PORT MORNINGTON. 
569 
asylum, but a supply of water and fresh provisions. I cannot help 
expressing my astonishment, that, during the continuance of our 
fleet in this sea, no attempt was made to examine a coast which 
offered no impediment, and where the Victor's track had plainly 
demonstrated that a safe passage existed among the islands. 
The neglect with which all ancient authors have passed over 
this, though the best harbour in the Red Sea, .is so extraordinary 
that I know not how to account for it. It is certainly very near the 
place where the Astaboras is said byStrabo, to mingle a small pro- 
portion of its waters with the sea, but from the most accurate in- 
quiries we could trace no vestige of any such circumstance ; nor is 
it probable, that a stream could make its way through the lofty 
chain of mountains which binds the western shore of the Red Sea. 1 
think that Wellesley's Islands are the six Latomian islands of Strabo, 
and possibly the harbour itself may be the Sabaiticon Stoma of the 
same author, since in his description they immediately follow 
Ptolemais Theron. 
On our first arrival we were assured, that no trade was carried 
on here; but this appeared to be so contradictory to the fact of a great 
number of dows resorting to it, that we determined to be more 
particular in our inquiries. We soon perceived that the boats 
belonging to the dows left their vessels early every morning, went 
jto the main land, and returned at night ; but we could discover 
nothing large that they either took with them, or brought back. 
At length an old Naqueda paid Mr. Maxfield a visit, and pro- 
duced a certificate from Admiral Blanket, that he had been em- 
ployed by him. This led to a more intimate acquaintance, and a 
more free conversation, but on the subject of trade it was difficult to 
