My dear sir,
I 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 Spaniards; 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 any flattery, your
qualifications justly deserve.
Peace still appears to be at a great distance, since the late
negociations; yet, as nothing is so uncertain 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
72 here, concerning those regions; especially that which relates to
their commerce, civilisation, customs, geography, and language.
I request as a favour that you would write me as often as possible;
exclusive of the interest I take in all that relates to the
politics and commerce of Africa, (particularly of the interior,) to
hear of your own individual welfare, will give me the sincerest
pleasure.