Is It Courage, Or Money, Or Prudence?" I
Would Reply, "The First Thing Is Suffering, The Second Is Suffering, And
The Last Is Suffering." [36] I Consulted An Old Man On This Journey To
Timbuctoo.
He could not undertake a voyage being too old.
He mentioned
names of places _en route_, and said they travelled by the stars, which
star-travelling is all stuff. He recommended going by sea as much
nearer. Very little satisfactory information can be obtained from
Maroquine Moors, who would rather mislead than direct you.
I endeavoured to open a correspondence with the South on the
Anti-Slavery question. At first, I thought of going to Wadnoun on
receiving an invitation from the Sheikh, but when I proposed this to Mr.
Wiltshire, he insisted on my relinquishing such a project, inasmuch as
having placed myself at the direction of the Consul-General, as
recommended by the Earl of Aberdeen, I was not at liberty to differ from
the advice, which Mr. Hay and himself might tender me. I saw there was
some reason in this, and submitted though with great reluctance.
However, I wrote two letters to Sheikh Barook of Wadnoun, stating the
views and objects of the Anti-Slavery Society.
I had some difficulty in finding a courier, who would undertake the
delicate mission of conveying the letters. But Mr. Treppass and the
French Consul, M. Jorelle, felt themselves more at liberty in the matter
than our Consul, and determined to assist me, M. Jorelle very justly
observing, "We will sow the seeds of liberty, if we can do nothing
more." Indeed, I am greatly obliged to that gentleman for the interest
he took in my mission, and the assistance he rendered me on this and
other occasions.
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