Before hostilities commenced the Sheikh sent for the brother of the deposed prince, whom he had placed in power at Zinder; but the answer was refusal. "If you want money," said the rebel chieftain, "here it is; if you want slaves, here they are;—but I will not come to Kuka." Ibrahim, the former and present sultan, had meanwhile gone to the capital, and covered himself with dust in the presence of the Sheikh, and obtained his pardon and the promise of his restoration to power. His brother knew this well, and, of course, would not go to the capital. It is surprising, however, that the rebellion could hold out so long against so large a force; the people of Zinder must be framed for war. The Tuaricks during the struggle stood by and looked on. The displaced brother is now at Kuka, having there obtained the pardon of the Sheikh. He fled to the Tuaricks after the capture of the town.
There are several pretty shady trees scattered through the town of Zinder, planted mostly in the gardens of the grandees. The names of three of these are, in Bornouese, rimi, jaja, and ilbug.
I have obtained some information on the slave-trade, which I here give in its crude shape. Slaves are classed as follows:—
Males.
The best of the slaves now go to Niffee, to be there shipped for America; they are mostly males, of the class 2d, 3d, 4th, and are minutely examined before departure. From all reports, there is an immense traffic of slaves that way exchanged against American goods, which are driving out of the markets all the merchandise of the north.
Prices:—I. Males.
| 1st. | From 10,000 to 15,000 wadâs. | |
| 2d. | 30,000 | and under. |
| 3d. | 35,000 | " |
| 4th. | 30,000 | " |
| 5th. | 20,000 | " |
II. Females.
| 1st. | 10,000 | and under. | (Ajouza.) |
| 2d. | 80,000 | " | |
| 3d. | 100,000 | " | |
| 4th. | 40,000 | " | |
| 5th. | 30,000 | " | |
| 6th. | 20,000 | " |