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 re-peopled. 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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