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said, that he hoped shortly to see more Enghshmen ; and that he 
would, in the mean time, provide him with every help for studying 
the Abyssinian language, that he might be of service in explaining 
their mutual wishes. He farther added, that he need be under no 
apprehension, as all the chiefs would treat him as a brother ; that 
he would keep him always near his own person^ and provide for 
him accordingly ; that he should, in the first place, attend him on 
the expedition to Gondar, which would commence as soon as we 
were safely on our journey, and afterwards he should have time to 
study the language, and make some drawings for the churches ; 
which being done, he would have permission to go into any part of 
the kingdom that he pleased, with a special protection from him, 
the Ras ; and that whenever he became tired of his situation, should 
be provided with the means of returning to Massowah. To these 
terms Pearce assented ; and in reply to the first part of the Ras s 
speech, told him, that being an Englishman, he never knew what 
fear was ; with which the Ras was much gratified ; and answered, 
that, though very old, his own feelings were the same. 
" I was of opinion, that Pearce's determination to stay in the 
country might be of considerable importance, for the following rea- 
sons : he is quick in acquiring any language, which will very much 
facilitate any intercourse hereafter with the inhabitants. He writes 
well, and expresses himself with sufficient clearness on any subject^ 
and possibly may be able to collect much interesting information; 
if engaged in the wars with the Galla, or if permitted to visit 
Gondar, or elsewhere, in which case, his knowledge of drawing, 
which is for an untaught person considerable, might be brought 
to good account. He is, so far as 1 have seen, well inclined, and a 
