On Arriving At The Former Place From The Coast, I Was Sorry To Find The Brothers, With Their Respective Subjects, Still Engaged In That Petty, But Obstinate And Ferocious Warfare, Which Had Distinguished The Quarrel At Its Commencement.

Determined, if possible, to effect a reconciliation between them, I prevailed on our old friend Abucco to accompany me to Attah, promising to introduce him to his brother, and pledging my life for his safety.

The meeting took place on the 22nd November, and a highly interesting one it was, I assure you. One party, preceded by Jowdie, and a few drummers, were introduced into a large square enclosure. The chief seated on a kind of throne, was surrounded by all his mallams, and a multitude of attendants. His wives were seated under a verandah, from which were suspended several handsome Turkey carpets, which served them for a screen. Abucco instantly drew back, as he approached the throne, but, taking him by the hand, I led, or rather pulled him towards his brother. At this moment, his confidence seemed to have forsaken him entirely; his head hung down on his breast, and I could feel him tremble violently. Whilst I was displaying my presents to the chief of Attah, I perceived him several times bestow a hasty and displeased look on his brother, who had disengaged himself from my hand, and was sitting on the ground. Though seven years had elapsed since their last meeting, neither of the rulers uttered a word. The curiosity of the chief of Attah, having in some measure been gratified, I immediately introduced his brother to his notice, by paying him a high compliment, which Abucco had certainly deserved. I then expressed the regret I felt in witnessing the bad effects of the misunderstanding, which had existed amongst them for so many years; insisted on the necessity of brothers living in harmony, and said I was determined not to quit the spot, until I had established a perfect reconciliation between them. The chief was extremely disconcerted, but he made no reply, I then desired Abucco to rise, and leading him to his brother, I took the right hand of each, and pressing both hands together, made them shake hands heartily, observing; You are now friends, and may God keep you so. The brothers were deeply affected, and neither of them could utter a syllable, for several seconds afterwards. Every countenance beamed with delight at the happy termination of the interview, and the multitude gave vent to their feelings, in a loud, long, and general shout. For my part, I need not say, I cannot tell the heartfelt gratification, I felt at that moment. But this is not the most important good, that I have been the humble means of effecting at this place. From time immemorable it has been a custom with the rulers of Attah, to sacrifice human beings on rejoicing days, and on all public occasions. At the interview, which I have just described to you, two poor creatures were brought before us to be slain, in order that their blood might be sprinkled about the yard.

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