154 
BAY OF AMPHILA 
you that the letter by AUi Manda is the only thing I have 
received, and you say tobacco and cloth was sent, which 
I have not received. Alii Manda, I and Mr. Benzoni 
know to be a great rogue, though he has brought this letter 
safely to us. 
I shall now give you further advice, with respect to 
what you mention ^ that the Nayib of Massowa will not 
allow the guns to pass his country, from the apprehension 
of their being employed against him the only way is to 
make good presents to Alii Goveta, Alii Manda, and his 
friends, so that they with camels and mules may bring you 
up one day's journey to the salt plain, where I will meet 
you with a thousand of the Ras's people. 
I am advised by every body not to go down, at present, 
until I receive your answer. I have a great many enemies 
in Arata, through my stubbornness when I left Mr. Ben- 
zoni, so that I myself am doubtful of that one day between 
me and you. If I was with you at present, I would not 
be afraid, as three or four good Englishmen with arms 
would beat the whole country of Bedowee ; but I alone, 
what could I do, as the -Ras's people are not willing to 
go down with me ? . 
If you are determined to come by this road, tell me the 
day that you will leave the coast, and I will be very near 
to you at the same time. I can assure you that the Ras is 
very anxious to see you, and that he would come down 
himself in case there was sufficient provisions and water 
for his cavalry and people. I am also very anxious to 
