Constantina* 233 



The family of Kera manly, from father to son, has reigned over 

 Tripoli for upwards of a hundred and thirty years. The father of 

 the last Dey, Sidi-Jussuf-Aly-Keramanly-Oglan, was a man of con- 

 siderable talents and political knowledge, and a staunch protector of 

 the maritime trade as well as that of Central Africa. His brothers- 

 in-law and his nephews were his ministers. _^~ ' 

 In 1798 the prince of Fezzan aimed at the sovereignty of 

 Tripoli. But the Dey Jussuf marched with a large army against 

 Morzouk, and obliged the shiek to recognise the dependence of 

 his master on the Tripolitan dynasty, and to pay the accustomed 

 annual tribute. This tribute was augmented to the sum of 10,OOOZ. 

 sterling, and a hundred black slaves of both sexes. By this vigo- 

 rous measure the Dey confirmed in their pristine state of vassal- 

 age to himself the oasis of Augelah, and others less important in 

 the immediate neighbourhood. The republic of Gadames arid the 

 Arabs of Barquah were also reduced to a state of subjection. 

 The authority of the Dey of Tripoli was therefore much respected 

 amongst the six tribes of the Tahbous and the inhabitants of 

 Bornou. 



Since the death of Jussuf Dey, his family has been dispersed 

 and scattered over divers provinces ; the commerce of Tripoli has 

 removed to Bengahzi, Derna, and other Tripolitan ports on the 

 coast ; and the eldest son of Jussuf has been dethroned and banished 

 to Asia Minor, by order of the Sultan. Another Pacha was nomi- 

 nated in his place ; but the inhabitants of Tripoli refused to acknow- 

 ledge his authority. The Capitan-Pacha has been since sent out 

 thither with a considerable fleet, and has been himself invested with 

 the honours of the Pachalick. 



If the rich shieks of Augelah and the republic of Gadames have 

 hitherto escaped the effects of those domestic discords that embarrass 

 Tripoli, their situation is not the less critical ; for their trade is daily 

 subjected to the annoyances and impediments thrown in their way 

 by the encroachments of the Arabs. Hence the third line of com- 

 munication for the caravans with the south is almost ruined and 

 annulled. 



A portion of the merchandise exported from the south by the 

 fourth line of communication was invariably destined for Tunis ; 

 but Tunis could never benefit by the third line, a portion of whose 

 caravans are bound for Tripoli. 



The existing Dey of Tunis is detested by his subjects ; and 

 Achmet, Bey of Constantina, has been lately intriguing at Con- 

 stantinople to procure the Dey's dismissal. 



Tunis has extensive manufactures of woollen tissues, felt cap?, 

 and purple dye. Its plains are fertile, and the productions of 

 the highly-cultivated province of Sousah are sent to the south or 

 to the desert. The domestic commerce of Tunis will therefore 

 always be considerable ; but should Constantina be occupied by 

 the French, Tunis will immediately lose her chief trade with 

 Tripoli and the desert, and Constantina will appropriate it to her 

 own advantage. 



