Journal of a second expedition into the interior of Africa, from the Bight of Benin to Soccatoo : $b To which is added, the journal of Richard Lander from Kano to the sea-coast, partly by a more eastern route.Clapperton, Hugh
History
Journal of a second expedition into the interior of Africa, from the Bight of Benin to Soccatoo : $b To which is added, the journal of Richard Lander from Kano to the sea-coast, partly by a more eastern route.
Clapperton, Hugh
Sudan (Region) -- Description and travel
Bello extended the walls of Soccatoo, which is now the largest and
most populous town in the interior that I have seen. Within these
walls live all the children which Danfodio had by his different wives
and concubines, very quietly and without splendour, except Atego,
who is a mean fellow, but keeps a large establishment. At the death
of Danfodio, in the year of the Hegira 1232 (in 1816 of ours),
the province of the Goobur, Zamfra, part of Kashna, and Zegzeg,
threw off the yoke of the Fellatas, and put the whole of them to
death that they could lay their hands on. Since that time, Bello
has retaken the greater part of Goobur; part of Zamfra, and Guari,
the southern part of Kashna, have made their peace, as also part
of Cubbé; but on this condition, that they shall be ruled by their
native chiefs, and the Fellatas not to interfere with them. Since my
arrival, he has also got back the greater part of Nyffé. Youri has,
since 1822, joined in the rebellion, being forced by the people of
Zamfra, who at all times can command that province, if not supported
by Cubbé or Soccatoo. The governor is to be hereditary, not like
most of the other provinces and kingdoms in the interior, where the
oldest relation always succeeds.
The city of Soccatoo stands on the top of a low hill, or rising
ground, having a river passing at a short distance from the
northern wall. It is formed of the united branches of the several
streams, which take their rise to the south of Kashna, and flow
past Zirmie. Having passed Soccatoo, it crosses the district of
Cubbé in a south-westerly direction, and at the distance of four
days’ journey enters the Quorra. It is well stored with fish,
which afford the poor people of Soccatoo a very considerable part
of their food. The city is surrounded by a wall, about twenty-four
feet high, and a dry ditch. The wall is kept in good repair, and
there are eleven gates; seven having been built up at the breaking
out of the rebellion. The clay walls which surround all African
towns, clusters of huts, and even single coozies, give a deadly
dull appearance to them all, whether negro or Mahometan. The only
appearance of animation is given by the great number of slaves and
others moving to and fro, or lounging, or lying in the shade at the
doors of great men. A great part of the town within the walls might
be taken for a number of ill-enclosed gardens.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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