During this period Fouta (Futa Toro) is independent of French control, even the province of Toro. But French trading vessels, and occasionally gunboats, do travel up and down the river, particularly around the gum trade. Much of the correspondence is between the chief of state, called the Almamy, and the Governor or his agents in the Political Affairs Bureau. The original letters were in Arabic. In some cases French translations are provided; in some cases, the Arabic originals have not survived. 94 pieces.