SECOND INTERVIEW WITH ALMAMY. 113 
duty, if commanded to perform it by Almamy, the post is 
not as in Europe, considered dishonourable to him who is 
appointed to it. 
February 27th. At sun-rise Almamy sent me a message, 
desiring- to see me. I was a considerable time before I reached 
his presence, for a numerous crowd surrounded him, to hear 
judgment pronounced against a man who had neglected to 
join the army. Although advanced in years, the culprit was 
condemned to have his legs fettered, and in this state to 
accompany the army. An Iman was also commanded to give 
him several lashes with a whip. The sentence was executed 
on the spot, in the presence of Almamy. The people, like 
those of all countries, fond of this sight, crowded to witness the 
punishment inflicted on this unfortunate wretch, and as he 
resisted, some seized him by the arms, others cried out to him : 
" Obey Almamy!" and all uttered shouts of joy at seeing the old 
man beaten. After passing similar sentences on others, and dis- 
patching some business relative to the recruiting of his army, 
Almamy admitted me to an audience. My interpreter began 
by whispering to him, that he had a present to offer him from 
me ; he then went behind one of the walls of his court with 
us, and Moutoupha put ten grains of coral into Almamy 's 
hand. We next sent for Aldondou,* the most powerful chief 
* Ali Dondou, chief of the great tribe of Bozeabes, died in the be- 
ginning of the year 1819. 
Q 
