VI INTRODUCTION.

purchase linens and other merchandize that were

requisite for his commerce.

On his return from Hamburgh in an English

vessel, he was captured, and carried prisoner to

Ostend, by a ship manned by Englishmen, but under Russian colours, the captain of which

pretended that his Imperial mistress was at war

with all Muselmen. There he was released by

the good offices of the British consul. Sir John

Peters *, and embarked once more in the same

vessel, which, by the same mediation, was also

released ; but as the captain either was or pre- tended to be afraid of a second capture. El Hage Abd Salam was sent ashore at Dover, and

is now ^, by the orders of government, to take

his passage on board a king's ship that will sail

in a few days.

In the following communications, Mr. Beau-

foy proposed the questions, and Mr. Lucas was

the interpreter.

Shabeeny was two years on his journey from Tetuan to Mekka, before he returned to Fas. He made some profit on his merchandise, which

consisted of haiks% red caps, and slippers.

* Confirmed by Sir John Peters.

b In the year 1795.

<^ The haiks are light cotton, woollen, or silk garments,

about five feet wide and four yards long, manufactured at Fas,

as are also the red caps which are generally made of the finest

Tedla wool, which is equal to the Spanish, and is the pro-

duce of the province of that name, (for the situation of which

see the map of the empire of Marocco, facing page 55.)