71 XETTER VI.

FROiM THE SAME TO THE SAME.

My DEAR Sir, 1 DULY received your letter from Gibraltar, and have made known to Government the expediency of sending a person to Marocco, to oppose the influence of the French and iSpaniards ; but I cannot yet say with certainty whether the measure will be adopted or not ; if it should, you may rely upon my attention to your interest. I have given your name to the secretary of state, and have spoken of you with that distinction, which I think, without ny flattery, your qualifications justly deserve.

Peaxje still appears to be at a great distance, since the late negociations ; yet, as nothing is so imcertain as an event of this kind, it may come upon us, (as the last peace did) like a thief in the night, when we least expect it. You will have, I have no doubt, frequent opportunities of procuring information concerning Timbuctoo, and other places in the interior of Africa. Your knowledge of the language, customs, and commerce of that continent, give you advantages which few possess upon this ground ; and I assure you, every kind of information will be greedily received here, concerning those regions ; especially that which F 4