CHARACTER OF A NEGlao Kîî^f,. 7î 
mer Cusanianca is a vast and deep bend of land, whiclî has given 
the name of Cabo or Cape to a considerable kingdom that occu- 
pies it. It is said that this territory was governed at the begin- 
ning of the last century by ii Negro king named Bizam Mansare, 
who lived in greater splendour and magiiificence than any of the 
other NesiTO sovereigns. He had a numerous court, and more 
tlipdi four thousand marks in table plate; he also kept six or seveti 
tiiousaiîd soldiers well armed and disciplined. This king knew 
how to make himself respected by the labouring people, and to 
maintain good order m his states : he subjected to military pu- 
nishment such of his subjects as refused to-pay him tribute, or 
who were asked for it twice before tliey produced it ; and he had 
established such a vigilant police throughout his kingdom, that 
merchants might leave their goods out on the highway, without 
any dansrer of losing," them. He enacted severe laws as'ainst rob- 
bery, which were so rigorously executed that iK) one dared to 
break them. His slaves were not chained together ; and as sooo 
as the buyers had fixed upon thein, they had no fear of their es- 
caping or being carried oÛ\ as the guard^ on the frontiers were 
inexorable and faithful. 
This prince generally supplied the Portuguese in the course of 
each year wilh six hundred slaves, besides gold and ivory, io ex- 
change for Ein opean merchandize ; he used to prefer the fennel" 
water from tlie isle of Rhé ; cinnamon-water, rosolis, sabres 
with ornamented hilts, French saddles, easy chairs covered witk 
velvet, and various articles of iiousehoid furniture. 
When a white person came to visit him, he had him conducted 
to and from his residence, and paid all his expences from the 
moment he entered till he had left his states : his suî)jects 
dared not receive any perquisites from the stranger under 
penalty of bemg made slaves. The king always gave him an au- 
dience the moment he demanded it; and it was customary oosucfi 
occasions for the European to make a present to the king equal 
in value to three slaves. The visits and presents w^re coritinued 
upon the same footing till the mercliant perceived some dimhm- 
tion io the generosity of the king; when he treated with him for 
what remained, and the merchant received payment. When he 
was about to have his audience of leave, he would ask the king 
to make him a present for his wife, and the sovereign m general 
used to give him a slave or a piece of gold. 
The prince of whom I have been speaking, died in 1705, ge- 
nerally regretted. But from many private accounts which I re- 
ceived during rny government at Senegal, I have reason to know 
that his successorbi have continued to imitate his just and equitable 
conduct. 
