20G THE TROOPS.

It might be imagined that this would be considered a fortunate occurrence by both jarties, and that the slave would, as a natural consequence, be liberated ; but this is by no means the case, for the soldier has usually incurred a debt on his arrears, and in the distribution of pay two troopers very often become co-proprietors of one full-grown slave. Thus little regard can be paid to filial or fraternal affection ; the soldier can only delay the sale of his father or brother for a few days, but it must eventually take place. Officers themselves have told me, that these scenes are of frequent occurrence, and that it would move the heart of the most unfeeling man to pity, to behold a son or brother concluding the bargain with the Djelabi for his near relative, when they are forced to part for ever.

The soldiers' boys receive pay from the day of their birth, and having attained their eleventh year, are drafted into the ranks as drummers or pipers ; when they subsequently increase in strength they advance to the musket. On the whole, a military anarchy may be almost said to reign predominant ; and it is indeed an arduous undertaking for the colonel to keep order among these undisciplined troops. Their present commander, however, appears to be better fitted to the task, and also to have the design of paying greater attention to the subject ; for he insists upon a more rigid discipline, but will tolerate no ill-treatment ; and I am convinced that he is most likely to succeed in bringing about an