Privateers; and English property of
considerable value has frequently been left at Vintain for a long
time entirely under the care of the Feloops, who have uniformly
manifested on such occasions the strictest honesty and punctuality.
How greatly is it to be wished that the minds of a people so
determined and faithful could be softened and civilised by the mild
and benevolent spirit of Christianity!
The Jaloffs (or Yaloffs) are an active, powerful, and warlike race,
inhabiting great part of that tract which lies between the river
Senegal and the Mandingo states on the Gambia; yet they differ from
the Mandingoes not only in language, but likewise in complexion and
features. The noses of the Jaloffs are not so much depressed, nor
the lips so protuberant, as among the generality of Africans; and
although their skin is of the deepest black, they are considered by
the white traders as the most sightly negroes on this part of the
continent.
Their language is said to be copious and significant, and is often
learnt by Europeans trading to Senegal.
The Foulahs (or Pholeys), such of them at least as reside near the
Gambia, are chiefly of a tawny complexion, with soft silky hair, and
pleasing features. They are much attached to a pastoral life, and
have introduced themselves into all the kingdoms on the windward
coast as herdsmen and husbandmen, paying a tribute to the sovereign
of the country for the lands which they hold.
