._
+
+
+
+
+ _On the Plague._
+
+ To JAMES WILLIS, Esq. late Consul to Senegambia.
+
+ London, October 30, 1804.
+
+ My dear Sir,
+
+ Your letter reached my hands yesterday; but I am afraid I shall not
+ be able to satisfy you in every enquiry which you have made
+ relative to the plague in Barbary in 1799. I have, however, no
+ doubt but the plague which has prevailed in Spain has originated
+ from it. Some of the following observations may probably be of
+ service to you.
+
+ It does not appear to be ascertained how the plague originated in
+ Fas in the year 1799. Some persons have ascribed it to infected
+ merchandise received at Fas from the East; whilst others maintain
+ that the locusts which had infested Western Barbary during seven
+ years, destroying the crops, the vegetables, and every green thing,
+ even to the bark of the trees, produced such a scarcity, that the
+420 poor could obtain scarcely any thing to eat but the locusts; and
+ living on them for several months, till a most abundant crop
+ enabled them to satisfy the cravings of nature, they ate abundantly
+ of the new corn, which producing a fever, brought on the contagion.
+ At this time the small-pox pervaded the country, and was generally
+ fatal. The small-pox is thought to be the forerunner of this
+ species of contagion, as appears by an ancient Arabic manuscript,
+ which gives a full account of the same disorder having carried off
+ two-thirds of the inhabitants of West Barbary about four hundred
+ years since; but, however the dreadful epidemy originated, the
+ leading features of the disorder were novel, and more dreadful than
+ the common plague of Turkey, or that of Syria or Egypt, as the
+ following observations will demonstrate.
+
+ In the month of April, 1799, a plague of the most dreadful kind
+ manifested itself at the city of Old Fas, which soon after
+ communicated itself to the new city. About this time the Emperor
+ Muley Soliman ben Muhamed was preparing a numerous army, and was on
+ the eve of departure to visit his Southern dominions, and to take
+ possession of the province of Abda, which had not acknowledged him
+ as Emperor, but was, as well as the port of Saffy, in a state of
+ rebellion. The Emperor left Fas early in the summer, and proceeded
+ to Sallee, Mazagan, and Saffee; thence to Marocco and Mogodor. Now
+ the plague began to kindle in all the Southern provinces, first
+ carrying off one or two the first day, three or four the second
+421 day, six or eight the third day, and increasing progressively till
+ it amounted to a daily mortality of two in a hundred of the whole
+ population; continuing _with unabated violence_, ten, fifteen,
+ twenty days, being of longer duration in old than in new towns;
+ then diminishing in a progressive proportion from one thousand
+ a-day, to nine hundred, to eight hundred and so continuing to
+ decrease till it disappeared.
+
+ When it raged at the town of Mogodor, a small village (Deabet)
+ situated two miles South-east of Mogodor remained uninfected,
+ although the communication was open between these two places. On
+ the thirty-fourth day after its first appearance at Mogodor, this
+ village received the infection, where, after committing dreadful
+ havock among the human species for twenty-one days carried off one
+ hundred persons out of one hundred and thirty-three, the population
+ of the village before the plague visited it. After this, none died;
+ but those who were infected recovered, some losing the use of a
+ leg, or an arm, or an eye.
+
+ Many similar circumstances might be mentioned relative to the
+ numerous villages scattered about the extensive province of Haha,
+ all which shared the like, or a worse fate. Travelling through this
+ province after the plague had disappeared, I saw many ruins, which
+ had been flourishing villages before the plague. Making enquiry
+ concerning the population of these dismal remains of the
+422 pestilence, I was informed, that one village contained six hundred
+ inhabitants; that only four had escaped. Others, which had
+ contained four and five hundred, had left seven or eight to lament
+ the calamities they had suffered.
+
+ Whenever any families retired to the country, to avoid the
+ infection; on returning to town, when apparently all infection had
+ disappeared, they were generally attacked, and died. The
+ destruction of the human species in the province of Upper and
+ LowerSuse was much greater than elsewhere. The capital city of this
+ province (Tarodant) lost, when the infection was at its _acme_,
+ about eight hundred each day; the city of Marocco lost one thousand
+ each day; the cities of Old and New Fas from twelve to fifteen
+ hundred each day; insomuch, that, in these large towns, the
+ mortality was such, that the living had not time to bury the dead:
+ they were therefore thrown altogether into large holes, which were
+ covered over when full of dead bodies.
+
+ Young and healthy robust persons were generally attacked first;
+ then women and children; lastly, thin, sickly, and old people.
+ _After the plague had totally subsided, we saw men, who had been
+ common labourers, enjoying their thousands, and keeping horses,
+ without knowing how to ride them. Provisions became extremely
+ cheap, for the flocks and herds had been left in the fields, and
+ had nobody now to own them. Day-labour increased enormously. Never
+423 was equality in the human species more evident than at this time_.
+ _When corn was to be ground, or bread made, both were done in the
+ houses of the rich, and prepared by themselves; for the very few
+ poor people whom the plague had spared were insufficient for the
+ wants of the affluent, and they were consequently obliged to work
+ for themselves_. The country being now depopulated, vast tribes of
+ Arabs from the Desert poured into Suse and Draha; settling
+ themselves on the river Draha and in Suse, and wherever they found
+ little or no population.
+
+ The symptoms of the disorder varied in different patients; in some
+ it manifested itself by a sudden shivering, in others by delirium,
+ succeeded by a violent thirst. Cold water was drank eagerly by the
+ imprudent, and generally proved fatal. Some had one, two, or three,
+ some more biles, generally in the groin, under the arm, or near the
+ breast; some had more. Some had no biles, nor any outward
+ disfiguration; these were invariably carried off in less than
+ twenty-four hours. I recommended Mr. Baldwin's remedy[235], applied
+ according to his directions; and I do not know one instance of its
+ failing, when properly applied, and sufficiently persevered in.
+
+ [Footnote 235: Of unction of the body with olive oil.]
+
+ I have no doubt but the epidemy, which has been ravaging Spain
+ lately, is the same disorder with the one above described. We have
+ been told that it was communicated originally to Spain by two
+424 infected persons, who went from Tangier to Estapona, and eluded the
+ vigilance of the guards. We have been assured that it was
+ communicated by some persons infected, who landed in Spain from a
+ vessel that had loaded produce at Laraich, in West Barbary. We have
+ also been informed that a Spanish privateer, which had occasion to
+ land its crew for water in some part of West Barbary, caught the
+ infection, and afterwards went to Cadiz and communicated it to the
+ town.
+
+ JAMES G. JACKSON.
+
+ _Death of Mungo Park_.
+
+ May, 1812.
+
+ The doubts which may have existed of the fate of this eminent man
+ are now removed, by the certain accounts lately received from
+ Goree, of his having perished, through the hostility of the
+ natives, on one of the branches of the Niger. The particulars have
+ been transmitted to Sir Joseph Banks, by Governor Maxwell, of
+ Goree, who received them from Isaco[236], a Moor, sent inland by
+ the Governor, for the purpose of enquiry. In a letter to Mr.
+ Dickson, of Covent-garden, brother-in-law to Mr. Park, Sir Joseph
+ thus writes:--
+
+ "I have read Isaco's translated journal; by which it appears, that
+425 the numerous European retinue of Mungq Park quickly and miserably
+ died, leaving, at the last, only himself and a Mr. Martyn.
+ Proceeding on their route, they stopped at a settlement, from
+ which, according to custom, they sent a present to the chief whose
+ territory they were next to pass. This present having been
+ treacherously withheld, the chief considered it, in the travellers,
+ as a designed injury and neglect. _On their approaching, in a
+ canoe, he assembled his people on a narrow channel of rocks[237],
+ and assailed them so violently with arrows, that some of the rowers
+ were killed_. This caused Mr. Park and Mr. Martyn to make an effort
+ by swimming to reach the shore; in which attempt they both were
+ drowned. The canoe shortly afterwards sunk, and only one hired
+ native escaped. Every appurtenance also of the travellers was lost
+ or destroyed, except a sword-belt which had belonged to Mr. Martyn,
+ and which Isaco redeemed, and brought with him to Goree."
+
+ [Footnote 236: Isaco was a Jew, not a Moor.--J.G.J.]
+
+ [Footnote 237: There is a remarkable confirmation of this
+ quotation from Sir Joseph's letter in Mr. _Jackson's_
+ translation of the Arabic manuscript of Mungo Park's death, for
+ which see Bowdich's Account of a Mission to Ashantee, p. 480.;
+ also Annals of Oriental Literature, No. I.]
+
+ _Death of Mr. Rontgen, in an Attempt to explore the Interior of
+ Africa_.
+
+ May, 1812.
+
+ The young German gentleman of the name of Rontgen, who left England
+426 about a twelve-month since for Africa, in order to prosecute
+ discoveries in the interior of that country, has, it is said, been
+ murdered by the Arabs, before he had proceeded any great distance
+ from Mogodor, where he spent some time perfecting himself in the
+ Arabic language. He was a promising young man, and an enthusiast in
+ the cause in which he was lost, and supposed to understand the
+ Arabic language better than any European who ever before entered
+ Africa. At an early age he formed the plan of going to that
+ country, and gave up his connections and a competency in Germany,
+ to prosecute his intentions. His father was a character well known
+ in Europe, who raised himself from obscurity to the greatest
+ celebrity by his talent for mechanics. He was at one time worth a
+ million, but was ruined by the French revolution.
+
+ _The following Letter from James Willis, Esq. late Consul to
+ Senigambia, is extracted from the Gentleman's Magazine for May,
+ 1812_.
+
+ COMMERCIAL INTERCOURSE WITH AFRICA.
+
+ May 5. 1812.
+
+ At a time when our ancient rivals and enemies are exerting all
+ their powers to destroy the British commerce, and have nearly
+ effected their gigantic schemes of cutting off all communication
+ between Great Britain and the various ports, states, and kingdoms
+ of Europe; at such a time when we are in imminent danger of losing
+427 the markets of a quarter of the globe, it becomes essentially
+ important to discover other channels for our commerce, and other
+ markets for our manufactures.
+
+ In this point of view, the information lately communicated to the
+ public by Mr. James Grey Jackson, in his "Travels in Africa,"
+ becomes highly interesting to the statesman as well as to the
+ merchant. From the account which he has given of the city of
+ Timbuctoo, and its commercial relations, there is great reason to
+ conclude, that if we could find means to open and maintain a safe
+ and easy communication with that great emporium, and with the rich,
+ fertile, and populous regions in its vicinity, we might acquire a
+ market for our manufactures, that would in time compensate for the
+ loss of that of Europe.
+
+ In the warehouses of Timbuctoo, are accumulated the manufactures of
+ India and of Europe; and from thence the immense population that
+ dwells upon the banks of the Niger is supplied. There is no doubt
+ that we could furnish the articles they want, upon much lower terms
+ than they can obtain them at present; and, in return, we should
+ furnish the best market they could have for their gold, ivory,
+ gums, and other rich products, and raw materials.
+
+ Now, it certainly appears to me, and I think it must appear to
+ every man who takes the trouble of investigating the subject, that,
+ provided Government would give proper support to the enterprise,
+ this important communication might easily be established. _For this
+428 purpose, nothing more is necessary than to take a fortified station
+ upon the African coast, somewhere about the 29th degree of north
+ latitude, near the confines of the Marocco dominions, to serve as a
+ safe magazine or emporium for merchandize. From this station it
+ would be easy to maintain a direct correspondence with the opulent
+ merchants of Timbuctoo; regular caravans might be established to
+ depart at fixed periods; the protection of the Arabs can at all
+ times be purchased at stipulated prices, which may be considered as
+ premiums of insurance, or as a tax for convoy_, and thus in a
+ little time these caravans might carry out merchandize, to and from
+ Timbuctoo, with as much regularity and safety, and with less
+ expense, than our fleets convey our goods to and from the West
+ Indies.
+
+ The expense of such a fortified station as is here proposed, would
+ be very moderate, in comparison with the advantages it would
+ produce; and it would be easy to draw out a plan for it; but I do
+ not think it would be proper to go into a detail here,--_"non est
+ hic locus."_
+
+ It has been well observed, that commerce is the key of Africa; and
+ I shall only add, that if the plan I have suggested were carried
+ into execution, these interesting regions of Africa, that have
+ heretofore baffled the attempts of curiosity and enterprise, and
+ remained for so many ages a "sealed book" to the inhabitants of
+ Europe, would soon be explored and laid open. This is an object
+429 that cannot be indifferent to a prince, who has so evidently
+ evinced a desire to patronise science, and who is undoubtedly
+ desirous to encourage, to facilitate, and to increase, still
+ further the vast geographical discoveries which have added such
+ lustre to the reign of his august father.
+
+ To return to Mr. Jackson's book. This work contains, besides the
+ information that more directly concerns the statesman and the
+ merchant, much interesting matter for the natural and moral
+ philosopher, as well as for the general reader. The author makes no
+ pretension to fine writing; his style is plain, unaffected, and
+ perspicuous, and there is as much new, authentic, and important
+ matter in the book, as in the hands of the French writers of
+ African travels, (Golberry, Vaillant, and Savary, for instance,)
+ would have been spread over three times the space. Upon the whole,
+ it is the most valuable work of the kind that has appeared for many
+ years. I hope the author will reap the reward which his labours
+ have so well deserved.
+
+ JAMES WILLIS.
+
+ _Of the Venomous Spider.--Charmers of Serpents.--Disease called
+ Nyctalopia, or Night-blindness.--Remedy for Consumption in
+ Africa.--Western Branch of the Nile, and Water Communication
+ between Timbuctoo and Egypt_.
+
+ Sir,
+
+ The venomous spider (_Tendaraman_). This beautiful reptile is
+ somewhat similar to a hornet in size and colour, but of a rounder
+430 form; its legs are about an inch long, black, and very strong; it
+ has two bright yellow lines, latitudinally crossing its back; it
+ forms its web octagonally between bushes, the diameter being two or
+ three yards; it places itself in the centre of its web, which is so
+ fine, as to be almost invisible, and attaches to whatever may pass
+ between those bushes. It is said to make always towards the head,
+ before it inflicts its deadly wound. In the cork forests, the
+ sportsman, eager in his pursuit of game, frequently carries away on
+ his garments the _tenderaman_, whose bite is so poisonous, that the
+ patient survives but a few hours.
+
+ Charmers of serpents (_Aisawie_).--These _Aisawie_ have a
+ considerable sanctuary at Fas. They go to Suse in large bodies
+ about the month of July to collect serpents, which they pretend to
+ render harmless by a certain form of words, incantation, or
+ invocation to _Seedy ben Aisah_, their tutelary saint. They have an
+ annual feast, at which time they dance and shake their heads
+ quickly, during a certain period, till they become giddy, when they
+ run about the towns frantic, attacking any person that may have a
+ black or dark dress on; they bite, scratch, and devour any thing
+ that comes in their way. They will attack an _unjumma_, or portable
+ fire, and tear the lighted charcoal to pieces with their hands and
+ mouths. I have seen them take the serpents, which they carry about,
+ and devour them alive, the blood streaming down their clothes. The
+431 incredible accounts of their feats would fill a volume; the
+ following observations may suffice to give the reader an idea of
+ these extraordinary fanatics. The _buska_ and the [238]_el effah_
+ are enticed out of their holes by them; they handle them with
+ impunity, though their bite is ascertained to be mortal; they put
+ them into a cane basket, and throw it over their shoulders: these
+ serpents they carry about the country, and exhibit them to the
+ people. I have seen them play with them, and suffer them to twist
+ round their bodies in all directions, without receiving any injury
+ from them. I have often enquired how they managed to do this, but
+ never could get any direct or satisfactory answer; they assure you,
+ however, that faith in their saint, and the powerful influence of
+ the name of the divinity, (_Isim Allah_,) enables them to work
+ these miracles: they maintain themselves in a miserable way, by
+ donations from the spectators before whom they exhibit. This art of
+ fascinating serpents was known by the ancient Africans, as appears
+ from the _Marii_ and _Psilii_, who were Africans, and showed proofs
+ of it at Rome.
+
+ [Footnote 238: For a description of these deadly serpents, see
+ Jackson's Account of Marocco, &c. chapter on Zoology.]
+
+ _Bu Telleese Nyctalopia_.--This ophthalmic disease is little known
+ in the northern provinces; but in Suse and Sahara it prevails. A
+ defect of vision comes on at dusk, but without pain; the patient is
+432 deprived of sight, so that he cannot see distinctly, even with the
+ assistance of candles. During my residence at Agadeer, a cousin of
+ mine was dreadfully afflicted with this troublesome disease, losing
+ his sight at evening, and continuing in that state till the rising
+ sun. A Deleim Arab, a famous physician, communicated to me a
+ sovereign remedy, which being extremely simple, I had not
+ sufficient faith in his prescription to give it a trial, till
+ reflecting that the simplicity of the remedy was such as to
+ preclude the possibility of its being injurious, it was applied
+ inwardly; and twelve hours afterwards, to my astonishment, the
+ boy's eyes were perfectly well, and continued so during twenty-one
+ days, when I again had recourse to the same remedy, and it effected
+ a cure, on one administration, during thirty days, when it again
+ attacked him; the remedy was again applied with the same beneficial
+ effect as before.
+
+ _Offer to discover the African Remedy for Nyctalopia, or Night
+ Blindness_.
+
+ (TO THE EDITOR OF THE LITERARY PANORAMA.)
+
+ Sir,
+
+ Having read your animadversions on the additional matter introduced
+ in my second edition of an "Account of Marocco, Timbuctoo," &c.
+ (see Literary Panorama for April last, p. 713.) wherein you
+433 conceive that I am reprehensible for not having discovered publicly
+ the remedy alluded to as an infallible cure to the _Butellise_ or
+ _Nyctalopia_, I should observe that I was not apprised, (till I
+ read those animadversions,) that this was a disorder incident to
+ the inhabitants in Europe, or that it affected our seamen on the
+ Mediterranean station. But, if that be the case, and it should be
+ found expedient and beneficial to the interests of Great Britain,
+ that this remedy should be divulged for the alleviation of our
+ meritorious seamen in His Majesty's service, I am willing to make
+ the discovery to any respectable medical man who may be appointed
+ by Government as physician or surgeon on the Mediterranean station.
+
+ JAMES G. JACKSON.
+
+ May 18. 1812.
+
+ TO THE EDITOR OF THE LITERARY PANORAMA.
+
+ Circus, Minories, June 21. 1815.
+
+ Sir,
+
+ I request you will contradict in your next publication the
+ assertion of my _decease_, which is calculated to injure
+ considerably my interests abroad as a merchant. (Vide your Review
+ of Parke's Travels, page 377.) In answer to this unfounded
+ information, which has been propagated in your review of last
+ month, I have to acquaint you that I am not only in the land of the
+ living, but in excellent health, and waiting to hear the testimony
+434 of some stranger or European traveller (since the Africans are not
+ to be relied on), who shall establish the fact of _the junction of
+ the Nile of Sudan with that of Egypt; or at least, the
+ approximation of these two mighty streams_. And notwithstanding
+ _the_ insidious reflections and censures passed on the native
+ Africans, from whom I gathered much of the information communicated
+ to the public in my account of Marocco, it must be allowed by all
+ liberal-minded men, that a native is more likely to give an
+ accurate account of his country than a foreigner; and a residence
+ of sixteen years in a country may be allowed to give a man of
+ common observation experience enough to select judiciously such
+ intelligence as might be relied on; and I have no hesitation in
+ declaring it to be my unalterable opinion, that _so soon as a
+ traveller shall have returned from the interior of Africa, many of
+ my assertions respecting those regions will be confirmed_, and that
+ information founded on the testimony of unprejudiced and
+ disinterested Africans, will be found not so contemptible as some
+ learned persons have imagined.
+
+ JAMES G. JACKSON.
+435
+
+ _Critical Observations on Abstracts from the Travels of Ali Bey,
+ and Robert Adams, in the Quarterly Journal of Literature, Science,
+ and the Arts, edited at the Royal Institution of Great Britain,
+ Vol. I. No. II. page 264_.
+
+ London, Dec. 19. 1817.
+
+ In the discussion on Aly Bey's Travels, in the Journal of Science
+ and the Arts, above mentioned, p. 270. are the following words:--
+
+ "Aly Bey has added, in a separate chapter, all the information he
+ received, respecting a mediterranean sea, from a merchant of
+ Marocco, of the name of Sidi Matte Buhlal, who had resided many
+ years at Timbuctoo, and in other countries of Sudan or Nigritia,
+ the most material of which was, that Tombut is a large town, very
+ trading, and inhabited by Moors and Negroes, and was at the same
+ distance from the Nile Abid, (or Nile of the Negroes, or Niger,) as
+ Fez is from Wed Sebu, that is to say, _about three hundred English
+ miles_."
+
+ As this passage is quoted from Aly Bey, by the first literary
+ society of Great Britain, and is, therefore, calculated to create a
+ doubt of the accuracy of what I have said, respecting the distance
+ of the Nile El Abeed from Timbuctoo, in the enlarged editions of my
+ account of Marocco, &c. page 297. I consider it a duty which I owe
+436 to my country and to myself, not to let this sentence pass through
+ the press without submitting to the public my observations on the
+ subject.
+
+ Sidi Matte Buhlal is a native of Fas: the name is properly Sidi El
+ Mattie Bu Hellal. This gentleman is one out of twenty authorities
+ from whom I derived the information recorded in my account of
+ Marocco, respecting Timbuctoo and the interior of Africa; his whole
+ family, which is respectable and numerous, are among the first
+ Timbuctoo merchants that have their establishments at Fas. I
+ should, however, add, that among the many authorities from whom I
+ derived my information relative to Timbuctoo, there were two
+ muselmen in particular,--merchants of respectability and
+ intelligence, who came from Timbuctoo to Santa Cruz, soon after _I
+ opened that port to Dutch commerce, in the capacity of agent of
+ Holland, by order of the then Emperor of Marocco, Muley Yezzid_,
+ brother and predecessor of the present Emperor Soliman. These two
+ gentlemen had resided at Timbuctoo, and in other parts of Sudan,
+ fifteen years, trading during the whole of that period with
+ Darbeyta, on the coast of the Red Sea, with Jinnie, Housa, Wangara,
+ Cashna, and other countries of the interior, from whom, and from
+ others, equally intelligent and credible, I procured my information
+ respecting the _mediterranean sea in the interior of Africa, called
+ El Bahar Assudan, i.e. the Sea of Sudan_, situated fifteen days'
+437 journey east of Timbuctoo. These two muselmen merchants had amassed
+ considerable fortunes at Timbuctoo, and were on their journey to
+ Fas, their native place; but in consequence of a civil war at that
+ time raging throughout West Barbary, particularly in the province
+ of Haha, through which it was indispensable that they should pass,
+ on their way to Fas, they sojourned with me two months; after which
+ they departed for Fas with a caravan.
+
+ These intelligent Moors gave me much information respecting
+ Timbuctoo, and the interior countries where they had resided; they
+ sold me many articles of Sudanic manufacture, among which were
+ three pieces of fine cotton cloth, manufactured at Timbuctoo, and
+ some ornaments of pure gold _in or molu_, of exquisite workmanship,
+ of the manufacture of Jinnie; one of these pieces of Timbuctoo
+ manufacture, of cotton interwoven with silk, of a square
+ blue-and-white pattern, dyed with _indigo of Timbuctoo_, I had the
+ honour to present to the British Museum, in April, 1796[239], where
+ it is now deposited.
+
+ [Footnote 239: This piece of cloth, about two yards wide and
+ five long, I had the honour of offering to Sir Joseph Banks,
+ who declined receiving it; but at the same time suggested that
+ it was a manufacture deserving public notice, and would be
+ considered an acceptable present by the British Museum.]
+
+ I have been led into this digression from certain insinuations that
+ have been[240] insidiously propagated, reflecting on the accuracy
+438 of my statements respecting the interior of Africa; and I must add,
+ that I always have felt, and still feel confident, that in
+ proportion as we shall become more acquainted with the interior of
+ this unexplored continent, my account will be so much the more
+ authenticated: my confidence in this opinion, (however dogmatical
+ it may appear,) is founded on the original and intelligent sources
+ of my information; on a long residence and general acquaintance
+ with all the principal inhabitants of West Barbary, whose
+ connections lay in Sudan, and at Timbuctoo; in a competent
+ knowledge and practical acquaintance with the languages of North
+ Africa, and a consequent ability to discriminate the accuracy of
+ the sources of my intelligence.
