HISTORY OF THE WAHABEES. 299 



into Mecca and Medina. For why ? Religion is not 

 profited by these things. Peace be between us ; 

 and may the blessing of God be unto you ! Dated 

 on the 10th day of Moharram." (May 3, 1803.) 



From Mecca the Reformer turned his arms against 

 Jidda ; but the interval had allowed Ghaleb time to 

 prepare for his reception by mounting the walls with 

 cannon from the vessels in the harbour. For eleven 

 days the town was besieged ; the supplies of water 

 were cut off, in consequence of which numbers perish- 

 ed of thirst. But the inhabitants fought bravely, and 

 the Wahabee chief, despairing of victory, was obliged 

 to retreat ; though some allege this forbearance was 

 purchased with a bribe of 30,000dollars(<6496, 15s.) 

 While Saoud directed his march towards the northern 

 desert, the other issued from his stronghold, and re- 

 sumed the government of Mecca. Knowing that he 

 could not defend the place for any length of time, he 

 compromised matters with the invader ; and in con- 

 sideration of his influence and high station he obtain- 

 ed 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 

 powerful tribe of Harb were compelled to yield, 

 but not without a severe contest ; and their submis- 

 sion 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 Mecca wees, 

 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 



