VISIT TO ABYSSINIA. 
^63 
Independently of those occasions on which they were guided by 
their intolerant zeal, the Portuguese have generally acted in Asia, 
in a manner that other nations might copy with advantage ; and I 
trust that Great Britain, which has succeeded to her power in 
India, will also follow her example in cultivating a connection with 
Abyssinia. The crescent of Mohammed no longer, indeed, fore- 
bodes danger to Christianity, but the equally terrible eagles of rege- 
nerated France threaten universal destruction to ancient establish- 
ments ; and it is apparent, that their formidable master has more par- 
ticularly formed his plans against the eastern Empire of England. 
It was for the fartherance of this object that Egypt was conquered; 
and it is a continuation of the same policy, which has brought 
Seid Mohammed Akil to the Red Sea, to cultivate the friendship 
of the Arab powers. Abyssinia is of infinitely more importance 
than these ; but fortunately, France knew not that Abyssinia was 
accessible. She conceived that, by securing the Island of Camaran, 
with its excellent harbour, its fresh water, fuel, and provisions, 
she could form an establishment which would command the pas- 
sage of the Red Sea; and that, by entering into alliance with the 
Wahabee, whose offers had been slighted by the Bombay govern- 
ment, and with the Imaum of Sana, who hated the British name, she 
should render a continuance in the Red Sea impracticable to any fleet 
except her own, by cutting off all the necessary supplies. These 
expectations are completely annihilated by the discovery of Dhalac, 
Valentia, and the other islands, and by the connection with Abys- 
sinia, whence the whole British navy might be supplied with pro- 
visions. It is a source of infinite gratification to me, that the conduct 
of Mr. Salt, Captain Rudland, and Mr. Carter, was such, during 