+
+ [Footnote 240: See my letter to the editor of the Monthly
+ Magazine, for March, 1817; page 125.]
+
+ This being premised, I now proceed to offer to the public my
+ animadversions on the above quotation from the Journal of Science
+ and the Arts.
+
+ I have actually crossed the Wed Sebu, or the River Sebu, alluded to
+ in the above quotation, which passes through the Berebber Kabyl of
+ Zimure Shelleh; I have crossed the same river several times at the
+ city of Mequinez, and also at Meheduma, where it enters the
+ Atlantic Ocean, in lat. 34 deg. 15' north, and from this experimental
+ knowledge of the course of that river, I can affirm, with
+ confidence, that it is not inaccurately laid down in my map of West
+ Barbary[241], and that it is not three hundred English miles from
+439 Fas, but only six English miles from that city. I can also assert,
+ from incontestable testimony, that Tombut, or Timbuctoo, is[242]
+ not three hundred miles from the Nile El Abeed, but only about
+ twelve English miles from that stream, the latter being south of
+ the town.
+
+ [Footnote 241: For which see page 55.]
+
+ [Footnote 242: Vide Jackson's enlarged Account of Marocco, &c.
+ p. 297.]
+
+ Respecting the following passage in the above quoted Journal of
+ Science and the Arts, p. 272, "This river contains the fierce
+ animals called _Tzemsah_, which devour men," I shall only observe,
+ that _Tzemsah_ is the word in Arabic which denominates the
+ _crocodile_. Farther on, in the same page, we have the words,--"We
+ must suppose that the Joliba makes at this spot a strange winding,
+ which gives to the inhabitants of Marocco the opinion they
+ express." This supposed winding is actually asserted to exist, and
+ is denominated by the Arabs[243] _El Kose Nile_, i.e. the arch or
+ curve of the Nile, and is situated between the cities of Timbuctoo
+ and Jinnie.
+
+ [Footnote 243: Idem, note, p. 305.]
+
+ I should here adduce some further testimony respecting the course
+ of the Nile El Abeed; but as the quotation from Aly Bey in the
+ above Journal of Sciences and the Arts, page 271. asserts it to be
+ towards the east, and again, in page 272. declares it to be towards
+ the west, such incoherence, I presume, requires no confutation. I
+ consider that it originates from Moorish inaccuracy.
+440
+ The _La Mar Zarak_ of Adams, if any such river exists, may be a
+ corruption of _Sagea el Humra_, i.e. the Red Stream, a river in the
+ southern confines of Sahara, nearly in the same longitude with
+ Timbuctoo. This river the late Emperor of Marocco, Muley Yezzid,
+ announced as the southern boundary of his dominions; but from the
+ accounts which I have had of it, it was not of that magnitude which
+ Adams ascribes to the Mar Zarak, nor was it precisely in the
+ neighbourhood of Timbuctoo, when I was a resident in South Barbary:
+ rivers, however, _which pass through sandy or desert districts_,
+ often change their courses in the space of twenty-four hours, by
+ the drifting of the moving sands impelled by the wind; instances of
+ which I have myself often witnessed.
+
+ If this river proceeded from the Desert, it might have had the name
+ of _El Bahar Sahara_, i.e. the River of Sahara; the word _La Mar_
+ is a lingua franca, or corrupt Spanish word, signifying the sea,
+ and might have been used to this poor sailor by a native to make it
+ the more intelligible to him. Many Spanish words having crept into
+ the Arabic vocabulary, and are occasionally used by those Africans
+ who have had intercourse with Europeans.
+
+441 The next passage for animadversion is as follows:--
+
+ "The state in which he represented Timbuctoo, and its being the
+ residence of a Negro sovereign, instead of a muselman."
+
+ The state in which he has represented Timbuctoo, is, I think,
+ extremely inaccurate; and being a slave, it is more than probable,
+ that he was placed in a Fondaque[244], or Caravansera, belonging to
+ the King, which he _mistook_ for his palace; but that his narrative
+ should be deemed inaccurate, because he has described the town of
+ Timbuctoo to be under the sovereignty of a Negro prince, is to me
+ incomprehensible.
+
+ [Footnote 244: Vide Jackson's enlarged Account of Marocoo, &c.
+ p. 298.]
+
+ The various sources of information that I have investigated,
+ uniformly declare that sovereign to be a Negro, and that his name
+ in the year 1800, was Woolo. This account, it appears, is confirmed
+ by Adams, who says,[245] Woolo was King of Timbuctoo in 1810, and
+ that he was then old and grey-headed. Some years after the above
+ period, Riley's Narrative, epitomised in Leyden's Discoveries and
+ Travels in Africa, vol. i., _speaking of the King of Timbuctoo,
+ says, this sovereign is a very large, old, grey-headed black man_,
+ called _Shegar_, which means Sultan. This, however, I must observe
+ is a misinterpretation of the word _Shegar_, which is an
+ African-Arabic word, and signifies _red or carrotty_, and is a word
+ applicable to his physiognomy; but certainly not to his rank:--_Abd
+442 Shegar_, a carrotty or red Negro. If these two testimonies, since
+ 1800, be correct, then the _anachronism_ of which I am accused in
+ the New Supplement to the Encyclopedia Britannica, (title Africa,)
+ is misapplied.
+
+ [Footnote 245: Since publishing this letter, Mr. Bowdich, in
+ his Account of Ashantee, pages 194, 195, says, Woolo was King
+ of Timbuctoo in 1807, or ten years before Mr. Bowdich was at
+ Ashantee.]
+
+ Many of this king's civil officers, however, in 1800, were
+ muselmen; but the military were altogether Negroes.
+
+ However fervent the zeal of Muhamedanism may be at Timbuctoo, it is
+ not, I imagine, sufficient to convert the Negroes, who have not the
+ best opinion of the Muhamedan tenets. The Negroes, however, are
+ disposed to abjure idolatry for any other form of religion that
+ they can be persuaded to think preferable, or that holds out a
+ better prospect; a convincing proof of which has been seen by the
+ readiness of the Africans of Congo and Angola, to renounce their
+ idolatry for the Christian faith, by the conversion of thousands to
+ that faith by the indefatigable zeal of the catholic missionaries,
+ when the Portuguese first discovered those countries, and which, if
+ the Sovereign of Portugal had persevered with that laudable zeal
+ with which he began to promote the conversion of the Africans, the
+ inhabitants of those extensive and populous countries might, at
+ this day, have been altogether members of the Christian church!!
+443
+ _On the Junction of the Nile of Egypt with the Nile of Timbuctoo,
+ or of Sudan_.
+
+ TO THE EDITOR OF THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE.[246]
+
+ [Footnote 246: Inserted in March, 1817.]
+
+ Sir,
+
+ London, Jan. 25. 1817.
+
+ Having read some annotations, in the Journal of a Mission to the
+ Interior of Africa, by Mungo Park, in 1805, which are calculated to
+ persuade some persons, that my Account of the Interior of Africa is
+ not altogether authentic, I feel myself called upon to offer some
+ cursory observations to the public, in refutation of those
+ aspersions. (Vide Appendix, No. IV. to Mungo Park's Second Journey,
+ in 1805, pages 114. and 115.)
+
+ Although I assert, on the concurrent testimony of the best informed
+ and most intelligent natives of Sudan, that there exists a
+ [247]water communication between Timbuctoo and Cairo, I do not
+ maintain that the [248]Nile of Sudan falls into the [249]Nile of
+ Egypt, but that it hath a communication with it, or with some river
+444 that connects itself with the Nile of Egypt, which opinion is
+ confirmed by Mr. Hornemann, on African authority.
+
+ [Footnote 247: Vide Jackson's Marocco, second or third edition,
+ page 310.]
+
+ [Footnote 248: (_Nile el Kabeer_) the Great Nile, (_Bahar el
+ Abeed_, or _Nile el Abeed_) the Nile of Slaves or Negroes,
+ (_Nile Sudan_) the Nile of Sudan or Nigritia, are the various
+ names applied to the river that passes by Timbuctoo, and
+ through the interior of Sudan, from west to east.]
+
+ [Footnote 249: _Nile Masser_ is the name applied to the Nile of
+ Egypt.]
+
+ It is very probable that this junction is formed by a stream that
+ flows westward towards Wangara through the country called [250]
+ Bahar Kulla, and Lake Dwi, from the source of the Nile of Egypt, or
+ from that part of the Jibbel Kumri, or Lunar Mountains, which form
+ the southern boundary of Donga.
+
+ If this be so, the junction of the Nile el Abeed, of Timbuctoo, and
+ the Bahar el Aheaed of Donga[251], (or more properly the Bahar el
+ Abeed,) is established, and the water communication between
+ Timbuctoo and Cairo is proved; admitting, however, that the Negroes
+ reported by me to have performed the[252] voyage by water, took
+ their boat or canoe ashore, to ascend the cataracts, in the country
+ between Wangara and Donga.
+
+ [Footnote 250: _Bahar Kulla_ is an Arabic term, signifying the
+ sea altogether, implying an alluvial country, (probably forming
+ a part of the mediterranean sea of central Africa). See Major
+ Rennel's Map in the Proceedings of the African Association,
+ vol. i. 8vo. page 209. lat. N. 10 deg., long. 18 deg..]
+
+ [Footnote 251: Vide Major Kennel's Map in the Proceedings of
+ the African Association, 8vo. edition, vol. i. page 209.]
+
+ [Footnote 252: Vide Jackson's Marocco, second or third edition,
+ page 312.]
+
+ Mr. Park's annotator, in the spirit of controversy with which he
+ appears to be endued, may say, the fact of this stream running to
+445 the west towards Wangara, cannot be admitted, because Mr. Browne
+ saw a ridge of mountains extending in that direction; but Mr.
+ Browne did not ascertain that this was an uninterrupted ridge; the
+ river might therefore pass through some chasm similar to that which
+ I have seen in crossing the Atlas Mountains, or through some
+ intermediate plain.
+
+ The annotator further says[253], "It is needless to comment upon
+ such hearsay statements, received from an African traveller." This
+ assertion being calculated to impress on the public mind, that I
+ founded my hypothesis respecting the junction of the Niles of
+ Africa on the simple and single statement of one individual African
+ traveller; I feel it incumbent on me thus publicly to declare, that
+ _the junction alluded to is founded on the universal and concurrent
+ testimony of all the most intelligent and well informed native
+ African travellers_ (for the most part natives of Sudan), not one
+ of whom differed in this opinion, but unanimously declared it to be
+ an uncontroverted fact, that the waters of the Nile of Egypt joined
+ the waters of the Nile el Abeed, which passes near Timbuctoo to the
+ east; and that there exists, without a doubt, a water communication
+ between Cairo in Egypt, and Timbuctoo in Sudan. Now, if, as M. de
+ Bailly observes, "_la verite se fait connaitre par le concours des
+446 temoignages_," it must be admitted, by men of liberal sentiments,
+ that it is somewhat more than a hearsay statement; and what better
+ foundation can there possibly be for the truth of any geological
+ fact, than the concurrent testimony of the best-informed natives of
+ the country described?
+
+ [Footnote 253: Vide Appendix, No. IV. to Park's Second Journey
+ page 115.]
+
+ With respect to precision being unfavourable to authenticity[254],
+ I consider this a new dogma; and if I were disposed to confute it,
+ (but it carries with it its own confutation,) I should point out
+ many hearsay evidences, precisely recorded in my Account of
+ Marocco, which have been confirmed already by Ali Bey (El Abassy)
+ and many others; but "_non est hic locus_."
+
+ J.G. JACKSON.
+
+ [Footnote 254: Vide Appendix, No. II. to Park's Second Journey
+ page 103.]
+
+ _Strictures respecting the Interior of Africa, and Confirmation of
+ Jackson's Account of Sudan, annexed to his Account of the Empire of
+ Marocco, &c._
+
+ London, 16th Jan, 1818.
+
+ It is a satisfaction to perceive (after a lapse of eight or nine
+ years since the publication of my account of Marocco and the
+ interior of Africa), that in proportion as we are becoming better
+ acquainted with the interior of that continent, my account becomes
+ more authenticated, notwithstanding the attempts that have been so
+447 insidiously made to invalidate it.
+
+ The various hypotheses, for the most part founded in theory, that
+ have within the last seven years, been adopted respecting the
+ course of the _Nile el Abeed_ (Niger), are beginning now to fall to
+ the ground, and the learned and judicious editor of the Supplement
+ to the New Encyclopedia Britannica, founding his opinions, as it
+ should seem, upon the facts that have been corroborated respecting
+ the interior of Africa, has actually adopted my opinion;[255] viz.
+
+ That there is an union of waters between the Nile of Egypt, and
+ that of Sudan[256]; where the common receptacle is, I have not
+ ventured to declare, but it is probable that it may be in the Bahar
+ Kulla[257], in Wangara, or in the [258]Sea of Sudan; the opinion
+ that the junction is formed in the Sea of Sudan is supported by the
+ Shereef Imhammed, who saw the Nile at Cashna, and declared that it
+ was so rapid there from east to west, that vessels could not stem
+ it.
+
+ [Footnote 255: See my letter to the Editor of the Monthly
+ Magazine, vol. xliii. March, 1817, page 125.]
+
+ [Footnote 256: It is incorrect to say, that the word _Nile_ is
+ applied, in Africa, to any great river: the name, I can with
+ confidence declare, is never applied to any river in North
+ Africa, except the Nile of Egypt, and that of Sudan; whoever
+ has propagated this opinion has mistaken the matter altogether.
+ See Proceedings of the African Association, vol. i. page 540.]
+
+ [Footnote 257: See Major Rennell's Map of North Africa, lat.
+ north 6 deg., long, west 18 deg., &c.]
+
+ [Footnote 258: See Jackson's enlarged Account of Marocco,
+ Timbuctoo, &c. page 310.]
+
+448 Again: Parke's intelligence, in his second journey, demonstrates an
+ union of waters in the (Baseafeena[259]) Sea of Sudan; for he says,
+ the current was said to be sometimes one way, and sometimes
+ another; which I will take the liberty to interpret thus:--
+
+ That the current from the Eastern Nile, was westward into the Sea
+ of Sudan, and the current of the Western Nile was eastward into the
+ same sea of Sudan: thus the current would be sometimes one way, and
+ sometimes another, making the Sea of Sudan the common receptacle
+ for the Eastern as well as for the Western Nile.
+
+ Ptolemy's Sea of Nigritia is undoubtedly the same with my Sea of
+ Sudan; _Lybia Palus_[260] being the Latin denomination, as _Bahar
+ Sudan_ is the Arabic for the interior lake called the Sea of Sudan;
+ but whether this sea of Sudan will ultimately prove to be
+ situated[261] as I have described it, fifteen journies[262] east of
+ Timbuctoo, or 450 English miles, or as Ptolemy has described it, or
+ in the intermediate distance between the two extremes, must be left
+ for future travellers to ascertain.
+
+ [Footnote 259: Another name for the Sea of Sudan, as will
+ hereafter appear.]
+
+ [Footnote 260: See Ptolemy's Map of North Africa.]
+
+ [Footnote 261: See Jackson's enlarged Account of Marocco, page
+ 310.]
+
+ [Footnote 262: Fifteen journies horse travelling, which are the
+ journies here alluded to, at thirty miles a-day, is 450 British
+ miles.]
+
+ The enterprising and indefatigable, the patient and persevering
+ genius of Burkhardt, deriving incalculable advantages from a long
+449 residence in the eastern regions of Africa, may probably decree him
+ to be the person to clear up this long-contested geographical
+ point, unless the fascination of Arabian manners, or some Utopia in
+ the interior regions of that continent, should wean him from the
+ desire to re-visit his native country.
+
+ This intelligence of Park may be considered some corroboration of
+ what I have maintained respecting the union of waters between the
+ Eastern and Western Niles.[263]
+
+ The following testimonies are some confirmation of my report
+ respecting decked vessels, &c. in the interior of Africa.[264]
+
+ Dr. Stetzen, a German physician residing at Alexandria[265], says,
+ that he has received intelligence from a pilgrim, on his way to
+ Mecca, a native of _Ber Noh,_ or _Bernou_[266], that the river
+ within a mile of the city is as large as the Egyptian Nile, and
+ overflows its banks; _it is navigated by vessels of considerable
+ dimensions, carrying sails and oars._
+
+ [Footnote 263: See Monthly Magazine, March, 1817, page 125.]
+
+ [Footnote 264: See Jackson's enlarged Account of Marocco, &c.
+ page 309.]
+
+ [Footnote 265: For full particulars, see New Supp. to Ency.
+ Brit. article "Africa."]
+
+ [Footnote 266: This Bernou, or according to the Arabic
+ orthography, _Ber Noh_, is asserted by the Arabs to be the
+ birth-place of the Patriarch Noah.]
+
+ Mr. Barnes states, that the Niger discharges itself into a large
+ lake; that he has heard from the Black traders that there are white
+450 inhabitants upon the borders of this lake; and has been told, by
+ people who have seen them, that they dress in the style of Barbary
+ Moors, and wear turbans, but do not speak Arabic. See Report of
+ Committee of Council.[267]
+
+ [Footnote 267: See Jackson's enlarged Account of Marocco, &c.
+ p, 309.]
+
+ Park, in his second journey, was informed, that "one month's travel
+ south of Baedo, through the kingdom of Grotto, will bring the
+ traveller to the country of the Christians, who have their houses
+ on the banks of the _Ba Seafeena_[268], which they describe as
+ incomparably larger than the lake Dehebby (Dibbie)."--This is
+ another corroboration of the accuracy of my account of the interior
+ of Africa; but before I dismiss this subject, I should observe,
+ that from the general ignorance of the African Arabic, an important
+ circumstance respecting this _Ba Seafeena_, is not yet (it appears)
+ discovered. It is this:--the words _Ba Seafeena_, or, according to
+ the correct Arabic orthography, _Bahar Sefeena_, literally
+ translated into English, signifies the Sea of Ships, and is
+ evidently only another name for the Sea of Sudan, declaring it to
+ be a sea wherein ships are found!
+
+ [Footnote 268: See New Supp. to Ency. Brit. article "Africa."]
+
+ Here then are two topographical facts first asserted by me, among
+ the moderns, to exist in the heart of Africa, and since confirmed
+ by Ali Bey, Park, and Dr. Sietzen, or, as the enlightened editor of
+ the Supplement to the New Encyclopedia Britt. observes,
+
+451 "We have thus three independent testimonies[269] from opposite
+ quarters, meeting exactly in the same point; nor does there, as far
+ as we know, exist any evidence _at all respectable_ to the
+ contrary."
+
+ [Footnote 269: The testimonies here alluded to are Hornman,
+ Park, and Jackson.]
+
+ It now remains for me to declare (that as opinions have been
+ industriously propagated tending to discredit my account of
+ Marocco, and the interior of Africa,) that nothing has been set
+ down therein, until I had previously investigated the
+ qualifications of the narrators, their means of knowledge, and
+ whether the respective vocations of the several narrators made it
+ their interest to disguise or misrepresent the truth of their
+ communications; and, after ascertaining these important points, I
+ have generally had recourse to other testimonies, and have seldom
+ recorded any thing until confirmed by three or four _concurrent_
+ evidences: on this _pyramidical basis_ is founded the intelligence
+ in my account of Marocco, and of the interior of Africa, annexed to
+ that account.
+
+ This assertion is to be understood in respect to intelligence that
+ I could not ascertain by ocular demonstration.
+
+ Finally, my description of the black heartheaded serpent, called
+452 Bouska[270], has been doubted; but a late traveller[271] has
+ confirmed the accuracy of my account; even of this extraordinary
+ animal.--In Riley's Narrative of his Shipwreck on the
+453 Coast of Sahara is given an account of an exhibition by two
+ _Isawie_[272], who do not appear to have been adepts in the art of
+454 fascinating these serpents; for I have frequently seen them manage
+455 and charm the _Bouska_ much more adroitly than those who exhibited
+ at Rabat before Riley, although its bite is more deadly, and its
+ strength considerably greater, than that of the _El Effah!_
+
+ [Footnote 270: See Jackson's enlarged Account of Marocco, &c.
+ p. 109.]
+
+ [Footnote 271: "I paid two dollars for a station, and I looked
+ into the room without interruption. It was about twenty feet
+ long, and fifteen broad, paved with tiles and plastered within.
+ The windows had also been secured by an additional grating made
+ of wire, in such a manner as to render it impossible for the
+ serpents to escape from the room: it had but one door, and that
+ had a hole cut through it six or eight inches square: this hole
+ was also secured by a grating. In the room stood two men, who
+ appeared to be Arabs, with long bushy hair and beards; and I
+ was told they were a particular race of men, that could charm
+ serpents.
+
+ "A wooden box, about four feet long and two wide, was placed
+ near the door, with a string fastened to a slide at one end of
+ it; this string went through a hole in the door. The two
+ serpent-eaters were dressed in haiks only, and those very small
+ ones. After they had gone through their religious ceremonies
+ most devoutly, they appeared to take an eternal farewell of
+ each other: this done, one of them retired from the room, and
+ shut the door tight after him. The Arab within seemed to be in
+ dreadful distress. I could observe his heart throb, and his
+ bosom heave most violently: and he cried out very loudly,
+ "_Allah houakiber_", three times; which is, as I understood it,
+ _God have mercy on me_.[273]
+
+ "The Arab was at the farthest end of the room: at that instant
+ the cage was opened, and a serpent crept out slowly; he was:
+ about four feet long, and eight inches in circumference; his
+ colours were the most beautiful in nature, being bright, and
+ variegated with a deep yellow, a purple, a cream colour, black
+ and brown, spotted, &c. As soon as he saw the Arab in the room,
+ his eyes, which were small and green, kindled as with fire; he
+ erected himself in a second, his head two feet high; and
+ darting on the defenseless Arab, seized him between the folds
+ of his haik, just above his right hipbone, hissing most
+ horribly; the Arab gave a horrid shriek, when another serpent
+ came out of the cage. This last was black, very shining, and
+ appeared to be seven or eight feet long, but not more than two
+ inches in diameter: as soon as he had cleared the cage, he cast
+ his _red fiery eyes_ on his intended victim, thrust out his
+ forked tongue, _threw himself into a coil, erected his head,
+ which was in the centre of the coil_, three feet from the
+ floor, and flattening out the skin above his head and eyes, in
+ the form, and nearly of the size of a human heart, and
+ springing like lightning on the Arab, struck its fangs into his
+ neck near the jugular vein, while his tail and body flew round
+ his neck and arms in two or three folds. The Arab set up the
+ most hideous and piteous yelling, foamed and frothed at the
+ mouth, grasping the folds of the serpent, which were round his
+ arms with his right hand, and seemed to be in the greatest
+ agony, striving to tear the reptile from around his neck, while
+ with his left he seized hold of it near its head, but could not
+ break its hold: by this time the other had turned itself around
+ his legs, and kept biting all around the other parts of his
+ body, making apparently deep incisions: the blood, issuing from
+ every wound (both in his neck and body,) streamed all over his
+ haik and skin. My blood was chilled in my veins with horror at
+ this sight, and it was with difficulty my legs would support my
+ frame.
+
+ "Notwithstanding the Arab's greatest exertions to tear away the
+ serpents with his hands, they turned themselves still tighter,
+ stopped his breath, and he fell to the floor, where he
+ continued for a moment, as if in the most inconceivable agony,
+ rolling over, and covering every part of his body with his own
+ blood and froth, until he ceased to move, and appeared to have
+ expired. In his last struggle, he had wounded the black serpent
+ with his teeth, as it was striving, as it were, to force its
+ head into his mouth, which wound Footnote: seemed to increase
+ its rage. At this instant I heard the shrill sound of a
+ whistle, and looking towards the door saw the other Arab
+ applying a call to his mouth: the serpents listened to the
+ music, their fury seemed to forsake them by degrees, they
+ disengaged themselves leisurely from the apparently lifeless
+ carcase, and creeping towards the cage, they soon entered it,
+ and were immediately fastened in.
