Travels in the Interior of Africa — Volume 01Park, Mungo
History
Travels in the Interior of Africa — Volume 01
Park, Mungo
Africa -- Discovery and exploration; Niger River
Early in the morning of January 10th, therefore, I left Teesee, and about
mid-day ascended a ridge, from whence we had a distant view of the hills
round Kooniakary. In the evening we reached a small village, where we
slept, and, departing from thence the next morning, crossed in a few
hours a narrow but deep stream called Krieko, a branch of the Senegal.
About two miles farther to the eastward we passed a large town called
Madina, and at two o’clock came in sight of Jumbo, the blacksmith’s
native town, from whence he had been absent more than four years. Soon
after this, his brother, who had by some means been apprised of his
coming, came out to meet him, accompanied by a singing man. He brought a
horse for the blacksmith, that he might enter his native town in a
dignified manner; and he desired each of us to put a good charge of
powder into our guns. The singing man now led the way, followed by the
two brothers, and we were presently joined by a number of people from the
town, all of whom demonstrated great joy at seeing their old acquaintance
the blacksmith by the most extravagant jumping and singing. On entering
the town the singing man began an extempore song in praise of the
blacksmith, extolling his courage in having overcome so many
difficulties, and concluding with a strict injunction to his friends to
dress him plenty of victuals.
When we arrived at the blacksmith’s place of residence we dismounted, and
fired our muskets. The meeting between him and his relations was very
tender; for these rude children of nature, free from restraint, display
their emotions in the strongest and most expressive manner. Amidst these
transports the blacksmith’s aged mother was led forth, leaning upon a
staff. Every one made way for her, and she stretched out her hand to bid
her son welcome. Being totally blind, she stroked his hands, arms, and
face with great care, and seemed highly delighted that her latter days
were blessed by his return, and that her ears once more heard the music
of his voice.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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