APPENDIX.
A LIST, OR SUMMARY ACCOUNT, OF THE LATE CAPTAIN CLAPPERTON’S ARABIC PAPERS, TRANSLATED BY MR. A. V. SALAMÉ.
1. A geographical description of the course of the river Cówara, the road from Soccatoo to Maséna, from Timbuctoo to Soccatoo, and the countries thereabouts, with their inhabitants, produce, &c. &c. as delineated in the chart annexed.
2. An account of an expedition of discovery, made some years ago, by forty Christians, who had built a ship or vessel in the interior of Africa, and proceeded down the river Cówara.
3. A geographical account of the country, rivers, lakes, &c. from Bornou to Egypt, Nubia, Sennar, the Nile, its sources, &c. &c.
4. A traditional account of the people and country of Malí, &c. &c.
5. A traditional account of the origin of the Felan tribe, whom we have hitherto erroneously called “Fellatahs.”
6. A traditional account of the people and country of Bargho, &c. &c.
7. An Itinerary, or the road from Sérá to Nubia, Sennar, and Egypt.
8. A traditional account of the people and country of Nefí, &c. &c.
9. A traditional account of the people and country of Noofy, &c. &c.
No. I.
The following is a translation of the Arabic which was written on the original chart (as Clapperton calls it), and of which the [annexed] is a reduced copy, professing to describe the course of the Cówara river, the road from Soccatoo to Maséna, and from Timbuctoo, with the names and geographical description of the towns and countries adjoining.
A. “Representation of the city of Soccatoo, metropolis of the Prince of the Believers (Sultan Bello).”
B. “The island and town of Oodel or Goodel, together with the branch of the river which surrounds them.”
C. “The town of Boory, two days’ journey from Bagrá-foogal.”
D. “The town of Bagrá-foogal, one day’s journey from Ghagró.”
E. “The town of Ghagró, three days’ journey from Toondebí.”
F. “The town of Toondebí, one day’s journey from Sharif.”
G. “The town of Sharif, three days’ journey from Kasbi, or Kasb.”
H. “The town of Kasbi, two days’ journey from Seegho, or Sheeghó.”
I. “The town of Seegho, or Sheeghó, one day’s journey from Kabará.”
J. “The town of Kabará, half a day’s journey from Timbuctoo.”
K. “The city of Timbuctoo, ten days’ journey from Jéri.”
L. “Representation of the city of Timbuctoo.”
M. “The island and town of Jéri, together with the branch of the river that surrounds them. This island is in the middle of the territory of Maséna, or Masera, and between it and Sego is seven days’ journey.”
N. “This branch of the river is called, in the language of the Felan people, Bálió, and in Arabic the Black Sea or River. It extends from Jéri to Foota-Jaló.”
O. “This branch is called by the Felans Ranioo, and in Arabic the White Sea or River. It extends from Maséna to Sego, Foota-toroo, and to Darhoz (perhaps San Salvador), one of the towns of the French Christians.”
P. “The road from Soccatoo to Maséna, which is frequented in these days, across the river and the island of Oodel, with the names and description of the towns and countries that are on it, between the river and Maséna.
“On the west bank of the river the country of Biténkoobi lies. Its inhabitants are of the tribe of Felan; it abounds with mountains, rocks, plains, elephants, and buffaloes; and has along the bank of the river many white hills. Some of the people drink their water from the river, and others have shallow wells.
“Next to this, at one day’s journey through an inhabited country, the territory of Maázo-moudi lies, whose inhabitants are of the tribe of Tooroodi. It is a low mountainous country, and abounds with thorny trees and wells. Its prince is a tall and extremely strong man, and renowned for his courage and wars.”
Q. “Is the country of Yaghrá; between it and Maázo-moudi is about three days’ journey, through desert and stony plains, with a few trees and some mountains. In the midst of the plains, however, there is a well-known river, called Sirba. Yaghra is now possessed by a prince of the Felans, named Ibrahim (Abraham) Boonti. It contains woods, small mountains, and a well-known deep river, called Yalí, from which the people get their water.”
R. “Is the country of Lebtakó; between it and Yaghrá is two days’ journey, through woody plains and low ground. Its inhabitants are Felans, and its prince is named Saléh. They are a great warlike people, possessing fine swift horses and many cattle. They subsist upon the corn called dokhun (millet); and their country is hilly and sandy, and has a large lake, called Dúry.”
S. “Is the country of Jelghooji; between it and Lebtakó is two days’ journey, one of which is through villages, and the other through desert plains, in the midst of which there is a large lake, called Bookma. The king of this country is named Hamarkoli, and the people are Felans, and well known as great warriors. They possess abundance of swift horses, oxen, and other cattle. The country is mountainous, woody, and has a well-known lake, called Jeboo, besides a great many wells.”
T. “Is the territory of Hajrí, one day’s journey from Jelghooji. It is extensive, but very rocky, stony, and mountainous; has a great many sandy hills and a few vales; water in it is very scarce, and it has but few wells, so much so, that its inhabitants are obliged to store their water, during the rainy season, within the trunks of trees. The inhabitants of the vales are the Felans, who originally conquered these countries; but the mountains are inhabited by a people called Benoo-Hami (the children of Ham), of the tribe of Sokai. They are great warriors, subsist upon the dokhun, and have abundance of swift horses and oxen. In the middle of this country there is a very great and lofty mountain, equal to which is not known in those parts, and here is its representation. [See ◬ in the chart.] Upon it there is a town called Oonbori, whose king is named Noohoo-ghaloo-farma, of the tribe of Sokai, and is renowned for his generosity and munificence.