+
+ "The door of the apartment was now opened, and he without ran
+ to assist his companion: he had a phial of blackish liquor in
+ one hand, and an iron chissel in the other: finding the teeth
+ of his companion set, he thrust in the chissel, forced them
+ open, and then poured a little of the liquor into his mouth;
+ and holding the lips together, applied his mouth to the dead
+ man's nose, and filled his lungs with air: he next anointed his
+ numerous wounds with a little of the same liquid, and yet no
+ sign of life, appeared. I thought he was dead in earnest; his
+ neck and veins were exceedingly swollen; when his comrade
+ taking up the lifeless trunk in his arms, brought it out into
+ the open air, and continued the operation of blowing for
+ several minutes before a sign of life appeared; at length he
+ gasped, and after a time recovered so far as to be able to
+ speak. The swellings in his neck, body, and legs gradually
+ subsided, as they continued washing the wounds with clear cold
+ water and a sponge, and applying the black liquor occasionally;
+ a clean haik was wrapped about him, but his strength seemed so
+ far exhausted that he could not support himself standing, so
+ his comrade laid him on the ground by a wall, where he sunk
+ into a sleep. This exhibition lasted for about a quarter of an
+ hour from the time the serpents were let loose until they were
+ called off, and it was more than an hour from that time before
+ he could speak. I thought I could discover that the poisonous
+ fangs had been pulled out of these formidable serpents' jaws,
+ and mentioned that circumstance to the showman, who said, that
+ they had indeed been extracted; and when I wished to know how
+ swellings on his neck and other parts could be assumed, he
+ assured me, that though their deadly fangs were out, yet that
+ the poisonous quality of their breath and spittle would cause
+ the death of those they attack; that after a bite from either
+ of these serpents, no man could exist longer than fifteen
+ minutes: and that there was no remedy for any but those _who
+ were endowed by the Almighty with power to charm, and to manage
+ them_; and that he and his associates were of that favoured
+ number! The Moors and Arabs call the thick and beautiful
+ serpent _El Effah_, and the long black and heartheaded one _El
+ Bouskah_.
+
+ "I afterwards saw engravings of these two serpents in
+ _Jackson's Marocco_; which are very correct resemblances. They
+ are said to be very numerous on and about the south foot of the
+ Atlas mountains and border of the Desert, where these were
+ caught when young, and where they often attack both men and
+ beasts."--Vide _Riley's Shipwreck and Captivity in the Great
+ Desert_, p. 550.]
+
+ [Footnote 272: Disciples of Seedy ben Isa, whose sanctuary is
+ at Fas, and who possess the art of fascinating serpents.]
+
+ [Footnote 273: N.B. This is a misinterpretation of the Arabic
+ words here used, which, literally translated, signify, _God
+ alone, is great!_--J.G.J.]
+
+ _Animadversions on the Orthography of African Names_.
+
+ (TO THE EDITOR OF THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE, INSERTED MAY, 1818.)
+
+ Sir,
+
+ Bennet's-hill, Feb. 1818.
+
+ I should be much surprised to find that Jackson's account of what
+ he has heard is doubted, if I did not remember that Bruce's account
+456 of what he had seen was disbelieved. Nothing human can appear to me
+ more deserving of implicit credit than the intelligence the former
+ of these writers gives respecting Timbuctoo. He has not seen it, it
+ is true. I have not seen Lisbon; but, if I had, and were to sit
+ down to write an account of it, some things would be necessary to
+ be described, with regard to which I should feel a degree of
+ uncertainty; and, having given an account of Lisbon, if I were to
+ visit it again, I should find others on which I had been mistaken.
+ But let me arrange in my own mind the information I want respecting
+ Lisbon; let me make enquiries of twenty intelligent persons who
+ have resided there; let me carefully compare their different
+ accounts, and who shall doubt the accuracy of the result?
+
+ Mr. Jackson has had an opportunity of acquiring information
+ respecting Timbuctoo that no other European ever had, by having the
+ direction of commerce in a city frequented by Timbuctan merchants;
+ a city, the port of which is called, in Arabic, _Bab Sudan_, the
+ Gate of Sudan. Mr. Jackson was qualified to make use of this
+ advantage to an extent that no other European ever was, by a
+ practical, and even critical knowledge of the general language of
+ the country,--the African Arabic. To these Mr. Jackson added an
+ ardent spirit of research, an industry which neglected no
+ opportunity, a caution to compare, a judgment to discriminate, and
+457 a firmness to decide. Who, that weighs these things, can doubt the
+ accuracy of his intelligence respecting Sudan? I even regard his
+ orthography as the standard of correctness, and am surprised that
+ any person should continue to write Timbuctoo instead of Timbuctoo,
+ or Fez instead of Fas.
+
+ I am inclined to believe that Adams has been at Timbuctoo, though I
+ do not consider it as proved; but, supposing that he has, and that
+ I wished to become acquainted with that city, would I apply for
+ information to an illiterate slave, who was confined within narrow
+ precincts? Or would I rely upon the united testimony of twenty
+ persons of education, who had each a wider field of observation?
+
+ I have read "Jackson's Account of Marocco" twice through, at
+ different periods, with great attention; and I do most heartily
+ join in the confidence expressed by the enlightened and judicious
+ author, that, in proportion as the interior of Africa shall be more
+ known, the truth of his account of it will be made evident.
+
+ CATHERINE HUTTON.
+
+ _Hints for the Civilisation of Barbary, and Diffusion of Commerce_.
+
+ March 16, 1818.
+
+ Algiers, and the territory belonging to it, is governed by despotic
+ Turks, the refuse of the Ottoman troops; who maintain their power
+458 over the Moors and Arabs of the plains (who are the cultivators of
+ the country), and over the Berebbers (who are the aborigines of the
+ country), or inhabitants of the mountains of Atlas, which terminate
+ this sovereignty on the south, and divide Algiers from
+ Bled-al-Jereed. The first principle of this barbarous and
+ sanguinary government, according io an African adage, is to
+ "_Maintain the arm of power, by making streams qf blood flow,
+ without intermission, around the throne!_" This country,--the
+ government of which reflects disgrace on Christendom, which has
+ been, during many ages the scourge of Christian mariners, and of
+ all who navigate the Mediterranean Sea,--has often been conquered.
+ The Romans reduced Numidia and Mauritania into Roman provinces.
+ This beautiful garden of the world was afterwards conquered by the
+ Vandals; then by the Greeks, during the reign of Justinian, under
+ Belisarius; and, finally, three times by the Arabs, viz. in the
+ 647th year of Christ, by Abdallah and Zobeer; in the year 667, by
+ Ak'bah for the Kalif Moawiah; and in the year 692, by Hassan, the
+ governor of Egypt, for the Kalif Abd Elmelik. Not one of the armies
+ of these warriors ever exceeded 50,000 men.
+
+ After these general conquests, the partial conquests of the
+ Portuguese and Spaniards, about the end of the fifteenth and
+ beginning of the sixteenth century, were effected by a mere handful
+ of men; and, in 1509, the latter rendered the kingdom of Algiers
+ tributary to them: but, afterwards, they lost it by the ferocity of
+459 their chiefs, and by the fanaticism of their soldiers and priests;
+ and, finally, by their perfidy and intolerance, they made
+ themselves enemies to the various (_Kabyles_) tribes of Mauritania,
+ and thereby lost their conquest.
+
+ The repeated insults, offered by these ruffians to civilised
+ Europe, cannot be efficiently punished by a bombardment; a measure
+ which punishes many innocent subjects for the insults offered by
+ their government. No one acquainted with the character of the
+ natives of Barbary will maintain, that the destruction of a few
+ thousands of the peaceable inhabitants, or the burning of many
+ houses, is a national calamity in the eyes of a Muselman chief; who
+ would himself commit the same ravage and destruction that was so
+ gallantly effected by the British fleet, under Lord Exmouth, for
+ half the money it cost to accomplish it.
+
+ When Lord St. Vincent was off Cadiz with the British fleet, and
+ could not obtain the object which he sought of the Emperor of
+ Marocco; his Lordship, after refusing to comply with the Emperor's
+ request, communicated to his Lordship by the Emperor's envoy, or
+ agent, Rais Ben Embark, told the Rais to inform his Emperor, that,
+ if he did not change his conduct very soon, he would begin a war
+ with him, and such a war as he had neither seen nor read of before.
+ When the Rais reported this to the Emperor Soliman, he enquired
+ what kind of war an admiral could wage against him; some one of the
+460 divan observed, that he would destroy the ports on the coast;
+ adding, that it would cost a certain large sum of money to effect
+ that destruction. Upon which the Emperor exclaimed, that, for half
+ that amount, he would himself destroy all these ports.--This affair
+ happened in September, 1798.
+
+ There is a prophecy in Barbary, that, from time immemorial, has
+ been generally credited by the inhabitants. It has been transmitted
+ to them by some fakeer, that the land of the Muselmen will be
+ wrested from them by the Christians; and there is an impression,
+ that the period when this event will take place is not far distant.
+ They also believe that this event will happen on a Friday (the
+ Muselman Sabbath), whilst they are occupied at their devotions at
+ the _Dohor_, service of prayer. Accordingly, at this period,--viz.
+ from twelve till half-past one o'clock,--the gates of all the
+ town's on the coast are shut and bolted every Friday. This attack,
+ forsooth, is to happen whilst they are occupied at prayer, because
+ they are so infatuated with an opinion of their own valour, that
+ they will not believe that Christians would presume to attack them
+ openly, when armed and prepared for the combat. It should seem that
+ these people begin now seriously to anticipate the near approach of
+ this predestined conquest, and have accordingly entered into a kind
+ of holy alliance, offensive and defensive: to which, it is said,
+ the Emperor of Marocco, and the Deys of Tunis and Tripoli, have
+ acceded; and that this holy alliance is crowned by the Ottoman
+ Emperor.
+461
+ It is more than probable, that the Dey of Algiers, goaded by the
+ blow inflicted by Lord Exmouth,--which has increased his hatred to
+ Christians, and has inflamed his desire of revenge,--will not fail
+ to seek every opportunity (according to the known principles of
+ Muhamedanism), of retaliating and insulting the Europeans, whenever
+ a favourable opportunity may offer, even at the risk of another
+ bombardment. This opinion has been confirmed by his late conduct;
+ and by the activity that has been manifested in the fortifications,
+ in increasing their military force, in building and equipping new
+ vessels, to infest the Mediterranean with their abominable
+ piracies; all which proceedings demonstrate the hostile intentions
+ of the Dey beyond all doubt.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ _Plan for the Conquest of Algiers._
+
+ The inhabitants of the plains are bigoted to the Muhamedan tenets;
+ but they would readily exchange the iron rod that rules them for a
+ more mild and beneficial form of government. A well-disciplined
+ European army of 50,000 men, would assuredly effect their complete
+ conquest without much difficulty: such an army, directed by a
+ Wellington, would perform wonders, and astound the Africans. After
+ the conquest, an energetic, decisive, but beneficent form of
+ government, would be necessary, to retain the country, and to
+462 conquer and annihilate the repugnancy which these people entertain
+ to our religious tenets. A system of rule formed on the principles
+ of the English constitution,--directed by good policy, benevolence,
+ and religious toleration,--would not fail to reconcile these
+ hostile tribes, and attach them to rational government. The
+ Berebbers would readily assimilate to such a government; and,
+ although by nature a treacherous race, they would rejoice to see
+ the country in possession of a government which, they would
+ perceive, strove to promote the welfare and prosperity of the
+ mountaineers, as well as the inhabitants of the plains; and their
+ own interest would thus gradually subdue the antipathy resulting
+ from religious prejudices.
+
+ A general knowledge of the African Arabic would be essentially
+ necessary; and I think a school might be established in England, on
+ the Madras system, for initiating youths (going out to Africa) in
+ the rudiments of that language. This would be attended with most
+ important advantages; and might be accomplished in a very short
+ time. The conquest of Algiers being thus effected, that of the
+ neighbouring states would follow, without difficulty, by a
+ disciplined army of European troops; keeping the principle ever in
+ view, of conciliating the natives, without swerving from an
+ energetic and decisive mode of government.
+
+ The advantages that would necessarily result from a successful
+ attack upon Africa, would be--
+463
+ 1. An incalculable demand for spices, and East India manufactures
+ of silk and cotton.
+
+ 2. A similar demand for coffees, and for sugars, manufactured and
+ unmanufactured; as well as for other articles of West India
+ produce.
+
+ 3. An incalculable demand for all our various articles of
+ manufacture.
+
+ On the other hand, we should obtain from this fine country,--
+
+ 1. An immense supply of the finest wheat, and other grain, that the
+ world produces.
+
+ 2. We should be able to open a direct communication with the
+ interior regions of Africa,--which have baffled the enterprise of
+ ancient and modern Europe: the fertile and populous districts which
+ lie contiguous to the Nile of Sudan, throughout the whole of the
+ interior of Africa, would become, in a few years, as closely
+ connected to us, by a mutual exchange of benefits, as our own
+ colonies; and such a stimulus would be imparted to British
+ enterprise and industry, as would secure to us such stores of gold
+ as would equal the riches of Solomon, and immortalize the prince
+ who should cherish this great commerce to its maturity.
+
+ VASCO DE GAMA.
+464
+
+ (TO THE EDITOR OF THE EUROPEAN MAGAZINE.)
+
+ Liverpool,
+ Dec. 17. 1818.
+ Sir,
+
+ In "_The Portfolio_," a Monthly Miscellany for May, 1817, published
+ at Philadelphia, there is rather an interesting review of Ali Bey's
+ travels. The writer says, "Ali Bey has rectified various errors in
+ the common maps of Marocco. The river Luccos, for instance, flows
+ to the South, and not to the North of Alcasser; and the city of
+ Fas, according to Ali Bey, is situated in 34 deg. 6' north latitude,
+ and not as laid down in the Maps of Arrowsmith, Rennell, Delille,
+ Golberri, &c."--If, however, he had given himself the trouble to
+ consult the map of West Barbary, in Jackson's Account of Marocco,
+ &c. &c. (which is by far the most accurate extant, and whose
+ geographical orthography has been adopted in all the best modern
+ English maps,) he would have seen that Fas is in 34 deg. north
+ latitude; that the river Elkos, or Luccos, is described in that
+ map, (which was published several years before Ali Bey's travels,)
+ as running south of Alcasser.
+
+ In describing the funeral cry at Marocco, the editor, or reviewer,
+ impresses his reader with an idea that this funeral cry is that of
+ the Moors, whereas it is no such thing: it is the practice of the
+ Jews only in West Barbary to cry "Ah! Ah!" and lacerate their faces
+465 with their finger nails; after which they wash, drink brandy, and
+ enjoy themselves.
+
+ The large sea in the interior of Africa, described by Ali Bey to be
+ without any communication with the Ocean, had been described
+ (_years before Ali Bey's travels were published_) by Jackson, in
+ his Account of Marocco, &c. &c. third edition, p. 309, and called
+ first by him _Bahar Sudan_, and represented as a sea having decked
+ vessels on it. Mr. Park, in his Second Journey, calls this sea the
+ Bahar Seafina, without, however, informing the public, or knowing,
+ that the Bahar Sefeena is an Arabic expression implying a sea of
+ ships, or a sea where ships are found; and the situation he places
+ it in coincides exactly with Jackson's prior description. There are
+ thus three concurrent testimonies of the situation of the Bahar
+ Sudan, or Sea of Sudan, _first noticed by Jackson_, and since
+ confirmed by Ali Bey and Park.[274]
+
+ EL HAGE HAMED EL WANGARY.
+
+ [Footnote 274: There is an able discussion of this subject in
+ the New Supplement to the Encyclopedia Britannica, article
+ "Africa," p. 104, and 105.]
+
+ _On the Negroes_.
+
+ (TO THE EDITOR OF THE EUROPEAN MAGAZINE.)
+
+ Sir,
+
+ Eton, 5th Dec. 1818.
+
+ Many maintain that the Negroes are a docile and tractable race, and
+ more easily to be governed than Europeans; others maintain, that
+466 they are liars, thieves, vindictive, and a demoralised race. That
+ they are vindictive, no one who is acquainted with their character
+ will deny; but are not most barbarous and uncivilised nations the
+ same? What are the Muhamedans and Pagans? The latter, who form
+ nearly two-thirds of the population of the earth, are generally of
+ the same character, and the vindictive character of the former is
+ notorious.
+
+ Propagate among the Negroes the benign principles of the Christian
+ doctrine, and they will gradually (as those principles are
+ inculcated) become good subjects, and useful members of society. It
+ is that religion which will bring forth their latent and social
+ virtues--a religion, the moral principles of which are the
+ admiration even of its enemies, the Muhamedans themselves: a
+ religion which exalts the human character above the brutes, and
+ brings forth its beauties as the brilliancy of the diamond is
+ brought forth by the hand of the polisher.
+
+ Destroy their witchcraft and idolatry, and on their ruins inculcate
+ the divine doctrines of Christ, and we shall soon see that they
+ will possess sentiments that exalt the human character, and that
+ nothing has contributed more to their mental degradation than the
+ cruel treatment of their masters in the European colonies of the
+ West.
+
+ VASCO DE GAMA.
+467
+
+ _Cursory Observations on Lieutenant-Colonel Fitzclarence's Journal
+ of a Route across India, through Egypt, to England_.
+
+ Eton, 7th May, 1819.
+
+ It is remarkable, that in proportion as our mass of information
+ respecting the interior of Africa increases, the truth of Mr. James
+ Grey Jackson's account of that country, in the appendix to his
+ account of Marocco, &c. receives additional confirmation. Some
+ literary sceptics have been so far prejudiced against this author's
+ report as to doubt its veracity altogether; but let us see how far
+ the interesting report of Lieut.-Colonel Fitzclarence, in his
+ journal of a route across India, through Egypt, to England, lately
+ published, corroborates Mr. Jackson's description of Timbuctoo,
+ published so long since as 1809.
+
+ It is to be lamented, that Jackson's African orthography is not
+ altogether adopted: with the superior and practical knowledge which
+ he evidently possesses of the African Arabic language, it cannot, I
+ presume, be doubted by the learned and impartial, that his
+ orthography is correct; and, judging from what has already
+ transpired, I do not hesitate to predict, that his African
+ orthography, from an evidence of its accuracy, will, in a few
+ years, be adopted throughout; although the learned world have been
+ ten years in correcting _Tombuctoo_ into _Timbuctoo_; the latter
+468 being Mr. Jackson's orthography in his account of Marocco,
+ Timbuctoo, &c. published in 1809.
+
+ The late account of Mr. Bowdich's mission to Ashantee has been the
+ first to corroborate this author in this respect; and
+ Lieut.-Colonel Fitzclarence has confirmed it with this additional
+ observation, in his Journal of a Route, &c. page 493: "Upon
+ enquiring about _Timbuctoo_ the Hage laughed at our pronunciation,
+ the name of the city being _Timbuctoo_." The next improvement in
+ African geographical orthography, will probably be the conversion
+ of Fez into _Fas_ (for there is absolutely no more reason for
+ calling it Fez than there has been for calling Timbuctoo,
+ Timbuctoo), this word being spelled in Arabic with the letters _Fa,
+ Alif_, and _Sin_, which cannot be converted into any other
+ orthography but _Fas_; the same argument would hold with various
+ other words spelled correctly by this author, an accurate
+ elucidation of which might encroach too much upon your valuable
+ pages. I shall therefore briefly state, that in page 480 of Colonel
+ Fitzclarence's Journal, the name of the Moorish gentleman to whose
+ care the sons of the Emperor of Marocco, Muley Soliman, were
+ confided, is stated to be El Hadge Talib ben Jelow: this is
+ incorrect orthography, there is no such name in the Arabic language
+ as _Jelow_, it is a barbarism; ben Jelow signifies ben Jelule, and
+ the proper name is _El Hage Taleb ben Jelule_.
+
+469 Behur Soldan is evidently another barbarism or corruption of the
+ Arabic words _Bahar Sudan: vide_ Jackson's Account of Marocco,
+ Timbuctoo, &c. page 309, published by Cadell and Davies.
+
+ It has been observed by an intelligent French writer, that "_Le
+ pluspart des hommes mesurant leur foi par leur connoissance acquise
+ croyent A fort peu de choses_." In confirmation of this opinion,
+ many intelligent men, at the time of the publication of Jackson's
+ Account of Marocco, Timbuctoo, &c. doubted the existence of the
+ _Heirie_, as described by him; but in proportion as our knowledge
+ of Africa improves, we see that the truth of these wonders is
+ confirmed: and Colonel Fitzclarence mentions one that travelled
+ four days in one; but we should not be surprised to hear, before
+ this century shall terminate, that an Englishman had travelled from
+ Fas to Timbuctoo on a Heirie, accompanied by an accredited agent of
+ the Emperor of Marocco, in ten or fifteen days!
+
+ It appears by this ingenious traveller's Journal of a Route, &c.
+ page 493, that all religions are tolerated at Timbuctoo. This is a
+ confirmation of what is reported by Jackson, in the Appendix
+ annexed to his Account of Marocco, &c. page 300.
+
+ The fish in the river of Timbuctoo, the Neel El Abeed or Neel of
+ Sudan, is described by Colonel Fitzclarence as resembling salmon:
+470 this is a corroboration of Jackson, who says, the _shebbel_ abound
+ in the Neel of Sudan, and the shebbel is the African salmon. See
+ appendix to Jackson's Account of Marocco, &c. page 306.
+
+ In page 494, Colonel Fitzclarence says, the Nile at Kabra is a
+ quarter of a mile wide; Jackson says it is as wide as the Thames at
+ London. See Appendix to Jackson's Marocco, &c. page 305.
+
+ In page 496 of the Colonel's narrative, an account is given of the
+ rate of travelling through the Desert; which, allowing for an
+ arbitrary difference, in the resting days, corroborates Jackson's
+ Account, page 286.
+
+ In page 497, El hage Taleb ben Jelule's report to the Colonel, of
+ an account of two white men, (undoubtedly Mungo Park and another,)
+ who were at Timbuctoo in 1806, is a remarkable confirmation of the
+ account brought by Mr. Jackson from Mogodor in January, 1807, and
+ reported by him to the Marquis of Hastings, to Sir Joseph Banks,
+ and to Sir Charles Morgan, which is inserted in the Morning Post
+ and other papers, about the middle of August, 1814.
+
+ I am, Sir,
+
+ Your most obedient servant,
+
+ VASCO DE GAMA.
+471
+
+ _On the Arabic Language, as now spoken in Turkey in Europe, in
+ Asia, and in Africa_.
+
+ London, May 10, 1819.
+
+ In this enlightened age, when our intercourse is increasing with
+ nations remote from our own, and possessing different religions,
+ languages, laws, and customs; when the ambassadors of the Muhamedan
+ potentates of Europe, Asia, and Africa, are resident in our
+ metropolis, all understanding _the Arabic language_; when, with a
+ knowledge of this language, a person may travel and hold colloquial
+ intercourse with the inhabitants of Turkey, with the greater part
+ of Asia, and with Africa; and, lastly, when we consider the
+ valuable and immense stores of Arabian literature, of the best
+ periods which still remain unexplored, is it not remarkable under
+ all the exciting circumstances above enumerated, that in this
+ powerful and opulent country, there should not be found, with all
+ our boasted learning and eagerness of research, three or four
+ Englishmen capable of writing and conversing intelligibly in that
+ beautiful and useful language? The extent of this disgraceful
+ ignorance would be scarcely credible, were there not proofs beyond
+ doubt, that our principal seats of learning are as deficient in
+472 this knowledge as the public in general[275], and that letters or
+ public documents written in that language, have been in vain sent
+ to them for translation. What I have long considered as chiefly
+ tending to diminish the desire of acquiring this language, is an
+ opinion dogmatically asserted, and diligently propagated, that the
+ Arabic of the East and West are so different from each other, as
+ almost to form distinct languages, and to be unintelligible to the
+ inhabitants of either of those regions respectively; but, having
+ always doubted the truth of this assertion, I have endeavoured,
+ from time to time, _during the last ten years_, to ascertain
+ whether the Arabic language spoken in Asia be the same with that
+ which is spoken in Africa, (westward to the shores of the Atlantic
+ ocean,) but without success, and even without the smallest
+473 satisfactory elucidation, until the arrival in London last winter,
+ of the most _Reverend Doctor Giarve, Bishop of Jerusalem_, who has
+ given such incontestible proofs of his proficiency in the Arabic
+ language, that his opinion on this important point cannot but be
+ decisive; accordingly, on presenting to the reverend Doctor some
+ letters from the Emperor of Marocco to me, desiring that he would
+ oblige me with his opinion, whether the Arabic in those letters was
+ the same with that spoken in Syria, the Rev. Doctor replied in the
+ following perspicuous manner, which, I think, decides the question:
+ _"I can assure you, that the language and the idiom of the Arabic
+ in these letters from the Emperor of Marocco to you, is precisely
+ the same with that which is spoken in the East."_
+
+ [Footnote 275: See page 408. respecting a letter sent to our
+ late revered Sovereign, by the Emperor of Marocco. In
+ consequence of the inattention to that letter, the Emperor
+ determined never to write again to a Christian king in the
+ Arabic language; and, with regard to Great Britain, I believe
+ he has faithfully ever since kept his word! Some time before
+ this letter was written, I being then in Marocco, the Emperor's
+ minister asked me if the Emperor his master were to write an
+ Arabic letter to the _Sultan George Sultan El Ingleez_, (these
+ were his expressions,) whether there were persons capable of
+ translating it into English: I replied, that there were men at
+ the Universities capable of translating every learned language
+ in the known world; and accordingly the letter above alluded to
+ was written in Arabic, and addressed to His Majesty. This
+ letter was written by the Emperor himself, which I am competent
+ to declare, having letters from him in my possession, and being
+ acquainted with his hand-writing and style.]
