time,
in which he spoke of his _chains_ and _stripes_, and so on. He also
observes, that many people have boldly questioned the right of the
patriarch to proceed to such extremities with the members of his church,
saying, they saw not, at this rate, which was chief governor of the
mountains, the prince, or the patriarch.

_July 1._ One who seemed certain of delivering Shidiak, if he should set
about it, went, with our recommendation to Tripoli, from which place he
hopes to have a convenient communication with Cannobeen.

14. The youth who went to Tripoli to attempt something, came back
unsuccessful.

17. Application has been made by Phares to the emir M., but he refused
to do any thing for Asaad, alleging that it is an affair of religion,
and belongs exclusively to the patriarch. Phares says, that
notwithstanding the superstition and anger, which his mother exhibited
when here, she has more than once said, that the English are better than
the Maronites, for they take an interest in the fate of Asaad, while the
Maronites all seem to care nothing about him, whether he is dead or
alive, happy or wretched.

Phares, as well as others, says, that Tannoos is Asaad's enemy from
jealousy. Asaad is younger than Tannoos, but has been much more noticed.
This Tannoos could not bear, and has therefore been quite willing to see
him disgraced and punished.

Phares observes, that Tannoos was quite as favourably disposed to
protestant principles as Asaad, but the moment Asaad took the start of
him, he fell back, and is a much firmer Maronite than ever. He seemed to
be affected at the death of Mr. Fisk, but inferred from it, that God did
not approve the efforts of the protestants in this country. The death of
Mr. Dalton, also, his former pupil, probably confirmed this feeling.

_Great difficulties in the way of Asaad's release._

18. Tannoos came to converse about his brother Asaad. He had just
received a letter in Asaad's own hand-writing, saying, that he was
reduced to a great extremity of distress, and perhaps had not long to
live, and begging Tannoos to come up and see if nothing could be done to
end or mitigate his sufferings. Tannoos declares that he would be very
glad to get him away from Cannobeen, if he could be safe, but that in
any other place in the dominions of the emir Beshir, he would be killed.
He might be safe at the consul's, but with me, he would _not_ be. "There
are men in these mountains," said he, "that ca