“All these countries, except Oonbori, are subject to our Lord the Prince of the Believers, Mohammed Bello, whom may God cause to be ever victorious, for the glory of the faithful, and the annihilation of the infidels.”
U. “Is the territory of Maséna, seven days’ journey from Hajrí: it is very extensive, fertile, and abounds with rivers and lakes. Its villages join both the old and modern ones of the Felans. Its inhabitants are powerful warriors, since ancient times possessing abundance of oxen and sheep, and are blessed with every comfort of food and living; most of them subsist upon rice, butter, fish, and meat. In the middle of the country there are two lofty mountains, called Soroba and Goran, and its cattle feed, throughout the four seasons of the year, upon grass; and as the lands are almost continually covered with water, the shepherds and herdsmen gather the grass, heap it up in large stacks, and, while the cattle are grazing, live upon the tops thereof till the waters are dried up. Though this may appear marvellous, it is the fact with these people.”
Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4. “Are four rivers (perhaps canals) belonging to Maséna.”
“The present Sultan of Maséna is Ahmad Hamad Labo, who rules over Timbuctoo, Jeri, and Oonbori, and indeed he may be called the sovereign of the Gharb (West) in Soodan. He is now at war with Sego.
“From Soccatoo to Benji is one day’s journey through Sisilbi, which is the metropolis of Ghalooji. This country is level and fertile, and contains rivers, woods, gardens, and wells. On the east side of it there are two rocky, rugged mountains; on the right there is a river, and on the left there are plains and barren deserts. In the environs of the capital of Benji there are, however, several villages or towns belonging to the Mohammedans. Between the territory of Benji and that of Mouri is three days’ and nights’ journey, through barren and sandy deserts. Mouri contains small mountains, woods, and has two roads on the left; on one of which there is a deep stream, and on the other are two lakes, surrounded with flowering and fruitful trees. This country originally belonged to the Sultan of Kabi, and its inhabitants are infidels. Its present sultan is named Ghagara, and has a city for his residence named Lukoo-you, which has a great lake near it. The chief towns of this country are Dogordoosi, Myzani, Toonsubi, and Tabada. There are many smaller ones, which need not be mentioned for brevity’s sake. The lands are mostly stony, sandy, and hilly. There are a great many deep wells, well supplied with water; but the country altogether has but few trees, though it abounds with reptiles.
“Next to it, at two days’ journey through dry deserts, with one track of road only, though woody and hilly, the country of Emanoo lies, the first town of which is Bakendoosi, which is of a moderate size; and has, on the east, a lake surrounded with trees; and, on the west, a well-known great and very tall tree. Between this town and the metropolis of the sultan, whose name is Aghmarak, is half a day’s journey. Emanoo is part of the countries of the Tuaricks, and contains lakes, wells, mountains, hills, and sands. Its people live upon the dokhun, and possess a great many cattle.
“Next to this, at one day’s journey, is the territory of Taghzar, which also belongs to the Tuaricks, and contains hills, wells, and natron lakes, which is called in our language káwa, or salt. East and west of this country there are mountains well stocked with cattle. The people are the worst and most ill-disposed of the tribes of Tuarick; and their chief living is peas and dokhun. Their sultan is named Hama-ráwadó, and also Hama-zanzamá, which means in our language Dog.
“On the right of this country the territory of Jerma lies; it is a narrow vale, between high hills and hillocks of sand; and on the east it has a lofty mountain; it contains natron and other deep lakes. It is inhabited by the tribe of Benoo-Hami, who are great warriors, possessing swift and well-trained horses, and their spears are extremely long and well-ironed with sharp blades. They are ill-disposed people, and have no lawful sultan, but their chief is one chosen out of the tribe. They subsist mostly upon dokhun, and their country abuts on the great sea or river Cówara.
“On the left of the before-mentioned country (Taghzar) that of Azwa lies, which is inhabited both by the Tuarick and by Benoo-Hami. It contains plains, vales, mountains, hills, and sands; and has deep streams. They possess abundance of cattle, and most of their living is the dokhun.
“Between Taghzar and the river Cówara is three days’ journey, through a barren desert, without any human being in it, inhabited only by wild beasts; and it has a long and deep stream running through sandy hills. From this stream the people of Taghzar provide themselves with water when they go to the chase of the giraffe in the winter season. The distance between their town and this stream is half a day’s journey, through some woody plains, a few small mountains, and sandy hills. On the road, however, there is a small lake, surrounded with shrubs and trees, in which water is found only in the autumn.
“Near the river there are a great many white hills, without any trees upon them; but on the banks there are very large tall trees of tamarinds, under the shade of which travellers rest themselves.
W. “Now the great river Cówara comes, and here is its representation. This great river is the largest in all the territories of Houssa; we know not of its source, nor of any one who has seen it. It rushes and precipitates itself through the country from left to right, and contains many islands inhabited by fishermen, herdsmen, husbandmen, and settlers. As to the variety of its animals, birds, and fish, it is only known to the Lord Creator; it has rocks and mountains, which break and shatter to pieces all vessels that are driven against them; and its great roaring and noise, with the agitation of its waves, astonish the hearer and terrify the beholder; and, at the same time, exhibit the wonderful power of the Omnipotent Creator.
X. “Is an undescribed branch of the river.
Y. “The writing of this copy ended on Thursday afternoon, the 5th of Rajab, 1242, of Hegira—(January 31, 1827, A.D.), in the city of Soccatoo, residence of the Prince of the Faithful Sultan Mohammed Bello, by his special command to me, Mohammed, son of Ahmad Masané—(i.e. native of Maséna)—for Abdálláh the English Christian.”
A. V. SALAMÉ.
No. II.
Translation of the Account of the “Expedition of Forty Christians,” &c. &c.
