Page 192 - Arabian Studies (II)

184 Arabian Studies II

great many particulars totally unconnected with the subject
of the work; indeed it appears altogether written for sale, the
style is miserable.
At 6 went onboard the Coote, drank tea with Captains
Denton and Haines. The latter showed me a case, very
portable, fitted for a traveller on a surveying expedition. It
contained a small sextant with a false horizon and quick­
silver, compasses, parellel and other rulers of every descrip­
tion, a camera lucida, two pocket compasses, a microscope,
with drawing materials in fact everything necessary in the
smallest compass. For this he paid 65 guineas. He also
produced some of his drawings of birds, fishes etc, done in
beautiful style. He read some of his journal written during his
residence at Aden, the language was very good. He appears to
be every way fitted for a resident at this place by his superior
qualities; he has surveyed nearly the whole of the Arabian
coast, Socotra etc.
The Chokee having been supplied with a mortar threw a
few shells for practice towards the shore. They burst one in
the water, another on the beach and a third went over a hill
and burst in the valley.
Whilst sitting on the poop of the Coote at night some very
beautiful meteors fell near me.
6 Sunday. Fine. At Vz past 10 went onboard the Coote, where
the morning service was read by Mr Harrison to the crew,
after which Mr Johnstone, the first lieutenant read the
articles of war.
Remained onboard the Coote till 9, dined, conversed and
walked. Captains Haines and Denton dined in the wardroom.
7 Fine. Onboard till 2 when 1 went to dine with Captain
Campbell of the Ann Crichton and Messrs Dawson and
Dent, the former coal agent here; a very good set out for a
merchant vessel.
In the evening was rowed together with Mr Harrison and
the doctor of the Coote and Captns C. and N. as far as the
pass by which the people from the country enter the town.8
Here there are two or three small forts which on the Coote's
boats appearing generally fired at them. They had preceded
us on this occasion but were unmolested. There are numerous
islands near this but generally joined to the main at low
water. The hills at the back of the town are 1800 feet in
height and of volcanic formation. None of the Coote's boats
landed anyone nor did we.
The high priest of Aden9 came down today with a large
suite on camels to intimate that the place would be given up
tomorrow, also bearing an ample apology from the Sultan for
having fired on the British flag. It appears that the high priest
was saluted with one gun by every dow that entered or sailed.