220 
are daily coasting there, and from Suez to Cairo by the 
ordinary way. In a case of emergency, an Arab mount- 
ed upon a dromedary, would accomplish the journey 
from Mokha to Djedda in less than ten days; a second, 
that from Djedda to Suez or Cairo, in the same space 
of time; and lastly, the Tartars go from Cairo to Con- 
stantinople in thirty days, so that any extraordinary 
correspondence might arrive from the Indian Ocean or 
from Mpkha to Constantinople in fifty days. 
Two days after my arrival at Suez, a caravan which 
had set out for Cairo, was attacked upon its route by 
the Bedouins. A conflict took place, and two men be- 
longing to the caravan were wounded. The Bedouins 
carried off six camels. 
The arrival of a grand Scheik named Scheik Djidid, 
was expected. He was coming from Cairo, with troops 
to escort our caravan, which was destined to transport 
the cargo of the fleet. I had even received advice from 
Cairo that he was to bring horses for me; but I after- 
wards learnt that a party of Arnauts, under the com- 
mand of Yazian Bey, having revolted against the Pacha 
Mehemed Ali, the Scheik Djidid had set out for Saaid 
or Upper Egypt, in order to reduce them to subjection. 
Another caravan, consisting of from seven to eight 
hundred camels, and an equal number of armed men, 
including pilgrims and Turkish soldiers from Djedda, 
having assembled at Suez, we resolveci to set out with 
it; not without some fear, for this assemblage presented 
but little strength, considering the actual situation of 
the country. The chiefs and the oflicers belonging to 
the temple at Medina, and some wealthy merchants of 
Djedda and Cairo, were also to set out with their 
caravan. 
