XXVII.] EXPORT OF SLAVES. 353 



extended his depredations as far as Ussambi. He is one of the July, 

 Wakalaganza, the principal tribe among the Wanyamwezi ; and i^'^^- 

 many years ago he penetrated with a strong party as far as Ka- 

 tanga in search of ivory. When there, he saw that his party, 

 having the advantage of possessing guns, could easily conquer 

 the native ruler. And this he forthwith proceeded to do, and 

 established himself as an independent chief, thongli Katanga is 

 properly in the dominions of Kasongo. 



As snch, Kasongo and his father, Bambarre, had frequently 

 sent parties to demand tribute from Mshiri; but they had al- 

 ways returned from their mission with any thing but success, 

 and neither Kasongo nor his father thought it advisable to risk 

 his prestige by proceeding against him in person. 



Mshiri has collected around him large numbers of Wanyam- 

 wezi and malcontents from among the lower order of traders 

 from the East Coast, and obtains supplies of powder and guns 

 by trading both to Benguela and Unyanyembe. Caravans, com- 

 manded by half-caste Portuguese, and slaves of Portuguese 

 traders, have visited him for over twenty years, and furnish 

 numerous recruits to his ranks. Ivory being scarce, his princi- 

 pal trade is in slaves and copper. The latter is procured on the 

 spot from the mines at Katanga ; but for slaves he has to send 

 far and wide. In consideration of a small payment, he allows 

 parties of his adherents to accompany slave-trading caravans on 

 their raids, and, on returning to his head-quarters, the slaves are 

 divided between the traders and himself, in projDortion to the 

 number of guns furnished by his people. His trade with Bihe 

 and the West Coast is rapidly increasing, and large tracts of 

 country are being depopulated in consequence. 



Only a small proportion of the slaves taken by the caravans 

 from Bihe and the West Coast reach Benguela, the greater 

 part, more especially the women, being forwarded to Sekeletu's 

 country in exchange for ivory ; and it is hot improbable that 

 some of these eventually find their way to the diamond fields, 

 among the gangs of laborers taken there by the Kaflirs. 



^Nevertheless, I am convinced that more are taken to the 

 coast near Benguela than can be absorbed there, and that an 

 outlet for them must exist. I am strongly of opinion that, in 

 spite of the unremitting vigilance of the commanders of our 



