COMMUNICATIONS. 
lOI 
are adminillered with fuch paternal regard to the happinefs of 
the people, the rights of property are fo much revered, the 
taxes are fo moderate, and the courfe of juftice is direfted by fo 
firm, and yet fo temperate a hand, that the inhabitants of Fez- 
zan (as far as a judgment can be formed from the feelings of 
thofe who travelled with Mr. Lucas) are affectionately and ar- 
dently attached to their Sovereign * 
The prefent King, Mohammed Ben Mohammed, is defcended 
from one of the Shereefs of Tafilet, in the kingdom of Mor- 
rocco, who was related to the Regal Family of that empire^ and 
who, about 400 years fince, obtained pofTeflion of the Crown 
©f Fezzan* 
From that period to the middle of the prefent century, the 
kingdom maintained its Independence ; but at the latter sera, 
the Bafliaw of Tripoli invaded it with a powerful force, laid 
fiege 
* To thefe fentlmnts of confiant regard and of deep veneration for their King, his 
acknowledged defcent from the Prophet has undoubtedly contributed : for fuch, if uniied 
to the temporal power, is the effcul of this claim to religious authority, that in Morrocco, 
when in the hour of his zurath the fword of the Emperor is drazvn, the fubmijfive vic- 
tims whom chance or official attendance on the Court prefents to his fury, Jlretch forth 
their necks with filent and humble acquicfcence ; perfeElly convinced that the Jlroke of 
death y when given by fo facred a hand, is an injlant admijion to Paradife^ 