+
+ It is, therefore, thus ascertained, that the Arabic language spoken
+ in the kingdom of Tafilelt, of Fas, of Marocco, and in Suse or
+ South Barbary, is precisely the same language with that which is
+ now spoken in Syria, and Palestine in Asia; countries distant from
+ each other nearly 3000 miles, and from information since obtained,
+ there appears to be no doubt that the Arabic language spoken by the
+ Arabs in Arabia, by the Moors and Arabs in India and Madagascar, by
+ the Moorish nations on the African shores of the Mediterranean, are
+ one and the same language with that spoken in Marocco, subject only
+ to certain provincial peculiarities, which by no means form
+474 impediments to the general understanding of the language, no more,
+ or not so much so, as the provincial peculiarities of one county of
+ England differ from another!!
+
+ Unwilling to encroach too much on your valuable pages, I will
+ leave, for the subject of my next letter, the inconceivable
+ misconstructions and errors into which the ignorance of this
+ language has led European travellers in Africa, of which I shall
+ state some examples in a recent publication respecting Africa.
+
+ I am, Sir,
+
+ Your most obedient Servant,
+
+ JAMES G. JACKSON.
+
+
+ _Cursory Observations on the Geography of Africa, inserted in an
+ Account of a Mission to Ashantee, by T. Edward Bowdich, Esq.
+ showing the Errors that have been committed by European Travellers
+ on that Continent, from their Ignorance of the Arabic Language, the
+ learned and the general travelling Language of that interesting
+ part of the World_.
+
+ June 17, 1819.
+
+ The Niger, after leaving the lake Dibber, was invariably described
+ as dividing in two large streams.--_Vide_ "Bowdich's Account of a
+ Mission to Ashantee," p. 187.
+
+ The Lake Dibber is called in the proceedings of the African
+ Association Dibbie, but the proper appellation is _El Bahar Tibber,
+ _or_ El Bahar Dehebbie_. The Bahar Tibber signifies the sea of gold
+475 dust; the _Bahar Dehebbie_ signifies the sea or water abounding in
+ gold. Jinnee, which is on or near the shore of this lake, (I call
+ it a lake because it is fresh water,) abounds in gold, and is
+ renowned throughout Africa for the ingenuity of its artificers in
+ that metal, insomuch that they acknowledge the superiority of
+ Europeans in all arts except that of gold work. There are some
+ specimens of Jinnee gold trinkets, very correctly delineated in the
+ recent interesting work of "Lieutenant-Colonel Fitzclarence's
+ Journal of a Route across India, through Egypt to England," p. 496.
+
+ Page 187, "Yahoodie, a place of great trade."
+
+ This place is reported to be inhabited by one of the lost tribes of
+ Israel, possibly an emigration from the tribe of Judah. Yahooda, in
+ African Arabic, signifies Judah. Yahoodee signifies Jew. It is not
+ impossible, that many of the lost tribes of Israel may be found
+ dispersed in the interior regions of Africa, when we shall become
+ better acquainted with that Continent; it is certain, that some of
+ the nations that possessed the country eastward of Palestine when
+ the Israelites were a favoured nation, have emigrated to Africa.
+
+ An emigration of the Amorites[276] are now in possession of the
+ declivity of the Atlas Mountains, westward of the sanctuary[277] of
+ Muley Driss, and in the neighbourhood of the ruins of Pharaoh; they
+476 live in encampments, consisting of two, three, or four tents each:
+ they resemble the Arabs of the Desert in their predatory
+ excursions. I speak from practical knowledge, having twice
+ travelled through their country, and visited their encampments.
+
+ [Footnote 276: They are called _Ite-amor_, Amorite.]
+
+ [Footnote 277: _Vide_ Jackson's Account of Marocco, chap. viii.
+ enlarged edition.]
+
+ Page 189. "Mr. Beaufoy's Moor says, that below Ghinea is the sea
+ into which the river of Timbuctoo discharges itself."
+
+ This might have been understood to signify the Sea of Sudan, if the
+ Moor had not said below Ghinea, (by which is meant Genowa, or as we
+ call it Guinea,) which implies, that the _Neel El Abeed_ (Niger)
+ discharges itself in the sea that washes the coast of Guinea; this,
+ therefore, corroborates Seedi Hamed's, or rather Richard's
+ hypothesis.
+
+ Page 190. "This branch of the Niger passing Timbuctoo, is not
+ crossed until the third day going from Timbuctoo to Houssa."
+
+ This quotation from "Dapper's Description of Africa," is
+ corroborated by L'Hage Abdsalam, Shabeeni, whose narrative says,
+ "Shabeeni, after staying three years at Timbuctoo, departed for
+ Houssa, and crossing the small river close to the walls, reached
+ the Neel in three days, travelling through a fine, populous, and
+ cultivated country."
+
+ The confusion of rivers, made mere equivocal by every new
+ hypothesis, receives here additional ambiguity. If there were (as
+ Mr. Bowdich affirms) three distinct rivers near Timbuctoo; viz. the
+477 Joliba, the Gambarro, and the Niger, (_i. e_. the _Neel El Abeed_)
+ how comes it that they have not been noticed by Leo Africanus, who
+ resided at Timbuctoo; by Edrissi, who is the most correct of the
+ Arabian geographers; or whence is it, that these rivers have not
+ been noticed by the many Moorish travelling merchants who have
+ resided at Timbuctoo, and whom I have repeatedly questioned
+ respecting this matter[278], or whence is it that Alkaid L'Hassen
+ Ramy, a renowned chief of the Emperor of Marocco's army, with whom
+ I was well acquainted, and who was a native of Houssa, knew of no
+ such variously inclined streams. This being premised, I am
+ certainly not disposed to relinquish the opinion I brought with me
+ from Africa in the year 1807, viz. that the _Neel El Abeed_ is the
+ only mighty river that runs through Africa from west to east; but I
+ admit that its adjuncts, as well as itself, have different names;
+ thus, in the manuscript of Mr. Park's death, a copy of which is
+ inserted in "Mr. Bowdich's Account of Ashantee," it is called Kude;
+ many hundred miles eastward it is called Kulla, from the country
+478 through which it passes; but Kude and Kulla are different names,
+ and ought not to be confounded one with the other; neither ought
+ Quolla (_i. e._, the Negro pronunciation of Kulla) to be confounded
+ with Kude, the former being the Negro term for the same river, in
+ the same manner as Niger is the Roman name for the _Neel Elabeed_,
+ which is the Arabic name for the same river. There is a stream
+ which proceeds from the Sahara, the water of which is _brackish_;
+ this stream hardly can be called a river, except in the rainy
+ season. It passes in a south-westerly direction near Timbuctoo, but
+ does not join the _Neel Elabeed_. I could mention several
+ intelligent and credible authorities, the report of respectable
+ merchants, who have resided, and, who have had establishments at
+ Timbuctoo, in confirmation of this fact; but as the authorities
+ which I should adduce would be unknown, even by name, to men of
+ science in Europe, I would refer the reader to the interesting
+ narrative of an intelligent Moorish merchant, who resided three
+ years at Timbuctoo, and who was known to the committee of the
+ African Association; this travelling merchant's name is L'Hage
+ Abdsalam Shabeeny, and his narrative, a manuscript of which (with
+ critical and explanatory notes by myself) I have in my possession,
+ has the following observation:[279]--"Close to the town of
+ Timbuctoo, on the south, is a small rivulet in which the
+479 inhabitants wash their clothes, and which is about two feet deep;
+ it runs into the great forest on the east, and does not communicate
+ with the Nile, but is lost in the sands west of the town: its water
+ is brackish; that of the Nile is good and pleasant."
+
+ [Footnote 278: The Arabs who conduct the _cafelahs_ or caravans
+ across the Sahara, are often seen at Agadeer or Santa Cruz, and
+ sometimes even at Mogodor; and if there was a river penetrating
+ to the north through the Sahara, would it not have been noticed
+ by them? Is it possible that such a prominent feature of
+ African geography, as a river of sweet water passing through a
+ desert, could fail of being noticed by these people, who are,
+ in their passage through the Desert, continually in search of
+ water?]
+
+ [Footnote 279: See page 8.]
+
+ Page 199. Mr. Murray recently observes, "Joliba seems readily
+ convertible into Joli-ba, the latter syllable being merely an
+ adjunct, signifying river; this I was also given to understand."
+
+ This is an etymological error. The Joliba is not a compound word,
+ if it were it would be Bahar Joli, not Bajoli, or Joliba; thus do
+ learned men, through a rage for criticism, and for want of a due
+ knowledge of African languages, render confused, by fancied
+ etymologies, that which is sufficiently clear and perspicuous.
+
+ Page 191. "The river of Darkulla mentioned by Mr. Brown."
+
+ This is evidently an error: there is probably no such place or
+ country as Darkulla. There is, however, an alluvial country
+ denominated _Bahar Kulla_, (for which see the map of Africa in the
+ Supplement of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, p. 88. lat. N. 8 deg.,
+ long. E. 20 deg.). I apprehend this Darkulla, when the nations of
+ Europe shall be better acquainted with Africa and its languages,
+ will be discovered to be a corruption of _Bahar Kulla_, or an
+ unintelligible and ungrammatical term: _Deaar Kulla_ is
+ grammatical, and implies a country covered with houses! _Dar Kulla_
+480 is an ungrammatical and an incorrect term, which being literally
+ translated into English, signifies _many house_. This being
+ premised, we may reasonably suppose, that _Bahar Kulla_ is the
+ proper term which, as I have always understood, forms the junction
+ of the Nile of the west with the Nile of the east, and hence
+ forming a continuity[280] of waters from Timbuctoo to Cairo.
+
+ [Footnote 280: See my letter in the Monthly Magazine for March,
+ 1817, page 128.]
+
+ 191. In this geographical dissertation the word Niger is still
+ used, which is a name altogether unknown in Africa, and calculated
+ to contuse the geographical enquirer. As this word is
+ unintelligible to the natives of Africa, whether they be Arabs,
+ Moors, Berebbers, Shelluhs, or Negroes, ought it not to be expunged
+ from the maps?
+
+ P. 192. In the note in this page, "Jackson's Report of the source
+ of the _Neel el Abeed_, and the Source of the Senegal," is
+ confirmed by the Jinnee Moor.--See Jackson's Appendix to his
+ Account of Marocco, enlarged edition, p. 311.
+
+ "It is said, that thirty days from Timbuctoo they eat their
+ prisoners!" Does not this allude to Banbugr[281], and has not this
+491 word been corrupted by Europeans into Bambarra. See Mr. Bowdich's
+ MS. No. 3, p. 486; Banbugr, who eat the flesh of men. Jackson's
+ translation.
+
+ [Footnote 281: The Gr in Banbugr, is the Arabic letter, grain.
+ Richardson, in his Arabic Grammar, renders this letter gh;
+ which demonstrates, that his knowledge of the Arabic was only
+ scholastic, not practical. It has no resemblance or affinity to
+ gh, and would be unintelligible if so pronounced to an Arab.]
+
+ Page 193. The government of Jinnee appears to be Moorish; because
+ _Malai Smaera_, which should be written _Mulai Smaera_, signifies
+ in the Arabic language, the _Prince Smaera_: the term does not
+ belong to Negroes, but exclusively to Muhamedans. _Malai Bacharoo_
+ is a Negro corruption of the word; it should be _Mulai_, or _Muley
+ Bukaree_; i.e. the _Abeed Mulai Bukaree_, or _Abeed Seedi Bukaree_.
+ They are well known among the Negroes of Sudan; the Negroes of this
+ race form the present body-guard of the Emperor of Maroceo's
+ troops, consisting of 5000 horse. They are dexterous in the
+ management of the horse, are well-disciplined troops, and are the
+ only military in the Emperor's army that can cope with the
+ Berebbers of the Atlas.
+
+ Note, p. 194. Dapper's description of Africa is here quoted in
+ confirmation of the decay of Timbuctoo; and Jackson is accused of
+ extravagance. The latter I shall pass over, it being an assertion
+ unsupported by any substantial testimony; but immediately
+ afterwards is the following passage.
+
+ "The three last kings before Billa (_i.e. Billabahada_) were
+ Osamana, (_i.e._ Osaman; Osamana being the feminine gender,)
+ Dawoloo, and Abass. Mr. Jackson says there was a King Woolo
+ reigning in 1800; and a Moor who had come from Timbuctoo to
+ Comassee ten years ago (viz. about 1807, or ten years before Mr.
+482 Bowdich visited Ashantee), did not know King Woolo was dead, as he
+ was reigning at the time he left Timbuctoo."
+
+ With regard to Dapper's assertion, it should be remembered, that if
+ Timbuctoo was decaying in his time, that is about the period that
+ Muley Ismael ascended the throne of Marocco, viz. in 1672; it
+ revived very soon after, that is before the close of the 17th
+ century. This powerful and warlike prince had the address to
+ establish and to maintain a very strong garrison at Timbuctoo; and
+ accordingly, during his long reign of fifty-five years, viz. from
+ 1672 to 1727, Timbuctoo carried on a constant, extensive, and
+ lucrative trade with Marocco, Tafilelt, and Fas, in gold dust,
+ gum-sudan, ostrich-feathers, ivory, and slaves, &c.
+ _Akkabahs_[282], and _cafilahs_, or caravans, were going
+ continually from Timbuctoo to Tafilelt, Marocco, Fas, and Terodant.
+ Travelling across the Desert was then as safe as it is now in the
+ plains of Marocco, or on the roads in England; the only months
+ during which the caravans did not travel were July and August,
+ because the _Shume_, or hot wind of the Desert, prevails during
+ these two months. It is reported, that Muley Ismael was so rich in
+ gold, that the bolts of the gates of his palaces, and his kitchen
+ utensils, were of pure gold. Timbuctoo continued to carry on a most
+483 lucrative trade with Marocco, &c.; during the Feign of the Emperor
+ Muley Abd Allah, son and successor of Ismael, and also during the
+ reign of Seedy[283] Muhamed ben Abd Allah, who died about the year
+ 1795, a sovereign universally regretted, and hence aptly
+ denominated the father of his people: since the decease of
+ Seedy[284] Muhamed ben Abd Allah, the father of the reigning
+ emperor, Muley Soliman, the trade of Sudan has rapidly decreased,
+ because the policy of the present emperor is, to discourage
+ commerce, but to encourage the agriculture and the manufactures of
+ his own country, so as to make them sufficient for itself, and
+ independent of foreign supplies!
+
+ [Footnote 282: An Akkabah is an accumulation of many _cafilahs_
+ or caravans.]
+
+ [Footnote 283: It should be observed, that an emperor having
+ the name of the Arabian prophet, is called Seedy; but having
+ any other name, he is called Muley; the former signifies
+ master, the latter, prince.]
+
+ [Footnote 284: If therefore the trade with Timbuctoo declined
+ in Leo's time, _i.e._ A.D. 1570, it unquestionably revived in
+ Ismael's reign, and also continued with but little diminution
+ during the reign of his son Abd Allah, and his grandson
+ Muhamed.]
+
+ Da Woolo is a reverential term, and is synonymous with Woolo,
+ signifying King Woolo.
+
+484 Park says, Mansong was king of Timbuctoo in 1796, and in 1805,
+ implying that he reigned from 1796 to 1805. The Moor before
+ mentioned, who came from Timbuctoo to Comassie in 1807, told Mr.
+ Bowdich, that Woolo was then reigning at Timbuctoo. Isaaco says,
+ Woolo was predecessor to Mansong; consequently, according to this
+ Jew, Woolo was king before the year 1796; therefore, if Mr. Park's
+ testimony be correct, Woolo must have been predecessor and
+ successor to Mansong; otherwise, Mr. Park was incorrect in saying
+ that Mansong was king of Timbuctoo in 1796, and in 1805. Adams
+ says, Woolo was king of Timbuctoo in 1810, and was old and
+ grey-headed. Riley's narrative also confirms his age and grey
+ hairs. With regard to my testimony, viz. that Woolo was king[285]
+ of Timbuctoo in 1800, I had it from two merchants of veracity, who
+ returned from Timbuctoo in 1800, after residing there 14 years:
+ they are both alive now, and reside at Fas; their names I would
+ mention, were I not apprehensive that it might lead to a reprimand
+ from the emperor, and create jealousy for having communicated
+ intelligence respecting the interior of the country. I should not
+ have entered into this detail _in confirmation of my assertion that
+ Woolo was king of Timbuctoo in_ 1800, if the editor of the
+ Supplement to the Encyclopedia Britannica (article Africa), had not
+ asserted, that I have committed an anachronism in asserting, that
+ he was king in that year; thereby insinuating that Park was right,
+ and that I was wrong.
+
+ [Footnote 285: See my Letter on the Interior of Africa, in the
+ Anti-Jacobin Review for January, 1818, p. 453.]
+
+485 Page 195. The Editor of Adams's Narrative is, I apprehend,
+ incorrect in asserting, that the name Fatima affords no proof that
+ the queen, or the wife of Woolo, was a Muhamedan. Fatima is
+ incontestably an Arabian proper name; and it would be considered
+ presumption in a Negress unconverted to Muselmism, to assume the
+ name of Fatima. She must, therefore, have been necessarily a
+ Mooress, or a converted Negress; the name has nothing to do with a
+ numeral, as Mr. Bowdich suggests, and above all not with the
+ _numeral five_, for that is a number ominous of evil in Africa, and
+ as such, would never have been bestowed as a name on a beloved
+ wife.
+
+ Page 196. Note of W. Hutchison, "The four greatest monarchs known
+ on the banks of the Quolla, are Baharnoo, Santambool, Malisimiel,
+ and Malla, or Mallowa."
+
+ Baharnoo should be written _Ber Noh_; i.e. the country of Noah the
+ patriarch; it is called in the maps Bernoo, and the whole passage
+ is calculated greatly to confuse African geography. The information
+ is unquestionably derived from Negro authority, and that not of the
+ most authentic kind. Santambool is the Negro corruption of
+ _Strambool_, which is the Arabic name for Constantinople:
+ _Malisimiel_ is the Negro corruption of Muley Ismael.[286] The
+ first signifies the empire of Constantinople; the second signifies
+ the empire of Muley Ismael, who was emperor of Marocco in the early
+ part of the 18th century, and whose authority was acknowledged at
+486 Timbuctoo, where he maintained a strong garrison, and held the
+ adjacent country in subjection, where his name is held in reverence
+ to this day. This being premised, it follows of course, that one of
+ these four great monarchies here alluded to, viz. that of
+ Santambool is certainly not on the Quolla, unless the Quolla be
+ considered the same river with the Egyptian Nile, and that Egypt be
+ considered a part of the empire of Santambool; then, and then only,
+ can it be said, that the empire of Santambool is situated on the
+ Quolla.
+
+ [Footnote 286: See Jackson's Marocco, chap. xiii. p. 295, and
+ note, p. 296.]
+
+ Page 198. Two large lakes were described close to the northward of
+ Houssa; one called Balahar Sudan, and the other Girrigi Maragasee;
+ the first of these names is a Negro corruption, or an European
+ corruption of the term _Bahar Sudan_[287]; the other is a Negro
+ name of another, if not of the same lake or sea. The situation of
+ the _Bahar Sudan_ is described by me in the 13th chapter, in my
+ account of Marocco, to be fifteen journeys east of Timbuctoo, and
+ the _Neel El Abeed_ passes through it. I had this information from
+ no less than seven Moorish merchants of intelligence and veracity;
+ the same is confirmed by Ali Bey[288], the Shereef Imhammed, Park,
+ and Dr. Seitzen; all these authorities must therefore fall to the
+487 ground if Mr. Bowdich's report is to overturn these testimonies,
+ which has placed it three degrees of latitude north of the _Neel El
+ Abeed_, or [289]_Neel Assudan_, and in the Sahara[290],
+ _unconnected with any river_! I doubt if any, but a very ignorant
+ Pagan Negro (for the Muhamedan Negroes are more intelligent), would
+ have given the Sea of Sudan this novel situation.
+
+ [Footnote 287: See Jackson's Marocco, chap. xiii.]
+
+ [Footnote 288: For an elucidation of these opinions, see my
+ Letter on the Interior of Africa, in the European Magazine,
+ Feb. 1818, page 113.]
+
+ [Footnote 289: Neel Sudan and Neel Assudan are synonymous, the
+ _as_ being the article.]
+
+ [Footnote 290: See Mr. Bowdich's Map, in his Account of a
+ Mission to Ashantee.]
+
+ Page 200. The Quolla appears to be the Negro pronunciation of the
+ Arabic name _Kulla_; i.e. the _Bahar Kulla_, to which the _Neel
+ Assudan_ is said to flow. _Bahar Kulla_ is an Arabic word
+ signifying the sea altogether, or an alluvial country. The _Neel
+ Assudan_ here joins the waters of a river that proceed westward
+ from the Abysinian Nile, and hence is formed the water
+ communication between Cairo[291] and Timbuctoo.
+
+ [Footnote 291: See Jackson's Account of Marocco, enlarged
+ edition, p. 313. See also his Letter to the Editor of the
+ Monthly Magazine for March, 1817. p. 125.]
+
+ Page 201. Quolla Raba, or Kulla Raba, signifies the Kulla forest,
+ as the Negroes express it; the Arabs call it _Raba Kulla_, i.e. the
+ forest of _Kulla_, If any further proof of the accuracy of this
+ interpretation be necessary, it maybe added, that the position
+ agrees exactly with Major Rennell's kingdom of _Kulla_, for which
+ see the Major's map in proceedings of the African Association, vol.
+ i. page 209, lat. N. 9 deg., long. W. 10 deg..
+488
+ Page 203. The lake Fittri is a lake, the waters of which are said
+ to be filtered through the earth, as the name implies. The Nile is
+ here said to run under ground. The Arabs and Moors have a
+ tradition, that the waters of Noah's flood rested here, and were
+ absorbed and filtered through the earth, leaving only this large
+ lake. I never understood this sea to be identified with the Bahar
+ Heimed[292]; i.e. the Hot or Warm Sea. The Hot Sea and the Filtered
+ Sea are distinct waters; the former lies about mid-way, in a right
+ line between Lake Fittri and Lake Dwi. (See Laurie and Whittle's
+ Map of Africa, published in 1813.) This is another inaccuracy of
+ Mr. Hutchison; who appears, indeed, to have collected information
+ from natives, without considering what title they had to
+ credibility. Another error is added to the note in page 203 and
+ 204, viz. what he calls sweet beans are unquestionably dates, which
+ have not the least affinity in taste, shape, growth, or quality, to
+ beans. The Arabic name correctly converted into European letters,
+ is _timmer_, not _tummer_. The Arabic words designating sweet
+ beans, is _Elfool El Hellue_. The passage signed William Hutchison
+ here alluded to, is this: "The Arabs eat black rice, corn, and
+ _sweet beans called tummer_."
+
+ [Footnote 292: _Heimed_ is an Arabic term, signifying that
+ degree of heat which milk has when coming from the cow or
+ goat.]
+
+ Note, page 204. I do not know whence the Quarterly Review has
+489 derived its information respecting the derivation of the word Misr
+ (a corruption of Massar); the word Massar is compounded of the two
+ Arabic words Ma and Sar; i.e. Mother of Walls. Possibly some Arabic
+ professor versed in bibliographic lore, to favor a darling
+ hypothesis, has transmuted Massar into Misr, to strengthen the
+ plausibility of the etymology of Misr from Misraem!!
