ainst him; some one of the
460 divan observed, that he would destroy the ports on the coast;
adding, that it would cost a certain large sum of money to effect
that destruction. Upon which the Emperor exclaimed, that, for half
that amount, he would himself destroy all these ports.--This affair
happened in September, 1798.

There is a prophecy in Barbary, that, from time immemorial, has
been generally credited by the inhabitants. It has been transmitted
to them by some fakeer, that the land of the Muselmen will be
wrested from them by the Christians; and there is an impression,
that the period when this event will take place is not far distant.
They also believe that this event will happen on a Friday (the
Muselman Sabbath), whilst they are occupied at their devotions at
the _Dohor_, service of prayer. Accordingly, at this period,--viz.
from twelve till half-past one o'clock,--the gates of all the
town's on the coast are shut and bolted every Friday. This attack,
forsooth, is to happen whilst they are occupied at prayer, because
they are so infatuated with an opinion of their own valour, that
they will not believe that Christians would presume to attack them
openly, when armed and prepared for the combat. It should seem that
these people begin now seriously to anticipate the near approach of
this predestined conquest, and have accordingly entered into a kind
of holy alliance, offensive and defensive: to which, it is said,
the Emperor of Marocco, and the Deys of Tunis and Tripoli, have
acceded; and that this holy alliance is crowned by the Ottoman
Emperor.
461
It is more than probable, that the Dey of Algiers, goaded by the
blow inflicted by Lord Exmouth,--which has increased his hatred to
Christians, and has inflamed his desire of revenge,--will not fail
to seek every opportunity (according to the known principles of
Muhamedanism), of retaliating and insulting the Europeans, whenever
a favourable opportunity may offer, even at the risk of another
bombardment. This opinion has been confirmed by his late conduct;
and by the activity that has been manifested in the fortifications,
in increasing their military force, in building and equipping new
vessels, to infest the Mediterranean with their abominable
piracies; all which proceedings demonstrate the