A narrative of travels in northern Africa in the years 1818, 19, and 20; accompanied by geographical notices of Soudan and of the course of the NigerLyon, G. F. (George Francis)
History
A narrative of travels in northern Africa in the years 1818, 19, and 20; accompanied by geographical notices of Soudan and of the course of the Niger
Lyon, G. F. (George Francis)
Fezzan (Libya) -- Description and travel; Tripolitania -- Description and travel
About the beginning of April, a dangerous fever broke out and was
making great ravages in Tripoli, many of the inhabitants dying daily
in the town and gardens. On my arrival, I made an attempt to obtain
an interview with the Bashaw, but his highness was not at first
sufficiently disengaged to allow of my paying my respects to him. At
the end of a fortnight, however, I was admitted to an audience,
and was accompanied by the British consul; who jointly with myself,
thanked him for the attention which had been shown to the Mission,
by the people of the interior, in consequence of his patronage.
The Bashaw was much amused by my having acquired the language and
accent of Fezzan, and conversed with me for some time, asking me
a variety of questions respecting what had occurred to me on my
journey. He promised, that on the event of my returning to Africa,
I should always be secure of his friendship: and on my taking leave
of him, desired I would offer his compliments to my Sovereign.
It would be useless and uninteresting were I to relate the trifling
incidents which occurred to me during the remainder of my stay at
Tripoli. I shall therefore merely mention, that on the 14th of May
I procured a passage to Leghorn for Belford and myself, taking with
me my horse, which was a gift from the Bashaw, and a Maherry, or
courier camel, which I intended to present to his Majesty George IV.
Dr. Dickson was unwilling to allow of Belford’s undertaking the
voyage, fearing that his weakness would not enable him to resist any
severe weather; but as Belford thought himself equal to the attempt,
and as we were naturally impatient to return to England, I resolved
no longer to delay my departure. I cannot omit the opportunity
here offered me of expressing my sense of the kindness invariably
shown me by Col. Warrington, the British Consul; from whom, as well
as from his family, I received the most unremitting attention. I
can only sincerely lament my total inability to do justice to his
friendship, evinced towards me not only in his official capacity,
but individually, and on all occasions where he had the power of
serving me. To some other most kind friends, who assisted me in
the hour of need, I have also to offer my sincere tribute of thanks.
Myself and suffering companion left Tripoli on the 19th of May; and,
after a passage of ten days, arrived at Leghorn. Belford was again
so ill, that I found it necessary to call in the assistance of a
medical gentleman, who visited him frequently at the Lazaretto. Our
quarantine was twenty-five days, in a good airy situation; on leaving
which we removed to the town, prior to setting out overland for
England. We hastened to change our dresses, and to shave our beards,
though not before we had been unwillingly exhibited to many curious,
and, in some cases, troublesome visitors, who came to view us in
our Moorish costume.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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