96 
MOCHA. 
nothing, as the Banian most solemnly declared. The Nayil) also 
claims, and receives, all the horses and mules belonging to the mes- 
sengers. I was much gratified by finding that the Abyssinians had 
desired the Banian to enquire if there were any English vessel at 
Mocha that would undertake, for a handsome reward, to convey 
them to Suez, and bring back the Aboona. It shews a flattering 
opinion of our national character. 
In a conversation at Massowah with my landlord, Abou Yusufl, 
the assertion of Mr. Bruce, that no one would be permitted to enter 
Abyssinia by that place, had been confirmed. I asked the Banian 
his opinion, and was surprised to find that he positively asserted 
the contrary, and that, to his knowledge, the Nayib would have 
no objection, I enquired if there would be any danger in the 
journey. He said not the least ; that he would be answerable that 
the Nayib should place any one in the King's presence at Gondar 
in perfect safety. I then asked, what the Nayib would take to do so, 
finding horses, mules, guards, &;c. from Massowah to Gondar? He 
said, four hundred dollars ; and, on my repeating the questions, 
said, he would himself be responsible for it, and would, if I pleased, 
give it me under his hand. I had no reason to doubt his assertions; 
yet I could not help suspecting, that the brothers of the Nayib 
would attempt to extort presents from any unprotected traveller. 
My friend Seid Mahommed Akil got into an unfortunate dis- 
pute with Captain Vashon, to whom he had applied to permit two 
native vessels, bound for Cannanore, to sail without delay. He 
declared they were both his, and gave a certificate under his hand 
that they were so. They were accordingly permitted to depart. 
He next applied for leave to sail in his own dow, which was also 
