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
I suppose that the grossly-exaggerated accounts which have been spread
as to the vast sums that Hateetah and Wataitee got from us had much to
do in getting up this fermentation in the desert of Ghât. We knew
already that all the tribes and sheikhs were jealous of our escort. I
must renew my application to Gagliuffi for the restitution of the
property of the British Government; if not, the people who form the
proposed razzia will divide it amongst themselves.
_26th._--En-Noor has sent me word this morning that I may make myself
quite at home in his city, and have nothing whatsoever to fear.
Moreover, he begs to inform me that he has sent for our lost camels to
the districts where they are supposed to be detained, with a peremptory
order, that if they are not immediately given up they are to be seized
by force, and if not found, other camels are to be confiscated instead
of them. This may be the first effect of the slaughter of the Tibboos.
It is quite clear, however, that En-Noor is bound in honour to recover
for us our lost beasts of burden; their detention must otherwise
disgrace his authority.
As soon as a Moor or an Arab gains a little money, he begins in the
first place to buy a new wife. The merchants, especially those who
traverse the Sahara, have a wife and an establishment at all the
principal cities. When they have half-a-dozen of these establishments
they are then great men. Es-Sfaxee has gained a little money by our
misfortunes, and he now begins to talk of buying a young slave for a
wife, and what not, to attend him on the road. But no sailor, who sails
the waters of the world through and through, and has a lass at every
port, manages matters so well as the travelling Moorish merchant. This
Moor has his comfortable home in every large city of the interior of
Africa, and no one inquires whether he exceeds the number fixed by the
law of the Prophet or not. Indeed, no one knows how many wives he has,
or where they are.
Ferajee, of the escort, had a particular salutation, by which he used
always to address me. It continues to be repeated by some of our people:
"Othrub Gonsul! Fire off the gun, O Consul! Othrub Gonsul!" This salute
I always heard when Ferajee was in a good humour, and now it is used to
signify that our affairs are looking up.
According to a Tanelkum, Janet is entirely peopled by Azgher or Ghât
Tuaricks, and members of the tribe of Aheethanaran, who now live on good
terms with the Azgher. This tribe is scattered about as far as Falezlez.
It was the people of the same tribe who formed a razzia expedition
against us. The oasis of Janet, however, is not independent. It is
subject to Shafou; but has a local government of its own.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account