communications: 
congratulation on their fafety. The ftrangers faid that they were 
herdfmen belonging to Mefurata; that for want of pafturags 
near the town, they had brought their flocks to feed upon thefe 
hills ; that they were 200 armed men, and that they did not fear 
the enemy.. 
After this information, and the exchange of civilities, the ca- 
ravan continued its journey, and at fix in the evening arri\ ed as 
Mefurata^ 
The Governor, whofe politenefs and natural good fcnfe had 
been improved by a long refidence in Italy, received Mr. Lucas 
with marks of the greateft attention ; but expreiTed his fear thaty 
while the war continued, the Shereefs would not be able to ob- 
tain from the Rebel Arabs, who alone could furnifli them, the 
120 camels which were requiiite for the conveyance of their 
goods : and that, as the profpe(5l of peace was at prefent remote^ 
and the fultry feafon would foon commence, he faw but little 
chance of their reaching Fezzan before the following Winter. 
Feb. 9th. Information was now received at Mefurata, thaf 
the Bey's army, which confifted of 1,500 horfe and 6,000 foot,, 
was encamped within five hours march of the Rebels, whofe force 
was- 
