251 HISTORY OF THE WAHABEES. 



of victory, wa,s obliged to retreat ; though some 

 allege this forbearance was purchased with a bribe 

 of 30,000 dollars (6496Z. 155.). While Saoud directed 

 his march towards the northern desert, the other 

 issued from his stronghold, and resumed the govern- 

 ment of Mecca. Knowing that he could not defend 

 the place for any length of time, he compromised 

 matters with the invader ; and in consideration of 

 his influence and high station, he obtained more 

 favourable terms than were usually granted to other 

 proselyte chiefs. The capture of this city was the- 

 signal for other advantages in Hejaz. The power- 

 ful tribe of Harb were compelled to yield, but not 

 without a severe contest ; and their submission was 

 followed by the surrender of Yembo. 



Early in the spring of 1804, Medina was added to 

 the Wahabee conquests. The inhabitants, being 

 more attached to the Turkish interest than the 

 Meccawees, were not so leniently treated. The 

 usual tribute was required, but private property was- 

 not injured. Saoud's first care was to demolish the 

 tombs and strip them of all their valuable ornaments. 

 During the siege, a considerable part of the treasures 

 of the great mosque, more especially the golden 

 vessels, had been seized by the governor of the 

 town, Hassan el Khalaji, ostensibly for the purpose 

 of relieving the general distress; but they were 

 finally distributed among his own friends. The 

 remainder fell a prey to the Wahabee general, who 

 entered the sacred hejra himself, and penetrated 

 behind the curtain of the Prophet's tomb, where 

 he laid his sacrilegious hands on every thing valu- 

 able that could be found. Among these hoarded 

 treasures the most remarkable is said to have been 

 a brilliant star set in diamonds and pearls, which 

 was suspended directly over the cofRn. Around it 

 were deposited many costly vessels set with jewels, 

 earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and other ornaments, 

 sent as presents from all parts of the empire, but 



