d with the acknowledgment, (in
opposition to idolatry,) that there is neither beginning nor power
but what proceeds from God, the eternal God, (_La hule u la kua ela
billa, Allah el adeem_.)

384

SPECIMENS
OF
_MUHAMEDAN EPISTOLARY CORRESPONDENCE._

* * * * *

_The following Letters are literal translations from the original
Arabic, and, although not of great importance, yet it is some
satisfaction to the enquiring mind, to observe the various modes of
address, and to note the style of Epistolary Correspondence
practised by the Muhamedans, which is so different from that which
is used among European and other nations._

* * * * *

LETTER I.

_From Muley Ismael, Emperor of Marocco, to Captain Kirke at
Tangier; Ambassador from King Charles the Second, dated 7th Du
Elkadah, in the 1093d Year of the Hejra, (corresponding to the 27th
October, A. D, 1682_.)

Praise be to God, the most High alone! and the blessing of God be
upon those who are for his prophet.

From the shereef[218], the servant of God, who putteth his trust in
385 God, the commander of the faithful, who is courageous in the way of
the omniscient God.

[Footnote 218: Shereef is a general term in the Arabic for a
prince, king, or emperor, signifying royal blood.]

L.S.

Ismael Son of a shereef; God illumine
and preserve him.

God assist his commanders, and give victory to his forces and
armies, Amen! To the captain of Tangier, Kirke, _peace be to those
who follow the right way[219]_; this by way of preface. Your letter
came to the lofty place of our residence, and we understand what
your discourse contained. As for the asking a cessation of arms by
sea; know, that it was not treated of between us till this present
time. Neither did we make truce with you concerning any thing but
Tangier alone. When you came to our illustrious house, we treated
with you about that matter for four years, and if you had sojourned
there yourself, no Muselman would ever have gone into that town
hostilely against you, but merely as a peaceable merchant.

[Footnote 219: This is a sentence which frequently occurs in
the Koran, but when u