14 
planks, almost without iron-work. The whole is painted 
black, and, I think, made of oak. On the east side of 
the bay there are three other batteries. 
The largest vessels that I have seen enter the port 
were of 250 tons burthen; but though the bay is exposed 
a little to easterly winds, its situation is pretty good; and 
it appeared to me that a valuable port might be made 
there with little expense. 
The town of Tangier, from the land side, has no 
other defence tfyan the wall and the ruined ditch; but 
without batteries. On the north side, the inclosure of 
the town joins the watl of an old castle, called alcassa- 
ba, built on a hill, and containing a suburb and a 
mosque. 
As the Moors are totally ignorant of military service, 
their batteries are generally without a guard. The kaid 
has at his door a small guard; and near the sea gate 
there is a sort of platform, on which some muskets are 
exhibited, which are meant to represent a military post. 
This, however, does not exist, or is reduced to two or 
three men. Every evening, when the kaid takes his 
walk on the sea shore, some soldiers perform the cere- 
mony of relieving guard. This is, however, nothing but 
mere parade, as afterwards every one retires and goes 
home. 
The signal for their retiring is given at ten o'clock 
at night, by firing off one musket at the platform. A 
guard is then placed at the same spot with a sentry, who 
every five minutes passes the word to another at the sea 
gate; the word is assassa, and the answer alabala* 
The Moors keep their watch always sitting, and very 
often without arms; a very convenient but not very mi- 
litary custom. 
