the intervals between them are mere coast examinations, by a patent log adjusted to our astronomical measurements. We were prevented from a more detailed operation, from being obliged to keep the sea, from the plague existing in the neighbourhood, and from the dread often entertained by the Arabs that we were Greeks.
“The eldest son of the Bashaw of Tripoli, who was in rebellion when I left the Regency, has, by a clemency very rare amongst Turks, been pardoned, and appointed Bey of Derna. This prince, at my request, prohibited the natives of his district from entering into any communication with us; and he also despatched a Chiaux with a letter from me to Mr. Beechey; but I learned, that up to the 6th of December, that gentleman had not arrived at Bengazi.
“Having proceeded beyond the boundary of the regency, we found that a quarrel had taken place between two of the Arab tribes, in which five men who claimed the protection of the Bey of Derna were killed. I had received a notice of so many instances of treachery near these ill-defined boundaries, that I was extremely on my guard against surprise; but, notwithstanding precautions, our Turkish pilot was carried off, as I suspect, by the inimical Arabs, as an hostage, they being aware that he was also acting as a Chiaux of the Bashaw. Finding I could not proceed further to the eastward without a proper authority from Egypt, I proceeded to Tripoli, where, having landed the Chiaux and the gulf pilot, and having arranged with the consul for measures respecting the poor fellow we had lost, I returned to this port.
“As Mr. Beechey will probably be in Alexandria early in March, I propose submitting to Vice-Admiral Sir Graham Moore, that after completing the repairs, provisions, and water, it will be an object for me to meet the party there, in order that I may give them the coast chart to lay their surveys upon, and also that I may procure the necessary facilities to explore the unknown coast between Bomba and the Arabs’ tower.
“From vestiges in some places where we landed, I have every reason to believe the expedition of Mr. Beechey will prove highly interesting; and from a great number of large trees lying at the meeting of several fiumaras[errata 1] near Cape Razat, I think it highly probable that a forest will be found: but the nautical detail is most unimportant. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To J. W. Croker, Esq.”
Errata:
- ↑ Correction: fiumaras should be amended to fiumare
