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
The Tanelkums report that Hamma is something like Achilles, for he has
often been wounded, having been in many battles, but none of his wounds
have ever proved fatal, or even much incommoded him.
It would seem that Tintalous, like all the Tuarick countries, is a
miserably poor place; for it is said that none, or very few, of the
people in the town have a fire for cooking their _bazeen_, except the
great En-Noor himself. The time, however, approaches for the departure
of the caravans for Zinder, whence they bring back a great quantity of
ghaseb and samen.
A Haghar, or Ghât Tuarick, I know not which, came into my tent this
morning and behaved insolently. Amongst other antics, he took up a gun.
I immediately wrested it out of his hands and sent him out of the tent.
Yusuf was present, but, as usual, showed little spirit.
My blacks were taken aback at my treating a Haghar in this cavalier way;
but I observe that they are now more cautious in permitting strangers to
enter my tent. The day before I turned a saucy Kailouee out, and my
servants begin to understand that I will not be pestered more with these
people, and so they keep them off. This is my only plan, for I have told
them a hundred times not to allow strangers to come and molest my
privacy.
_30th._--The noisy drums have ceased, and most of the Targhee visitors
have departed. The people, however, still bring news of razzias,
Kailouees with Kailouees. A messenger has returned with his report about
the boat; it is quite safe and in good hands, at Seloufeeat.
A caravan arrived yesterday from Ghât, and reports that Wataitee had
returned to that place and brought reassuring news respecting us. Behind
is coming another caravan, in which is some Moor from Tripoli. Probably
this person will bring news or letters. From the report of Ibrahim, the
Germans' servant, it would seem that the people of Tintalous believe
that Christians eat human beings; and further, from what I hear, this
strange prejudice possesses the minds of the lower classes in many
countries of Soudan. Such are the opinions of the semi-barbarians of
Africa respecting us and our boasted civilisation! There is much to be
done yet in the world before mankind know one another, and acknowledge
one another as brethren.
En-Noor sent word this morning that he and his friends, the Sultans of
Asoudee and Aghadez, had combined a razzia against the people of Tidek
and Taghajeet, who had plundered us on the road; and that fifty maharees
had gone to execute their purposes. This is the expedition which has
been long talked of: we shall see its results. Dr. Barth is making
arrangements for going to Aghadez.
I have prepared a draft of a treaty, which Yusuf, who accompanies Barth,
will take with him. I have also made a selection of presents for the
Sultan of Aghadez.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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