We should
never have procured beasts enough on the road, and did well to take them
direct from Tripoli. The Pasha's circular letter was of little or no use
in this respect; and, indeed, we could not expect it to cause camels to
start out of the ground.
_8th._--I paid a visit to the commandant of the troops, Runthar Aga, Bim
Bashaw, quite a Christian Moor; and got information on military affairs
whilst tasting the soup in the kitchen. Also called upon our old friend
the Doctor, and inspected the hospital, which certainly holds out no
temptation to a man to be ill. The patients are few: two have strong
fevers; five or six are convalescent; the sick-list contains no other
cases; but it will be different when summer comes on.
_9th._--Received a visit from the acting Governor, and presented him
with a bottle of snuff. Like other great men, this Pasha makes a great
consumption of rappee, and empties nearly a box a-day.
_10th._--The military seem to have taken a fancy to us. Here comes the
Commandant, to return our call, with all the officers of the garrison.
Smiles and courtesy are the order of the day. Dr. Overweg brings out
some of his scientific instruments, and the knowing ones have an
opportunity of showing their ignorance. All passes off well. Mr.
Gagliuffi observes: "You would not have had so much attention paid to
you in Tripoli." Possibly; but this may partly be accounted for by the
rarity of Europeans at Mourzuk.
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