Notes taken during travels in Africa / By the late John Davidson.

  • John Davidson
Date:
1839
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Notes taken during travels in Africa / By the late John Davidson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    guided rather by Benoliel. ‘Towards evening the wind got up, and at night increased to a gale. The dust was dreadful. A Sunday at Gib- raltar is more remarkable than at any other place. Jews, Turks, Moors, Protestants, and Catholics, all keep it in their own way, and each in a different one. Monday, Sept. 14—The wind still very high, and the dust quite distressing. I waited on the Governor as soonas he came from the con- vent, and afterwards visited Benoliel. His Excellency recommended my going, and he was backed by Benoliel, but opposed by Mr. Hay.* Dined again at the Governor’s, where I met his pare ae Dr. Burrows, a gentleman of great learning. Tuesday, Sept. 15.—Started early for the market. This is a curious and interesting scene. Moors, Jews, Spaniards, and lizards in abun- dance are to be found there, together with a few Englishmen. I met there with a Mr. Hodgson from Virginia: he is a fine specimen, J cal- culate, of an United States’ diplomatist, and the most gentleman-like American I have ever seen. I have written to Mr. Hay, to request he will make arrangements for my departure; let us see what the result will be. Wednesday, Sept. 16.—Mr. Hodgson improves much upon acquaint- ance. He is going to Morocco, and I shall lose a fine chance should I not be able to get off with him. Everybody says the detention is too bad, and it perfectly unhinges me. The airis much cooler, although the thermometer is still at 75°. I received a long dispatch from Mr. Hay, which ended by his stating that he would write on Friday. Thursday, Sept. 17.—Talked over matters with Mr. Hay, which are more satisfactory than I anticipated. Visited Benoliel, who is still dis- posed toassist me. Heard from him, that the son of the king of Jemma was here, on his return from Mecca, and I am not without hopes of being able to go with him. Walked out to the neutral ground ; looked at the stock and slaughter-houses, and did some shopping. Feasted my * The opposition of Mr. Hay arose from his fears of the perilous nature of Mr. Davidson’s enterprize, and his unwillingness, therefore, to take upon himself any responsibility. This is distinctly shewn by Mr. Hay’s letter, given in the Appendix.
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