Travels in Western Africa in 1845 & 1846, Volume 1 (of 2): comprising a journey from Whydah through the Kingdom of Dahomey to Adofoodia in the interiorDuncan, John
History
Travels in Western Africa in 1845 & 1846, Volume 1 (of 2): comprising a journey from Whydah through the Kingdom of Dahomey to Adofoodia in the interior
Duncan, John
Africa, West -- Description and travel; Benin -- Description and travel
I now dismounted, and sent my horse to the stable. A seat having been
prepared for me, I took my position by the side of my captain, the
soldiers of Setta commencing the amusement by dancing of the most
singular description; the motion being chiefly, as before described,
from the hips and shoulders--an excellent gymnastic exercise, and well
calculated to strengthen the limbs and expand the chest. After a few
awkward leaps they were formed up, and ordered to charge; upon which an
irregular rush was made in the direction of a supposed enemy. During
this operation an irregular fire was kept up, with shouts or yells.
They then suddenly returned, each soldier bringing with him a bough or
a handful of grass, and laying the same at the feet of the caboceer or
captain. These are considered as heads cut off their enemies in the
charge with the short sword, which is carried by all soldiers, as
well as a musket. My guard now took their turn in the dance, and went
through the same manœuvres as the former. After this, both parties sat
down pretty well tired. I then distributed a quantity of rum amongst
the caboceers and headmen, to give amongst their people, which was
received with shouts in my praise.
I could not help strongly contrasting the different dispositions of
the people here and those on the coast. The people of this country
are governed by good laws, and although to Europeans they may appear
very stringent, yet they are quite necessary to govern a savage
people. After my friends had drank my health, and I had returned the
compliment, I went back to my quarters, where I found my white man
Maurice a little recovered, but still obliged to lie down.
Again I was visited by all the head people of Setta, many of whom
asked me very shrewd questions respecting England, our trade and
manufactures. The extent of our shipping, and our power on the ocean,
seemed to surprise them most of anything. Of this they had a previous
knowledge, from visiting Dahomey, and no doubt, heard there of the
capture by us of so many slavers. In a short time supper arrived. My
visitors remained with me until a late hour, when I was glad to go to
rest.
The town of Setta is situated on a gently rising ground, commanding a
view to a great distance in all directions. The soil is a rich loam
of a clay colour. Corn is grown here in abundance, and of various
sorts; ginger is also cultivated here. The country abounds with game,
partridges, and Guinea fowl. Cattle here are very good, and numerous
in proportion to what I observed on the coast. Sheep and goats are
here also in abundance. The domestic fowls are the Guinea fowl, common
fowl, and Muscovy duck, as well as the common duck of England. Pigeons
are generally found in great abundance in all the towns and villages.
The caboceer of Setta is a very fine man in person, about six feet
in height, and well formed, and with good features and a pleasing
expression. Before leaving his town he presented me with a very fine
bullock.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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