“In past years a company of Christians came from the side of Darwadar[2], a town belonging to the Christians, following the river to Foota-tooro, and from thence they proceeded to Ségo. They were forty men, and, on their arrival, the Sultan of Ségo received them hospitably, gave them presents, and lodged them in one of his towns called Sansaní (Sansanding of Park). They then acquainted him that they wished to build a ship; to do which he gave them leave. During their residence there, and the building of the ship, most of them died, and by the time the ship was finished, five only were alive. These five men embarked on board the vessel, and proceeded eastwards till they arrived at Jeris, where they resided as long as God was pleased. They thence went on to Maséna, following the river till they came to one of our towns called Seebi[3], between Jeri and Timbuctoo, that they might cross the way of the river[4]. They sojourned there with the prince, who was one of the sons of the Sultan of Timbuctoo, and whose name was Babal-kydiali. He entertained them, and gave them leave to proceed to Timbuctoo. They continued their voyage till they arrived in safety, five as they were, at the city of Timbuctoo, where they resided as long as God was pleased. Thence they went on towards the country of Sóghy till they came to one of its towns called Gharwal-gáoo. There the Tuaricks met, and fought them severely till three were killed, and two only of them escaped with the vessel.
“They proceeded towards the east till they arrived at Boussa; but the inhabitants fought and killed them, and their ship is to this moment there. This is the substance and the truth of the case.”
Observation.—From the melancholy termination of this adventure, and the place where the boat now exists, no one can doubt that this account relates to Mungo Park and his party; and that it is the most authentic and circumstantial that can be had. As to their number being “forty Christians,” it is easily accounted for, when we know that those people call any one who might be in the service of an European “a Christian.” So that it is not improbable that all those who were employed by Mungo Park were considered “Christians,” and thus formed the number of forty.
A. V. S.
No. III.
A Geographical Account of the Country, Rivers, Lakes, &c. from Bornou to Egypt, &c.
“The territory of Bornou is very extensive, and contains mountains, sands, and lakes: it has also two well known cities; one is called Sira, the other Kataghoon, whose prince is named Dankawa. To the name of Bornou that of Ghoodri is sometimes added.
“At twenty days’ journey from Bornou the territory of Adamawá lies, which is mountainous, and contains vales, hills, and rivers. Two-thirds of its inhabitants are infidels, and one-third Felan Mahomedans. The metropolis of their sultan is called Ghórin. They possess plenty of horses and oxen, and subsist upon the dura (Indian corn). To the name of Adamawá the word Foobina is often added.
“Next to Adamawá, at two days’ journey through a mountainous desert abounding with rivers, the country of Lúghwí (Loggun of Denham) lies; it contains a great many rivers, lakes, forests, and trees. Its inhabitants are Soodan Mahomedans; but the desert between it and Adamawá is infested with infidel robbers, who ride their horses without saddles, fight most desperately, often interrupt traffic on the road, and kill any one who falls into their hands.
“From Lúghwí to the territory of Baghármy, which comes next to it, is two days’ journey through a desert containing a great and extensive fresh-water sea, called Asoor or Ashoo[5]. This country is hilly, sandy, and has small mountains; its width is a distance of ten days, and its length is much more. Its inhabitants are Soodan, Kahlans, and Arabs, who are robbers, and a treacherous set of people. Their sultan, whose name is Borkoomada, is as cruel as themselves, and even slays sheiks and Mahomedans. They possess abundance of horses and oxen, get their water from wells, and subsist upon the dokhun.
“Next to Baghármy the country of Roogá lies, which is stony, abounding with rivers, and inhabited by infidels.
“At three days’ journey through places inhabited by Arabs is the territory of Wadaí; it is very extensive, hilly, sandy, mountainous, and contains vales, lakes, and deep wells. Its sultan is named Yousuf, and his capital, which is situated under high mountains, is called Hoowara[6]; the inhabitants are a mixture of Arabs and Persians; they are renowned for courage in war, swift horses, and the abundance of their camels, oxen, and sheep. They have a great many market places or towns, and their living is the dokhun and dura.
“Next to Wadaí the country of Foor (Dar-foor) lies, at two days’ journey through mountains and woody deserts, in the midst of which there is a vale containing dom trees. The territory of Foor is very extensive, hilly, sandy, and droughty, so much so, that, notwithstanding the great many deep wells they have, the people are obliged to preserve their water within the trunks of trees. They are a mixture of Felans, Arabs, and Kahlans; they possess plenty of swift horses, camels, oxen, and sheep; they have all sorts of warlike weapons, as shields, spears, armour, and so forth[7], and are great warriors. Their sultan is named Mohammed Fadlú, who is a genteel, handsome, black man, and renowned for his munificence and generosity. His capital is called Nantalti, through which a river runs during the rainy season; but in winter the people are obliged to dig wells in the bed of that river for water. They live upon the dokhun and dura, and have some date gardens.
“At ten days’ journey from Foor, through a mountainous, hilly, sandy, and droughty desert, is the country of the Kordofal, which extends seven days in length, and is inhabited by Arabs and Kahlans; it is however possessed now by the Turks[8]. It is very fertile, and has small mountains, hills, and sands; as also it contains fine horses, and plenty of cattle and asses. The capital of its sultan is called Loobi, and the living of the people is the dokhun.
“Next to Kordofal is Sonnar, which is a very extensive and fertile country; and its inhabitants, who are Arabs, are blessed with every sort of comfort by being able to cultivate the lands at all seasons of the year. This fertility is owing to the situation of the country being between two branches of the Nile; one of which, it is said, runs from the eastward, and the other, which is called the White river, runs from the westward; so that Sonnar is an island between the two rivers. It is, however, now in possession of the Turks[9]. It is a very cheap country, and its inhabitants possess plenty of oxen and asses, and subsist upon the dokhun.
