DISCOVERIES OF THE PORTUGUESE. 
to lavish presents and promises, in hopes of attach- 
ing him to their alliance. The king, therefore, 
although he had given up the design of building a 
fort, ordered his armament to remain in the river, 
and embassies to be sent to the most powerful of 
the neighbouring states. Those particularly men- 
tioned are the king of Tongubutu (Tombuctoo), 
the king of Tucurol, and a king called Mandi 
Mansa, said to be one of the most powerful among 
those who occupied the territory of Manding ; 
which name seems to have had then a very extensive 
application. With this prince, a very intimate al- 
liance was formed. Several embassies were also 
sent to the king of Tombuctoo ; but of those, un- 
fortunately, no particulars are recorded. Another 
sovereign is also mentioned, Temala, king of the 
Foulhas, who, from the southern country of Foota, 
had invaded this territory with a force so immense, 
that, according to the poetical language of the Por- 
tuguese writers, the rivers were drunk up at which 
they stopped for refreshment. Although, however, 
Temala is said to have done much injury to the 
King's allies in this part of Africa, his officer does 
not seem to have ventured to embark in hostilities 
against him ; but even carried on an amicable in- 
tercourse by message and embassy. 
From causes already stated, the Portuguese 
maintained their importance in this quarter, were 
respected, and even courted by the neighbouring 
