THE KING AND GOVERNMENT. 53 
I found myself much more comfortable in my new 
lodging. Sidi-Abdallahi my host had directed a mat to be 
spread in my chamber, of which he gave me the key. The 
slaves who lived in the house were ordered to wait on me, 
and they brought me twice a day couscous and rice seasoned 
with beef or mutton. 
The city of Timbuctoo is principally inhabited by ne- 
groes of the Kissoor nation. Many Moors also reside there. 
They are engaged in trade, and, like Europeans, who repair 
to the colonies in the hope of making their fortunes, they 
usually return to their own country to enjoy the fruits of 
their industry. They have considerable influence over the 
native inhabitants of Timbuctoo, whose king or governor 
is a negro. This prince, who is named Osman, is much 
respected by his subjects. He is very simple in his man- 
ners : his dress is like that of the Moors of Morocco; and 
his house is no better furnished than those of the Moorish 
merchants. He is himself a merchant, and his sons trade 
with Jenne. He inherited a considerable fortune from his 
ancestors, and is very rich. He has four wives, besides an 
infinite number of slaves, and is a zealous Mahometan. 
The sovereignty is hereditary, descending to the eldest 
son. The king does not levy any tribute on his subjects 
or on foreign merchants, but he receives presents. There 
is no regular government. The king is like a father ruling 
his children. He is mild and just, and has nothing to fear 
from his subjects. The whole community, indeed, exhibits 
the amiable and simple manners of the patriarchs. In case 
of war, all are ready to serve ; but the mild and inoffensive 
manners of these people afford little ground for quarrels, and 
when they arise the natives of Timbuctoo repair to their 
chief, who assembles a council of the elders, all of whom 
are blacks. Though the Moors are not permitted to take 
part in these councils, yet my host Sidi-Abdallahi, the friend 
of Osman, was sometimes allowed to be present at them. 