“The White river becomes very full of water during the rainy season, which brings with it, from the Blue river, the animal called Anghorotú[10]; but during the summer it becomes so shallow as to be waded, the water not reaching above the thighs of people.
“Between Sonnar and Sawaken, which is on the Salt Sea coast (the Red Sea), is a distance of forty days.”
A. S.
FOOTNOTES:
[2]It is perhaps Salvador.—A. S.
[3]It should here be observed that the writer, who is the secretary of Sultan Bello, and wrote this by his order out of their records, is a native of Maséna.—A. S.
[4]Whether this means the course, the current, or a reach of the river, I cannot make out.—A. S.
[5]This must be another name for the great lake Shad or Tchad.—A. S.—Perhaps rather the Asu river of Lander.—Ed.
[6]The crown prince of Wadaí, if we can call him so, was last year in Egypt; and, upon his authority, this country lies under, or at the foot of, the Mountains of the Moon.—A. S.
[7]When the present Pasha of Egypt sent his army to these countries, a few years ago, some of these pieces of armour and helmets were brought over to Cairo; and it was surprising to see them resembling, in every respect, those of the ancient Romans and Greeks.—A. S.
[8]Mohammed Ali, the present Pasha of Egypt.—A. S.
[9]See last Note.
[10]Whether this name is meant for the crocodile or hippopotamus I cannot say.—A. S.
Nos. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. and IX.
Traditional Account of different Nations of Africa, &c.
4. “The territory of Malee is extensive, contains a gold mine, and is inhabited by Soodans, whose origin is said to be from the remnants of the Copts. Among its inhabitants are also Towroods, Felans, Arabs, Jews, and Christians. These last are subject to two Christian sovereigns, who send their ships to the harbour of this place; and it is said that this country was formerly possessed by a people called Sarankali, who, it is presumed, were Persians.
“The kingdom of Malee is an ancient and flourishing country, and comprises two other provinces: one is Banbara, which contains rivers, woods, sands, a gold mine, and is occupied by the Soodan, who are still infidels, and possess great power; the other, on the west of it, is Foota, which is inhabited by the Towrood, and the Sarankali, or Persians. The Towrood people, it is said, were originally Jews, others say Christians; that they came from the land between the two rivers, the Nile[11] and the Euphrates, and established themselves next to the Jews who inhabited the island; and that whenever they oppressed or encroached upon the Jews, the latter had always recourse to the protection of the officers of the Sehabat (the immediate friends or companions of Mohammed), who then ruled over them; that they (the Jews) used to say to them: ‘We came to live in these islands to wait the coming of a prophet (after whom there will be no other); after whose coming and death a relation of his, named Aboo-Bakr, will succeed him; and Aboo-Bakr’s successor will be Amroo, whose troops will come upon the surface of this water (by which they meant Termes), protect us against you, and enable us to conquer your country[12].’
“This is what we found written in our books.”
N. B.—The above account, with the exception of the latter part, and a few small variations, has been already given to us in Sultan Bello’s Geographical Account. (See Appendix, p. 166, First Journey.)
A. S.
5. “The origin of the Felan tribe is stated to be as follows: When the army of the Sehabat, during the reign of Omar Ben El-khattab, penetrated into the Gharb, they arrived first at Termes; the Towrood people having seen them, went immediately under their protection, and became Mooslemeens, before the Jews who were waiting for them[13]; in consequence of which they were enabled to fight and subdue the Jews and Sarankali (Persians). When the Sehabat wished their troops to retire from the Gharb, the prince of the Towrood said to them: ‘You came to us with a faith of which we were ignorant, and you are now going away without leaving any one to instruct us in it and its laws.’ The Sehabat, hearing this appeal, left behind them, for their instruction, Okbat Ben Aamer. He married a daughter of the prince, named Gajmáa, and begot by her four sons, Dytá, Náser, Wáyá, and Rerebi. He afterwards returned to Egypt, and left his four sons behind with their mother. They grew up, and spoke a different language from that of their father, which was the Arabic, as well as from that of their mother, which was the old Towrood, called Wakoori. They married, and had sons and daughters, from whom the Felans descended; so that the father of the Felans was an Arabian, and their mother a Towrood.
“This we found recorded in our books[14].”
6 “The country of Barghoo is situated on the right side of the river; it is woody and sandy, and inhabited by tribes of the Soodan, who, it is said, are descended from the slaves of the Felans, who were left behind when their masters crossed the river; and thus they peopled those countries. They are insubordinate and stubborn, as also very powerful in magic; and it is recorded that, when the equitable Prince Hadgi Mohamed Allah-kaja ruled over this province, he could gain no advantage over them.
“Next to Barghoo, the province of Ghoorma lies; it is extensive, mountainous, woody, sandy, and has various rivers. Its sultan is named Boojujú, and the inhabitants are almost of the same description as those of Barghoo, robbers, and depraved.
“On the west of Ghoorma, the country of Mooshier, or Mooshee, is situated. It is extensive, and contains a gold mine, rivers, woods, and mountains. It is inhabited by tribes of the Soodan, who possess plenty of swift horses, very tall asses, and are very powerful in war. Their sultan is named Wagadoogo, and their asses are imported to Ghoonja to carry the drums of the army.
“On the right of Mooshér the territory of Asantí lies, which is very extensive.”
N. B.—The above account, with the exception of a few small variations, has also been given to us in Sultan Bello’s geographical account. (See Appendix, p. 165-6, First Journey.)
