BAY OF AMPHILA. 161 
yet, could I even have effected it, such strong objections remained 
against the plan, that it appeared to me, notwithstanding any 
additional expense, delay, or hazard which might be incurred, 
that the road by Massowa ought decidedly to be preferred. 
Mr. Pearce's letters and my own experience had taught me, 
that during the unsettled state of the tribes then existing, no 
trade or regular intercourse could be carried on through Madir ; 
whereas an established intercourse was carried on with Massowa, 
which, though attended with occasional difficulties, and ob- 
structed by many shameful exactions, had not for many years 
been actually interrupted. My passing from Madir would pro- 
bably have shut up this channel for ever ; the enmity of the Sirdar 
and Nayib would have been implacable, and it appeared not un- 
likely that the tribes on the coast might, on our account, have 
been precipitated into a war, which would have been equally 
destructive to themselves and to our interests ; and all these 
consequences must have taken place without my being able to 
ascertain the real situation of affairs at Massowa. On the contrary 
by going to that place, I should be enabled at once to face all 
difficulties, and I saw no reason to despair, notwithstanding the 
hostile letter from its chiefs, of bringing them to a satisfactory 
termination. 
On the 10th 5 while I was still hesitating, a gelve fortunately 
arrived express from Massowa, confirming the intelligence of the 
removal of Omar Agafrom the command at that place, and of the 
arrival of Mustapha Aga, who had succeeded to his authority. 
Immediately on the arrival of the latter, he disclaimed the acts 
of his predecessor, and dispatched the gelve for the purpose of 
