212 
TRAVELS IN 
the time of the French entering Egypt, and the signing of 
the definitive treaty of peace, is the next obstacle that pre- 
sents itself, and which may also be surmounted. But as the 
navigation down this sea can only be performed six months 
in the year, on account of the periodical winds which there 
prevail, we can always know, within six months, when such 
a fleet would attempt to pass the narrow strait of Babel- 
mandel, and be prepared accordingly. This strait is com- 
pletely commanded by the island of Perim, against which 
there is no other objection but the want of water. If, bow- 
ever, we have allowed the French to surmount so many dif- 
ficulties before they can arrive at the straits of Babelmandel, 
we may surely give ourselves the credit of being able to 
overcome this single objection against the island of Perim. 
A reservoir to collect and preserve rain water might be con- 
structed ; or, by digging below the level of the sea, fresh 
ivater would, in all probability, be obtained ; or, at any rate, 
water might be transported thither from the continent, suffi- 
cient for the supply of the small garrison that would be ne- 
cessary to protect the strait. The possession of this island, 
with a few frigates, is said to be competent to the destruction 
of all the craft that could possibly be collected and sent 
down from Suez and all the other ports of the Red Sea, 
Little, therefore, is to be apprehended from the designs of 
the French on India by the way of the Red Sea, so long as 
we can command the strait and victual the force neces- 
sary to be stationed there ; advantages which the possession 
of the Cape and of Ceylon would always enable us to make 
use of. 
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