had I not persuaded him to be aware of such persons, when he ordered him to return to Massowa, where you may meet with him if you come soon.
"I send no farther particulars, as I hope by the blessing of God, before three weeks to have the happiness to meet you at Massowa, which is only six days distant from here by the new road. I am,
Sir,
your most odedient
and humble Servant,Nathaniel Pearce.Chelicut, December 29th, 1809.
"The Ras says, that every day seems like a year until he shall meet you.
SECOND LETTER.
"Sir,
"As I am anxious to dispatch your messenger, and my paper is in Antalo, I write on this coarse paper to inform you that the letter by Alli Manda is the only thing I have received, and you, say tobacco and cloth was sent, which I have not received. Alli Manda, I and Mr. Benzoni know to be a great rogue, though he has brought this letter safely to us.
"I shall now give you further advice, with respect to what you mention 'that the Nayib of Massowa will not allow the guns to pass his country, from the apprehension of their being employed against him.' The only way is to make good presents to Alli Govéta, Alli Manda, and his friends, so that they with camels and mules may bring you up one day's journey to the salt plain, where I will meet you with a thousand of the Ras's people.
"I am advised by every body not to go down, at present, until I receive your answer. I have a great many enemies in Arata, through my stubbornness when I left Mr. Benzoni, so that I myself am doubtful of that one day between me and you. If I was with you at present, I would not