+
+ Note, page _205_. _Bahar bela ma_ is an Arabic expression,
+ importing it to be a country once covered with water, but now no
+ longer so. In the note in this page, I recognise the word Sooess to
+ designate the Isthmus of Suez. The Bahar Malee, and the Sebaha
+ Bahoori, are Negro corruptions of the Arabic words _Bahar El
+ Maleh_, and _Seba Baharet_: the former does not apply particularly
+ to the Mediterranean, but _is a term applicable to any sea or ocean
+ that is salt_ (as all seas and oceans assuredly are); the latter
+ term signifies literally, the Seven Seas or Waters: neither is this
+ a term applicable to the Mediterranean, but to any sea supplied by
+ seven rivers, as the Red Sea: these, therefore, are evidently other
+ inaccuracies of Mr. Hutchison. I apprehend Mr. Hutchison's Arabic
+ tutor at Ashantee was not an erudite scholar. The term, and the
+ only term in Africa, applicable to the Mediterranean Sea, is the
+ _Bahar Segrer_ (literally the Small Sea); and _El Bahar El Kabeer_
+ (is the Atlantic Ocean, or literally the Great Sea); the latter is
+ sometimes figuratively called the _Bahar Addolum_, i.e. the Unknown
+ Sea, or the Sea of Darkness.
+490
+ Note, p. 206. Is it possible that the author doubts that Wangara is
+ east of Timbuctoo? It should seem that he did, as he quotes Mr.
+ Hutchison as authority for making it to contain Kong, a mountainous
+ district many journeys south of the _Neel Assudan_. Mr. Park's
+ testimony is also called in support of this opinion, but they are
+ both erroneous. Wangara is as well known in Africa to be east of
+ Timbuqtoo, as in England York is known to be North of of London.
+
+ Oongooroo is a barbarous Negro corruption of Wangara; therefore,
+ this note, if suffered to pass through the press unnoticed, would
+ be calculated to confuse, not to elucidate, African geography;
+ neither can it be called, according to Mr. Horneman's orthography,
+ Ungura: the name is _Wangara_ which cannot be converted accurately
+ into any word _but_ Wangara. Ungura Oongooroo, &c. are corruptions
+ of the proper name, originating in an imperfect, and but an oral
+ knowledge of the African Arabic.
+
+ Page 210. I apprehend the reason why Wassenah was not known at
+ Ashantee by the traders, is because it was out of their trading
+ track. I have no doubt of the existence of Wassenah or Massenah
+ (for when the names of African towns and countries are recorded, we
+ should not be particular about a letter or two, when we find so
+ many orthographical variations are made by different authors);
+ neither is there any reason (that I know of) to doubt the
+491 description of Wassenah given in Riley's Narrative; but it is not
+ extraordinary, that this place should be unknown at Ashantee, if
+ there were no commerce or communication between these countries
+ respectively; it is certain, that the Africans neither know, seek,
+ or care, for places or countries with which they have no trade or
+ communication.
+
+ It appears well deserving of observation (for the purpose of
+ rendering Arabic names intelligible to future African travellers),
+ that Mr. Bowdich has demonstrated that, what is called in our maps,
+ 1. Bambarra, 2. Gimbala, 3. Sego, 4. Berghoo, 5. Begarmee, being
+ written in the Arabic language, with the guttural letter _grain_,
+ would be quite unintelligible, if pronounced to an African _as they
+ are written_ by our letters, the nearest approximation to the
+ Arabic words would be as follows, taking _Gr_ for the nearest
+ similitude that our alphabet affords to the guttural letter [Arabic]
+ _grain_.
+
+ Correct Pronunciation. African Orthography. Called in the Maps.
+
+ 1. Banbug'r [Arabic] Bambara.
+
+ 2. Grimbala [Arabic] Gimbala.
+
+ 3. Shagr'u [Arabic] Sego.
+
+ 4. Bergr'u [Arabic] Berghoo.
+
+ 5. Bagrarmee [Arabic] Begarmee.
+492
+ The African traveller should be precise in his attention to the
+ sound of these words, otherwise he will be quite unintelligible to
+ the Africans, and to the Muhamedans.
+
+ Richardson, in his Arabic Grammar, is certainly incorrect, when he
+ says, the letter [Arabic] _grain_ should be pronounced _gh_. No
+ one acquainted _practically_ with the Arabic language, could
+ possibly be of this opinion; _gh_ having no more resemblance to the
+ sound of the letter [Arabic] _grain_, than _g_ has to _h_: and
+ every traveller going to Africa with this erroneous opinion, will,
+ undoubtedly, be unintelligible to the Africans.
+
+ Finally, the Arabic document, if it may be permitted to call it
+ Arabic, facing page 128 of this interesting work of Mr. Bowdich, is
+ a most miserable composition of _Lingua franca_, or corrupt
+ Spanish, of unintelligible jargon, consisting of many words quite
+ unintelligible to the Africans, whether Negroes or Moors, or
+ others. The language of this document, although it has some Arabic
+ words in it, is worse, if possible, than the scrawl in which it is
+ written; neither is it a correct translation of the English which
+ precedes it. But purporting to be a letter issued from the
+ _accredited servants of the King of the English_, it is certainly a
+ disgrace to the country from whence it issues, and a rare specimen
+ of our knowledge of the Arabic language.
+
+ JAMES GREY JACKSON.
+493
+
+ _Commercial Intercourse with the Interior of Africa._
+
+ TO THE EDITOR OF THE JOURNAL OF TRADE, &c.
+
+ Sir, Eton, June 30, 1818.
+
+ The last expedition from Sierra Leone, in addition to many others
+ sent out for the purpose of _exploring the interior of Africa_,
+ having failed, and the enterprising and persevering Mr. Burckhardt,
+ having frustrated the well grounded hopes of the African
+ Association, by his having paid the debt of nature, it is not
+ improbable that His Majesty's government _will now direct their
+ attention with energy to the only plan that can possibly make that
+ interesting and extraordinary country a jewel in the British
+ crown_.
+
+ This important discovery, which would immortalise the prince, who
+ should cherish it to its maturity, _can be effected only through
+ the medium of commerce_. But it should be attempted not only with
+ energy and decision, but with _dispatch_, before the enterprising
+ and commercial spirit of a foreign power (seeing how abortive our
+ efforts have been), shall snatch from us the glorious opportunity
+ now offered of _laying open the interior regions of Africa_ to the
+ commercial enterprise of Great Britain.
+
+ I am, Sir, Your most obedient servant,
+
+ VASCO DE GAMA.
+494
+
+ The following curious Memoir was composed by Edmund Hogan, in the
+ reign of Queen Elizabeth, and lately found amongst the papers of
+ one of his descendants.
+
+ (A TRUE COPY.)
+
+ "_The Embassage of Mr. Edmund Hogan, one of the Sworne Esquires of
+ her Ma't's Person, from her Highnesse to Muley Abdelmelech,
+ Emperour of Morocco, and King of Fes and Sus, in the Yeare 1577.
+ Written by himselfe_.
+
+ "I Edmund Hogan, being appointed Embassadour from the Queens Ma'tie
+ to the above-named Emperour and King Muley Abdelmelech, departed
+ with my company and servants from London the 22d April, 1577, being
+ imbarked in the good ship called the Gallion, of London, and
+ arrived in Azafi, a port of Barbary, the 21st of May next
+ following. Immediately I sent Leonell Egerton ashoare with my
+ letters directed to John Williams and John Bampton, who dispatched
+ a courier to Morocco to know the Kings pleasure for my repaire to
+ the court, which letters came to theire hands on the Thursday
+ night. They with all speed gave the King understanding of it, who
+ being glad thereof, speeded the next day certaine captaines, with
+ souldiera and tents, with other provision, to Azafi; so that upon
+ Whitsunday at night, the said captaines, with John Bampton, Robert
+495 Washborne, and Robert Lion, and the Kings officers, came late to
+ Azafi. In the meane time I remained aboard, and caused some of the
+ goods to be discharged, for lightning of the ship; and I wrote in
+ my letter that I would not lande 'till I knew the Kings pleasure.
+ The 26th day, being Saturday, the Mark-speed arrived in the roade
+ about two of the clock in the afternoone. The 27th day, being
+ Whitsunday, came aboard the Gallion, John Bampton, and others,
+ giving me to understand how much the King rejoyced of my safe
+ arrivall, coming from the Queens Ma'tie; and how that for my safe
+ conduct to the court he had sent four captaines, and an hundred
+ souldiers well appointed, with a horse furnished, which he used
+ himself to ride on, with all other furniture accordingly; they
+ wished me also to come on land in the best order I could, as well
+ for my self as my men, which I did, having to the number of ten
+ men, whereof three were trumpeters. The ships being four, appointed
+ themselves in the best order they could, for the best shew, and
+ shott off all theire ordinance to the value of twenty marks in
+ powder. At my coming, ashoare, I found all the souldiers well
+ appointed on horseback, the captaines and the Govern'r of the towne
+ standing as neer the water side as they could, with a jennet of the
+ Kings, and rec'd me from the boate, declaring how glad his Ma'tie
+ was of my safe arrivall, coming from the Queens Ma'tie my
+496 Mistresse, and that he had sent them to attend upon me, it being
+ his pleasure that I should tarrie there on shoare five or six dayes
+ for my refreshing; so being mounted upon the jennet, they conducted
+ me through the towne into a faire fielde upon the sea side, where
+ there was a tent provided for me, and all the ground spread with
+ Turkie carpets, and the castle discharged a peale of ordinance, and
+ all things necessarie were brought into my tent, where I both tooke
+ my table and lodging, and had other convenient tents for my
+ servants. The souldiers inviron'd the tents, and watched about us
+ day and night as long as I lay there, altho' I sought my speedier
+ dispatch. On the Wednesday towards night, I tooke my horse, and
+ travelled ten miles to the first place of water that wee could
+ finde, and there pitched our tents 'till the next morning, and so
+ traveled till ten of the clock, and then pitched our tents 'till
+ four, and so traveled as long as day light would suffer, about
+ twenty-six miles that day. The next day being Fryday, I traveled in
+ like order but eight and twenty miles at the most; and by a
+ [293]river, being about six miles within sight of the Citty of
+ Morocco, wee pitched bur tents. Imediately after came all our
+ English Merchants, and the French, on horseback, to meete me; and
+ before night there came an Alcayde from the King with fiftie men,
+ and divers mules laden with victuall and banket for my supper,
+497 declaring unto me how glad the King shewed himselfe to hear of the
+ Queens Ma'tie, and that his pleasure was I should be received into
+ his countrey as never any Christian the like; and desired to know
+ what time the next day I would come into his Citie, because he
+ would that all the Christians, as also his Nobilitie, should meete
+ me; and willed John Bampton to be with him early in the morning,
+ which he did. About seven of the clock, being accompanied with the
+ French and English Merchants, and a great number of souldiers, I
+ passed towards the Citie, and by that time I had traveled two
+ miles, there met me all the Christians of the Spaniards and
+ Portugals to receive me, which I know was more by the Kings
+ commandment then of any good wills of themselves; for some of them,
+ although they speake me faire, hung downe theire heads like dogs,
+ and especially the Portugals; and I countenanced them accordingly.
+ So I passed on, 'till I came within two English miles of the Citie;
+ and then John Bampton returned, shewing me that the King was so
+ glad of my coming, that he could not devise to doe too much, to
+ shew the good will that he did owe to the Queens Ma'tie and her
+ Realme; His counsellors met me without the gates; and at the entrie
+ of the gates, his footmen and guard were placed on both sides of my
+ horse, and so brought me to the King's palace. The King sate in his
+ chaire, with his Counsell about him, as well the Moores as the
+498 Alkaids; and, according to his order given unto me before, I there
+ declared my message in Spanish, and made deliverie of the Queens
+ Ma't's letters, and all that I spake at that present in Spanish, he
+ caused one of his Alkaids to declare the same to the Moores present
+ in the Arabic tongue; which done, he answered me againe in Spanish,
+ yeelding to the Queens Ma'tie great thankes, and offering himselfe
+ and his countrey to be at her Graces comandment; and he comanded
+ certaine of his counsellors to conduct me to my lodging, not being
+ farr from the Court. The house was faire, after the fashion of that
+ countrey, being dayly well furnished with all kinde of victuall at
+ the Kings charge. The same night he sent for me to the court, and I
+ had conference with him about the space of two houres; where I
+ throughly declared the charge co'mitted unto me from her Ma'tie,
+ finding him conformable, willing to pleasure, and not to urge her
+ Ma'tie with any demands, more then conveniently she might willingly
+ consent unto, hee knowing that out of his countrey the Realme of
+ England might be better served with lackes, then he in comparison
+ from us. Further, he gave me to understand, that the King of Spain
+ had sent unto him for a licence that an Embassadour of his might
+ come into his countrey, and had made great meanes, that if the
+ Queens Ma'tie of England sent any unto him, that he would not give
+ him any credit or entertainment; albeit (said he) I know what the
+499 King of Spaine, and what the Queene of England and her realme is;
+ for I neither like of him, nor of his religion, being so governed
+ by the Inquisition, that he can doe nothing of himselfe. Therefore,
+ when he cometh upon the licence which I have granted, he shall well
+ see how little account I will make of him and Spaine, and how
+ greatly I will extoll you for the Queenes Ma'tie of England; he
+ shall not come to my presence as you have done, and shall dayly,
+ for I minde to accept of you as my companion, and one of my house,
+ whereas he shall attend twentie dayes after he hath done his
+ message. After the end of this speech, I delivered Sir Thomas
+ Gresham's letters; when as he tooke me by the hand, and led me
+ downe a long court to a palace, where there ranne a faire fountaine
+ of water, and there sitting himselfe in a chaire, he comanded me to
+ sitt downe in another, and there called for such simple musicians
+ as he had. Then I presented him with a greate base lute, which he
+ most thankfully accepted, and then he was desirous to hear of the
+ musicians; and I tolde him, that there was great care had to
+ provide them, and that I did not doubt but upon my returne they
+ should come with the first ship. He is willing to give them good
+ entertainment, with provision of victuall, and to let them live
+ according to theire law and conscience, wherein he urgeth none to
+ the contrary. I finde him to be one that liveth greatly in the fear
+500 of God, being well exercised in the Scriptures, as well in the Old
+ Testament, as also in the New, and he beareth a greater affection
+ to our nation then to others, because of our religion, which
+ forbiddeth worship of idols; and the Moores called him the
+ Christian King. The same night, being the first of June, I
+ continued with him till twelve of the clock, and he seemed to have
+ so good likeing of me, that he tooke from his girdle a short
+ dagger, being sett with 200 stones rubies and Turkies, and did
+ bestowe it upon me; and so I, being conducted, returned to my
+ lodging for that time. The next day, because he knew it to be
+ Sunday, and our Sabboth day, he did let me rest; but on the Monday
+ in the afternoone he sent for me, and I had conference with him
+ againe, and musick. Likewise on the Tuesday, by three of the clock,
+ he sent for me into his garden, finding him layed upon a silk bed,
+ complaining of a sore leg; yet, after long conference, he walked
+ into another orchard, whereas having a fair banketing house, and a
+ great water, and a new gallie in it, he went aboard the gallie, and
+ tooke me with him, and passed the space of two or three houres,
+ shewing the great experience he had in gallies, wherein (as he
+ said) he had exercised himselfe eighteene yeares in his youth.
+ After supper he shewed me his horses, and other co'modities that he
+ had about his house; and since that night I have not seene him, for
+ that he hath kept in with his sore legg; but he hath sent to me
+501 dayly. The 18th of June, at six of the clock at night, I had againe
+ audience of the King, and I continued with him, till midnight,
+ having debated, as well for the Queenes co'mission, as for the
+ well-dealing with her merchants for their traffick here in these
+ parts, saying, he would do much more for the Queenes Ma'tie and the
+ Realme; offering that all English ships with her subjects may with
+ good securitie enter into his ports and dominions, as well in trade
+ of merchandize, as for victuall and water, as also in time of warr
+ with any of her enemies, to bring in prizes, and to make sales as
+ occasion should serve, or else to depart againe with them at theire
+ pleasure. Likewise for all English ships that shall passe along his
+ Coast of Barbary, and threw the Streights into the Levant seas, and
+ so to the Turks dominions, and the King of Algiers, as his owne;
+ and that he would write to the Turke, and to the King of Algiers,
+ his letters for the well using of our ships and goods. Also, that
+ hereafter no Englishman that by any meanes may be taken captives,
+ shall be sold within any of his dominions; whereupon I declared
+ that the Queenes Ma'tie, accepting of these his offers, was pleased
+ to confirme the intercourse and trade of our Merchants within this
+ his countrey, as also to pleasure him with such commodities as he
+ should have need of, to furnish the necessities and wants of his
+ country in trade of merchandize, so as he required nothing contrary
+ to her honour and law, and the breach of league with the Christian
+502 Princes her neighbours. The same night I presented the King with
+ the case of combes, and desired his Ma'tie to have speciall regard
+ that the ships might be Iaden back againe, for that I found little
+ store of salt-peter in readinesse in John Bampton's hands; he
+ answered me, that I should have all the assistance therein that he
+ could, but that in[294] Sus he thought to have some store in his
+ house there, as also that the Mountainers had made much in a
+ readinesse; I requested that he would sende downe, which he
+ promised to doe. The eighteenth day I was with him againe, and so
+ continued there till night; and he shewed me his house, with
+ pastime in ducking with water spaniels, and baiting bulls with his
+ English doggs. At this time I moved him againe for the sending
+ downe to Sus, which he granted to doe; and the 24th day there
+ departed Alcayde Mammie, with Lionell Egerton, and Rowland Guy, to
+ Sus; and carried with them, for our accounts and his company, the
+ Kings letters to his brother Muly Hammet, and Alcayde Shavan, and
+ the Viceroy. The 23d day the King sent me out of Morocco to his
+ garden called Shersbonare, with his guard and Alcayde Mamoute; and
+ the 24th at night I came to the Court to see a Morris-dance, and a
+ play of his Alkaids; he promised me audience the next day, being
+503 Tuesday, but he putt it off 'till Thursday; and the Thursday at
+ night I was sent for to the King after supper, and then he sent
+ Alcayde Rodwan and Alcayde Gowry to conferr with me; but, after a
+ little talk, I desired to be brought to the King for my dispatch.
+ And being brought to him,. I preferred two bills of John Bampton's,
+ which he had made for provision of salt-peter, also two bills for
+ the quiet traffique of our English Merchants, and bills for sugars
+ to be made by the Jewes, as well for the debts past, as hereafter,
+ and for good order in the Ingenios. Also I moved him againe for the
+ salt-peter, and other dispatches, which he referred to be agreed
+ upon by the two Alcaydes. But the Fryday, being the 20th, the
+ Alcaydes could not intend it, and upon Saturday Alcayde Rodwan fell
+ sick; so on Sunday wee made meanes to the King, and that afternoone
+ I was sent for to conferre upon the bargaine with the Alcaydes and
+ others; but did not agree. Upon Tuesday I wrote a letter to the
+ King for my dispatch; and the same afternoone I was called againe
+ to the Court, and referred all things to the King, accepting his
+ offer of salt-peter. That night againe the King had me into his
+ gallie, and the spaniels did hunt the duck. The Thursday I was
+ appointed to weigh the 300 quintals grosse of salt-peter,, and that
+ afternoone the Tabybe came unto me to my lodging, shewing me that
+ the King was offended with John Bampton for divers causes. The
+504 Sunday night late, being the 7th July, I got the King to forgive
+ all to John Bampton, and the King promised me to speake againe with
+ me upon Monday. Upon Tuesday I wrote to him againe for my dispatch,
+ and then he sent Fray Lewes to me, and said, that he had order to
+ write. Upon Wednesday I wrote againe; and he sent me word that I
+ should come and be dispatched, so that I should depart upon Fryday
+ without faile, being the 12th July. So the Fryday after, according
+ to the Kings order and appointment, I went to the Court; and
+ whereas motion and petition was made for the confirmac'on of the
+ demands which I had preferred, they were all granted, and likewise
+ which were on the behalfe of our English Merchants requested, were
+ with great favour and readinesse yeilded unto. And whereas the
+ Jewes there resident, were to our men in certaine round sum'es
+ indebted, the Emperor's pleasure and co'mandment was, that they
+ should without further excuse or delay pay and discharge the same.
+ And thus at length I was dismissed with great honour and speciall
+ countenance, such as hath not ordinarily bene shewed to other
+ Embassadors of the Christians. And touching the private affairs
+ intreated upon betwixt her Ma'tie and the Emperour, I had letters
+ from him to satisfie her Highnesse therein. So to conclude, having
+ received the like honourable conduct from his Court, as I had for
+ my part at my first landing, I imbarked myself with my foresaid
+505 company; and arriving not long after in England, I repaired to her
+ Ma'ties Court, and ended my embassage to her Highnesses good
+ liking, with relation of my service performed."
+
+ [Footnote 293: The Tensift.]
+
+ [Footnote 294: Great quantities of superior saltpetre are
+ produced at Terodant in Suse.]
+
+ _Letter from the Author to Macvey Napier, Esq. F.R.S.L. and E._
+
+ Sir, London, 17th January, 1818.
+
+ Having read, with considerable satisfaction, your very able and
+ judicious dissertation respecting Africa, in the new Supplement to
+ the Encyclopedia Britannica, I will take the liberty to offer some
+ animadversions that have occurred to me in the perusal of that very
+ interesting article.
+
+ _Bahr Kulla_ I conceive to be an immerged country, of considerable
+ extent, similar to Wangara; for the name, which is Arabic, implies
+ as much. The correct orthography, translated literally into English
+ is _Bahr Kulha_, which signifies the sea, wholly or altogether,
+ implying, therefore, an alluvial country.
+
+ Respecting goat-skins dyed red or yellow, these are not brought by
+ caravans from central Africa to Marocco, but are manufactured at
+ Marocco, Fas, Mequinas, and Terodant the metropolis of Suse, from
+ which manufactories they are conveyed to the interior regions for
+ sale. Goat-skins, with the hair, in the raw state only, are
+ exported from Mogodor to England.
+506
+ When Moore asserted that there was no such river as the Niger, he
+ evidently meant that the _natives of Africa_ knew it not by that
+ name; which is undoubtedly correct; for the word being an European
+ word, it would not be known in Africa: but its translation into
+ Arabic is _Bahar El Abeed_, i. e. the river of Negroes. Edrissi
+ called it Niger, from the same motive, viz. because it was so named
+ by _Europeans_, and by them only.
+
+ I conceive that the hypothesis which has been credited by some,
+ viz. that there is no receptacle for the two Niles, between Cashna
+ and Timbuctoo, must now necessarily fall to the ground; since the
+ sea of Sudan, first declared by me to be between Cashna and
+ Timbuctoo, and since confirmed by Ali Bey, and by Park, in his
+ second journey, can (as I apprehend) no longer be doubted: and it
+ is not improbable that this is the common receptacle of the Nile of
+ the West and the Nile of the East. This hypothesis is strengthened
+ by the testimony of the Shereef Imhammed, who has said, that he
+ himself saw the Nile, at Cashna, flowing so rapidly westward, that
+ vessels could not stem the current. If this be true, the [295]_Ba
+ Sea Feena_ of Park, which is only another name for the _Sea of
+ Sudan_, must lie west of Cashna, and, probably, about the same
+507 point that it is stated by me to be situated, viz. fifteen journeys
+ of horse-travelling, or from 400 to 450 British miles east of
+ Timbuctoo.
+
+ [Footnote 295: The Arabic orthography is _Bahar S'feena_ which
+ being literally translated into English, signifies the Sea of
+ Ships.]
+
+ The word _Djinawa_ is the African word that denominates Guinea, but
+ I cannot imagine that it was ever intended to signify Gana. (See
+ Supplement to Encyclopaedia Britannica, p. 104.)
+
+ You say there are, in Africa, two rivers to which the name of
+ _Niger_ has been given: this is evidently an error, but possibly of
+ the press only. There are, however, two rivers in Africa to which
+ the name of _Neel_ has been given.