7. Itinerary.
“From Sira to Boogho is a distance of twenty days; thence to Mooshkoom-Foosh, to Sary, to Sarwa, to Indam or Indag, to Warshá, to Booshrá, to the mountain called Kaghoom, to Mount Kinghá, to Mount Dooziyat, to Mount Aboo-Talfan, to Mount Aboo-Zarafat; then to Rooga, to Dygo, to Kájá, to Katoonú; then to the mountain of Nubia, to the gold mine called Tagly, which has no less than ninety-nine mountains, the name of each of which begins with F; but three only of these mountains are known, whose names are as follow: Fazooglú, Fafaklú, and Foondooflú. In two days from this place, you will get to the Nile of Sonnar; but from Tagly to Egypt, or Cairo, which lies northward on the left side of it, is a journey of forty days, travelling continually by the bank of the Nile; while from Tagly to Sawaken, which is on the sea coast (the Red Sea), is a distance of thirty days only.”
N. B.—This is the last of the seven papers which, it appears, were written in Captain Clapperton’s memorandum book, by order of Sultan Bello, and are dated “the 5th of Sháában, 1242, A.H.;” about the 3d of March, 1827, A. D.
A. V. S.
8. “The people of Nefé came originally from Kashná, and their prince, Thoodyar, from Atághér. He first conquered the territory of Beni, from the river called Bakoo to that which is named Kaduná; then the territories of Booduor Boodi, and of Bassa or Boosa. He thence embarked on the river Kowárá, and subdued the people on its bank, called Abágha; after which he conquered the country of Abbi (in which we now are[15]), and that of Kanbari, in conjunction with the Prince of Yaouri. The river of these countries is called Kantagoora. From Yaouri he proceeded to the great mountain, or mountains, where Nefé, Beni, and Fatti-attu are: he then went to the river Katha, or Kasha, and conquered the countries thereabouts; which are, Ghoor-noofu, Koográ, Jemma, Doonfee, Taboo, and Aza, or Azai. This prince was succeeded by Ithshab, whose successor was Ithkootoo; and the whole number of princes who ruled over this kingdom were thirteen. The rest of the eastern parts, as far as Katáná, are in possession of a prince named Bakoo.
“About the right of Atághér the country called Nafry lies, by the side of a river larger than that of Kowárá.
“The people of Beni are now extremely poor. They are submissive to their princes, till and cultivate the lands of others, and pay capitation tax. Sheep, goats, oxen, horses, and fowls, are scarce in their country; and as to asses, there are none, except what are imported from other countries. They have, however, plenty of elephants.
“The river in the territory of Kowárá lies west, on the right hand side; and that of Kaduná is in the centre; while the river Bakoo, or Gakoo, is in the east.”
9. “The tribes who inhabit Noofee, it is said, were originally from Beni; others say from Takra; and some assert that they came from the middle of the river, perhaps an island. Their first town was Jemma; but afterwards they inhabited Kafath or Kifath, Ayaki, Karkena, and the eastern Kowárá, by a river called Matny. They had also Kasoo or Kashoo, Zeer, the west of Malee or Moulee, Abyou, and Wádá.
“The river of Kowárá runs through mountains, and a great many woods and forests; and has mountains on the north and the east. This great river issues from the Mountain of the Moon; and what we know of it is, that it comes from Sookan to Kiya, to Kabi, to Yaouri, to Boossa, to Wá-wá, and to Noofee; but in that place there is another river which springs from Zirmá, to Ghoober, to Zeffra, to Kory or Koora, and then enters Noofee; its name is Kaduna. On the north of it Kanbari lies; on the east is Kory; on the south are Cankan and Kafath; and on the west is Bassoa, or Bashwa. About the centre of it is the kingdom of Noofee, with that of Abyou.
“Noofee was once subject to the Felans; but when Edrees, a prince of the Felans, ruled over it, and committed so many excesses as even to violate its virgins, the people rose up against him, sword in hand, and freed themselves; and thus they are now at war with the Felans. Amongst them there are Mahomedans; but the greater part are infidels, without either religion or law: they are drunkards and oppressors; they neither pray, nor worship any god. They walk with you during an hour as friends, while in the next they do not hesitate to kill you. When one of them dies, they fasten the arms across the chest, place the body in a sitting position in the grave, and one of them lies by it, while another sits at the entrance. They have a large and extensive cavern, in which they place their dead; but those who guard this cavern, though they are something like priests, are the most depraved persons. They sometimes send messengers to call the relatives of the dead, enjoining them to bring with them the best of every thing they have; and when these innocent people arrive at the cavern, they are immediately plundered of what they take there; and if they be females, their chastity is violated.
“This is the life and habits of these infidel Pagans; and consequently the roads about Noofee are very dangerous and perilous.
“When their king dies, they enter his house, and live in it.”
N. B.—It is proper here to observe, that the above two papers, Nos. 8 and 9, are written, or rather scrawled out, unorthographically and ungrammatically, and their composition is no more than a sort of incoherent jargon. The translation, therefore, I have given of them is mostly made out by conjecture. There is no doubt, however, that Clapperton, who made some residence among these people, has given some further account of them.
A. S.
FOOTNOTES:
[11]This is a mistake: it should be the Tigris.—A. S.
[12]The inventor of this story had, there is no doubt, meant it to be as a prophecy for the coming of Mahomed, and that to show that even the Christians themselves had foretold his coming; for all these words which he puts into the mouth of these Christians are the very result of Mahomed’s career, as recorded by the Mahomedan historians.—A. S.
