INTRODUCTION. XXI

No. 2.

Arabic Letterfrom Clapperton to the Lord of Boossy.

Translation.—“ Praise be to God, and prayers and peace be unto his

apostle. From Abdallah, the English rais (captain), to the lord of Boossy,

named Moosa (Moses), with regard and salutation; and that he has heard

that the writings of his brethren, who were slain by the people of your country,

have come into your hands. He therefore wishes you to give them up to him,

either by purchase, or as a gift, or by exchange for a book of your own (the

Koran), or, at least, to let him see them only. We conjure thee, O lord, by

God, by God, by God ! and SaHm to you.”

The reply to this does not appear among Clapperton’s papers ; but, from

the following letter, it may be concluded that he was referred to the Lord of

Yaoury.—A. S.

No. 3.

Arabic Letterfrom Clapperton to the Lord of Yaoury.

Translation.—“ Praise be to God alone. From Abdallah, the English

captain, to the Lord of Yaoury. Hence respecting the book of the Christians who were seized by the people of Boossy, he wishes you to give it to him,

that he may deliver it to his master, the Great Lord of the English nation.

This only is his desire ; and Salam be to you.”

No. 4.

Reply to the above.

Translation.—“ This is issued from the Prince or Lord of Yaoury to

Abdallah, the English captain : salutation and esteem. Hence your mes-

senger has arrived and brought us your letter, and we understand what you

write. You inquire about a thing that has no trace with us. The Prince or Lord of Boossy is older (or greater) than us, because he is our grandfather. Why did not you inquire of him about what you wish for ? You were at

Boossy, and did not inquire of the inhabitants what was the cause of the de-

struction of the ship and your friends, nor what happened between them of

evil; but you do now inquire of one who is far off, and knows nothing of the

cause of their (the Christians’) destruction.

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