+
+ The Proceedings of the African Association, vol. i. p. 540, declare
+ that the Nile is a name applied in Africa to any great river; but
+ as this assertion is calculated to produce confusion in the
+ geographical elucidation of the interior of that continent, and as
+ it certainly is not the fact, I must here beg leave to contradict
+ it, and declare that there are absolutely but two rivers in Africa,
+ that bear the name Neel or Nile, viz. the Neel El Kabeer, Neele
+ Sudan, or Neel El Abeed, i.e. the great Nile, the Nile of Sudan or
+ the Nile of the Negroes; and Neele Masser, i.e. the Nile of
+ Egypt.[296]
+
+ [Footnote 296: _Nile_ is a French term, and loses its proper
+ pronunciation and is unintelligible when pronounced by an
+ Englishman to an African; but if written _Neel_, and pronounced
+ by an Englishman, it is intelligible.]
+
+ If my knowledge of the African Arabic can be of any service in
+508 giving you the signification or correct orthography of African
+ words, in the event of your favouring the public with a future
+ edition of your New Supplement to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, any
+ information that I can communicate to you will be very much at your
+ service; and you may in this and in any other respect that regards
+ Africa freely command my services.
+
+
+ _Observations on an Historical Account of Discoveries and Travels
+ in Africa, by the late John Leyden, M.D., by Hugh Murray, Esq.
+ F.R.S.E._
+
+ TO HUGH MURRAY ESQ. F.R.S.E.
+
+ Sir,
+
+ London, Feb. 1818.
+
+ You have certainly rendered to your country a service, in the
+ publication of "The Travels and Discoveries in Africa, of the late
+ John Leyden," the perusal of which has been to me a fund of
+ instruction and entertainment; it is a most valuable work, and such
+ a one as was wanted by the literary world, inasmuch as the
+ judicious collection of the matter forms a most valuable epitome of
+ African knowledge, collecting what was before distributed into many
+ folios.
+
+ I anticipate that the information in this work, communicated to the
+ public, will soon be circulated, and you will be called upon to
+ supply a second edition. In the mean time, I take the liberty of
+ submitting to your perusal a few cursory observations which I have
+509 made during the perusal of it, on the accuracy of which you may
+ assuredly rely. These apply for the most part to Arabian words,
+ which have been by the moderns, as well as the ancients variously
+ corrupted and mutilated. Desirous (for the information of those who
+ really seek after African knowledge) that this book will pass
+ through many editions. I am, &c.
+
+ JAMES GREY JACKSON.
+
+ _Cursory Observations_.
+
+ "The _Ludaia_, are not inhabitants of _Ludama_, they are a very
+ numerous and warlike tribe of Arabs, inhabiting the Sahara, of
+ which there are two or three emigrations or encampments in
+ different and distant parts of Sahara; the Emperor of Marocco has
+ some thousands of them in his army, and they are esteemed (next to
+ the negroes, called Abeed Seedy Bukaree) his best troops. See the
+ Map of the tracts from Fas and Arguin to Timbuctoo, facing page 1.
+ Lat. N. 24 deg.. long. W. 3 deg..
+
+ "This serpent is the _Buska_, described in Jackson's enlarged
+ Account of Marocco, &c. p. 109. Providence has afforded to man an
+ opportunity of evading the attack of this deadly animal; for when
+ it coils itself up, and by the strength of its tail darts forward
+ fifteen or twenty yards at once, the person attacked, by watching
+ vigilantly its motions, evades the attack, by moving only a short
+ distance from the right line, in which it is prepared to dart
+510 forwards; neither can the _Buska_ govern itself in the extent of
+ its movement, but necessarily goes as far as its strength will
+ permit, and then coils itself up again in a circular form, again
+ erects its head, and darts a second time to its object. I have
+ conversed with Arabs, who have been attacked by this monster, and
+ they have assured me, that, by vigilantly watching its motion, and
+ the direction of its head, when preparing to dart forward, they may
+ escape its attack.[297]
+
+ "It is not correct to assert that _Nasari is a general term_,
+ applied to infidels in Muhamed; it is applied to Christians only.
+ _Kaffer is the general term_ applied to all who have not faith in
+ the Arabian Prophet.[298]
+
+ "That which you call the Talk Tree, is the tree which produces the
+ Barbary gum; the name is _talh_.[299]"
+
+ [Footnote 297: Vide Leyden's Africa, p. 306.]
+
+ [Footnote 298: Ibid, p. 429.]
+
+ [Footnote 299: Ibid. 204.]
+
+ "The _Keydenah_.--This is the Sudanic name for the tree which
+ produces the Argan nut, or olive, the _kernel_ of which resembles a
+ bitter almond, and from _it_, not from the shell, they extract the
+ oil, so celebrated for frying fish, and for burning; a pint of
+ which will afford light as long as two pints of olive oil.
+
+ "The She plant, or properly Sheh is not wild thyme, nor does it
+ resemble it, it is the wormseed plant, the seed of which is an
+511 article of exportation, from the ports of Marocco, The sheh
+ resembles the absynthum. The wild thyme is called _zatar_, also an
+ article of exportation from the ports of the Marocco empire.[300]
+
+ "The _Alsharra_ signifies the Book of Laws of Muhamed.[301]
+
+ "_Gebel Ramlie_ should be written _Jibbel Rummelie_, i.e. the Sandy
+ Mountain.[302]
+
+ "The Elwah [303]Elgarbie is inhabited by the Maggrebee Arabs. My
+ late friend, Muley Abd Salam, elder brother to Muley Soliman, the
+ reigning Emperor of Marocco, had a very large estate in this Wah,
+ called Santariah. In the 1793d year of the Christian era, he sent
+ his friend and servant Alkaid Muhammed ben Abd Saddack, late
+ governor of Mogodor, to effect the sale of this estate. He was
+ absent on this embassy two years and three months.[304]
+
+ "_Sheb_ is the Arabic for alum, the correct orthography is
+ _Shib_.[305]
+
+ "_Marybucks_ should be _Marabet_, i.e. Priests, or Holy
+ Muhamedans.[306]
+
+ "The primitive plough is used in all the African countries
+ inhabited by the Arabs, or their descendants; the negroes, however,
+ use the hoe." [307]
+
+ [Footnote 300: Vide Leyden's Africa, p. 312.]
+
+ [Footnote 301: Ibid, p. 334.]
+
+ [Footnote 302: Ibid, p. 398.]
+
+ [Footnote 303: Let the African traveller be careful to
+ pronounce these g's guttural (Arabic.)]
+
+ [Footnote 304: Ibid, p. 399.]
+
+ [Footnote 305: Ibid. ibid.]
+
+ [Footnote 306: Ibid. p. 225.]
+
+ [Footnote 307: Ibid. p. 227.]
+
+512
+ "The Mouselmines is a French corruption of the term Muselman, i.e.
+ Mohamedans.
+
+ "Mongearts, i.e. Moguert, the g guttural.
+
+ "Ouadelim, i.e. Wooled Deleim, or the sons of Deemy.
+
+ "Labdessebah, i.e. Woled Abbusebah, 'the sons of Abbusebah.'[308]
+
+ "Wed de Non, i.e. Wedinoon.
+
+ "The herb, with a decoction of which they dye their nails and
+ hands, is called by the Arabs _El Henna_: it imparts a coolness and
+ softness to the hands, and diminishes the excessive perspiration
+ incident to warm climates.[309]
+
+ "Hooled ben Soliman ought to be Woled ben Soliman, 'the sons of the
+ sons of Soliman;' and Benioled, should be Ben El Waled, 'the sons
+ of Elwaled.'[310]
+
+ "The small beautiful species of deer, is the _El Horreh:_ it is an
+ inhabitant of the confines of the Saharah; it is said never to lie
+ down. It produces the anti-poison called bezoar stone, (called in
+ the Arabic _Bide El Horrek_, i.e. the testicle of the Horreh.) This
+ is an article of commerce at Santa Cruz, and Wedinoon. The back and
+ sides of the skins of these animals are of a red brown, and of a
+ vivid white underneath." [311]
+
+ [Footnote 308: Vide Leyden's Africa, p. 262.]
+
+ [Footnote 309: Ibid. p. 291.]
+
+ [Footnote 310: Ibid. p. 299.]
+
+ [Footnote 311: Ibid. p. 303.]
+
+513
+ TO JAMES GREY JACKSON, ESQ.
+
+ Sir,
+
+ Edinburgh, May 3. 1818.
+
+ I have lately been favoured with two communications from you:--the
+ one a letter to Mr. Napier, editor of the Encyclopaedia Britannica,
+ on the subject of the article _Africa_, of which I was the author,
+ and which Mr. Napier, therefore, put into my hands; the other, a
+ letter direct to myself, on the subject of my edition of "Leyden's
+ Discoveries in Africa." I fully intended to have answered them
+ before now, but the pressure of other business, with the wish to
+ bestow upon them the leisurely consideration which they merited,
+ has hitherto prevented me. I feel much gratified by the favourable
+ opinion which you express of what I have done on this subject, and
+ much obliged to you for your communications, and offers of further
+ information. I experienced very much the disadvantage arising from
+ a want of knowledge of the languages of North Africa, with which
+ you appear to have a _very extensive acquaintance. Indeed, several
+ of the etymologies which you have given, are very interesting_. I
+ was particularly pleased to receive that of the term _Ba Sea
+ Feena_, though I cannot conceal that it tends to strengthen the
+ doubts which I have entertained of its applying to the sea on the
+ Gold Coast. The distance, the direction southwards, the Christians,
+ the motion one way and another, and even the ships, are all
+514 circumstances which would agree. There are arguments, however,
+ against it; and it is certain that Park did not so understand it.
+ Do you think there is any chance that the Bahr Soudan could be the
+ Gulf of Guinea?
+
+ If you are acquainted with any circumstances which could tend to
+ confirm or refute the narrative of Sidi Hamet, as given by Riley,
+ or throw light upon Riley's general credibility; or if you have
+ ever heard any report of such a city as _Wassanah_, I should feel
+ particularly obliged to you for communicating such information: and
+ whenever I find myself at a loss, I shall gladly avail myself of
+ the liberality with which you show yourself disposed to impart the
+ knowledge of which you have become possessed.
+
+ I shall communicate this letter to Mr. Napier; and it is but fair
+ to mention, that, from the circumstances already stated, I am
+ solely responsible for the too long delay which has taken place in
+ answering your letter to him, as well as that to myself.
+
+ HUGH MURRAY.
+
+ _On the Niger and the Nile._
+
+ London, 7th April, 1820.
+
+ In the 25th number of the Quarterly Review, (article Park's
+ Travels,) the hypothesis there laid down as almost indisputable, is
+515 the non-continuity of the two Niles of Africa, or (according to the
+ European phraseology of the day) of the Niger and the Nile.
+
+ This hypothesis founded on the opinion of Major Rennel, carries
+ with it no evidence whatever, but the speculative theory of that
+ learned geographer. The identity or connection of the two Niles,
+ and the consequent water communication between[312] Cairo and
+ Timbuctoo receives (supposing the Quarterly Review to be correct),
+ as our intelligence respecting Africa increases, additional
+ confirmation: and even the Quarterly Reviewer, who denominated the
+ opinion recorded by me, the gossipping stories of Negroes, (_vide_
+ Quarterly Review, No. 25, p. 140.) now favours this opinion!
+
+ The Quarterly Reviewer appreciates Burckhardt's information on this
+ subject, and depreciates mine, _although both are derived from the
+ same sources of[313] intelligence, and confirm one another_: the
+ reviewer says, Mr. Burckhardt has revived a question of older date;
+ viz. "that the Niger of Sudan and the Nile of Egypt are one and the
+ same river: this general testimony to a physical fact can be shaken
+ only by direct proof to the contrary."
+
+ [Footnote 312: _Vide_ Jackson's enlarged Account of Marocco, p.
+ 310.]
+
+ [Footnote 313: _i. e_. Intelligence from natives of Africa.]
+
+ This is all very well: I do not object to the Quarterly Reviewer
+ giving up an opinion which he finds no longer tenable; but when I
+ see in the same review (No. 44, p. 481.) the following words,--"we
+516 give no credit whatever to the report received by Mr. Jackson, of a
+ person (several Negroes[314], it should be) having performed a
+ voyage by water from Timbuctoo to Cairo," I cannot but observe with
+ astonishment, that the Reviewer believes Burckhardt's report, that
+ they are the same river, when, at the same time he does not believe
+ mine.
+
+ [Footnote 314: _Vide_ Jackson's enlarged Account of Marocco, p.
+ 312.]
+
+ Is there not an inconsistency here, somewhat incompatible with the
+ impartiality which _ought_ to regulate the works of criticism? I
+ will not for a moment suppose it to have proceeded from a spirit of
+ animosity, which I feel myself unconscious of deserving. But the
+ reviewer further says, the objection to the identity of the Niger
+ and the Nile, is grounded on the incongruity of their periodical
+ inundations, or on the rise and fall of the former river not
+ corresponding with that of the latter. I do not comprehend whence
+ the Quarterly Reviewer has derived this information; I have always
+ understood the direct contrary, which I have declared in the
+ enlarged editions of my account of Marocco, page 304, which has
+ been confirmed by a most intelligent African traveller, Ali Bey,
+ (for which see his travels, page 220.)
+
+ I may be allowed to observe, that although the Quarterly Reviewer
+ has changed his opinion on this matter, I have invariably
+ maintained mine, founded as it is on the concurrent testimony of
+ the best informed and most intelligent native African travellers,
+517 and I still assert, on the same foundation, _the identity of the
+ two Niles, and their continuity of waters_.
+
+ I have further to remark what will most probably ere long prove
+ correct; viz. that the _Bahar Abiad_[315], that is to say, the
+ river that passes through the country of Negroes, between Senaar
+ and Donga, is an erroneous appellation, originating in the general
+ ignorance among European travellers of the African Arabic, and that
+ the proper name of this river is Bahar Abeed, which is another term
+ for the river called the Nile-el-Abeed, which passes south of
+ Timbuctoo towards the east (called by Europeans the Niger).
+
+ It therefore appears to me, and I really think it must appear to
+ every unbiassed investigator of African geography, that every iota
+ of African discovery, made successively, by Hornemann[316],
+ Burckhardt, and others, tends to confirm _my water communication
+ between Timbuctoo and Cairo_, and the theorists and speculators in
+ African geography, who have heaped hypothesis upon hypothesis,
+ error upon error, who have raised splendid fabrics upon pillars of
+ ice, will ere long close their book, and be compelled, by the force
+ of truth and experience, to admit the fact stated about twelve
+ years ago by me in my account of Marocco, &c. viz. _that the Nile
+518 of Sudan and the Nile of Egypt are identified by a continuity of
+ waters, and that a water communication is provided by these two
+ great rivers from Timbuctoo to Cairo_; and moreover, that the
+ general African opinion, _that the Neel-el-Abeed_ (Niger)
+ _discharges itself into the_ (Bahar el Maleh) _Salt Sea, signifies
+ neither more nor less than that it discharges itself at the Delta
+ in Egypt, into the Mediterranean Sea_!
+
+ JAMES GREY JACKSON.
+
+ [Footnote 315: Bahar Abiad signifies White River; Bahar Abeed
+ signifies River of Negroes.]
+
+ [Footnote 316: _Vide_ my letter in Monthly Magazine on this
+ subject for March, 1817, p. 124.]
+
+
+
+
+ APPENDIX
+
+ BEING HISTORICAL FRAGMENTS IN ELUCIDATION OF
+ THE FOREGOING PAGES.
+
+_First Expedition on Record to Timbuctoo.--Timbuctoo and Guago captured
+by Muley Homed, (son of Muley Abdelmelk, commonly called Muley
+Melk[317], or Muley Moluck,) in the 16th Century, (about the Year
+1580_.)
+
+ [Footnote 317: See the Spectator, No. 349.]
+
+Muley Abdelmelk, commonly called Muley Moluck, in 1577, A.C. fought the
+celebrated battle with Don Sebastian, King of Portugal, near Alkassar,
+which is at a short distance from L'Araich, wherein Don Sebastian was
+killed; and Abdelmelk being, before the battle, extremely ill, his son
+Muley Hamed went to his litter, to communicate to the Emperor his
+father, that the Moors had gained the victory, when he found his father
+dead and cold. Muley Hamed concealed this event till the battle was
+over; and was then proclaimed Emperor, and reigned twenty-six years: he
+cultivated the arts and sciences, mathematics and astronomy, which last
+was of essential service to him in crossing the Sahara to Timbuctoo and
+Guago; during which perilous journey the compass is so indispensable,
+that there is no certainty of travelling without it. He lost some
+thousands in this expedition; but if gold could recompense the waste of
+human life, he was rewarded for his journey of abstinence and privation
+across the Sahara, for he brought from Guago seventy-five quintals, and
+from Timbuctoo sixty quintals, of gold-dust, making together one hundred
+and thirty-five quintals, or 16,065 lb. English avoir-du-poids weight of
+gold.
+
+_A Library of Arabic Manuscripts taken by the Spaniards,--Contests among
+Christians reprimanded._
+
+Muley Sidan, son of Muley Hamed, disputed the throne of Marocco, A.C.
+1611, with three brothers, one of whom was supported by the Spaniards,
+whose succour was purchased by his delivering into their hands the port
+of L'Araich, soon after which they gained a naval victory over the
+forces of Sidan, which was very disastrous to the Africans; for the
+Spaniards, besides other plunder, got possession of 3000 Arabic books,
+on theology, philosophy, and medicine. Sidan, however, notwithstanding
+this disaster, maintained his right to the crown. He was of a liberal
+and charitable mind. He protected and granted to the Christians various
+privileges; but _he ordered that Christians of all sects, and
+denominations should live in peace one with another_.
+
+One day, some (_Userah_) Christian slaves of Provence, in France, who
+were Catholics, had a controversial dispute with others from Rochelle,
+who were Calvinists. This dispute ended in a violent contest,
+accompanied with blows on either side; this scene excited the curiosity
+of the Muselmen, who were surprised to see Christians thus fight among
+themselves on points of their own law! The report of this battle was
+carried to Sidan, who ordered all these slaves to be brought before him.
+He condemned some to a bastinado, which was inflicted in his presence.
+He then addressed them thus:--"I command you all, on pain of death, not
+to dispute in future on the various dogmas of your law: every one has
+the presumption to think _himself_ right; and as I allow every
+individual in my dominions to follow the religion that he chooses for
+himself; _slaves ought to have among themselves the same toleration_".
+
+_Muley El Arsheed, (a second Expedition to Timbuctoo and Sudan.)_
+
+This Sultan preceded the renowned Muley Ismael, on the throne of
+Marocco: he united to great ability the most ferocious disposition, and
+was continually inebriated.--He crossed the Sahara to Timbuctoo, with a
+numerous army, about the year of Christ 1670; proceeding to _Suse_, he
+laid siege to the Sanctuary of _Seedi Aly ben Aidar_, near _Ilirgh_:
+Seedi Aly, making his escape in disguise, fled to Sudan, whither he was
+followed by Muley El Arsheed, who, on his arrival on the confines of
+Sudan, between Timbuctoo and Jinnie, was met by a numerous host of
+Negroes, commanded by a black sultan: the Emperor demanded Aly ben
+Aidar; but the sultan of Bambarra replied, that, as he had claimed his
+protection, it would be an infringement on the laws of hospitality to
+deliver him up, adding, that he desired to know if the views of El
+Arsheed were hostile or not; to which the latter replied, after
+endeavouring in vain to procure the person of Aly, that he was not come
+hostilely, but was about to return, which he forthwith did: and the
+Bambareen sultan, having received from Aly two beautiful renegade
+virgins, was so much flattered with the present, that he promised him
+any thing that he should ask; whereupon, he requested permission to go
+to Timbuctoo, and to settle there with his numerous followers; which
+being granted, he proceeded thither, and having established a Moorish
+garrison, resided there several, months, and afterwards returned to
+Barbary, bringing with him many thousand Bambareen negroes: but, on his
+reaching Suse, he heard of the death of Muley El Arsheed, and having
+then no farther occasion for these negroes, he dismissed them. They went
+to various parts of the country, serving the inhabitants in order to
+procure daily subsistence; but the arch-politician Muley Ismael, who had
+then recently been proclaimed as his successor, ordered them to be
+collected together, and incorporated in his negro army, which was,
+however, before this, very numerous, consisting for the most part of
+blacks, brought away from Sudan by Muley El Arsheed the preceding year.
+The Sultan Ismael also seized this opportunity of establishing his
+authority at Timbuctoo, and he met with little or no opposition in
+putting that place under contribution. Having sent fresh troops to
+occupy the Moorish garrison there, the inhabitants were glad to make a
+contribution, in exchange for the protection and power which it afforded
+them; for previous to this, they had been subject to continual
+depredations, from the Arabs of the adjacent country, to whom they had
+been compelled to pay tribute, as a security for their caravans, which
+were constantly passing the country of these Arabs, who are of the race
+of Brabeesh. In the year 1727, A.C. when Ismael died, it is reported
+that he possessed an immense quantity of gold, of the purity of which,
+his gold coins, to be seen at this day at Timbuctoo, bear testimony; it
+is also said, that the massive bolts of his palaces were of pure gold,
+as well as the utensils of his kitchens. After his decease, however, the
+tribute was discontinued, and the Moorish garrison at Timbuctoo,
+intermarrying with the natives, and dispersing themselves in the
+neighbouring country, has given to Timbuctoo that tincture of Muselman
+manners, which they are known to possess; their descendants forming, at
+this period, a considerable portion of the population of Timbuctoo.
+
+_Third Expedition to Timbuctoo and Sudan_.
+
+Muley Ismael died of an abscess in 1727, and was succeeded by his
+youngest son Muley Hamed Dehebby, a most avaricious prince, whose
+treasure, collected in his government during the life of his father,
+amounted to ten millions; to which was now added his father's treasury,
+amounting to fifty millions, besides jewels and diamonds to a much
+larger amount.
+
+Dehebby[318], sanguinary and cruel when sober, was mild, affable, and
+humane when intoxicated: unlike Muselmen, he believed not in
+predestination, but had always several surgeons and doctors in his
+suite, and consulted them with the most unlimited confidence when ill.
+He decorated the palace of Marocco: in one of the apartments of the
+seraglio, of which he had had painted, in a superior style, the twelve
+signs of the zodiac; for which his ignorant and bigoted subjects accused
+him of having conspired against the Deity, in imitating, by gross and
+ill-formed images, the works of the Almighty. This prince was an
+intolerable drunkard; so that the Marabets and chiefs of the empire
+called Abdelmelk to the throne, whom they enabled to take possession of
+Mequinas. This prince, anticipating the revenge of Dehebby, proposed to
+deprive him of his eye-sight; but the Marabets and chiefs opposed this
+resolution and replied to him in the following words:--"It is not for
+his crimes that we have deposed thy brother, but for his continual
+intoxication, which prevented him from watching over the government and
+his officers: he has therefore only been guilty of weakness, which is
+not a punishable crime." Abdelmelk dared not push his point, but was
+contented to send his brother to the (_Bled Shereef_), country of
+princes, i.e. Tafilelt. Before Dehebby was dethroned, he marched with a
+numerous army across Sahara, to Timbuctoo, of which he took possession,
+and brought home immense quantities of gold.
+
+ [Footnote 318: His proper name was Muley Hamed ben Ismael, the name
+ Dehebby is figurative of his riches in gold.]
+
+1730.--Muley Hamed Dehebby dying, should have been succeeded by his son
+Muley Bouffer; but money and intrigue gave power to Abdallah, a son of
+Muley Ismael, who was proclaimed in spite of the efforts of his nephew,
+whom he attacked at Terodant, the capital of Suse. Bouffer was taken,
+together with a Marabet, his confidential friend and counsellor.
+Abdallah ordered them both to be brought before him.--"Thou art young,"
+said he to his nephew; "thou hadst imprudently undertaken more than thou
+couldst accomplish; and in consideration of thy youth and inexperience,
+I pardon thee, but I will be revenged of thy counsellor." Then turning
+himself to the Marabet, "Thou, art a rebel," said he. "Didst thou
+imagine that thy sacred character, which thou hast abused against thy
+(_Seed_) Lord or King would prevent him from punishing thee? Let us see
+if thy sanctity will turn the edge of my sword."--In uttering these
+words, he struck off the saint's head.
+
+
+
+
+ I N D E X.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+
+A.
+
+ABDELMELK, the prince, moral reflection on his expensive apparel,
+79. Is sent to Tafilelt, 80.
+_Abolition_ of Slavery depends on the Africans themselves, not on
+our naval force or operations, 270.
