Gagliuffi on the subject of the great losses and
shameless extortion to which we were subjected on our arrival in this
country. In reviewing the whole affair, setting apart the personal
devotion exhibited towards myself, I have no cause to be pleased with
our escort and servants. They gave way too easily to fear, and, seem to
have been too willing to allow us to buy ourselves off. I have omitted
to mention that they wished us to write a document, to the effect that
if we came to harm it was not through their fault! This singular idea
was, of course, rejected. I must observe, that not only we, but all our
caravan, were prodigiously disappointed by the reception we met with.
The Haghars were expected to be troublesome, and their alleged pursuit
of us was sufficiently probable; but no one admitted that there was any
danger from the people of Aheer. On the contrary, all professed delight
at the prospect of entering the inhabited districts, where it was
thought and boldly proclaimed we should all have the most cordial
welcome. Yet the Haghars did not come, and the borderers of Aheer
treated us as badly as the wildest Tuaricks could have done, behaving
like veritable brigands. I entertain some faint hopes of obtaining
redress; but have been so often deceived, that I shall say nothing for
the present on the subject.
_Friday, 13th Sept._--I rose early; a fine morning. Thermometer at a
quarter to seven P.
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