219 ON THE STATE OF SLAVERY IN MUHAMEDAN AFRICA.

The state of slavery in this country is very different from that which is experienced by the unfortunate men who are transported from Africa to work under our Christian brethren in the West India islands. No man, who is sufficiently erudite to read the Koran can be (abd) a slave in a Muhamedan country. It is incum* bent on a good muselman to give such his liberty, that the propagation of the {Deen el Wdsah ) muselman faith, be not impeded. A man who has served his master faithfully seven years, sometimes gets liberated. This liberation, however, is not compulsory ; but conscientious muselmen, of good moral character, often adopt this enlarging system* I have, however, met with many Moors, who, on offering liberty to their slaves, the latter have declined it, preferring to continue in obeisance ; a clear proof that their servitude is not very severe. All slaves, without exception, are brought to this country from the various territories of Sudan, by the akkabars, kaffilas, or caravans, that traverse Sahara. They are all pagans or idolaters (from the interior regions). They are worth from ten to twenty dollars at Timbuctoo ; and at Marocco and Fas * So called by Muhamedans : literally means the liberal or mde doctrine alluding to that of the Arabian Prophet.

Jeremiah, xxxiv. 14.

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