very sinews of his strength, without making the
slightest exertion to apply a remedy for the evil, or prevent their
future aggrandizement. Independently of Raka, which is peopled wholly
by Fellatas, who have strengthened it amazingly, and rendered it
exceedingly populous, another town of prodigious size, had lately
sprung into being, which already surpassed Katunga in wealth,
population, and extent. It was at first resorted to by a party of
Fellatas, who named it Alorie, and encouraged all the slaves in the
country to fly from the oppression of their masters, and join their
standard. They reminded the slaves of the constraint tinder which
they laboured; and tempted them by an offer of freedom and
protection, and other promises of the most extravagant nature, to
declare themselves independent of Yarriba. Accordingly, the
discontented; many miles round, eagerly flocked to Alorie in
considerable numbers, where they were well received. This occurrence
took place about forty years ago, since which, other Fellatas have
joined their countrymen from Sockatoo and Rabba; and notwithstanding
the wars, if mutual kidnapping deserves the name, in which they have
been engaged, in the support and maintenance of their cause, Alorie
is become by far the largest and most flourishing city in Yarriba,
not even excepting the capital itself. It was said to be two days
journey, that is, forty or fifty miles in circumference, and to be
fortified by a strong clay wall, with moats. The inhabitants had vast
herds and flocks, and upwards of three thousand horses, which last
will appear a very considerable number, when it is considered that
Katunga does not contain more than as many hundreds. The population
of Alorie has never been estimated, but it must be immense. It has
lately been declared independent of Yarriba, and its inhabitants are
permitted to trade with the natives of the country, on condition that
no more Fellatas be suffered to enter its walls. It is governed by
twelve rulers, each of a different nation, and all of equal power;
the Fellata chief not having more influence or greater sway than the
other. Raka is but one day's journey north-east of Katunga, and
Alorie three days journey to the south-west. The party of Fellatas,
which were reported to have taken possession of a Yarriba town, on
the banks of the Moussa, were said to have abandoned it, and to have
joined their countrymen at Raka. This intelligence was brought to
Katunga by m