236 Captain Pringle's Route to India 



only one English vessel had come into the Red Sea. She 

 brought a cargo from Bengal to Jidda, and was to take 

 coffee from Mocha. There were several large vessels from 

 Surat, and other parts of India, but not commanded by 

 English masters. 



The chance of finding vessels at Kosseir and Suez, is, I 

 believe, nearly equal at present. The Pacha has two or 

 three brigs employed in transporting grain from Kosseir to 

 Jidda, for the use of his army in Arabia, and these brigs are 

 commanded by Greeks. There are also several Buglas em- 

 ployed in the same service, so that the delay at Kosseir in 

 waiting for a passage is not likely to exceed a week. The 

 obtaining a passage in one of those vessels should be men- 

 tioned in the firman or passport which is given at Cairo, in 

 order that it may be presented to the Turkish governor at 

 Kosseir. By embarking at Suez, the traveller will miss the 

 sight of all Upper Egypt. 



All Mahomedan vessels trading in the Red Sea are obliged 

 to call at Jidda, which is the port of Mecca, in order to pay 

 a tribute to the shrine of Mahomet. Jidda is the principal 

 port of the Red Sea, and its lofty buildings give it the ap- 

 pearance of a large place. Its principal support depends up- 

 on the pilgrims who arrive there, annually, from all Maho- 

 medan countries, on their way to Mecca ; and as these men 

 are generally crowded into the native vessels, they add greatly 

 to the discomfort of the European passengers. The Euro- 

 pean, therefore, in making his bargain, should limit the num- 

 ber of these pilgrims, or exclude them entirely ; as the price 

 he pays for his passage is sufficiently ample to entitle him to 

 do so. 



In the voyage down the Red Sea, however, many annoy- 

 ances, and much incivility will be experienced, besides a con- 

 stant attempt at imposition, and a want of faith as to agree- 

 ments, particularly in so far as regards delay at the different 

 ports. It is customary, indeed, to have a written agreement 

 made out in presence of the Turkish governor at Kosseir, 

 Jidda, &c. ; but any petty excuse will be allowed as an eva- 

 sion. 



The people throughout Arabia are bigotted Musulmans, 



4 