[14]Egypt was conquered by the Mahomedans in the 20th year of Hegira, or the 10th after Mahomed’s death, under the Khalifat of Omar Eben Elkattab, who, by the instigation of an intrepid officer named Amrú Ben El-Aâss (who, under some very singular circumstances, happened to visit Egypt and see its splendour a few years previous), sent an army, consisting of no more than 4000 men, to subdue that mighty and rich country. Amrú succeeded in his enterprise, and pushed on his conquest to the Gharb; but Okbat Ben Amer’s name appears only as a witness to the treaties concluded between the conqueror and the people of Alexandria; though he was considered an officer of rank and valour.—A. S.
[15]The writer of this account, it seems, was in Captain Clapperton’s company, or attached to his service.—A. S.
A VOCABULARY OF THE YOURRIBA TONGUE.
| Fowl, | Ade′a |
| Goat, | Aoor′ey |
| Sheep, | Agon′ta |
| Pig, | Ale′day |
| Salt, | Ee′yo |
| Corn, | Agbad′doo |
| Millet, | Ok′kablebba |
| Grass, | Co′co |
| Beads, | Le′key |
| Gold, | Sic′ca |
| Coral, | In′yoh |
| Silver, | Patak′ka |
| Cloth, | Atchio |
| Man, | Okon′a |
| Woman, | Obin′a |
| King, | Ob′bah |
| Horse, | Ep′pee |
| Saddle, | Gar′ree |
| Bridle, | Ja′noo |
| Pepper, | Att′ah |
| Shallots, | Allabous′sa |
| Yams, | Ish′oo |
| Plantains, | Ayid′dey |
| Fire, | Jun′ah |
| Water, | Om′mee |
| Wood, | Ig′gie |
| A pot, | Coc′co |
| A calabash, | E′bah |
| Duck, | Pap′ayeh |
| Soup, | Ob′eh |
| House, | Ill′eh |
| Mug, | Tank′ara |
| Plate, | A′wo |
| Knife, | O′beh |
| Head, | Or′ree |
| Eyes, | Oj′oo |
| Nose, | Em′oo |
| Mouth, | En′oo |
| Teeth, | E′hee |
| Ears, | Eff′ee |
| Chin, | Ebb′ee |
| Neck, | Enaff′oo |
| Shoulders, | Edgeookah |
| Arm, | Epk′wa |
| Elbow, | Ebah′wa |
| Wrist, | Onawa′wa |
| Hand, | A′wa |
| Thumb, | Atang′pako |
| Fingers, | Ama′wa |
| The body, | Agwid′demoo′gu |
| Belly, | Inn′oh |
| Thigh, | E′tah |
| Knee, | Okk′oo |
| Leg, | Ajoo′goo |
| Ankle, | Coco′sey |
| Foot, | Atalis′sey |
| Toes, | Amalis′sa |
| Boots, | Sa′labattoo |
| Sandals, | Battoo |
| Fan, | Abab′bey |
| Cow, | Mall′oo |
| Dog, | Aj′ah |
| Cub, | Aloghin′ne |
| Mouse, | Acoo′fu |
| Tiger, | Ek′ka |
| Hyena, | Eco′co |
| Vulture, | Awood′ec |
| Jacket, | Kook′oomah |
| Trousers, | Shock′ootoo |
| Turkey, | Fu′lutu′loo |
| Elephant, | Gen′acoo |
| Hippopotamus, | En′emy |
| Cotton wool, | O′woo |
| Palm oil, | Ep′eh |
| Cocoa-nut, | Ay′ba |
| Tornado, | Oj′uma′ri |
| A mule, | Barak′ka |
| A jackass, | Kettékettéh |
| A mat, | Enn′ee |
| A bag, | Ok′key |
| A gun, | E′bah |
| A cutlass, | Jom′ma |
| Silk, | Ce′dah |
| Damask | Ala′ri |
| Scarlet cloth, | Doh′do |
| Blue ditto, | Iss′ado′doh |
| Green ditto, | Alar′ooya′goo |
| Yellow ditto, | |
| Tree, | E′wajass′kway |
| Sun, | O′noo |
| Moon, | Ajoo′pa |
| Star, | Era′wo |
| God, | Ala′noo |
| Thunder, | Ar′oo |
| Lightning, | Mannumanu |
| Rain, | Odigoo |
| Wind, | Avoo′voo |
| Cap, | Fill′ah |
| Hat, | Atte′ Ebo |
| Hair, | Olloo |
| Beard, | Eg′bee |
| Skin, | All′ah |
| Nail, | Eff′eh |
| One, | Ok′ka |
| Two, | Ma′jee |
| Three, | Mai′ta |
| Four, | Me′ne |
| Five, | Mall′oo |
| Six, | Mai′ffa mai′fa |
| Seven, | Ma′gee |
| Eight, | Ma′jo |
| Nine, | Mai′ssu |
| Ten, | May′wah |
| Twenty, | Ok′ko |
| Thirty, | Agboug |
| Forty, | Ogojee |
| Fifty, | Adett′a |
| Sixty, | Ogotta |
| Seventy, | Ado′nee |
| Eighty, | Ogonee |
| Ninety, | Ado′noo |
| One hundred, | Ogo′noo |
| Two hundred, | Egbe′o |
| Three ditto, | Oa′doo |
| Four ditto, | In′ee |
| Five ditto, | Edag′bett′a |
| Six ditto, | Eg′bett′a |
| Seven ditto, | Edag′be′ne |
| Eight ditto, | Eg′be′ne |
| Nine ditto, | Edegba′noo |
