NARRATIVE.

CHAPTER I.

Arrival of the Expedition at Tripoly ; pleasing appearance of the Town from the Sea — Friendly

Reception of the Party by the Consul — Interview with the Bashaw, who promises his pro-

tection and assistance — Appointment of the Escort — ’Visits to some of the Mahometan

Residents in Tripoly — Sidi Mahommed d’Ghies — Preparations for the journey — ^Adoption

of the Costume of the Country — This precaution recommended on the experience of the

party — Visit from the Arab Escort — Description of their principal, Shekh Mahommed

el Ddbbah— Sketch of the Shekh’s former Life— Friendly attentions of the European Residents of Tripoly — Arrival of Dr. Oudney and Lieutenant Clapperton.

In the beginning of September the Adventure sailed from Malta,

and in a few days we made the African shore, at about the situation

assigned to Tripoli Vecchio. llunning down to the eastward, we soon discovered the place of our destination, and on the morning of

the 1 1th, cast anchor in the harbour of Tripoly. The town makes a

respectable appearance from the sea ; it is surrounded by a high

wall, strengthened with bastions, above which are distinguished the

mosques and the baths, whose white minaret s and cupolas form no

unpleasing contrast with the dark tints presented by thick groves of

palm-trees, rising in varied groups, from the gardens at the back of

the town. The different coloured flags which were hoisted to salute

us on the castle of the Bashaw, and the houses of the several

consuls, floated gaily in the clear atmosphere and bright sunshine

B