DISCOVERIES OF THE FRENCH. 169 
French, and prevent them from penetrating higher 
up the river. The Director conceived himself call- 
ed upon to maintain his dignity, by setting these 
threats at defiance. He declared, that he would 
continue his voyage, whether he received the per- 
mission of Tonka Bukari or not ; and that, if war 
was declared, he would land and lay waste the 
country. The negroes now collected upon the 
banks in great crowds, and in a threatening posi- 
tion. The Director, however, by sounding his 
drums and trumpets, and by firing a few rounds 
of cannon without ball, soon succeeded in dispers- 
ing this armament. He then continued his voyage 
without molestation ; but every information which 
he received confirmed the fact, that Tonka Bukari 
was actually in possession of the throne ; with the 
addition, that the chiefs who had raised him to it 
were determined to prevent Tonka Mouka from 
ever reascending it. Our traveller, therefore, who 
had no disposition to investigate the right, pro- 
vided he knew where the power resided, deter- 
mined immediately to pay his respects to Tonka 
Bukari. He set sail for Burnaghi, the residence 
of the new monarch, and sent a messenger to say* 
that he would wait upon him, and pay the ac- 
customed duties* The monarch received this no- 
tice in the most gracious manner, and offered to 
come in person and visit the general. He sent 
next day a present of cattle and poultry, and the 
