Thus
The War Between Kajaaga And Kasson Was Occasioned By The Detention
Of A Fugitive Slave; That Between Bambarra And Kaarta By The Loss Of
A Few Cattle.
Other cases of the same nature perpetually occur in
which the folly or mad ambition of their princes and the zeal of
their religious enthusiasts give full employment to the scythe of
desolation.
The wars of Africa are of two kinds, which are distinguished by
different appellations; that species which bears the greatest
resemblance to our European contests is denominated killi, a word
signifying "to call out," because such wars are openly avowed and
previously declared. Wars of this description in Africa commonly
terminate, however, in the course of a single campaign. A battle is
fought - the vanquished seldom think of rallying again - the whole
inhabitants become panic-struck, and the conquerors have only to
bind the slaves and carry off their plunder and their victims. Such
of the prisoners as, through age or infirmity, are unable to endure
fatigue, or are found unfit for sale, are considered as useless,
and, I have no doubt, are frequently put to death. The same fate
commonly awaits a chief or any other person who has taken a very
distinguished part in the war. And here it may be observed that,
notwithstanding this exterminating system, it is surprising to
behold how soon an African town is rebuilt and repeopled. The
circumstance arises probably from this: that their pitched battles
are few - the weakest know their own situation, and seek safety in
flight.
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