Narrative of a Mission to Central Africa Performed in the Years 1850-51, Volume 1: Under the Orders and at the Expense of Her Majesty's GovernmentRichardson, James
History
Narrative of a Mission to Central Africa Performed in the Years 1850-51, Volume 1: Under the Orders and at the Expense of Her Majesty's Government
Richardson, James
Africa, Central -- Description and travel; Africa, North -- Description and travel; Richardson, James, 1806-1851
_Aug. 29th._--I rose early, and heard the good news that the camels
missing in the first affair were found and brought to our people. This
filled everybody with good spirits, and we got off as soon as we could
from Seloufeeat. We were obliged to leave the boat in the charge of a
faithful inhabitant, to fetch as soon, as we arrived at Tintaghoda.
Before starting, Haj Bashaw made Yusuf write a letter in his name to
Mourzuk, to the Bashaw Mustapha and Makersee, declaring that he had not
had any news of us or our coming, but that now we should be conducted
safely up to the country of En-Noor. This is the only man who seems to
have any authority in Seloufeeat: the marabouts could do little before
he came forward; the people live in the wildest state of lawless
independence.
In the morning before starting, the Sfaxee and Yusuf came up to me and
said, "All up to now was lies; but henceforth all is truth. You have
nothing more to fear--there is nothing now but good." This speech I most
devoutly devoured, and things certainly wore a brighter aspect this
morning. But we now anxiously wait news from En-Noor.
We moved up the valley of Seloufeeat, our spirits buoyant and mounting
high, whilst the air of the morning was soft and fresh, not unlike that
of Italy. After two hours we arrived at the City of Marabouts, or
Tintaghoda.
There is considerable variety in the physiognomy of the people of Aheer,
whom we have already seen; but in general, they have agreeable
countenances: and as to stature, many of them are very tall, though
apparently not very robust. Some are of light olive complexion, with
straight noses and thin lips; but others, indeed the great number,
approximate to the negro in feature.
This portion of Aheer is still poor in provisions. Indeed, all these
districts are strictly Saharan. There are fine fertile valleys, but
between them are rocks and complete deserts; the trees, which somewhat
change from the aspect of those in Central Sahara, are the immensely
large tholukhs, some of them covered with parasitical plants; the doom
palm, and the souak tree. I have also seen the ethel hereabouts.
The houses of Seloufeeat and Tintaghoda have, however, a true African
aspect, being thatched with leaves of the doom palm. Some of them are
sheds, with a roof supported by four poles, under which the people
repose in the shade by day and by night shelter themselves from noxious
vapours.
The most extraordinary reports are beginning to circulate about us and
our affairs. It has been confidently spread about that the three Azgher,
who followed us from Tajetterat, had a letter in their possession, which
they were to show to all the population beyond the Ghât territory,
written by Khanouhen, to the effect that we were to be murdered, as soon
as we got beyond that territory, by whomsoever the attempt might be
made.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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