| One thousand | Eggba′noo |
| Two ditto | Ebah |
| Three ditto | Egba′dagoo |
| Four ditto | Egbagie |
| Five ditto | Egbe′dogmoo |
| Six ditto | Egbaa′ta |
| Seven ditto | Edegbaa′nee |
| Eight ditto, | Egba′nee |
| Nine ditto, | Edegbaa′noo |
| Ten ditto, | Ebaa′noo |
| FELLATAH. | |
| One, | Go |
| Two, | Diddie |
| Three, | Tattie |
| Four, | Ni |
| Five, | Jowie |
| Six, | Jowego |
| Seven, | Jowaddie |
| Eight, | Jowatittie |
| Nine, | Jowanie |
| Ten, | Sapo |
| Eleven, | Sapoago |
| Twelve, | Sapodiddie |
| Thirteen, | Sapoatittie |
| Fourteen, | Sapoani |
| Fifteen, | Sapoaji |
| Sixteen, | Sapoajego |
| Seventeen, | Sapoajaddide |
| Eighteen, | Sapoajatittie |
| Nineteen, | Sapoajanie |
| Twenty, | Nogi |
| Twenty-one, | Nogiago |
| Twenty-two, | Nogiadiddie |
| Twenty-three, | Nogiatittie |
| Twenty-four, | Nogiani |
| Twenty-five, | Nogiajowie |
| Twenty-six, | Nogiajego |
| Twenty-seven, | Nogiajadidde |
| Twenty-eight, | Nogiajattitie |
| Twenty-nine, | Nogiajanie |
| Thirty, | Shapandatittie |
| Thirty-one, | -------------- ago |
| Forty, | Dabi |
| Fifty, | Dabisapo |
| Sixty, | Chapandijago |
| Seventy, | Chapandajadidie |
| Eighty, | Chapandagatittee |
| Ninety, | Chapandajani |
| One hundred, | Hemri |
| One hundred and one, | Hemrigo |
| One hundred and two, | Hemrididdie |
| One hundred and three, | Hemritittie |
| One hundred and four, | Hemrini |
| One hundred and five, | Hemrijoie |
| Two hundred, | Kamididdie |
| Three ditto, | Kamitittie |
| Four ditto, | Kamini |
| Five ditto, | Kamijoie |
| One thousand, | Koojuna |
| Two ditto, | Koojunadiddie |
| Twenty ditto, | Koojunaginogi |
| What is this? | Konindadoom |
| Man, | Gorko |
| Men, | Worbaa |
| Woman, | Debo |
| Women, | Reuba |
| Boy, | Beedo |
| Boys, | Beepba |
| Girl, | Surba |
| Girls, | Surbaba |
| Horse, | Putcha |
| Horses, | Putche |
| Cow, Cows, | Nagea. |
METEOROLOGICAL TABLE.
| Date. | Hours. | Faht. | Bar. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1825. | Badagry. | ||||||
| Dec. | 2 | 6 | A.M. | 80°. | 29°.813 | Calm and hazy. | |
| Noon. | 91 | .705 | South-west winds. | ||||
| 3 | P.M. | 91½ | .653 | ||||
| 3 | 6 | A.M. | 78 | .912 | Cloudy and calm. | ||
| Noon. | 92 | .631 | South, fine breezes. | ||||
| 3 | P.M. | 91 | .515 | ||||
| 4 | 6 | A.M. | 77 | .854 | Calm. | ||
| Noon. | 90 | .568 | South, fine breeze. | ||||
| 3 | P.M. | 90 | .532 | Moderate. | |||
| 5 | 6 | A.M. | 79 | .786 | Thin showers. | ||
| Noon. | 89 | .623 | South-east, fine breezes. | ||||
| 3 | P.M. | 86 | .578 | Cloudy, thick weather. | |||
| 6 | 6 | A.M. | 76 | .829 | ⎱ ⎰ | Thin rain, light breezes, andcloudy. | |
| Noon. | 90 | .524 | |||||
| 1826. | Chiado. | ||||||
| Jan. | 10 | 3 | P.M. | 89 | 28.700 | Hazy. | |
| 6 | 85 | .700 | South south-west light air. | ||||
| 11 | 6 | A.M. | 75 | .750 | Calm and clear. | ||
| 9 | 82 | .750 | Same. | ||||
| Noon. | 90 | .695 | Light airs. | ||||
| 3 | P.M. | 94 | .675 | Ditto and clear. | |||
| 5 | 90 | .675 | |||||
| Koosoo. | |||||||
| 14 | 6 | P.M. | 89 | .800 | Calm. | ||
| 15 | 6 | A.M. | 75 | Strong breezes, east by north Harmattan. | |||
| Noon. | 89 | ||||||
| 3 | P.M. | 90 | .709 | ||||
| Atepa. | |||||||
| 20 | 1 | P.M. | 91 | .696 | ⎫ ⎪ ⎬ ⎪ ⎭ | North north-east strongHarmattan. | |
| 2 | 91 | ||||||
| 3 | 93 | .646 | |||||
| 4 | 92 | ||||||
| 5 | 84 | ||||||
| Katunga or Eyeo. | |||||||
| 25 | 6 | A.M. | 83 | 28.640 | North north-west, clear. | ||
| Noon. | 89½ | .580 | Strong breeze, fine, north-east. | ||||
| 3 | P.M. | 90 | .549 | East. | |||
| 26 | 6 | A.M. | 70 | Clear, light breezes, and cool. | |||