+_Abstinence_ experienced in the Sahara, 353. Means used to support
+it. Effects of, 354.
+_Abbuselah Woled_, Arabs of, 138.
+_Abdrahaman ben Nassar_, bashaw of Abda, interview with, 136.
+_Abdsalam_, prince, departs for Tafilelt, through Draha and Bled el
+jereed, 149.
+_Abeed_, 481. Seedi Bukaree, emperor's body guard, 481.
+_Aboukir_, battle of, its consequence to muselmen, 101.
+_Acephali_, 198.
+_Africa_, plan for the discovery of, 201.
+_African_ Association, Institution, &c. recommended to unite their
+energies and operations to cultivate a commercial intercourse with
+Africa, 228. The same recommended an a large scale, 249. African
+Company, a plan for, 251. African Association, disastrous
+expeditions of, 258. An union of the African interests beneficial,
+271. African duplicity exemplified, 293. African Association might
+find the son of Ali Bey an acquisition in promoting their views, 304.
+_African_ names, how pronounced, 491.
+_Agadeer_, or Santa Cruz, port of, opened to Dutch commerce, 55.
+Apprehensions at Mogodor from the establishment of Santa Cruz, 56.
+Conveniently situated for the markets of Sudan. Denominated the gate
+of Sudan, 56. Port of, farmed by Muley Ismael, 57. Author's arrival
+at, to open the port to European commerce. Wretched state of its
+inhabitants. Honourable reception of the author there, 59.
+Disgraceful custom abolished by the author, 60. Propensity to
+commerce among the people of Suse. Sanctuary at the entrance of the
+town. Privilege of riding in and out of the town established by the
+author, for Christians of all denominations, 61. Commercial road
+made by the author down the mountain to facilitate the shipment of
+merchandise, 62. The spirit of the natives in working at it. Happy
+influence of commerce and industry on the people. Portuguese tower
+in the neighbourhood, 63. Description of the town, 64. Strength of,
+and convenient situation for a depot, 65. Mitferes, depositaries for
+water, 65. Attempt of the Danes to establish a colony in its
+vicinage, at Agadeer Arba. Battery at, 66. Safe road for shipping.
+Inhabitants friendly to the English, 67. Port of, shut by the
+Emperor, and the garrison and merchants ordered to go to Marocco,
+and from thence to quit the country or establish at Mogodor, 79.
+Negociation for the port of, from the emperor, 246.
+_Agricultural_ property, division of, 330. Agriculture, 339.
+_Aisawie_, or charmers of serpents described, 430.
+_Ait Attar_, or Attarites, an independent kabyl or clan, 311.
+_Akka_, 7. Depot for camels, 248.
+_Akkaba_, kaffilas, or caravans to Timbuctoo, where eligible to be
+established, 263.
+_Akkaba_, what, 345.
+_Akkad_, its signification, 411.
+_Alk Sudan_, what, 345.
+_Altitude_ of the Atlas mountains, 93, 94.
+_Ali Bey_, an account of; 297. Suspicions entertained respecting
+him. His magnificent mode of living. Excites the suspicion of the
+governor of Marocco, 300. He is prevented from visiting the Atlas
+mountains, 301. He is favoured by the emperor, 302. Stratagem
+practised to ascertain what religion he followed. Ordered to embark
+at Laraich. Is separated from his wife. Her conduct. He predicts an
+eclipse, 303. Passes for a learned man. Suspected to be an agent of
+Bonaparte. His son resides at Fas, patronised by the Marabet Muley
+Dris or Idris, 304.
+_Algiers_, attack of, recommended to the Emperor of Marocco, 283.
+_Almonds_, plantations of, 74.
+_Ambassador_, British, the author's interview with. Great
+honor shown to him on his entry into Tangier, 127.
+_Amber_, manufactured imitation of, at Fas, 126. 216.
+_Amaranites_, or Ait Amaran, a tribe of Berebbers, 124.
+_Amak_, the poet, his sumptuous style of living, 353.
+_Amorites_, of the, 475.
+------, or Ait Amor, 122. Descendants of the ancient Amorites, 124.
+Anecdotes of, 193.
+_Amusements_ of Europeans at Marocco, 89.
+_Anachronism_ of the author misapplied, 442.
+_Angola_, natives of, how converted to Christianity, 442.
+_Anti-commercial_ system, 211.
+_Antiperistasis_ of the Africans, how promoted, 230.
+_Antimony_ mines, 331.
+_Anecdote_ of an Emperor, 307.
+_Anecdotes_, fragments, and notes, 276.
+_Antithesis_, a favourite figure with the Arabs, 349.
+_Apparel_ of the emperor, plain and simple, 79.
+_Arabs_, cookery of, 64. Riches of, in what they consist, 247. Dance
+and music, 140. Abstinence of, 141. Beauty of their women, 142.
+Patriarchal life of, 143. 196. Arab royalty personified, 195.
+Customs of, 244. Of Sahara, hostile to those who do not understand
+their language, 262. The manners of, resemble those of the
+patriarchal ages, 276. The study of their language and customs the
+best comment on the Old Testament, 276. Their territory and origin,
+328. Decay of science and arts among, 352.
+------, sheiks of, hold themselves accountable for the property,
+baggage, &c. of travellers, 233.
+_Arabic_ document distributed by Mr. Bowdich in Africa, to the
+natives, unintelligible, 492.
+------, language, on the, 471. The language of Palestine resembles
+that of West Barbary, 473.
+----------, general utility of, a practical knowledge of in Africa,
+258. On the language, 357. Arabian music, 318. Arabic grammar,
+errors in Richardson's, 351. Pure Arabic, where spoken, 351. Arabian
+modes of writing, 350, Errors committed by professors of, who have
+not a practical knowledge of the language, 39.
+----------, universality of the, 473.
+------, translations of documents in, furnished to government by the
+author, 407.
+------, manuscripts, 3000 taken by the Spaniards, 520.
+------, interpreter, the author officiates as, with the prince Muley
+Teib, 192.
+_Architecture_ described, 90. Gothic prevails, 271.
+_Argan_ tree, and oil of, 510.
+------, trees, oil of the, productive of leprosy if not properly
+prepared, 91.
+_Ashantee_, intercourse through, with Timbuctoo objectionable, and
+why, 249.
+_Atlas_, foot of, a productive country, 74. Table land in, and
+produce of, 75. Narrow defile or pass, 76. Calculated altitude of, 93.
+_Attarites_, or Ait Attar, a tribe of Berebbers, 124.
+_Audiences_ of the emperor, introductory, of business, of leave or
+departure, 89.
+_Author's_ intelligence respecting the interior of Africa,
+considered valuable, 99.
+------, travels in disguise, 136.
+_Azamore_, 110.
+
+B.
+
+_Bab_ Sudan, 456.
+_Badge_ of distinction worn by the lepers, 91.
+_Bahar_ Segrer, the Mediterranean designated by that term,
+489.
+------, Sudan, corroborative testimony of its situation, 450, 451, 465.
+----------, situation of, 436.
+------, Kulla, explanation of the term, 444. Ditto of Bahar Sudan, 448.
+------, El Kabeer, or Bahar Addolum, Atlantic Ocean designated by
+that name, 489.
+------, El Abeed, not Bahar El Abiad, 517.
+_Ba_ Scafeena, of Park, synonymous with the sea of Sudan, 450, 465.
+----------, of Park, synonymous with the sea of Sudan, properly
+called Bahar S'feena, 506.
+_Bank_, in West Barbary, recommended, 237.
+_Banks_, Sir Joseph's letter to Mr. Dickson, respecting the death of
+Mungo Park, a passage in it confirmed only in Mr. Jackson's
+translation of the Shereef Ibrahim's account of that traveller's
+death, brought by Mr. Bowdich from Ashantee, but not in Mr. Saleme's
+translation, 425. The author's translation, 409.
+_Barbary_, conquered by the Romans, by the Vandals, by the Greeks,
+by the Arabs, 458. Partial conquest of by the Portuguese and
+Spaniards, 458.
+--------, travelling in, 293.
+_Bashaw_ of Abda, interview with, 136.
+_Bedouins_, emigration of. Camel's milk, their food, 203. Domestic
+looms of. Manufactures of. Custom of, 204. Mode of living. Extempore
+poetry of, 205. Manners of, 206.
+_Beef_, mode of preserving for food in the desert, 349.
+_Berebbers_, their contest with the emperor, 308. Their territory
+and language, 327. Names of their clans or tribes, 124. Specimen of
+their language, 367.
+_Bernou_, etymology of, 449.
+_Bism illak, and El Ham'd u lillah_, signification of, 231.
+_Bonaparte_, his system respecting Africa, 229.
+_Bouska_, exhibition of that monstrous serpent, 451.
+_Brimstone_ mines, 331.
+_British_ public, address to, 253.
+_Buffe_, Dr. his medical success at Marocco, 396. He is recommended
+to his majesty George the Third, and his majesty is requested, by
+the emperor, to return him to Gibraltar, to reside there as the
+emperor's physician, 397.
+_Buhellessa_, the pretender, described, 287. He is an adept in the
+occult sciences, 288. He marches with 22,000 men to attack Delemy's
+castle, 289. He is vanquished and beheaded, 290. His army dispersed,
+his head and feet sent to the Prince Muley Abdsalam, at Santa Cruz,
+290. The prince rewards the man who killed the usurper: the author
+visits the field of battle, which resembled the plains of Waterloo, 291.
+_Buregreg_ river, 113.
+_Burkhardt_, anticipation respecting, 449.
+_Butellise_, or night-blindness, described, 332.
+--------, or nyctalopia, an ophthalmia that affects our seamen in
+the Mediterranean, 433.
+_Butter_, melted, food in the desert, 6.
+
+C.
+
+_Camel_, the ship of the desert, 247.
+_Caffer_, or Khaffer, signification of, 345.
+_Cairo_, derivation of the name, 326.
+_Canary_ language resembles the shelluh of Atlas, 381.
+_Caravans_ accumulate as they proceed to the confines of Sahara, 4.
+_Cape_ of Good Hope, how to preserve, and to improve its produce,
+ 339, 340.
+_Cape de Verd_, compared to Ceuta, 229.
+_Ceuta_, preparation for the siege of, by the emperor Muley
+Yezzid, 403.
+_Christians_, harmony among, necessary to precede the conversion
+of Africa, 131.
+_Christian_ religion, how to propagate it in Africa, 224.
+--------, impediments to its propagation, 225.
+--------, the influence of its principles in Africa, 227.
+_Civilisation_ of Africa, the necessary result of commerce, and the
+only plan by which an expectation of the conversion of the natives
+to Christianity can possibly be indulged, 263.
+----------, of Africa, through commerce, the only effectual means of
+abolishing the slave trade, 270.
+_Civil_ war prevalent in West and in South Barbary, 279.
+_Characteristic_ trait of Muhamedans, 308.
+_Christians_, ordered by the emperor, on pain of death, to live
+peaceably with one another, 520.
+_Christ_ acknowledged by muselmen, 240.
+_Circumcision_, when performed among Muhamedans, 345.
+_Cobas_ described, 272.
+_Colonial_ produce, consequences of the cultivation of, in Senegal
+by the French, 228.
+_Commercial_ intercourse with Africa favourable to the propagation
+of Christianity, 227.
+----------, Recommended on a large scale, 249. 251. 259.
+_Commercial_ adventurer in Africa more likely to succeed than a
+scientific one, 259.
+_Commerce_, the key of Africa, 428.
+_Communication_ with Africa to be effected by the medium of
+commerce, 493.
+_Connubial_ customs, 313.
+_Copper_ mines, 331.
+_Corn_, abundant at Dar el Beida and at Fedalla, 110.
+ Abundance of, in West Barbary, 208. 340.
+_Couriers_, confidence reposed in them, 405.
+_Coffee_ of Timbuctoo, 279.
+_Consuls_ of the European powers, their residence, 130.
+_Congo_, Africans of, how converted to the Christian faith, 442.
+_Continental_ markets of Europe, contemplation how they will be
+supplied with colonial produce, 229.
+_Cuscusoe_, or more properly Kuskasoe, an excellent food, mode of
+preparing it, 97.
+_Customs_, Muhamedan, 230.
+_Cuba_, slave-trade and produce of, increased, 270.
+_Customs_ of the shelluhs of Idaultit, and laws of, remarkable, 313.
+_Customs_, ceremonies at funerals, 465.
+
+D.
+
+_Dances_ of the Arabs described, music of, 140. 344.
+_Dates_ abundant at Tafilelt, 80.
+_Dar el Beida_, a corn country, 110.
+_Dead_, bodies of the, never interred in towns or in the mosques, 272.
+ Ceremony of interment, 273.
+_Deism_, 325.
+_Deef Allah_, what, 341.
+_Decay_ of science and the arts among the Arabs, 352.
+_Delel_, i.e. auctioneer of slaves at Marocco, 95.
+_Deleim_, woled Arabs, 138.
+_Decked_ vessels in the interior of Africa, 449.
+_Delemy_, sheik of the Deleim Arabs, 138.
+ Invites the author and his companion, Signor Andrea de Christo,
+ to pass the night at a douar of the Woled Abbusebah Arabs, 139.
+ Garden of, described, 147.
+ Renown of, 148.
+ A main pillar to the throne of Marocco, 148.
+ Receives an exhortation from the prince Abdsalam to give battle
+ to the usurper Buhellessa, 288.
+ Dextrous in the management of a horse, 289.
+_Desert_, rate of travelling through, 470.
+_Dews_ of the night, how they secure themselves against,
+ when sleeping, 154.
+_Deef Allah_, custom of uttering, 233.
+_Dimenet_, in the Atlas, attacked by the emperor, 305.
+_Difference_ between the oriental and occidental Arabic alphabets, 351.
+_Djinawa_, definition of the name, 507.
+_Distances_ from port to port, along the coast, calculated, 132.
+_Discovery_ of Africa, plan for, 200.
+_Disgrace_ of inhospitality, 240.
+_Doctors_, itinerant, their apparatus, 242.
+_Douars_, or villages of tents, described, 328.
+_Draha_, province of, 2.
+ Hire of camels from Tafilelt to, 2.
+ Dates, the names of the different species, 3.
+ Plantations of, 3.
+ Inhabitants of nearly black, 2.
+ Character of them, 2. 7.
+_Drahim_, what, 3.
+_Driss Zerone Muley_, renowned sanctuary of, 118.
+ Author's hospitable reception there, and admission to the
+ adytum, 119.
+_Duplicity_ of the Africans exemplified, 293. 314.
+
+E.
+
+_East_ India trade, our, how likely to be affected by French
+colonisation, in Senegal, 229.
+_Ebekoaits_, or Ait Ebeko, a tribe of Berebbers, 124.
+_Effah el_, exhibition of that venomous serpent, 453.
+_Elephants_, 8.
+_Elegant_ females, 142.
+_Emperor_ admits an ambassador without prostration, and why, 282.
+--------, Yezzid is wounded, and dies, 285.
+ His body exhumated, 286.
+ Compared to his majesty George the Fourth, 287.
+_Emperor_, anecdote of one, 307.
+ His contest with the Berebbers, 308.
+ Letter from him to his bashaw of Suse respecting English seamen
+ wrecked on the western coast of Africa, 364.
+ Titles of H.I.M., 382.
+ Style of addressing him, 382.
+_Emperor's_ letters, 384, 387, 392, 394, 395, 398, 402, 403, 405.
+----, plan of reconciling catholics with protestants, 520.
+----, table, simplicity of the furniture of, 96.
+----, audience of business of the, 98.
+ Audience of leave in the garden of the Nile, 98.
+_Embassy_, British, to Marocco, result of, 128.
+_Encroachments_ of the French anticipated on our colonial arkets, 230.
+_Encyclopedia_ Britannica, misapplication of an anachronism, 442.
+ The editor of has adopted the author's opinion respecting
+ the course of the Niger, 447.
+_Epistolary_ correspondence, 382.
+_Epistolary_ diction used by Muhamedans, 404.
+_Equity_, case of, 312.
+_Esshume_, See _Shume_.
+_Euphorbium_ plant, 74.
+_European_ merchants at Mogador in danger of being decollated
+ by order of the emperor, on a charge of high-treason, 284.
+
+F.
+
+_Fas_, bankrupts, how treated at, 16.
+ Is the metropolis of the north, 87.
+ Talb Cadus, 87.
+----, gold thread manufactured at, of a superior quality, 126.
+ Manufactures, various of, 126.
+----, houses of the merchants of, described, and gardens at, 275.
+ Library at, 324.
+_Fakeers_, or muselmen-saints excite hostility between Christians
+ and Muhamedans, 267.
+_Fedalla_, corn country, 110.
+_Fig-trees_, very large, 82.
+_Food_, 316.
+ Food of the desert, 349.
+----, of the Arabs similar to that used in the days of Abraham, 243.
+_Fourban_, Comte de, anecdote of, 112, 113.
+_Fragments_, notes, and anecdotes, 276.
+_French_ army, landing of, in Egypt, 100.
+_Fruits_ of all kinds abundant at Salee and Rabat, 114, 125.
+_Fruga_, town of, 76, 78.
+
+G.
+
+_Game_, plentiful. Not sold in the public market. Custom
+ on shooting it, 338.
+ Strangled, what game so called, 338.
+_Garrison_ of Tangier salutes the ambassador, 127.
+_Garb el_, what, so called, 2.
+_Garden_, imperial, the merchants encamped at Marocco in, 88.
+ Names and produce of, 81.
+_Geography_ of Africa, on the, 474.
+_George_ IV. compared to the Emperor Muley Yezzid, 287.
+----, a patron to science and the arts, 429.
+_Genoa_, its indirect commerce with Timbuctoo, 254.
+_Girwan ait_, or Girwanites, a tribe of Berebbers, 124.
+_Gold dust_, gold bars, wrought gold, 67.
+----, and bars, consignment of, to Fas from Timbuctoo, 347.
+_Gold thread_, superior manufactory of, at Fas, 215.
+----, of a superior quality, manufactured at Fas, 126.
+_Government_, offer to it, to discover the remedy for nyctalopia, 335.
+_Great Britain_, its indirect commerce with Timbuctoo, 255.
+_Grored el_, or sandy desert of Mogodor, 83.
+_Gum_ Sudan, 67.
+ Gum Barbary, 67.
+ Gum Euphorbium, 74.
+ Gum sandrac. Gum ammoniac, 67.
+----, called in England, Turkey gum Arabic, 345.
+_Gun-barrels_, manufacture of, 331.
+_Gutta serena_, probable remedy for the cure of, 335, 336.
+Galvanism, beneficial in, 336.
+
+H.
+
+_Hawking_, and hunting the boar, sports followed by princes, 338.
+_Hassua el_, described, 242.
+_Heirie_, Jackson's account of, confirmed by Colonel Fitzclarence, 489.
+_Hel shual_, and Hel elkilleb, what, 198.
+ Hel ferdie, what, 200.
+_Hemeralopia_, or night-blindness described, 332.
+_Henna_, an herb with which the Arabian, Moorish, Shelluh, Berebber,
+ and Jewish women dye their feet, hands, and hair, and why, 512.
+_Hire_ of camels from Akka to Santa Cruz, 346.
+_Hogan's_ embassy to the emperor of Marocco, from queen Elizabeth, 489.
+_Honey_ of Haha, 153.
+_Hospitality_ of the Arabs, cultivators of west and south
+ Barbary, 131. 239.
+----------, laws of, 340. Disinterested hospitality shown to the
+ author, 342. Inviolability of the laws of, among the Bedouin
+ Arabs, 343.
+_Howara_, an Arab clan, take possession of Assouan in Egypt, 74.
+-------, Arabs, hunting the boar with. They took the city
+ of Assouan in Egypt, about four centuries ago, 245.
+_Houses_ at Marocco and elsewhere described, 274.
+_Housa_, travelling there safe, 37. Great traffic on the Nile of
+Sudan. Niles, how denominated, 39. Description of the country
+adjacent to, 40. Situation and size of the palace of, and
+description of the city of, 41. Government of; administration of
+justice at, 42. Landed property, 43. Revenues of; army, 44. Trade,
+45. Climate, zoology, diseases, religion, 48. Persons; dress, 49.
+Buildings; manners, 50. Gold, 51. Limits of the Empire of; pottery;
+Timbuctoo tributary to it, 53. Small-pox, inoculation for, 54.
+_Hutton_, Catherine, her observations on an intercourse with
+ Africa, 264.
+_Hulacu_, the Tartar, conqueror of the east. His letter to the
+sultan of Aleppo, 399.
+_Hypotheses_, various, respecting the Niger, 447.
+
+I.
+
+_Jackson's_ report corroborated, 467.
+_Idautenan_, independence of, 147. Superior grapes of, 147.
+ The country described, 147.
+_Idiaugomoron_, 151.
+_Idaultit_, customs of, 313.
+_Jedrie_, the African name for the small-pox in horses, mules,
+ asses, and oxen, 337.
+_Jelabia,_ garment so called, described, 200.
+_Jerf el suffer_, the yellow cliff, 109.
+_Jew_, great present made by one for the privilege of wearing
+ the European costume, 297.
+_Jews_, a distinct race from the Africans, rendered so from
+ their particular laws and customs, &c. 230.
+------, funeral cry of, 464. Funeral ceremonies of, 235.
+------, massacre of, at Algiers, 283. How estimated in the empire
+ of Marocco, 328.
+_Jinnie_, manufacture of gold filligrane at, 126.
+_Impediments_ to our knowledge of Africa. What they are, 266.
+_Inactivity_, or want of vigilance severely reprehensible in the
+ officers of the Marocco government, 203.
+_Incorrect_ orthography of African names, 468.
+_Indigo_ plant, 74.
+_Interest_ of money, 237.
+_Intercourse_, commercial, with Africa, recommended to be adopted
+ on a grand national scale, 249. 263.
+_Interest_ of the Arabs of Sahara; how it would be united with a
+ colony on the coast, 248.
+_Information_ from Africans respecting Africa, not contemptible, 434.
+_Insolvency_ laws, 343. 397.
+_Intoxication_, various modes of, 329.
+_Invoice_ from Timbuctoo to Santa Cruz, 345. Ditto from ditto to
+ Fas, 347.
+_Invasion_ of the country by Christians, a tradition of, 225.
+_Invocation_ for the author's welfare made by the Fakeers of the
+ sanctuary of Muley Dris Zerone, 119.
+----------, for the welfare of the British embassy.
+_Journey_, in disguise, at a critical period, 135.
+_Journies_, viz. from Mogodor to Rabat; to Mequinas; to the
+ sanctuary of Muley Dris Zerone; and to the ruins of Pharaoh;
+ through the country of Amorites to L'Araich and Tangier, 105.
+_Irrigation_, wheel for, 13.
+_Iron_ mines, 331.
+_Isa_ Seedy ben, fascinators of serpents, 455.
+_Isawie_ (fascinators of serpents) their performance, 453.
+_Justice_, moral, 306.
+
+K.
+
+_Kaaba_, Muhamed's mausoleum, so called, 273.
+_Kadder Khan_, king of Turkostan, a great support to science, 352.
+_Kaffer_, the application of this term, 510.
+------, (or Caffre) its signification, 267. 345.
+_Kassar Kabeer el_, a beautiful country, 124.
+_Kereb_, what, 5.
+_Key_ of Africa is commerce, 428.
+_Keyma_, its definition, 307.
+_Khalif Delemys_, noble conduct to the prince Abdsalsm, 288.
+_Kibla_, i. e. the tomb of Muhamed, 9.
+_Kiffen_, signification of, 273.
+_King_ George IV. compared to the late emperor of Marocco, Muley
+ Yezzid, 287. A patron to science and the arts, 429.
+_Kitiwa ait_, or Kituvites, a tribe of Berebbers, 124.
+_Koba_, or coba, 88.
+_Koran_, called the beloved book. Etymology of the word, 318.
+ Incorrectly called the Alcoran, l'Alcoran, or il Alcorano, 351.
+ Written in good language, 353.
+
+L.
+
+_L'aad_ of the Arabs described, 289.
+_Language_, etiquette of, at the court of Marocco, 315.
+_Languages_ of Africa, 355.
+_L'Araich_, forest of. Ferry of, 125.
+_Laws_ of insolvency, 343.
+_Lead_ mines, 331. Lead-ore mines, 331.
+_Leather_ superior manufactory of, at Mequinas and Marocco, 217.
+ Articles used in the manufacture of leather, 218.
