THEIR EARLY INFORMATION, 
59 
the Brabariis and Ludaias, (tribes inhabiting that 
part of the Sahara), whether they could give any 
information that could lead to the much longed- 
for discovery. All declared, that they had never 
heard of such a personage, but agreed, at the 
earnest entreaty of the Portuguese, that they 
would make every possible inquiry in the course 
of their peregrinations. 
It cannot be doubted, in consequence of the in- 
defatigable exertions thus made by the Portu- 
guese, to penetrate into the interior of Western 
Africa, that they must have enjoyed opportunities 
of information superior to those which have fallen 
to the lot of any other European power. Some 
share of empty boasting may be suspected ; but 
the great Portuguese population which the Eng- 
lish and French found established along the banks 
of the Senegal and Gambia, clearly attests the 
substantial truth of their narration. The French^ 
in penetrating into Bariibouk, found a mixture of 
Portuguese words in the language of that country, 
which confirmed the statement of the natives, that 
it had once been invaded and conquered by Portu- 
gal. It seems unquestionable, therefore, that the 
archives of the Portuguese monarchy must contain 
very important information respecting this part of 
the interior. It is probably owing to the reserved 
character of the Portuguese government, that the 
knowledge displayed by their writers does not alto- 
