This beautiful stream takes its
rise a little to the eastward of this town, and descends with a
rapid
And noisy current until it reaches the bottom of the high hill
called Tappa, where it becomes more placid, and winds gently through
the lovely plains of Kooniakary; after which, having received an
additional branch from the north, it is lost in the Senegal,
somewhere near the falls of Felow.
February 8. - This day we travelled over a rough stony country, and
having passed Seimpo and a number of other villages, arrived in the
afternoon at Lackarago, a small village which stands upon the ridge
of hills that separates the kingdoms of Kasson and Kaarta. In the
course of the day we passed many hundreds of people flying from
Kaarta with their families and effects.
February 9. - Early in the morning we departed from Lackarago, and a
little to the eastward came to the brow of a hill from whence we had
an extensive view of the country. Towards the south-east were
perceived some very distant hills, which our guide told us were the
mountains of Fooladoo. We travelled with great difficulty down a
stony and abrupt precipice, and continued our way in the bed of a
dry river course, where the trees, meeting overhead, made the place
dark and cool. In a little time we reached the bottom of this
romantic glen, and about ten o'clock emerged from between two rocky
hills, and found ourselves on the level and sandy plains of Kaarta.
At noon we arrived at a korree, or watering place, where for a few
strings of beads I purchased as much milk and corn-meal as we could
eat; indeed, provisions are here so cheap, and the shepherds live in
such affluence, that they seldom ask any return for what
refreshments a traveller receives from them. From this korree we
reached Feesurah at sunset, where we took up our lodging for the
night.
February 10. - We continued at Feesurah all this day, to have a few
clothes washed, and learn more exactly the situation of affairs
before we ventured towards the capital.
February 11 - Our landlord, taking advantage of the unsettled state
of the country, demanded so extravagant a sum for our lodging that,
suspecting he wished for an opportunity to quarrel with us, I
refused to submit to his exorbitant demand; but my attendants were
so much frightened at the reports of approaching war that they
refused to proceed any farther unless I could settle matters with
him, and induce him to accompany us to Kemoo, for our protection on
the road. This I accomplished with some difficulty; and by a
present of a blanket which I had brought with me to sleep in, and
for which our landlord had conceived a very great liking, matters
were at length amicably adjusted, and he mounted his horse and led
the way. He was one of those negroes who, together with the
ceremonial part of the Mohammedan religion, retain all their ancient
superstitions, and even drink strong liquors.
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