Mr. Gwyn, the British consul at Mogodor, not to
expostulate at this request, as it would certainly be required of
me to conform to ancient usages. But I knew too well the
disposition of the people, and the great desire that pervaded all
ranks to have the port established; I therefore turned my horse,
and told the bashaw's sons, that I was come, with the blessing of
God, to bring prosperity to the land, to make the poor rich, and to
improve the condition and multiply the conveniences of the opulent;
that I came to establish commerce for _their_ advantage, not for
mine; that it was indifferent to me whether I returned to Mogodor
or remained with them. The sons of the bashaw became alarmed, and
entreated me, with clasped hands, to wait till they should report
to the bashaw my words and observations. I consented, and soon
after they returned with their father's earnest request that I
should enter a-horseback: old customs, said the venerable old
bashaw when, immediately afterwards, I met him in the street; old
customs are abolished, enter and go out of this town a-horseback or
a-foot, we desire the prosperity of this port, and that its
commerce may flourish; _All the people of Suse hail you as their
61 deliverer, God has sent you to us to turn the desert into_ (jinen
afia) _a fruitful garden; come, and be welcome, and God be with
you._

I was conducted to the best house in the town, a house which
belonged to our predecessor, Mr. Grover; and I was informed, that
if any demur had been made by the bashaw respecting my entrance
through the sanctuary or holy ground, it might have caused an
immediate insurrection; so anxious and impatient were all ranks of
people for the new establishment of this eligible port of Suse.

The privilege thus established, of riding in and out of the town, I
continued; and I procured it immediately afterwards for all
Christians! even masters of ships and common sailors.
62

LETTER III.

_The Author makes a Commercial Road down the Mountain, to
facilitate the Shipment of Goods.--The Energy and Liberality of the
Natives, in working gratuitously at it.--Description of the
Portuguese Tower at Tildie.--Arab Repast there.--Natural Strength
of Santa Cruz, of the Town of Aguzem, and the Portuguese Spring and
Tank there.--Atte