Scope and Contents

The French built the fort at Podor in Toro in 1854 and staffed it with a seasoned commandant and staff, close to the end point of year round navigation on the Senegal River. Shortly after that Governor Faidherbe established a protectorate over the province of Toro, under the Lam Toro, from the Sall lineage residing in Gede (Guede). Much of the material consists of letters between the Lam Toro, the commandant of Podor and the governor, in French and some Arabic. 163 pieces.

Scope and Contents

During the subsequent period Toro continued under the French protectorate overseen by the commandant at Podor. Similar content to 13G 136. 198 pieces. Much of the material is in French, and some of these prints have faded and are difficult to read.

Scope and Contents 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...

Scope and Contents

During this period the Futa is in greater disarray. As with 13G 139, most of the correspondence is between the Almamy and his entourage and the governor and his aides, primarily in Arabic with some French translation. 103 pieces.

Scope and Contents

The main correspondant of the governor and his aides is Abdul Bokar Kane, a grand elector of Futa and from Bosseya province (see Robinson, Chiefs and Clerics, 1975). The letters are again primarily in Arabic, with occasional French translations. 80 pieces.

Scope and Contents

Features Abdul Bokar, and some letters from the Almamy and other leaders. 34 pieces.

Scope and Contents

This has a pronounced shift to eastern Futa and the region of Bakel, and to the challenge posed by Mamadu Lamine Drame. Abdul Bokar is still a featured correspondant, and at this time is an ally of the French against Mamadu Lamine. 205 pieces, many of them are being French translations corresponding to the Arabic originals (in other words, not 205 individual letters).