convoyed Mr. Mungo Park in the Brig Crescent, to the River Gambia, on his
late Mission to the Interior of Africa.--Observations on that
Subject.--Arrive in Porto Praya Bay, in the Island of St. Jago.--Some
Remarks upon that Island.--Departure from thence to England, and safe
arrival at Portsmouth._


A few days after the arrival of the Lark at the island of Goree,
accompanied by a party of the officers of that ship, I made an excursion
upon the main land: we set out from the ship early in the morning, for
Decar, the capital of a chief or king, named Marraboo: we arrived before he
had moved abroad, and, after going through winding narrow paths or streets,
we were conducted by one of his people to his palace, a wretched hovel,
built with mud, and thatched with bamboo. In our way to this miserable
habitation of royalty, a confused sound of voices issued forth from almost
every hut we passed, which originated from their inhabitants vociferating
their morning orisons to Allah and Mahomet; their religion being an
heterogeneous system of Mahomedanism, associated with superstitious
idolatry, incantations, and charms.

We found _Marraboo's head men_ and priests assembled before his majesty's
dwelling _to give him service_, and to offer him their morning's
salutation. At length he made his appearance, followed by several of the
officers of the palace, carrying skins of wild beasts, and mats, which upon
enquiry, I found to have composed the royal bed, spread out upon a little
hurdle, erected about a foot and a half high, interwoven with bamboo canes:
my attention was much engaged with this novel sight; and I could not
contemplate the venerable old man, surrounded by his chiefs, without
conceiving I beheld one of the patriarchs of old, in their primaeval state.
After his chiefs had paid their obeisance, I presumed, accompanied by my