LETTER X.

_Translation of a Letter from the Emperor Yezzid, to the Governor of Mogodor, Aumer ben Daudy, to give the Port of Agadeer to the Dutch, and to send there the Merchants of that Nation._

"Praise be to God alone; for there is neither beginning nor power without God, the eternal God." 403 L.S.

Yezzid ben Muhamed, Sultan ben Sultan.

"Our servant (or agent) Alkaid Aumer ben Daudy, peace be unto you, with the mercy and blessing of God: this premised, I command that all the duties you have collected be sent to me speedily by my brother[228] Muley Soliman, who will (_berik_) discharge you by receipt for every thing you deliver to him, for he is our representative. We are preparing to go to the siege of Ceuta, with the acquiescence of the High God, by whose power we hope to enter it, and take it. And we command you to send the Alkaid M'saud El Hayanie to my port of Agadeer, with all things necessary for his journey, assisting him with every possible succour, and send with him twenty Benianters[229], who must be sailors skilful in the management of boats; and the Christian merchants of the Dutch nation will go to Agadeer, and establish their houses there; for I have given that port to the Dutch to trade there: and send with them Talb Aumer Busedra, and the eye of God be upon you, and peace be with you."

[Footnote 228: The duties were at this time collected in kind; viz. one tenth of every thing imported from Europe: and the present Emperor Muly Soliman was deputed to convey them to the camp before Ceuta, to his brother, the Emperor Muley Yezzid, whose army was besieging that fortress.]

[Footnote 229: _Benianters_, are a kabyle of Shelluhs of Suse, who are employed to work, and row the boats, and land the goods at Mogodor.] 404 Seventh day of Arrabea Ellule, year (Hejra) 1205.[230]

Translated by the Author, from the original Arabic in his possession.

"Be vigilant with respect to the matter of the establishment of Agadeer, and of M'saud El Hayanie." [231]

[Footnote 230: Corresponding with A.C. 1793.]

[Footnote 231: The Emperors of Marocco, and the Arabian writers in general thus repeat the principal subject of a letter or discourse, to impress it more forcibly on the mind.]