From The Central Situation Of Bondou, Between The Gambia And Senegal
Rivers, It Is Become A Place Of Great Resort,
Both for the slatees,
who generally pass through it on going from the coast to the
interior countries, and for
Occasional traders, who frequently come
hither from the inland countries to purchase salt.
These different branches of commerce are conducted principally by
Mandingoes and Serawoollies, who have settled in the country. These
merchants likewise carry on a considerable trade with Gedumah and
other Moorish countries, bartering corn and blue cotton cloths for
salt, which they again barter in Dentila and other districts for
iron, shea-butter, and small quantities of gold-dust. They likewise
sell a variety of sweet-smelling gums, packed up in small bags,
containing each about a pound. These gums, being thrown on hot
embers, produce a very pleasant odour, and are used by the
Mandingoes for perfuming their huts and clothes.
The customs, or duties on travellers, are very heavy; in almost
every town an ass-load pays a bar of European merchandise, and at
Fatteconda, the residence of the king, one Indian baft, or a musket,
and six bottles of gunpowder, are exacted as the common tribute. By
means of these duties, the king of Bondou is well supplied with arms
and ammunition - a circumstance which makes him formidable to the
neighbouring states.
The inhabitants differ in their complexions and national manners
from the Mandingoes and Serawoollies, with whom they are frequently
at war. Some years ago the king of Bondou crossed the Faleme river
with a numerous army; and, after a short and bloody campaign,
totally defeated the forces of Samboo, king of Bambouk, who was
obliged to sue for peace, and surrender to him all the towns along
the eastern bank of the Faleme.
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