The Mandingos are professed Mahomedans, whose influence is spreading with so much rapidity on this part of the coast, that several of the other tribes have submitted to their authority; so strong an impression has their superior attainments and book-knowledge imprinted on their minds.  In no instance can their growing influence appear more conspicuous than in that of Alimami being vested with authority over the Port Logo, of which he is not a native, and over a people originally infidels.  Formerly this tribe of Mandingos were itinerant fetish makers and priests, but now they are numerous to the northward of Sierra Leone, from whence a wide district receives their rulers and chieftains.

After an audience of considerable length, Alimami retired with several of his chiefs, and soon after I had a message that he wished to see me in another part of his dwelling.  I had previously noticed to him that I intended shortly to embark for my country.  When conducted to his presence, he very emphatically enquired “if what I tell him be true?” I replied “it was; but that I go to do him and his countrymen good; that he know this was the second time I look them, but never forget them.”  “We all know that,” he replied, “but white man that come among us, never stay long time; you be good man, and we wish you live among us—­How many moon you be gone from us?”—­“About ten moon; how would you like to go with me, Alimami?”—­“I like that much, but black man not be head enough to do what white man does;” and putting his hand to his bosom, he took from it a piece of gold in the form of a heart; and said, “take that for me.”  To have refused it would have been an insult; I therefore accepted it; adding, “that I would tie it to fine riband, and wear it when I look my country, to let Englishmen see what fine present he make me.”  He was quite pleased with the idea, and expressed his satisfaction with great fervency.

Soon after, I offered to take my leave, and was accompanied by him and his chiefs to the gate, where I bade him adieu, and passed through the town, paying my respects to its inhabitants, and among others, to the schoolmaster, whose venerable appearance, and superior intelligence, excited my respect and esteem.

Upon our return to Marriba’s house, we were happy to partake of a country mess of rice, boiled with fowls, palm oil, and other compounds.  The chief could not be prevailed to eat with us, but attended us with great assiduity during our meal.  The imperial guard accompanied us to our canoe, and we returned to Miffare without accident.

The following morning we proceeded to the branch of the Rochell, which we found more diversified and picturesque than the Port Logo, and its borders better inhabited.

Proceeding up this branch, and visiting the chiefs in our way, and the inhabitants of a number of villages, we arrived at Billy Manshu’s Town, a little chief of very considerable intelligence, and who treated us with great hospitality:  here we slept.