onged to be down in a hut, but they were obliged to
remain under a tree for three hours, before they could be favoured
with that opportunity, because the chief of that town was engaged in
making a fetish, for the purpose of counteracting any evil intentions
that the white men might entertain towards him. All their people were
fatigued and exhausted on the road, complaining much of the heat, and
one of them was brought to them in the evening in a high fever. Engua
is the town where the lamented Captain Pearce breathed his last, and
here also Captain Clapperton felt quite disheartened, and almost
despaired of penetrating further into the interior of the country.
The chief sent them only a little Indian corn and water, and
obstinately refused to sell them either a goat, sheep, or any other
animal, although there were many thousands in the town.

Their reception at Engua was so truly inhospitable, that they arose
at a much earlier hour than they generally did, and proceeded on
their way by starlight. In place of the ironstone which they had
observed on the preceding day, the country was now partially covered
with large and unshapely masses of granite. Mountains and elevated
hills were observed to the right of them, the sides of which were
thickly wooded, and their summits reaching above the clouds. At nine
o'clock, they passed through a neat and cleanly village named Chakka,
which had lately lost its chief, and an hour afterwards crossed a
small river called Akeeney, which was full of sharp and rugged rocks,
and is reported to fall into the Lagos. They were carried over on
men's shoulders without much difficulty, but the horses were a long
time in getting across. Hence the path winded up a high and steep
hill, which they ascended, and entered the town of Afoora about
mid-day. The governor gave them a hearty welcome, and said it made
him so extremely happy to see them, which was also expressed by the
joy and animation of his countenance. The best hut in the town, which
was the most airy and commodious of any they had seen, was presently
got ready for them, and shortly after they had taken possession of
it, they received a quantity of excellent provisions from the chief.

This was the first day of his government; his father, the late chief,
had been dead some time, but from motives of delicacy he refused to
take upon himself his authority until this morning. In honour of the
event, a large company of women were dancing, rejo