able difficulty for many localities, though perhaps at Apollonia, how Marza Suza, it might be managed. The wood appears useful for various purposes, and might even afford crooked timber for knees, but not for stem and stern-posts, nor keel pieces; while for plank, I saw nothing that would side more than 8 or 9 inches.
“On my arrival at Bomba, I found the accompanying letter had been left for me; and, as soon as the weather permitted, I repaired from thence to Derna, where I was soon joined by Messrs. Beechey. Now as my duty on these coasts was completed, with the exception of a boat cruise round the Syrtis, which was preparing, I would have immediately embarked the whole party; but I considered it was now actually in the Cyrenaica, between the two trading ports of Derna and Bengazi, which offered the means of a passage to Malta, without the tedious and expensive journey to Tripoli, it would be more in consonance with the public service for them to remain and examine, at least this interesting region, which could be well accomplished during the present summer. Of the necessity of this their lordships will be further convinced when I inform them, that Cyrene is situated in a most luxuriant country, totally different in feature, climate, and resources, to any thing between Karamania and Tunis; alternately presenting hill, vale, wood, and pasture, and irrigated by copious running streams. In the city itself, the Messrs. Beechey have already found two or three statues; and as there are two theatres, an amphitheatre, and a stadium, that have never been examined, I considered, that even if the expedition went no further in its mission, these at least ought to be examined. To lessen in some measure the expence, I embarked Mr. Tyndall, but left the Messrs. Beechey, Lieutenant Coffin, and Assistant-Surgeon Campbell, to complete the research.
“The only difficulty that arose from the uncertainty of the intention of Lord Bathurst, respecting Mr. Henry Beechey, was, as to what extent he is to excavate, and how he is to embark the produce of his labour. I recommended, at any rate, the examination of the theatres and stadium, as such edifices were never without valuable ornaments; and if he could muster enough for the cargo of a bombard or small vessel, to hire one at Bengazi, as the expence would be trifling to Malta; but that if the specimens appeared to be at all comparable to the chefs-d’oeuvre of Grecian art, to remain until instructions respecting them arrived; because, if they were left only a few days, the Arabs would mutilate them. I should myself have delighted to have gone and assisted this part of the operation; but as it is likely to take place in August, the month of all others necessary for the examination of the shoals of the Skerki, I considered the fourth paragraph of their Lordships’ instructions so imperative, and of such importance, as totally to preclude it. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To J. W. Croker, Esq.[1]”
- ↑ The proceedings of the land branch of this expedition, were published by Murray, London, in the year 1828.
