508 DEPARTURE FROM LATTAKOO. 
[1813, 
hundreds of spectators. In conversation Mateebe 
observed, that some of his people died by the hand of 
God, and others by witchcraft. 
About a month ago, Makkabba sent another chief, 
who is residing with him at present, on an expedition 
against a neighbouring chief, in which he killed that 
chief, and carried away ail the cattle, which must have 
reduced that people to a most miserable condition, for 
the dependence of all in this part of Africa is chiefly 
on their cattle. It is very probable that Makkabba's 
success on this occasion arose from his having Dr. 
Cowan's guns, powder, and shot. 
The desire for knowing the interior of Africa is very 
strong in Europe, and probably it can only be gratified 
by missionaries gradually penetrating into the country. 
Missionary stations are surrounded by moral atmos- 
pheres, or have a moral and civilizing influence to a con- 
siderable distance around, beyond which it is extremely 
hazardous for white men to go. But when a missionary 
settlement has existed some time at Lattakoo, another 
may easily be introduced among the Wanketzens and 
others, who on their visits to Lattakoo will become 
acquainted with the missionaries, — will witness the 
advantage derived from their residence among that 
people — will hear various things which the missionaries 
teach, and on their return to their own lands will report 
what their eyes have seen, and their ears heard. This 
intelligence will probably produce a desire that mis-* 
sionaries may visit them also, and thus invitations will 
