12 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA. 
Chap. XXXVIII. 
exercise some control over the Tawarek of A'ir, and 
make them responsible for robberies committed on 
the Fezzan road. It was in consequence of this com- 
munication that I begged Her Majesty's government 
to enter into communication upon this point with 
the Porte. 
But the matter was of a very delicate nature with 
regard to Bornu. Indeed, it seemed questionable 
whether the Turks, if once firmly established in Bil- 
ma, would not think fit to exercise some control over 
the latter country. Nay, it was rather to be feared 
that they might try to obtain there a firm footing, in 
order to extend their empire ; and when the news 
arrived in Bornu that the ambitious Hassan Basha 
had returned to his post as governor of Fezzan, with 
very ample instructions, the whole court of B6rnu 
became alarmed. The effect of this news upon 
the disposition of the sheikh and the vizier to enter 
into friendly relations with the British government 
was remarkable. On the 5th of August they were not 
able to conceal their fear lest a numberless host of 
Englishmen might come into their country, if, by 
signing the treaty, access was once allowed them, as 
proposed by Her Majesty's government. For although 
they were conscious of the poverty of their country 
in comparison with Europe, at times they were apt to 
forget it. In the afternoon of the 6th the courier 
arrived, and the same evening Haj Beshfr sent me 
word that they were ready to sign the treaty ; and 
afterwards they were very anxious that the English 
