MASSOWAH. 
437 
at the number of pieces of china on the table at breakfast and dinner, 
and always counted them. He was in high spirits, and seemed 
greatly pleased with the presents we made him, which consisted 
of a fine piece of kincaub, one hundred dollars in money, a razor, 
some china, sweatmeats, coffee, snuflP, and a number of other little 
articles. He told us that he had always supposed all the articles 
brought to Massowah were made in Arabia, but he now found they 
came first from us. The Ras had sent me his own knife, spear, and 
shield, and a very fine piece of Habesh cloth ; in return I presented 
himwithmy silver chourie, an article of great use in Habesh, a bottle 
of lavender water, of which I heard he was very fond, and a pair of 
razors. 
r- 
Nathaniel Pierce, who had accompanied Mr. Salt, was induced 
by the Ras to stay in the country. Should any connexion take 
place between Habesh and India, his being there, and understand- 
ing the language, will be advantageous. Mr. Salt had left him every 
thing he could spare, and we sent him several other articles 
which he had mentioned in his letters. I also procured from Cap- 
tain Court two of the ship's muskets, some powder, flints, and ball. 
He had a gun, so that he was the best armed man in Habesh. I wrote 
to Mr. Pringle to procure me six more, in consequence of the Ras*s 
promise to give him a district when he had six matchlocks. He is 
a clever fellow, and will, I have no doubt, do well. He had several 
female protectors, and they have as much power in Habesh as else- 
where. He draws a little, which pleased the priests, for whom he 
manufactured saints in abundance. I sent him some money, and 
secured him more, should he wish to leave the country, I in- 
trusted every thing to Hadje Hassan to be sent to Pacha Abdallah, 
