PREFACE 
The situation of an author, wlien he presents himself to the 
scrutinizing ob.servation of the pubhc, must ever be one of tlie 
greatest doubt and anxiety ; but as the following pages are in- 
tended only to detail facts in the plainest manner, without attempt 
at embellishment of any kind, it is hoped that they will not only 
meet with indulgence from the general reader, but escape, without 
v'ery severe comment, from the examination of the critic. All that 
can be said in their recommendation is, that they adhere strictly to 
truth, and that not a single incident described by the author is in 
the slightest degree exaggerated ; on the contrary, he has not only 
abridged but, in some instances, entirely omitted to mention cir- 
cumstances which occurred to him, fearing either to excite doubt 
in the minds of Jiis readers, or by too long details to trespass on 
their patience. 
The Tour is divided into two parts. The first comprizes the 
original progress of the mission from Tripoli to Morzouk, where 
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