distance inland, a considerable stream, for this part of the world. Its shrubby banks render the lower part of it extremely picturesque, while both they and the sedgy marshes it has formed towards Tabia point, abound with game of all descriptions. Near the high road from Sahal to Zeliten, the river contracts at once. Here stood an ancient bridge, of which vestiges remain; and adjacent is a tolerable subterraneous aqueduct, running in the direction of Leptis, with a ventilating aperture, at intervals of about forty yards.”
During the period of Captain Smyth’s researches in this part of Northern Africa, discussions of a delicate tenour sometimes arose, either with the natives or the foreign consuls, in all which he adopted such a line of behaviour as to draw the thankful acknowledgment of Colonel Warrington, who in a letter to him says: – “Your very correct and handsome conduct in the support of my consular authority entitles you to my warmest thanks, and has been of the highest advantage to his Majesty’s flag.” The Bashaw also was so contented, that he presented him with a very valuable Turkish scimitar.
Sir Charles Penrose, who had resumed the chief command in the Mediterranean, on Lord Exmouth’s departure for England, after the battle of Algiers, was much pleased with the successful issue of an enterprise, thus voluntarily under-taken and completed, after it had been formally abandoned by an express mission; and in his official letter of thanks to Captain Smyth, he said, – “In acknowledging your despatch of the 9th instant (Nov. 1817), communicating the result of your labours at Lebida, as well as much other highly interesting matter, which you have so skilfully brought forward, I congratulate myself that the undertaking fell to your lot, I shall not fail to transmit to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a copy of your report, together with the high sense I entertain of your spirit, talent, and indefatigable exertions.”
From these researches originated the journies afterwards undertaken into the interior of Africa, from Tripoli; and as some curiosity has existed respecting these enterprises, we shall presently insert a few letters that will throw much light thereon.
