72 
These Wehhabites, who are from Draaiya, the prin- 
cipal place of the reformers, are of a copper colour. 
They are in general well made, and very well propor- 
tioned, but of a short stature. I particularly remarked 
some of their heads, which were so handsome, that 
they might have been compared with those of Apollo, 
Antinous, or the Gladiator. They have very lively 
eyes, the nose and mouth well formed, fine teeth, and 
very expressive countenances. 
When we represent to ourselves a crowd of naked 
armed men, without any idea of civilization, an3 
speaking a barbarous language, the picture terrifies 
the imagination, and appears disgusting; but if we 
overcome this first impression, we find in them some 
commendable qualities. They never rob either by force 
or stratagem, except when they know the object be- 
longs to an enemy or an infidel. They pay with their 
money all their purchases, and every service that is 
rendered them. Being blindly subservient to their 
chiefs, they support in silence every fatigue, and would 
allow themselves to be led to the opposite side of the 
globe. In short, it may be perceived that they are men 
the most disposed to civilization, if they were to re- 
ceive proper instruction. 
Having returned home, I found that fresh bodies of 
Wehhabites were continually arriving, to fulfil the 
duties of their pilgrimage. But what was the conduct 
of the Sultan Scherif during this period? Being una- 
ble to resist these forces, he hid himself, fearing an 
attack from them. The fortresses were provisioned, 
and prepared for defence; the Arabian, Turkish, 
M ogrebin, and Negro soldiers, were at their posts; I 
saw several guards and centinels upon the forts; se- 
