ir 
98 GRAND CAIRO. 
CHAP. Here we terminated our investigation, as far 
^ as it related to Bruce s account oi Abyssinia; and 
the result of it left a conviction upon our minds, 
not only of the general fidelity of that author, 
but that no other book of travels, published so 
long after the events took place which he has 
related, and exposed to a similar trial, would 
have met with equal testimony of its truth and 
accuracy \ 
(l) In the interesting memoir of Mr. Salt's Journey in Abyssinia, as 
published by Lord I'alentia, its author has assailed the veracity of 
Bruce, in a manner which may be lamented by those who hold Mr. 
jSa/i's Narrative in the highest estimation : and for this reason; that, 
with an evident disposition to dispute the correctness of Bruce's re- 
presentation, no writer has contributed more effectually to the esta- 
blishment of Br itce's credit. Mr. /S'a/< speaks in the most positive terms 
of the accuracy with which firwce has detailed his historical informa- 
tion. [^See Lord Valent'ia's Travels, vol.\\\. pp. 163.209. ^c. S^c. Lond. 
1809.) He also mentions the astonishment of the natives at his own 
knowledge of their history : (Ibid. 2>. 227.) and, above all, that he was 
considered by them as a superior being, when he exhibited Bruce's 
drawings of Gondar. (Ibid.) In many other instances he bears ample 
testimony to Bruce's accuracy. {See vol. II. p. 460. 480. S(c.; vol. III. 
pp. 1 63. 2 11 . 217. See also the instances adduced in the Edinb. Encyclop. 
vol.Y. Parti, pp.9^10.) When to all this is added the evidence afforded 
by the celebrated Browne (See Pre/ace to his Travels), in support of 
the few facts which are questioned by Mr. Salt, and the opinion given 
of his work by the Commander-in-chief of the British army sent from 
India by the Red Sea, as before alluded to, we may surely consider 
the writings of this illustrious traveller to be placed beyond the reach 
of cavil : and we ought to agree with that profound scholar, (See 
Vincent's Periplus of the Erythr. Sea, p. 93.) who, maintaining that 
jBrwce's work "bears throughout internal marks of veracity," con- 
sidered it to be a duty ** not to treat with ingratitude those 
WHO EXPLORE THE DESERT FOR OUR INFORMATION." 
