136 TRAVELS IN AFRICA.

articles I had promised to him, and some few things I was myself in want of; and as my messenger purposed going to Senegal through the Foota Toro country, I wished him to give letters of recommendation to the chiefs there, in order to ensure his safety while in it, and also requested him to appoint some person to accompany Mr. Partarrieau, and remain with him until his return. All this he very readily consented to, concluding upon this, as on all other occasions, by asking for something or other ; a little tobacco was then the object of his wishes, and with them I complied.

On my return to the camp I found that Mr. Dochard had completed all his preparations, and was only waiting my presence to move forward. His party consisted of one sergeant, seven rank and file, one civilian, and his own servant, together with Lamina and two of his people. He took with Iiim a very handsome present for Dhaa, the king of Sego, and some inferior, yet respectable ones, for his chiefs ; these, together with a small tent, two trunks of his own, and some provisions, loaded five asses, at least sufficiently so to admit of their travelling with expedition. The most active, wilhng, and well conducted men were selected for this service ; and, although the prospect of a journey of several hundred miles through a country oflering many