The Strange Adventures of Andrew Battell, of Leigh, in Angola and the Adjoining RegionsBattell, Andrew
History
The Strange Adventures of Andrew Battell, of Leigh, in Angola and the Adjoining Regions
Battell, Andrew
Angola -- Discovery and exploration; Congo (Democratic Republic) -- Discovery and exploration
From this place we marched to the westward, along the river Coanza, and
came right against the _Serras_ or mountains of Cambambe, or Serras de
Prata.[86] Here is the great fall of water, that falleth right down, and
maketh a mighty noise that is heard thirty miles. We entered into the
province of Casama,[87] and came to one of the greatest Lords, which was
called Langere. He obeyed the great Gaga, and carried us to a Lord
called Casoch,[88] which was a great warrior, for he had some seven
years before overthrown the Portugals camp, and killed eight hundred
Portugals and forty-thousand negroes, that were on the Portugals side.
This Lord did stoutly withstand the Gagas, and had the first day a
mighty battle, but had not the victory that day. So we made a sconce of
trees after their fashion, and remained four months in the wars with
them. I was so highly esteemed with the great Gaga, because I killed
many negroes with my musket, that I had anything that I desired of him.
He would also, when they went out to the wars, give charge to his men
over me. By this means I have been often carried away in their arms, and
saved my life. Here we were within three days’ journey of Massangano,
before mentioned, where the Portugals have a fort: and I sought means,
and got to the Portugals again with merchant negroes that came to the
camp to buy slaves.
[_Military Organisation of the Jagas._]
There were in the camp of the Gagas twelve captains. The first, called
Imbe Calandola,[89] their general, a man of great courage. He warreth
all by enchantment, and taketh the Devil’s counsel in all his exploits.
He is always making of sacrifices[90] to the Devil, and doth know many
times what shall happen unto him. He believeth that he shall never die
but in the wars. There is no image among them, but he useth certain
ceremonies. He hath straight laws to his soldiers: for, those that are
faint-hearted, and turn their backs to the enemy, are presently
condemned and killed for cowards, and their bodies eaten. He useth every
night to make a warlike oration upon an high scaffold, which doth
encourage his people.
It is the order of these people, wheresoever they pitch their camp,
although they stay but one night in a place, to build their fort, with
such wood or trees as the place yieldeth: so that the one part of them
cutteth down trees and boughs, and the other part carrieth them, and
buildeth a round circle with twelve gates.[91] So that every captain
keepeth his gate. In the middle of the fort is the general’s house,
intrenched round about, and he hath many porters to keep the door. They
build their houses very close together, and have their bows, arrows, and
darts standing without their doors; and when they give alarm, they are
suddenly all out of the fort. Every company at their doors [gates?] keep
very good watch in the night, playing upon their drums and
_tavales_.[92]
[_A River of Gold._]
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.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account