+_Leghorn_, its indirect commerce with Timbuctoo, 255.
+_Leper's_ town or village near Marocco, 90. Mendicant lepers, 91.
+_Library_ at Fas, 324.
+_Lions_, country abounding in. Mode of destroying them. Preservation
+ against, 115.
+_Liquorice_ root, abundant in Suse, 74.
+_Locusts_, their incredible devastation described, 221. Mode of
+collecting them, 222. Used as food; method of preparing them; much
+esteemed as food, 222. Remarkable instance of these insects having
+devoured every blade of grass south of the river Elkos, but not
+north of that river, 223.
+_Love_, Arabian definition of, 363.
+_Loyalty_ of the sheiks of Suse, 288. Of Muhamedans, 326.
+_Ludaia_ are not Ludama, 507.
+_Lybia_ palus and sea of Sudan synonymous, 448.
+
+M.
+
+_Majesty_, His, George IV. patron of science and the arts, 429.
+ Compared to the late emperor Yezzid, 287.
+_Mandinga_ language compared with the Arabic, 373.
+_Manufactures_ of Fas; superior manufacture of gold-thread there, 214.
+_Marabets_, what, 511.
+_Marabet_, punishment of one, 524.
+_Market_ called Soke Elkhummes, 94.
+_Marocco_, emperor's march to, 73. Country abundant in
+corn of a superior quality, 78. Reception at salutations
+of the Moors, 78. Gate called Beb el Lushoir; its situation,
+78. Garden of the Nile, an imperial garden, 79.
+Tafilelt rose flourishes at Marocco; its powerful perfume;
+otto of roses, 79. Roses; various flowers abundant;
+Persian wheel in general use throughout the country, 82.
+Divisions of the empire of, 86. The summer residence
+of the emperor, 86. The metropolis of the south, 87.
+Town or village of lepers at, 90. Policy of concealing
+the appearance of wealth at, 95, Furniture of houses at,
+95. Customs at, 95. All trades carried on at, 98.
+--------, etiquete of the court of, 310, Emperor dispenses
+ with, 311.
+_Marseilles_, its commerce indirectly with Timbuctoo, 254.
+_Massacre_ of the Jews at Algiers, 283.
+_Matamores_, what, 14. 195.
+_Matra_, J.M., his excellency the British ambassador, treated
+ by the emperor like a prince, 128.
+--------, his intelligence respecting vaccine pus, 337.
+_Mauritannick_ writing, what, 351.
+_Mazagan_, 109. Country of, and inhabitants described, 109.
+_Mekka_ caravan, i. 4.
+_Mendicant_ lepers, their exclamation, 91.
+_Mensoria el_, 110.
+_Mequinas_, city of the court-town; travelling, mode of; 88.
+ Imperial palace at, 117. Beauty of the ladies of, 118.
+--------, superior leather and shoes made at, 98.
+_Merchandize_, consignment of, from Timbuctoo to Fas, 348.
+----------, the various, the produce of Sudan, 256.
+_Messa_, visit to the port of, 145. Gold and silver mines of, 146.
+_Minister's_ house at Marocco, a noble one, 90.
+--------, suggestions recommended to their attention, 230.
+_Mitfere_, or cistern, magnificent, at Mazagan, 109.
+_Mitferes_, what, 90. Expediency of, 210.
+--------, described, magazines for grain, 339. Custom observed when
+ opened, 339.
+_Mogodor_, duties at, doubled, 74. Merchants of, present themselves
+ to the emperor, 87.
+--------, duties at, reduced to the old standard through the
+ influence of Muley Abd el Melk ben Dris, 128.
+--------, merchants in danger of being beheaded, 284.
+_Monopodia_ of the ancients compared to a Moorish table, 281.
+_Months_, or moons, Muhamedan, their names, 371.
+_Money_, interest of, 237.
+_Moors_, 1.
+---------, their language and residence, 327.
+_Moorish grace_ at meals, 96.
+----------customs, 281.
+_Morbeya_, river of, divides the northern from the southern division
+ of the empire, 86.
+_'Msharrah Rummellah_, plains of, 124.
+ Described, 195.
+_'Mtasseb_, what, 126.
+_Muden_, what, 111.
+_Muhamedan princes_, treaties with, 283.
+--------------loyalty, 326.
+--------------, their claims to hospitality, 341.
+--------------customs, 349.
+_Mules_, not used in the desert, 5.
+_Muley_ Abdsalam's domain in the oasis of Ammon, 280.
+--------Yezzid, the emperor, compared to his Majesty, George IV., 287.
+---------Abdrahaman, anecdote of, 322.
+---------Ismael, anecdote of, 323.
+---------Ismael, emperor of Marocco, his letter to captain Kirke at
+ Tangier, ambassador from Charles II,, dated A.D. 1682. 384.
+---------Ismael, his letter to sir Cloudesly Shovel at Salee, 387.
+ Sir Cloudesly's answer, 389.
+---------Ismael, emperor of Marocco, his letter to queen Anne, 392.
+---------Yezzid, emperor of Marocco, his letter to the Dutch
+ consul, 402.
+---------Ismael's, emperor, gold coins at Timbuctoo, 522.
+---------Hamed, son of Muley Moluck, an account of his expedition
+ to Timbuctoo, &c. 519.
+---------Sidan, loses 3000 Arabic books, 520.
+ Muley El Arsheed, his expedition to Timbuctoo, 521.
+ Muley Hamed Dehebby, commonly called Deiby, his expedition
+ to Timbuctoo, 523.
+_Mungo Park_ at Timbuctoo, 319.
+_Murder_, punishment for, 343.
+_Mushoir_, or place of audience, 89.
+_Music_, and Arab dance, 141.
+
+N.
+
+_Nasari_, the application of the term, 510.
+_Nassar_, Abdrahaman Ben, the bashaw of Abda, interview with, 136.
+_Nations_, the respective costumes of, enjoined, 296.
+_Negro_ languages, thirty-three different ones spoken, 370.
+_Negroes_, opinion respecting, 466. Mental degradation of,
+ imputable, in some measure, to the cruel treatment of
+ them in the West India islands, 466.
+_Neel_, a name applied to two rivers in Africa only, 507.
+_Nile_, at Kabra, its width, 471.
+----, the correct orthography in English is Neel, 79.
+_Niger_, contemplated result of the discovery of its course and
+ termination, 99. Opinion concerning its course, 103.
+_Nile el Kabeer_, Nile Assudan, synonymous with Niger, 201.
+----, or Nile of Sudan, discharges itself in a lake, 449.
+------, and the Nile, 515. Theory respecting, 515. The author's
+ opinion of this river never varied, 516.
+------, or Neel el Abeed, discharges itself into the Mediterranean
+ sea at the Delta, in Egypt, 518.
+_Nile_, this word is improperly spelled, 507.
+_Niles_, anticipation of the confirmation of their junction, 434.
+_Nile_ Abid, or Neel el Abeed, error respecting its situation, 435.
+_Niles_, junction of, where supposed to take place, 444. Not
+ doubted in Africa, but supported by the general testimony
+ of the natives, 445.
+_Nile_, the word applied only to two rivers in Africa, 447.
+_Nishki_, manner of writing, 350. Synonymous with the Kufie.
+_North_ African, or Sudan Company, plan for one, 251.
+_Nyctalopia_, or night-blindness, 332.
+----------, description of, and remedy, 432. Offer to discover the
+ remedy, 432.
+----------, an ophthalmia, that affects our seamen in the
+ Mediterranean, 433. Offer to discover the remedy for to
+ government, 433.
+
+O.
+
+_Oasis_, western, 280.
+_Oil_ of olives, 67. Oil organic, 91.
+_Olive_ plantations of Ras el Wed, 77.
+_Ophthalmia_, disorders at Marocco prevail among the Jews, 92.
+_Opinions_ of the Africans respecting Jews, Christians, and
+ themselves, 315.
+_Oranges_ of Rabat, superior in quality, and low in price, 114.
+_Oranges_, 75.
+ Orange-trees, very large, 82.
+_Ostrich's_ feathers, 67.
+_Ostriches_ presented by the Emperor Muley Ismael to Queen Anne, 593.
+
+P.
+
+_Palace_, imperial, at Tafileet, magnificent, 80.
+_Palaces_ described, 274.
+ Architecture of, 274.
+_Partridges_, mode of hunting among the Arabs, 107.
+_Park_, Mungo, at Timbuctoo, 319.
+----, his arrival at Timbuctoo confirmed, 470.
+----, the author's translation of the Shereef Ibrahim's
+ account of that traveller's death, 409.
+ Mr. Abraham Saleme's translation of the same document, 413.
+_Persian_, or Arabian wheel described, mode of irrigation, 147.
+_Pharaoh_, ruins of, 80. 121.
+_Philanthropists_ dig wells for public accommodation, 150.
+_Physicians_ fly at the approach of the plague, 165.
+_Piracy_, if the slave-trade were made piracy it would not
+ abolish the traffic, 270.
+_Plague_, fragments respecting, 156.
+ Progress of, 157.
+ Decrease, 161.
+ The plague political, 164.
+ Emperor's minister attacked by it, writes to the British consul
+ for advice, 165.
+----, supposed origin of, 166.
+ The author an eye-witness of it, and visited the infected, 167.
+ Progress of, 167.
+ Remarkable instance of a village in the neighbourhood of
+ Mogador being free from the epidemy thirty-four days
+ after it appeared at Mogador, although the communication
+ was open between the two places, 168.
+ Haha, destruction in, by the plague, 169.
+ Peculiarities of, 169.
+ Destruction of the plague in Suse, 169.
+ General depopulation caused by it, 170.
+ Consequences of, on the survivors, 171.
+ Gradations in society overturned by the plague, 171.
+ Emigrations from Sahara consequent to the plague, 172.
+ Symptoms, various of, 173.
+ Olive oil, external application of, infallible, supposed origin
+ of, 174.
+ Superstitious opinion respecting the plague, 175.
+ Author's precaution against, 177.
+ Fear, its effect in communicating the infection, 178.
+ Remedies used, 178.
+ How caught, 179. Plague cases of, 180.
+_Plague_, avoided, by adhering to the principle of avoiding
+personal contact and inhalation, 189. Olive oil, infallible
+remedy for, 189.
+------, 419. Remedy for, 423.
+_Plough_, primitive, used by the Arabs, 511.
+_Pomegranates_, 75.
+_Policy_ of the court of Marocco, 211, 212, 280.
+------, adopted by the emperor to secure the allegiance of
+ the Berebbers, 306.
+------, of West Barbary, 320.
+_Poculum amicitiae_, goblet compared to, 232.
+_Political_ economy of the emperor, in not going to war with
+ Algiers, 283.
+--------, deception, 309, 314.
+_Portugal_, sovereign of, his zeal in converting the Africans to
+ the Christian doctrine, 443.
+_Portuguese_ penetrated far into West Barbary, 324.
+_Portfolio_, monthly miscellany, observations on, 464.
+_Precision_, unfavourable to truth, according to Mungo Park's
+ annotator, 446.
+_Present_ to the emperor, etiquette of delivering it, presentation
+ to, 89.
+------, received from the emperor, 98.
+_Prince_, Muley Teib, conduct of, to Dr. Bell. Satisfied with
+ the doctor's medicines, 197.
+_Property_, agricultural division of, 330.
+_Prognosticated_ prosperity from the prayers of benediction of
+ the marabats or fakeers of the sanctuary of Muley Dris Zerone.
+_Prostration_ practised at the court of Marocco, 281.
+_Protection_ among the Arabs a sacred duty when claimed, 343.
+_Punishment_ for murder, 343.
+_Pyramidical_ basis on which is founded the intelligence in
+ Jackson's Account of Marocco, &c., 451.
+
+Q.
+
+_Quarterly_ journal, of literature, science, and the arts,
+ error of, 435, 438.
+_Queen_ Elizabeth, embassy to the emperor of Marocco, 494.
+
+R.
+
+_Rabat_, arrival at, 110. Town described. Aqueduct. Mausoleum
+of the Sultan Muhamed at, described. Battery
+ of, bomb-proof. Bastions. Roman spring at. Old Roman
+ town of Sheila at, described. Old Roman coins, 111.
+ Mosques, tower of Hassan, similar to one at Timbuctoo,
+ &c. described, 112.
+_Rabat_ and Salee, abundant countries, 113.
+_Religions_, of all kinds, tolerated at Timbuctoo.
+_Repast_, or dinner, sent by the prince Muley Teib, 192.
+_Retaliation_ for murder, an incumbent duty on tha individuals
+ of a family, 295.
+_Revenge_ of the Shelluhs, described, 152.
+--------, of the Shelluhs for murder rigidly pursued, 291.
+_Richardson_, incorrect in calling the Arabic guttural letter,
+ _grain_, ghain, 492.
+_Richardson's_ Arabic grammar, some errors in, 351.
+_Riches_ of the Arabs, in what it consists, 247.
+_Rivers_, in sandy districts, change their courses, 440.
+_Robbery_, singular mode of, 116.
+_Rontgen_, African traveller, death of, 425.
+
+S.
+
+_Santa Cruz_, the port of, delivered to the Dutch, 403.
+--------, See _Agadeer_.
+-------, or Agadeer, the key to Sudan, 268.
+-------, invoice from Timbuctoo to, 345.
+------- opened to Dutch commerce by the author, 436.
+_Sanctuary_ of Muley Dris Zerone, 80.
+_Saffy_, its road for shipping described, 108.
+ Situation and description of, 108.
+_Sahara_, north part described, no water, 4.
+ South part described, 7.
+ Water carried in goat-skins, 5.
+ Sheiks of, independent,
+--------, Arabs of, prefer sleeping in the open air, 155.
+_Salee_, dungeon of, for Christian captives, 114.
+------, and Rabat, the adjacent country productive, 113.
+_Salutations_, peculiar character of their, 235.
+_Saneet Urtemma_, a dangerous country, 110.
+_Sand_ baths, 279.
+_Science_ and the arts, decay of, among the Arabs, 352.
+_Sebu_, river, situation of, 438.
+
+_Sejin Messa_, etymology of the name, vulgarly called
+ Segilmessa, 145.
+_Senegambia_, 70.
+_Serpents_, charmers of, described, 430.
+--------, domestic, of Marocco, 213.
+_Servants_ of the emperor, policy of, 280.
+
+_Shegar_, signification of, and misinterpretation, 441.
+_Sheh_, the Arabic name for worm-seed, 5.
+------, the plant designated, 510.
+_Shella_, an old Roman town, 112.
+_Shelluh_, revenge of, described, 152.
+------, repast, described. Patriarchal cakes of, 153.
+ Customs of, 154. 313.
+------, language, specimen of, 366.
+_Shelluhs_, revenge and retaliation, 291.
+------, their territory described, 327.
+_Sheshawa_, plains of, 82.
+ Mountains of, strata of oyster-shells at the top of, 82.
+ River of, 82.
+_Shume el_, the hot wind of Sahara so denominated, 5.
+_Shoemaker_, an honourable trade, 98.
+_Shovel_, Sir Cloudesley, his letter to the emperor of Marocco.
+_Sigen Messa_, face of that country, 81.
+_Silver_ mines of Elala, 218.
+------, mine, 331.
+_Siwah_, language of, similar to the Shelluh, 370.
+_Slavery_, state of, in Africa, 219.
+ Cannot be abolished but by commerce, 269.
+_Slaves_, mode of selling them, 95.
+_Slave_ trade, not to be abolished by any naval force however
+ formidable, 269.
+_South_ Africa, policy of constructing mitferes there, 339.
+How that colony might be improved in the value of its
+ produce, 340.
+----------, colony of, policy and expediency of building
+ mitferes there, 339.
+ How to improve that colony, 340.
+_Storks_, abundance of, at Azamore, 110.
+_Style_ used in addressing the emperor, 383.
+_Subterraneous_ hordes, propensity to, 238.
+_Sudan_, gum of, 67.
+------, trade with, 277.
+------, company, plan for one, 251.
+------, command of the commerce of, how to be obtained, 67.
+------, produce of, 67.
+_Sugar_, figurative of friendship, 234.
+_Sulphur_ mines, 331.
+_Sultan_ Muhamed's letter to the European consuls, 394.
+ To the governor of Mogodor, 405.
+--------, Soliman's letter to his majesty George III., 395.
+_Superstitious_ tradition, 460.
+_Suse_, province of, inaccessible to an invading army from
+ the north, 76.
+_Synonymous_ words in sound, 362.
+
+T.
+
+_Tabia_ walls, what, 2. Mode of building them.
+_Tafilelt_, 1. A rendezvous for caravans; kassars of; hire of
+camels from Fas to; a country of princes, 2. Market
+at, 2. Palace, imperial, magnificent at, 80. Dates
+abundant at, 80. Magnificent plantations and extensive
+forests of, 81. Faith and honour of the natives proverbial;
+robberies unknown there, 81.
+_Talleyrand_, his favourite African scheme, 229.
+_Talh-tree_ defined, 510.
+_Tangier_ garrison, salute to the British ambassador on his
+ entry there, 127.
+_Tas_, what it is, 231.
+_Tatta_, a depot for camels, 248.
+_Tendaraman_, venomous spider described, 429.
+_Tensift_, river of, 108.
+_Tildie_, repast, Arab, at; Portuguese tower at, 63. Cookery
+ of the Arabs at, 64.
+_Timbuctoo_, situation of, and charge of travelling to, 7.
+City of; river close to it, 8. Population of; extent of;
+caravanseras of; slaves at, 10. Houses; government, 11.
+Revenue of, 12. Moors pay no duty at, but negroes
+do, 14. Subject to Housa, 14. Army of; subsidies;
+administration of justice at; punishments, 15. Good
+police of, 16. Insolvent debtors at; slaves entitled to
+freedom at; property, succession to and distribution of;
+rational treatment of slaves at; wills not written, 18.
+Laws of inheritance; marriage; rape; adultery, 19.
+Trade and articles sold at, 20. Manufactures, 23. Measures,
+23. Husbandry, 24. Sowing season; provisions, 25.
+Animals; birds, 26. Fish; prices of various articles, 27.
+Costume, 28. Diversions, 31. Time, measurement of;
+Religion, 32. Diseases, 33. Manners and customs, 34.
+Neighbouring nations, 35.
+--------, opportunity of opening a trade with, why declined, 145.
+--------, how likely to be made tributary to Great
+Britain, 249. Circuitous commerce of, explained, 256.
+Direct and eligible route to, through Sahara from the
+shores of the Atlantic Ocean, 257.
+--------, value of merchandize at, 260. Immense profit
+actually made in, 261. Immense quantities of gold
+to be procured from Sudan, 261. Goods entering the
+city at the gate of the desert pay no duty, 263. Timbuctoo
+coffee, 279. Invoice from, 345. 347. Letter from, 346. 348.
+
+_Timbuctoo_, Mungo Park at, 319.
+----------, warehouses of, contain the manufactures, of India
+ and Europe, 427.
+ Communication with, plan for opening, 428.
+----------, intelligence respecting, whence derived, 436.
+----------, cotton manufacture, made in the city of, interwoven
+ with silk, of a chequered pattern, deposited in the
+ British Museum, 437.
+ Situation of, in respect to the Neel el abeed, 439.
+ Under the sovereignty of a negro prince, 441.
+ Fish at, resembling salmon, 469.
+--------, first expedition to and conquest of, 519.
+--------, second expedition to, 521.
+--------, third expedition to, 523.
+_Titles_ of emperor, 382.
+_Togreda_, ceremony of, how performed, 231.
+_Tomie_, or Sebah Biure, port of; the author visits it by the
+ prince's request, 138.
+ Arab dance and festivity in the neighbourhood of, 141.
+ Music of, 140.
+_Trade_ with Sudan, 277.
+_Travellers_, solitary or scientific, little expectations from,
+ 258.
+_Travelling_ in Barbary, 293.
+_Treaties_ with Muhamedan princes, 283.
+_Troglodyte_, 319.
+
+U.
+
+_Uffran_, a depot for camels, 248.
+_Uly_ and Ualy, material difference between these two terms, 350.
+_Unity_ among Christians a necessary prelude to the conversion
+ of Africa. The several sects of Christians should
+ unite, instead of being divided, as an expedient measure
+ necessary to precede the conversion of Africa, 129.
+_Union_ of waters between Timbuctoo and Cairo, 447.
+
+V.
+
+_Vaccination_, intelligence transmitted from West Barbary
+ instrumental in the propagation of, 337.
+ 23,134 lives saved by vaccination, 338.
+_Vasco de Gama's_ observations on intercourse with Africa, 258.
+_Vincent_, Lord St. his message to the Emperor of Marocco, 459.
+_Vines_, the grapes of which are of an extraordinary size, 74.
+
+W.
+
+_Water_ communication between Timbuctoo and Cairo, 443.
+ This opinion is confirmed by Mr. Hornmann, 444.
+------, communication between Cairo and Timbuctoo, the
+ opinion respecting, receives additional confirmation, 517.
+------, melons at Salee and Rabat peculiarly sweet, 114.
+------, carried through the Sahara in goat's skins.
+_Wah el_, what, 6.
+_Wahs_ of Sahara, how supplied with fish, 257.
+ Western oasis, 280.
+_Wangara_, jewel from, 103.
+_Wassenah_, or Massenah, conjecture why not known at
+ Ashantee, 491.
+_Wed el fees_, river of, 82.
+_Whedinoon_, a depot for camels.
+_Wheat_, superior at Marocco, 95.
+------, a superior kind or quality, 125.
+_Wild_ myrtle grows in the Sahara, 6.
+_Wine_ Company recommended, 212.
+_Woled Aisah_, encampment of Arabs. Produce of that country, 109.
+_Wool_, exportation of, granted by the emperor.
+_Woladia el_, an eligible place for a naval depot, 108.
+_Woolja_, not Woolga, 109.
+_Woled Abbusebah_, a whole clan of Arabs, banished from the
+ plains near Marocco, and plundered, killed or dispersed, 318.
+_Woolo_, king of Timbuctoo, 484.
+_Wormseed_, 74.
+_Wrecked ships_, 277.
+ How treated, 278.
+ Wrecked sailors, 279.
+_Wyk_, Sir Pieter, Swedish consul, his courier sent to the
+ author, 127.
+
+Y.
+
+_Yezzid Muley_, gives the port of Santa Cruz to the Dutch, 436.
+----------, emperor of Marocco, compared to his majesty
+ George the Fourth, 287.
+ His letter to the Dutch consul, 402.
+ His letter to the governor of Mogador, giving to the Dutch the
+ port of Santa Cruz, 402.
+
+Z.
+
+_Zealand_, New, customs of, compared to those of the Jews, 236.
+_Zeal_ of Mohamedans not sufficient to convert the negro nations
+ of Africa, 442.
+_Zeef_, what it is, 231.
+_Zemurh ait's_, or Zemurhites, a kabyl of Berebbers, 115.
+_Zion ait's_, or Zianites, a tribe, or kabyl of Berebbers, 124.
+_Ziltanait_, or Ziltanites, a tribe of Berebbers, 124.
+_Zimurh_ shelluh, Berebbers of, their character, 284.
+
+
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+Printed by A. and K. Spottiswoode,
+Printers-Street, London.
+
+
+
+
+_Works by the same Author_.
+
+An account of the EMPIRE OF MAROCCO and the DISTRICTS OF SUSE AND
+TAFILELT, compiled from Miscellaneous Observations made during a
+long residence in, and various Journies through, these Countries.
+
+TO WHICH IS ADDED,
+
+An Account of SHIPWRECKS ON THE WESTERN COAST OF AFRICA, and an
+Account of Timbuctoo, the great Emporium of Central Africa;
+illustrated with ACCURATE MAPS and a variety of highly finished
+PLATES. Third edition. _Considerably enlarged with new and
+interesting matter_.
+
+Sold by Cadell and Davies, London; and by W. Blackwood, Edinburgh.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+
+_Preparing for the press_.
+
+
+A GRAMMAR of the ARABIC LANGUAGE.
+
+No accurate Grammar of the Arabic Language has ever yet issued from
+the British Press!--It is extraordinary that the many professors of
+_that bold and figurative language of the East_, have never yet
+favoured the public with such a desirable work.--An attempt will now
+be made, by the above author, to supply in England this deficiency
+in Oriental Literature.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of An Account of Timbuctoo and Housa
+Territories in the Interior of Africa, by Abd Salam Shabeeny
+
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