There is a characteristic feature between the Mahomedan nations of Africa, particularly those from the shores of the Mediterranean (whom I have seen in my travels in that quarter) which, with their almost universal profession of the Mahomedan religion, sanctions the idea, that this part of the coast has been peopled from the eastern parts of the continent; but the visible difference in religion, complexion, and feature, of the nations towards Cape Palmas, give rise to other conjectures.  An obvious difference may be observed among these numerous nations; their language and their customs are various, and are frequently without affinity or relation.  From the shores of the Mediterranean to this part of Africa, the majority of the nations are Mahomedans, but towards Cape Palmas they are gross idolaters, with a mixture Mahomedanism and superstition; many of them erect temples, and dedicate groves to the devil.  I have seen several of these, which exhibit no outward sign or object of worship, but consist of stumps of trees, in a circular form, covered with leaves, or a thatched roof, in the centre of which stands a square altar of mud, without any image of adoration.  The reason assigned by them for their omission in this instance, is, “that they never look the Devil or evil spirit, therefore they do not know how to make any thing like him.”  To the good spirit they neither make offering nor sacrifice, considering it as unnecessary to obtain his favours, from his disposition to do nothing but good, which of course he will administer to them.

From every thing that I have observed, I conceive that idolatry, and fetish worship, is the predominant religion of Africa, and that Mahomedanism has been propagated by the Moore and Arab’s.  It may not here be unopportune to introduce the Mandingo man’s prayer, which I obtained from a very intelligent chief of that nation:  viz.

Mandingo Arabic.

Subbohanalahe Rabila’ademy abodehe.  Subbohanala rabila Allah.  Subbohana arabe.  Inye allamante, nafuse wa amutate sue wakefurella.  Teyatelillahe tebates allivatuelub lahey.  Sillamaleko ayo hanabehe, obara katolahe Sullamalina Ihannabe, lebadelahe Salihenee”

The address to Mahomet follows,
viz.

Sahadala elahe idillaha
Mahomedo, arasoolo lahi
man Mahomedo aboodaho.

In their idiom of English.

God lives and, is not dust.  God be master of all and is above his slaves.  God knows his slave, and is not made of earth; but above all. (Before the next sentence, Subbohana arabe, &c. he bows twice.)

Suppose I die, I can look you to-morrow, and thank you, and be out of trouble, and free from the Devil.

(Teyatelillahe, &c. accompanied
by a motion of the fingers)

I beg in my prayers again, God, I may die to day, I look to thank you again to-morrow, my people and family may then get into trouble, and I then pray to you.