HE OBTAINS A PASSPORT. 
143 
it was not likely that he could long resist the torrent of pub- 
lic opinion, he, whose authority could last no longer than 
while he conformed to that opinion. Having well considered 
every thing, 1 instantly sent Boukari to solicit the passport 
which had been promised me ; after many difficulties and 
objections, this faithful servant succeeded in obtaining it. 
To hasten the business I was obliged (for the public offices 
in Africa are not as amply supplied as in Europe,) to furnish 
the secretary who was to prepare the passport with a sheet 
of paper, to which I added a present of two others. Lastly, 
to gain over all the agents of the government, I gave two 
necklaces of glass beads to Almamy's brother. Boukari after 
at least two hours' solicitation and importunity, brought me 
this famous passport with shouts of joy ; to me it was truly 
a pardon, since it entirely changed my situation, by restor- 
ing to me the consideration I had lost by my arrest. The 
following is a translation of this document, which was written 
in Arabic : " Almamy Mamadou, and the excellent person- 
ages who form his council, Aldondou, Eliman Sire, Sem- 
baiené, Boumandouet, Eliman Rindiao, Ardosambadade, 
Dembanaiel ; we have written this letter that it may be 
read by all those who may meet this white man, and that 
they may learn that he has visited us, and that we have 
allowed him to depart. The prince of the faithful, and all 
the grandees of Fouta have said to him, Go. All the villages 
