he British
crown_.

This important discovery, which would immortalise the prince, who
should cherish it to its maturity, _can be effected only through
the medium of commerce_. But it should be attempted not only with
energy and decision, but with _dispatch_, before the enterprising
and commercial spirit of a foreign power (seeing how abortive our
efforts have been), shall snatch from us the glorious opportunity
now offered of _laying open the interior regions of Africa_ to the
commercial enterprise of Great Britain.

I am, Sir, Your most obedient servant,

VASCO DE GAMA.
494

The following curious Memoir was composed by Edmund Hogan, in the
reign of Queen Elizabeth, and lately found amongst the papers of
one of his descendants.

(A TRUE COPY.)

"_The Embassage of Mr. Edmund Hogan, one of the Sworne Esquires of
her Ma't's Person, from her Highnesse to Muley Abdelmelech,
Emperour of Morocco, and King of Fes and Sus, in the Yeare 1577.
Written by himselfe_.

"I Edmund Hogan, being appointed Embassadour from the Queens Ma'tie
to the above-named Emperour and King Muley Abdelmelech, departed
with my company and servants from London the 22d April, 1577, being
imbarked in the good ship called the Gallion, of London, and
arrived in Azafi, a port of Barbary, the 21st of May next
following. Immediately I sent Leonell Egerton ashoare with my
letters directed to John Williams and John Bampton, who dispatched
a courier to Morocco to know the Kings pleasure for my repaire to
the court, which letters came to theire hands on the Thursday
night. They with all speed gave the King understanding of it, who
being glad thereof, speeded the next day certaine captaines, with
souldiera and tents, with other provision, to Azafi; so that upon
Whitsunday at night, the said captaines, with John Bampton, Robert
495 Washborne, and Robert Lion, and the Kings officers, came late to
Azafi. In the meane time I remained aboard, and caused some of the
goods to be discharged, for lightning of the ship; and I wrote in
my letter that I would not lande 'till I knew the Kings pleasure.
The 26th day, being Saturday, the Mark-speed arrived in the roade
about two of the clock in the afternoone. The 27th day, being
Whitsunday, came aboard the Gallion, John Bampton, and