202

PARK'S DISTRESSING SITUATION.

pect appeared somewhat gloomy. It, however, afforded me peculiar pleasure, when I reflected that, in conducting a party of Europeans, with immense baggage, through an extent of more than five hundred miles, I had always been able to preserve the most friendly terms with the natives. In fact, this journey plainly demonstrates: first, that, with common prudence, any quantity of merchandise may be transported from the Gambia to the Niger, without danger of being robbed by the natives; secondly, that if this journey be performed in the dry season, one may calculate on losing not more than three, or, at most, four men out of fifty."

CHAPTER XVII.

Distressing Situation of Park.--His Embarcation on the Niger. -His Arrival at Marraboo.-At Samee.-His Speech to Mansong's Prime Minister.-Mansong's Reply.-Park's Arrival at Sansanding.-His Description of that Town.-His successful Trading there.-Death of his Brother-in-law, Mr. Anderson. -Completion of the Schooner Joliba.-Last Letters received from Park.

[1805.]

PARK'S situation, on arriving at length upon the banks of the Niger, was very distressing. Of thir. ty-four soldiers and four carpenters who left the Gambia, only six soldiers and one carpenter reached that river. Mr. Anderson, Lieutenant Martyn, and Mr. Scott were seriously affected by illness; the last, indeed, had been obliged to remain behind,

HIS EMBARCATION ON THE NIGER.

203

and he died soon afterward, without seeing the Niger.

On the 22d, Park and Anderson embarked on the Niger, with all the baggage, in two canoes, leaving Lieutenant Martyn and the surviving men to proceed by land, and join them at Marraboo, beyond the rapids. "We passed two of the principal rapids," says Park, " and three smaller ones in the course of the afternoon. We saw on one of the islands in the middle of the river a large elephant; it was of a red clay colour, with black legs. I was very unwell of the dysentery, otherwise I would have had a shot at him, for he was quite near us. We saw three hippopotami close to another of these islands. The canoe-men were afraid they might follow us and overset the canoe. The report of a musket will in all cases frighten them away. They blow up the water exactly like a whale. we were gliding along shore one of the canoe-men speared a fine turtle, of the same species as the one I formerly saw, and made a drawing of in Gimbia. At sunset we rowed to the shore, and landed on some flat rocks, and set about cooking the turtle and rice for our supper; but, before this aldermanic repast was half dressed, the rain came on us, and continued with great violence all night.'

As

From Marraboo Park despatched his guide, Isaaco, to Sego, the capital of Bambarra, to negotiate with King Mansong for a free passage through his dominions, and for such other facilities as might enable him to prosecute his journey. On the 8th of September, Mansong's " singing man" arrived, with orders to convey them to Sego, and on the 16th left them at Samee, to announce their approach.

204 PARK'S SPEECH TO MANSONG'S PRIME MINISTER.

On the evening of the 22d of September, Modibinne, the prime minister of King Mansong, with four of his friends, arrived at Samee in a canoe, to hear from Park's own mouth the cause of his visit to Bambarra. On the following morning, as soon as our travellers had breakfasted, Modibinne and the four grandees came to visit them. When they had seated themselves, and the usual compliments had passed, Modibinne desired Park to acquaint them with the motives which had induced him to come into their country. Park then spoke to them in the Bambarra language as follows:

"I am the white man who, nine years ago, came into Bambarra. I then came to Sego, and requested Mansong's permission to pass to the eastward; he not only permitted me to pass, but presented me with 5000 cowries, to purchase provisions on the road; for you all know that the Moors had robbed me of my goods. This generous conduct of Mansong towards me has made his name much respect. ed in the land of the white people. The king of that country has sent me again into Bambarra; and if Mansong is inclined to protect me, and you who are here sitting wish to befriend me, I will inform you of the real object of my coming into your country." [Here Modibinne desired him to speak on, as they were all his friends.] "You all know," continued Park, "that the white people are a trading people; and that all the articles of value, which the Moors and the people of Jinnie bring to Sego, are made by us. If you speak of a good gun, who made it? the white people. If you speak of a good pistol or sword, or piece of scarlet, or baft, or beads, or gunpowder-who made them? the white people.

THE MINISTER'S REPLY.

205

We sell them to the Moors; the Moors bring them to Timbuctoo, where they sell them at a higher rate. The people of Timbuctoo sell them to the people of Jinnie at a still higher price; and the people of Jinnie sell them to you. Now the king of the white people wishes to find out a way by which we may bring our merchandise to you, and sell everything at a much cheaper rate than you now have them. For this purpose, if Mansong will permit me to pass, I propose sailing down the Joliba to the place where it mixes with the salt water; and if I find no rocks or danger in the way, the white men's small vessels will come up and trade at Sego, if Mansong wishes it. What I have now spoken, I hope and trust you will not mention to any person except Mansong and his son; for if the Moors should hear of it, I should certainly be murdered before 1 reach the salt water."

Modibinne then answered, "We have heard what you have spoken. Your journey is a good one, and may God prosper you in it. Mansong will protect you. We will carry your words to Mansong this afternoon, and to-morrow will bring you his an swer." Park made Isaaco show them the different presents which had been allotted to Mansong and his son. They were delighted with a silver-plated tureen, two double-barrelled guns; in fact, every article was far superior to anything of the kind they had ever before seen.

When Park had laid out everything for Mansong and his son, he then made each of the grandees, and Modibinne, a present of scarlet cloth. Modibinne said that the present was great, and worthy of Mansong; "but," added he, "Mansong has S

206

MANSONG'S REPLY TO PARK.

heard so many reports concerning your baggage that he wishes us to examine it. Such of the bun. dles as are covered with skin we will not open; you will tell us what is in them, and that will be suffi cient." Park told them that he had nothing but what was necessary for purchasing provisions; and that it would please him much if they could dispense with opening the bundles. They, however, persisted; and he then ordered the bundles to be brought out, taking care, with the assistance of the soldiers, to secrete all the good amber and coral.

When all the loads were inspected, Park asked Modibinne what he thought of the baggage, and whether he had seen any more silver tureens or double-barrelled guns. Modibinne answered, that he had seen nothing that was bad, and nothing but what was necessary for purchasing provisions; and that he would report the same to Mansong. He accordingly went away with his companions to Sego, but without taking Mansong's present till they had heard his answer.

On the 24th of September two of the soldiers died. On the 25th, Modibinne and the four grandees returned with Mansong's answer, a literal translation of which is as follows: " Mansong says he will protect you; that a road is open for you ev. erywhere, as far as his hand (power) extends. If you wish to go to the east, no man shall harm you from Sego till you pass Tombuctoo. If you wish to go to the west, you may travel through Foola. doo and Manding, through Kasson and Bondou; the name of Mansong's stranger will be a sufficient protection for you. If you wish to build your boats at Samee or Sego, at Sansanding or Jinnie,