| 9 | 83 | .587 | Fresh breezes, north north-east. | ||||
| Noon. | 89 | .524 | Light ditto. | ||||
| 3 | P.M. | 90 | .519 | Mild ditto. | |||
| 27 | Noon. | 81 | .552 | Tube broke. | |||
| Feb. | 3 | 6 | A.M. | 74 | .560 | Dull and hazy. | |
| 9 | 82 | .516 | |||||
| Noon. | 88 | .606 | |||||
| 4 | 6 | A.M. | 79 | .510 | |||
| 9 | 89 | .510 | |||||
| Noon. | 89 | .458 | |||||
| 3 | P.M. | 77 | .458 | Thunder storm. | |||
| 5 | 6 | A.M. | 77 | .510 | Cloudy, and strong breeze. | ||
| 6 | 6 | 77 | .458 | Fresh breeze and clear. | |||
| 9 | 89 | .558 | |||||
| Noon. | 91 | .500 | Moderate breezes. | ||||
| 3 | P.M. | 91½ | .488 | Calm and clear. | |||
| 7 | 6 | A.M. | 78 | .500 | Fresh breeze during the night. | ||
| 9 | 88 | .555 | Moderate, north-east. | ||||
| Noon. | 94 | .517 | Calm. | ||||
| 3 | P.M. | 91 | .480 | Light airs. | |||
| 8 | 6 | A.M. | 75 | .552 | Light airs and hazy. | ||
| 9 | 84 | .611 | Ditto and flying clouds. | ||||
| Noon. | 89 | .568 | Mild, east-north-east. | ||||
| 3 | P.M. | 90 | .484 | ||||
| 9 | 6 | A.M. | 72 | .497 | Fresh breeze, clear and cool,south-west. | ||
| 9 | 87 | .521 | West-north-west. | ||||
| Noon. | 91 | Light airs. | |||||
| 3 | P.M. | 89 | .449 | Calm. | |||
| 10 | 6 | A.M. | 76 | .524 | Moderate and clear. | ||
| 9 | 82 | .568 | West-north-west, flying clouds. | ||||
| Noon. | 92 | .515 | Light airs, east-north-east. | ||||
| 3 | P.M. | 88 | .475 | ||||
| 11 | 6 | A.M. | 75 | .535 | Light breezes and clear. | ||
| 9 | 85 | .543 | |||||
| Noon. | 90 | .472 | |||||
| 3 | P.M. | 93 | .455 | Calm. | |||
| 12 | 6 | A.M. | 76 | .506 | Fresh breezes, north-west. | ||
| 9 | 86 | .544 | Light airs. | ||||
| Noon. | 92 | .509 | Squally, north-east. | ||||
| 3 | P.M. | 94 | .420 | Fresh breeze. | |||
| 13 | 6 | A.M. | 78 | .472 | Strong breeze and cloudy. | ||
| 9 | 86 | .540 | Moderate and cloudy, north-east. | ||||
| Noon. | 97 | .475 | Light airs and clear. | ||||
| 3 | P.M. | 94 | .435 | Ditto and cloudy. | |||
| 14 | 6 | A.M. | 80 | .505 | Strong breeze and cloudy. | ||
| 9 | 84 | .550 | Moderate breeze. | ||||
| Noon. | 91 | .504 | Light airs. | ||||
| 3 | P.M. | 94½ | .440 | ⎱ ⎰ | Cloudy—midnight, fresh breeze andcloudy. | ||
| 15 | 6 | A.M. | 75 | .537 | |||
| 9 | 84 | .591 | Clear and moderate. | ||||
| Noon. | 91 | .539 | |||||
| 3 | P.M. | 91½ | .420 | ||||
| 16 | 6 | A.M. | 80 | .590 | ⎱ ⎰ | Harmattan from north-east allday. | |
| 3 | P.M. | 91 | .537 | ||||
| 17 | 6 | A.M. | 74 | .612 | Strong ditto from north-east. | ||
| 9 | 83 | .696 | |||||
| Noon. | 89 | .628 | |||||
| 3 | P.M. | 89¾ | .568 | ||||
| 18 | 6 | A.M. | 75 | .600 | Harmattan from north-east. | ||
| 9 | 84 | .708 | |||||
| Noon. | 89 | .635 | |||||
| 3 | P.M. | 92 | .515 | ⎫ ⎪ ⎬ ⎪ ⎭ | Strong Harmattan from north-east,with thick fog. | ||
| 19 | 6 | A.M. | 70 | .500 | |||
| Noon. | 84 | .534 | |||||
| 3 | P.M. | 88 | .426 | ||||
| 20 | 6 | A.M. | 70 | .510 | |||
| 9 | 82 | .580 | ⎫ ⎬ ⎭ | Harmattan continued. | |||
| Noon. | 88 | .530 | |||||
| 3 | P.M. | 88 | .475 | ||||
| 21 | 6 | A.M. | 70 | .568 | ⎫ ⎬ ⎭ | The same. | |
| Noon. | 80 | .602 | |||||
| 3 | P.M. | 89 | .572 | ||||
| 22 | 6 | A.M. | 70 | .520 | ⎫ ⎪ ⎬ ⎪ ⎭ | The same. | |
| 9 | 80 | .580 | |||||
| Noon. | 85 | .534 | |||||
| 3 | P.M. | 86 | .460 | ||||
| 23 | 6 | A.M. | 70 | .535 | ⎫ ⎪ ⎬ ⎪ ⎭ | The same. | |
| 9 | 79 | .552 | |||||
| Noon. | 84 | .520 | |||||
| 3 | P.M. | 86 | .482 | ||||
| 24 | 6 | A.M. | 69 | .545 | ⎫ ⎬ ⎭ | The same. | |
| 9 | 78 | .571 | |||||
| Noon. | 88 | .500 | |||||
| 25 | 6 | A.M. | 72 | .442 | ⎫ ⎪ ⎬ ⎪ ⎭ | The same. | |
| 9 | 80 | .571 | |||||
| Noon. | 88 | .510 | |||||
| 3 | P.M. | 89 | .430 | ||||