DISCOVERIES OP THE PORTUGUESE. 67 
which they all, in sign of satisfaction, took the 
names of those who had placed themselves in this 
relation to them. 
After the chief of Congo had thus spent two 
years in Europe, the king, * in the year 1490, caus- 
e4 a new armament of three vessels to be fitted 
out for the purpose of conveying them back to 
their native country. Unfortunately, the plague 
happening to rage at Lisbon, found its way into 
the fleet, and a dreadful mortality ensued in their 
voyage to Congo. Gonzalo de Sousa, the com- 
mander, and Don John de Souza, ambassador and 
secretary, were among the victims. The expedi- 
tion being thus left without a leader, was in dan- 
ger of falling into complete disorganization. At 
length Ruy de Sousa, nephew to the deceased com- 
mander, though without any ostensible office, and 
going merely as a volunteer, was unanimously cho- 
sen to fill his uncle's place. Order being thus re- 
stored, the expedition arrived at Congo, and sailed 
up the river. The first place at which they land- 
ed was Sono, or Sogno ; the governor of which 
was a nephew of the king, and called Mani Sono, 
which signifies " Lord of Sono. 53 As soon as this 
prince learned the arrival of the Portuguese, he 
hastened to meet them, accompanied by a nume- 
rous train of his vassals, and by a prodigious sound 
of horns, kettle-drums, and all the instruments 
* Di Barros, III. 9. 
