be vanquished, or humbled, they considered that they could neither return to their native towns, nor live in security-in any of the neighbouring kingdoms. With a view to extort money from these people, by means of this treaty, Ali dispatched his son to Jarra, and prepared to follow him in the course of a few days. This was an opportunity of too great consequence to me, to be neglected. I immediately applied to Fatima ( who, I found, had the chief direction in all affairs' of state), and begged her interest with Ali, to give me permission to accompany him to Jarra. This request, after some hesitation, was favourably received. Fatima looked kindly.on me, and; I believe, was at length moved with compassion towards me. My bundles were brought from the large cow-skin bag that stood jn ■ the corner of Ali.s tent, and I was ordered to explain the use of the different articles, and shew the method of putting on the boots, stockings, &c. ; with all which I cheerfully complied, and was told that, .in the course of a few days, I should be at liberty to depart. Believing, therefore, that I should certainly find the means of escaping from Jarra, if I should once get thither ; I now freely indulged the.pleasing hope that my captivity would soon terminate ; and happily not having been disappointed in this idea, I shall pause, in this place, to collect and bring into one point of view, such observations on the Moorish character, and country, as I had no fair opportunity of introducing into the preceding narrative. CHAPTER X II. Containing some further miscellaneous Reflections on the Moorish Character, and Manners.— Observations concerning the Great .: Desert, its Animals, wild and domestic, &c. &c. T he Moors of this part of Africa, are divided into many separate tribes; of which the most formidable, according to what was reported to me, are those of Trasart and II Braken, which inhabit the northern bank of the Senegal river. The tribes of Gedumah, Jafnoo, and Ludamar, though not so numerous as the former, are nevertheless very powerful and warlike; and are each governed by a chief, or king, who exercises absolute jurisdiction over his own horde, without acknowledging allegiance to a common sovereign. In time of peace, the employment of the people is pasturage. The Moors, indeed, subsist chiefly on the flesh of their cattle ; and are always in the,ex-, treme of either gluttony or abstinence. In consequence of the frequent and severe fasts which their, religion enjoins, and the, toilsome journies, which they sometimes undertake across the Desert, they are enabled to bear both hunger and thirst, with surprising fortitude ; but whenever, opportunities occur of satisfying their appetite, they generally devour more at one meal, than would serve an European for three. They pay but little attention to agriculture; purchasing their corn, cotton-cloth,
27f 60
To see the actual publication please follow the link above