during his absence. Dr. Laidley furthermore provided me with a
negro boy of his own, named Demba, a sprightly youth, who, besides
Mandingo, spoke the language of the Serawoollies, an inland people
(of whom mention will hereafter be made) residing on the banks of
the Senegal; and to induce him to behave well, the Doctor promised
him his freedom on his return, in case I should report favourably of
his fidelity and services. I was furnished with a horse for myself
(a small but very hardy and spirited beast, which cost me to the
value of 7 pounds 10s), and two asses for my interpreter and
servant. My baggage was light, consisting chiefly of provisions for
two days; a small assortment of beads, amber, and tobacco, for the
purchase of a fresh supply as I proceeded; a few changes of linen,
and other necessary apparel; an umbrella, a pocket sextant, a
magnetic compass, and a thermometer; together with two fowling-
pieces, two pair of pistols, and some other small articles.

A free man (a bashreen, or Mohammedan) named Madiboo, who was
travelling to the kingdom of Bambara, and two slatees, or slave
merchants, of the Serawoolli nation, and of the same sect, who were
going to Bondou, offered their services, as far as they intended
respectively to proceed, as did likewise a negro named Tami (also a
Mohammedan), a native of Kasson, who had been employed some years by
Dr. Laidley as a blacksmith, and was returning to his native country
with the savings of his labours. All these men travelled on foot,
driving their asses before them.

Thus I had no less than six attendants, all of whom had been taught
to regard me with great respect, and to consider that their safe
return hereafter to the countries on the Gambia would depend on my
preservation.