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.