- The Author's reception by the Mansa, or chief
man of Sibidooloo, who takes measures for the recovery of his horse and
effects. - The Author removes to Wonda. - Great scarcity, and its
afflicting consequences. - The Author recovers his horse and
clothes. - Presents his horse to the Mansa, and prosecutes his journey to
Kamalia. - Some account of that town. - The Author's kind reception by
Karfa Taura, a slatee, who proposes to go to the Gambia in the next dry
season, with a caravan of slaves. - The Author's sickness, and
determination to remain and accompany Karfa._
The town of Sibidooloo is situated in a fertile valley, surrounded with
high rocky hills. It is scarcely accessible for horses, and during the
frequent wars between the Bambarrans, Foulahs, and Mandingoes, has never
once been plundered by an enemy. When I entered the town, the people
gathered round me, and followed me into the balloon; where I was
presented to the Dooty or chief man, who is here called Mansa, which
usually signifies king. Nevertheless, it appeared to me that the
government of Manding was a sort of republic, or rather an oligarchy,
every town having a particular Mansa, and the chief power of the state,
in the last resort, being lodged in the assembly of the whole body. I
related to the Mansa the circumstances of my having been robbed of my
horse and apparel, and my story was confirmed by the two shepherds. He
continued smoking his pipe all the time I was speaking; but I had no
sooner finished, than, taking his pipe from his mouth, and tossing up the
sleeve of his coat, with an indignant air "Sit down, (said he,) you shall
have everything restored to you; I have sworn it:" - and then turning to
an attendant, "Give the white man (said he) a draught of water; and with
the first light of the morning go over the hills, and inform the Dooty of
Bammakoo, that a poor white man, the King of Bambarra's stranger, has
been robbed by the King of Fooladoo's people."
I little expected, in my forlorn condition, to meet with a man who could
thus feel for my sufferings.
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