Proceedings of the Association for Promoting the Discovery of the Interior Parts of Africa [1790]Association for Promoting the Discovery of the Interior Parts of Africa
History
Proceedings of the Association for Promoting the Discovery of the Interior Parts of Africa [1790]
Association for Promoting the Discovery of the Interior Parts of Africa
Africa -- Description and travel
From See-wah, the capital, the caravan proceeds in a single day to the
miserable village of Umseguér, which is one of the dependencies of
the State, and is situated at the foot of the mountainous Desart of
Le Mágra, where, in the long course of a seven days passage, the
Traveller is scarcely sensible that a few spots of thin and meagre
brushwood slightly interrupt the vast expanse of sterility, and
diminish the amplitude of desolation. The eighth day terminates with
his arrival at the hill of Huaddy L’Ottrón, which is distinguished
by a small convent, of three Christian Monks, who reside there
under the protection of Cairo, and to whose hospitable entertainment
the Traveller is largely indebted. Buildings, surrounded with high
walls, and erected in the neighbourhood of the convent, are opened
for his reception; and for three successive days, if he chuses to
be their guest so long, his wants, as far as their means extend,
are chearfully and liberally supplied.
Their garden, in which is a well of excellent and never-failing water,
affords an ample store of vegetables of various kinds; the maintenance
of a few sheep is furnished by an adjoining pasture; and they raise,
without difficulty, a numerous breed of fowls. All other articles,
except their bread, which they manufacture themselves, they receive
from Cairo.
Respected by the Arabs, who revere their hospitality more than they
hate their religion, these venerable men are apparently secure.—Yet
as too much confidence might invite the meanest plunderers to invade
their peaceful dwelling, they have cautiously guarded their convent
by a separate and lofty inclosure from an opening in which a ladder
of ropes furnishes the means of descent.
Leaving this hospitable hill with such refreshments as the generous
Fathers could supply, the caravan continues its course, and on the
fifth day arrives at the City of Cairo, from whence, at the usual
season, it proceeds by the customary rout to Mecca.
~CHAPTER XI.~
_Conclusions suggested by the preceding Narrative._
* * * * *
From the perusal of the preceding account, the Society are enabled
to judge of the credit which it deserves, and of the value of the
information which it offers. If the evidence of its truth should be
thought insufficient, they will keep their minds in suspence till
Narratives of more confirmed authenticity shall disprove or establish
the relation. But if they should think that the Shereef’s account of
Bornou and of the Niger is too strongly supported by the corresponding
description of Ben Alli, to leave a suspicion of its falsehood;
and that the fidelity of this part of his Narrative warrants the
belief of whatever else is equally described on the authority of
his personal knowledge, then they will feel that conclusions of an
important and interesting nature result from the various, though
imperfect intelligence which he has furnished.
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