_The Author sets out from Pisania - his attendants - reaches Jindy.
- Story
related by a Mandingo Negro. - Proceeds to Medina, the capital of
Woolli. - Interview with the king - Saphies or charms. - Proceeds to
Kolor. - Description of Mumbo Jumbo - arrives at Koojar - wrestling
match - crosses the wilderness, and arrives at Tallika, in the Kingdom of
Bondou._
On the 2d of December 1795, I took my departure from the hospitable
mansion of Dr. Laidley. I was fortunately provided with a Negro servant,
who spoke both the English and Mandingo tongues. His name was _Johnson_.
He was a native of this part of Africa; and having in his youth been
convoyed to Jamaica as a slave, he had been made free, and taken to
England by his master, where he had resided many years; and at length
found his way back to his native country. As he was known to Dr. Laidley,
the Doctor recommended him to me, and I hired him as my interpreter, at
the rate of ten bars monthly, to be paid to himself, and five bars a
month to be paid to his wife during his absence. Dr. Laidley furthermore
provided me with a Negro boy of his own, named Demba; a sprightly youth,
who, besides Mandingo, spoke the language of the Serawoollies, an inland
people (of whom mention will hereafter be made) residing on the banks of
the Senegal; and to induce him to behave well, the Doctor promised him
his freedom on his return, in case I should report favourably of his
fidelity and services. I was furnished with a horse for myself, (a small,
but very hardy and spirited beast, which cost me to the value of L.7,
10s.,) and two asses for my interpreter and servant. My baggage was
light, consisting chiefly of provisions for two days; a small assortment
of beads, amber, and tobacco, for the purchase of a fresh supply, as I
proceeded; a few changes of linen and other necessary apparel, an
umbrella, a pocket sextant, a magnetic compass, and a thermometer;
together with two fowling-pieces, two pair of pistols, and some other
small articles.
A freeman (a Bushreen or Mahomedan) named Madiboo, who was travelling to
the kingdom of Bambarra, and, two Slatees, or slave-merchants, of the
Serawoolli nation, and of the same sect, who were going to Bondou,
offered their services as far as they intended respectively to proceed;
as did likewise a Negro named Tami, (also a Mahomedan,) a native of
Kasson, who had been employed some years by Dr. Laidley as a blacksmith,
and was returning to his native country with the savings of his labours.
All these men travelled on foot, driving their asses before them. Thus I
had no less than six attendants, all of whom had been taught to regard me
with great respect, and to consider that their safe return hereafter, to
the countries on the Gambia, would depend on my preservation.
Dr. Laidley himself, and Messrs Ainsley, with a number of their domestics,
kindly determined to accompany me the two first days; and I believe they
secretly thought they should never see me afterwards.
We reached Jindey the same day, having crossed the Walli creek, a branch
of the Gambia, and rested at the house of a black woman, who had formerly
been the _chere amie_ of a white trader named Hewett; and who, in
consequence thereof, was called, by way of distinction, _Seniora_. In the
evening we walked out to see an adjoining village, belonging to a Slatee
named Jemafoo Mamadoo, the richest of all the Gambia traders. We found
him at home; and he thought so highly of the honour done him by this
visit, that he presented us with a fine bullock, which was immediately
killed, and part of it dressed for our evening's repast. The Negroes do
not go to supper till late, and in order to amuse ourselves while our
beef was preparing, a Mandingo was desired to relate some diverting
stories; in listening to which, and smoking tobacco, we spent three
hours. These stories bear some resemblance to those in the Arabian Nights
Entertainments; but, in general, are of a more ludicrous cast. I shall
here abridge one of them for the reader's amusement. "Many years ago,
(said the relator,) the people of Doomasansa (a town on the Gambia) were
much annoyed by a lion, that came every night, and took away some of
their cattle. By continuing his depredations, the people were at length
so much enraged, that a party of them resolved to go and hunt the
monster. They accordingly proceeded in search of the common enemy, which
they found concealed in a thicket; and immediately firing at him, were
lucky enough to wound him in such a manner, that, in springing from the
thicket towards the people, he fell down among the grass, and was unable
to rise. The animal, however, manifested such appearance of vigour, that
nobody cared to approach him singly; and a consultation was held,
concerning the properest means of taking him alive; a circumstance, it
was said, which, while it furnished undeniable proof of their prowess,
would turn out to great advantage, it being resolved to convey him to the
coast, and sell him to the Europeans. While some persons proposed one
plan, and some another, an old man offered a scheme. This was, to strip
the roof of a house of its thatch, and to carry the bamboo frame, (the
pieces of which are well secured together by thongs,) and throw it over
the lion. If, in approaching him, he should attempt to spring upon them,
they had nothing to do but to let down the roof upon themselves, and fire
at the lion through the rafters.
"This proposition was approved and adopted. The thatch was taken from the
roof of a hut, and the lion hunters, supporting the fabric, marched
courageously to the field of battle; each person carrying a gun in one
hand, and bearing his share of the roof on the opposite shoulder.
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