“_Mourzuk, April 12_, 1822.
“I arrived here on the seventh instant, in high spirits and the best
health. Our journey to this place was exceedingly pleasant, and far
surpassed my most sanguine expectations. The people have all been
exceedingly kind, and have treated us in the best manner possible.
Every respect has been shown us since we left Tripoli, and we have not
experienced the slightest difficulty, or been exposed to the least
danger. The country over which we passed was dreary in the extreme.
In many places not a blade of grass, nor a single shrub, for several
days together, was visible. Notwithstanding that circumstance, there
is always something interesting in Nature; even in her most sterile
states there are objects to observe and admire. The different _Oases_,
in our way, were visited with pleasure, and the flowing accounts
which travellers have given of these spots were found to possess
a considerable degree of correctness. It is only necessary for a
person to be travelling for several days over nothing but gravelly
and sandy plains, to have his mind brought into a fit state to admire
these fertile spots. It is as yet doubtful how long I may be obliged
to remain here; but you may rest assured it will be as short a time
as possible. The town is much better than I expected, and the house
allotted for the accommodation of the mission is a very excellent one.
The principal people have treated us with every kindness, and all
endeavour to make us as comfortable as possible.”