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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    collect from four to five hundred horse, to start at any time I might appoint ; but when Iasked to go to Shellah, I was told there was a prohi- bition against it. We then went to Isma’il Es-sumbul, who gave us a splendid luncheon and some excellent wine, accompanied by many offers of civility. We now begin to find that we are state-prisoners. There is a soldier on the landing-place, another at the door, and three billeted in the house. We are asked where we want to go, as it is neces- sary to obtain the governor’s permission previously. We went to the Millah,* to see the Jews’ quarters. There are some fine houses, and beautiful women. The soldiers would not, however, allow us to go out- side the walls, although we were at the very gates. We came home, dined, read the English service, and entered upon some discussions on religious questions. Abi has been sent for by the governor, who made him a small present of tea and sugar. During the day I had several patients with maladies, some real, some imaginary. Accompa- nied Mr. John Hay to see a very pretty Jewess, for whom he had brought forty ducats, paid fora breach of promise of marriage. From all I hear of the man, a very fine and good girl has had a lucky escape. Monday, Jan. 4.—Therm. 56°. Very fine. Up early, and went to Salé, to see the administrador. Few Christians now visit this place, although many have been there, whose hard fate made them its forced inhabitants. Salé is a large town, but thinly peopled. The house of the adminis- trador isa very good one. He gave us tea, &c. I had a long consulta- tion about seeing a child of a friend of his. From thence I went to the Millah, where I found lots of patients. The principal prescription required of me was something to cure barrenness, and to ensure a large family. Returned to Rabat, and began arrangements for prosecuting my ‘journey. The muleteers were very sorry for their behaviour ; but I have turned them off, and I shall now be better served. ‘Troops are collecting through the fear of the Zairi, who are close to the town in great num- bers. They extend to Enzileh dhé Ba Sinakah. We shall have a fine lot of troops, and I hope equal lots of fun. ‘The monnah was sent as usual ; * The Millah is the part of a Moorish town where the Jews reside. E 2
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