20CI MASSOWA. 
as mutes, upon these occasions, we entered confidentially upon 
business. 
I detailed to the Kaimakan the nature of the mission with 
which I was charged, and expressed my desire to proceed imme- 
diately with his Majesty* s presents up into the country. I con- 
gratulated him upon my finding Massowa once again in a 
flourishing condition, under a regular government, and assured 
him that it was chiefly on account of the letter he had written, 
that I had relinquished my intention of entering Abyssinia by 
the way of Bure : I told him, that I was of course aware, that he 
must be well acquainted with the violent and improper conduct of 
his predecessor, who, in conjunction with the Nayib, had written 
so unjustifiable a letter, but added, that I was willing to pass 
it over, in consideration of being dealt with henceforth in a fair 
and open manner. I then stated, that though I could not consent 
to the exaction of duties on his Majesty's presents, yet thati should 
be happy to make him some private remuneration, and, that the 
ship, if she discharged any part of her cargo, shoul<^ pay what- 
ever reasonable port charges might be arranged between us. 
He answered me, in reply, that " he had been at Stombole^ 
(Constantinople) and in Sham, (Syria) and that he well knew the 
character of the English. He admired our plain dealing ; it was 
consonant with his own practice : his heart was open, and he 
would tell me his sentiments without disguise. He was stationed 
here under the Sherifle, it was true, but it was by a right which 
his family held from the Grand Seignor. The Aga, whom I had 
before seen at Suakin, he informed me, was a slave belonging 
to him, and so also was Omar Aga, who had commanded at 
