or foresight, could possibly have averted my present sufferings. I was indeed a stranger in a strange land, yet I was still under the protecting eye of that Providence who has condescended to call himself the stranger’s friend. At this moment, painful as my reflections were, the extraordinary beauty of a small moss, in fructification, irresistibly caught my eye. I mention this to shew from what trifling circumstances the mind will sometimes derive consolation ; for though the whole plant was not larger than the top of one of my fingers, I could not contemplate the delicate conformation of its roots, leaves, and capsula, without admiration. Can that being (thought I), who planted, watered, and brought to perfection, in this obscure part of the world, a thing which appears of so small importance, look with unconcern upon the situation and sufferings of creatures formed after his own image ?— surely n o t! Reflections like these, would not allow me to despair. I started up, and disregarding both hunger and fatigue,: travelled forwards, assured that relief was at hand ; and I was not disappointed. In a short time I came, to a small village, at the entrance of which I overtook the two shepherds who had come with me from Kooma. They were much surprised to see me ; for they said, they never doubted that the Foulahs, when they had robbed, had murdered me. Departing from this village, we travelled over several r6cky ridges, and at sunset, arrived at Sibidooloo; the frontier town of the kingdom of Manding. CHAPTER XIX. Government of Manding.— The Author s Reception by the Mans a, or chief Man of Sibidooloo, who takes Measures for the Recovery of his Horse and Effects.— The Author removes to JVanda ;—great Scarcity, and its afflicting Consequences.— The Author recovers his Horse and Clothes—presents his Horse to the Mansa; and prosecutes his Journey to Kamalia— some Account of that Town.— The Author’s kind Reception by Karfa Taura, a Slatee, who proposes to go to the Gambia in the next dry Season, with a Caravan of Slaves.— The Author’s Sickness, and Determination to remain and accompany Karfa. T he town of Sibidooloo is situated in a fertile valley, surrounded with high rocky hills. It is scarcely accessible for horses, and during the frequent wars between the Bambarrans, Fbulalis, and Mandingoes, has never once been plundered by an enemy. When I entered the town, the people gathered round me, and followed me into the baloon; where I was presented, to the Dooty or chief man, who is here called Mansa, which usually signifies king. Nevertheless, it appeared tome that the government of Manding was a sort of republic, or rather an oligarchy ; every town having a particular ManSa, and the chief power of the state, in the last resort, being lodged in
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