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
On this occasion these poor fellows threw words of consolation to me in
the midst of their bartering for provisions, which at the present moment
was their greatest care, if I except that of eating them. They have been
living on short commons, and have suffered as much as we have. Want of
regular food may have had an effect on me. I find that my hopes of good
health are to be disappointed. I am obliged to keep my bed this
afternoon, and to refrain from nourishment. Meanwhile a storm again
comes on, laden with sand, which covers everything. Then follows violent
rain, which lasts until late in the evening.
As I lay, troubling myself with apprehension of the Kailouees, En-Noor
of our escort came to pay us a visit. He says he has been to his own
town, and promises us better fortune higher up towards Soudan than we
have hitherto had. He is himself about to start with a large caravan for
Zinder, in about twenty days. Among other news, he tells us of the
progress of the insurrection. The tribes passed some distance to our
right a few days ago, moving towards Asoudee and Aghadez, to instal a
new Sultan. The revolution is now at its height, but may soon be brought
to a close. It is fortunate that Tintalous lay out of the way of these
rude desert revolutionists, as a visit from them might have been
attended with evil consequence to us.
The excitement caused by this intelligence was a little calmed by the
report that our camels had been heard of in the direction of Aghazar.
Our friend Mohammed is in full pursuit of them, with fair hopes of
procuring their return. En-Noor says that we shall certainly get them
back,--all; but he adds the qualifying phrase, _Inshallah!_--if it
please God! Meanwhile "patience," as my comforter advises me. He is
quite a narrative man, and enlarges on geography. According to him,
Asben is the Soudan name for all this country, whilst it is known as
Aheer by the people of the north.
_8th._--I felt much better this morning, having got rid of the
diarrhoea. The weather was very damp, and the thermometer at six A.M.
stood at 72°. At one o'clock it rose to 90°, but still there was cool
air flying about the tent. The sky remained overcast all day, but birds
were singing as if it were the opening of the Aheer spring.
Dr. Overweg remarks truly, that you cannot shoot a man in this country,
even if he knocks you down and robs you; for that would be the murder by
an infidel of a Muslim, and the whole population would rise up against
you. The observation may become a practical one of these days; and
submission will prove to be the only remedy, whatever may happen.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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