392 A TROPICAL DEPENDENCY the confederation. They were shortly joined by Northern Katsena, Yauri, Kebbi, Kano, Kontagora, Daura, and Southern Zaria. It would seem that all the lesser states of Haussaland at one time joined this **Tawias" or revolt against the Fulani. That it was not a religious but a political revolt is made fairly clear by the names of Kebbi, Kano, and Katsena, who were distinctly Mohammedan, and by the fact that the confederation entered into alliance with the Moors.

One native chief led the revolt in Zanfara, and established himself in a stronghold almost within sight of Sokoto. Another led the revolt in the province of Gando. The early years of Bello's reign were occupied by constant expeditions against the revolted provinces. After fighting the pagan leaders in Gando, Gober, Zanfara, and Kebbi, he encountered the Moors and was himself defeated. It is to be noted that in these campaigns Bello's successes are always attributed to the exertions of his cavalry.

At a date which is not specified by Hadj Said, but which must probably have been about the year 1820, the confederated states made a determined effort to overthrow their Fulani conqueror. They renewed their alliance with the Moors, and having assured themselves of the sympathy of Mohammed el Kanemi of Bornu, their combined forces marched upon the territory of Sokoto. Bello collected an immense army at Wurnu, and Omar, the head of the Fulani Church, a very holy man living in high repute at Sokoto, addressed the soldiers. The Fulani professed to regard the war as a struggle for life and death between Islam and paganism. The soldiers of Bello's army were enjoined to keep their hearts pure, and to commit no atrocities. With these injunctions the army marched to the encounter of the federated forces. The attack appears to have been made from the north, and in the dry season of the year. The sufferings of the army from thirst were terrible. Bello, in person, encouraged the troops by reminding them constantly of the sacred cause for which they fought, but at last the position grew so desperate i