FROM ZEGZEG TO BADAGRY. 
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seated themselves in a circle round their sovereign and myself. 
The chief is a fine looking man, apparently about fifty years of age, 
with a noble expression of countenance, and a commanding air. 
The coozie into which I was introduced is the largest I had ever 
seen in Africa, being not less, I should think, than eighty yards in 
circumference. A man stood by the side of the chief while I re- 
mained, who repeated to him what I had to say, and the answers 
were returned to me by the same individual : this singular custom 
is, I believe, peculiar to Beari, as I never observed it in any other 
town in Africa. The chief asked the usual questions about my 
king and country. The town is surrounded by a high wall and a 
deep ditch, and contains about four thousand inhabitants, some of 
whom had seen us before at Womba. 
11th. — At six in the morning continued our journey, and ar- 
rived at Ragada at two in the afternoon. Remained outside the 
walls, in order that the horses might feed on the rich grass which 
grew in abundance on the spot. The chief wished me to lodge 
with him in the town ; but, for the reason above stated, did not 
accept his invitation. The walls of the town are about three miles 
in circumference. 
12th. — In passing through the town this morning, at 6 A. M., 
waited on the chief, who was delighted to see me, and gave me a 
sheep, some fowls, and a jar of gear (a beer made from Indian corn), 
and offered me a messenger, which I declined. Journeyed onwards 
without halting, till we pitched our tent a little to the west of 
Wittesa, at three in the afternoon. It began to rain about an hour 
after leaving Ragada, and continued with great violence till after 
sunset. Although the portmanteaus were defended by a thick 
bullock’s hide, every thing in them, with the exception of the 
papers, became completely soaked. Here I met with a party of 
merchants going to Ivoulfa. 
13th. — Remained here to-day to dry our tent, clothes, &c. Boussa 
