The Oxford intelligencer. (Oxford, Miss.) 1860-18??, 1861-03-13
T.asel. i. weslsra AE..ea.

H. Valdez has recently published very in
teresting book of travels in country Of which
so little has heretofore been comparatively
known. During bis visit to the Cazembe Coun-
try lying midway between the East and West
Coasts of Africa, he was on the best possible
terms with the Emperor. who seems to be We
ry magnificent potentate, quite like a monarch
in an extravaganza:-
'The Mambo, Muata Cazeube was sitting on
the left hand side ofthc eastern gate Of the Mos
sumba, having, as substitute for carpet,
number of tiger skins so arranged that all the
star, and il the centre was spread an enormous
lions skin, which covered portion of all the
Others. A stool covered with green cloth, and
placed on the lions skin. formed the throne OF
the Mambo. This dignity was dressed in
most magnificent style, far SURPRISING in grand
eur of display all the other potentates of the in
terror Of Africa. His head was adorned with
mitre, about two spans high, in shape resem-
bling pyramid, and formed of feathers of
bright scarlet color. His forehead was encir-
cled by diadem, ornamonted with a great
variety of valuable jewels of great brlancy;
sort of fill or fan Of green cloth, supported by
two small ivory arrows, was standing up from
the back Of his head, the neck and shoulders
being covered with a kind Of spencer or capu-
chin without sleeves. The upper part of this
cape was ornamented with the bottom of cowrie
shells, under which was a row of imitation
jewels. The lower part had most brilliant
and dazzling effect, in consequence of great
number Of small mirrors or square and round
pieces Of looking glass, being tastcfully arrang-
ed, alternately with the precious stones, all
round it, His shoulders, breast and back were
thus covered with garment at which no one
in that Respondent sunshine could for one mo-
ment looI, fixedy'
Partners for life are sometimes chosen in
Senegal upon an eccentric principle: a ro-
mantle story is told of NJ Duranton, a gentle
man engaged by England and France TO travel
through Africa. TITS reported that he departed
from St. Louis, accompanied. by armed slaves
and with a large quantity of goods; and that
having arrived at Timbuctoo, he stopped at the
location 81 very wealthy tribe, where he fell
in love with the daughter Of the chief The
father, looking upon The alliance as a very great
honor, gladly accepted the proposal of marriage
The only condition imposed on the enamored
candidate for the hand of the Jair one was that
he shonld MS in the days Of ancient chivalrv
enter the lists with any other candidate, and
conquer him in friendly wrestling match
10 this our stalwart Europcan at once consent.
ed aud soon carried of the prize, being victoii
ous in the contest As his fathcr.in.law was
the paramount chief or sovereign Of this cvtcn.
siye and wealthy tribe, he, as his son.in-law.
now became eligible for election to the throne.
provided he triumphed in The great national
contest Of wrestling with any other claimant to
the same exalted position. In this second en-
counter also his prowess was victorious and
without further opposition, he assembled the
4 throne"