y Adaram, whom I have already
mentioned, lives at this day wandering in the Desert, and among his
banditti, in consequence of having fallen a victim to his father's
covetousness. I do not know if this young prince has ever shown any good
qualities, but in the Desert he is only considered as a barbarous
prince, who will prove a very cruel tyrant, if ever he mounts the
throne. It is true, the throne appears at present to be destined for his
brother Moulem[36] Azy, who is as worthless as himself.

[Footnote 36: This was written before my return from Senegal. It
may be noticed, that the son has since declared war against the
father.]

May I be permitted to observe, how extraordinary it is, that a prince so
little to be dreaded as the Emperor of Morocco, should oblige the
different powers of Europe to send ambassadors to him, and that he
should even dictate laws to them. There is not a single sovereign who
dares to send a representative to his court without making him at the
same time considerable presents; and what envoy would present himself
without having his hands full? When M. Chenier, envoy from the court of
France, delivered his despatches to the emperor, some thing in them had
given offence to him; he therefore wrapped them in a dirty handkerchief,
and hung them about the consul's neck, who was accordingly publickly
exposed to the mockeries and insults of that cruel nation. How happens
it that the consuls have not, by common consent, represented to their
respective sovereigns, that the Emperor of Morocco becomes every day
more and more powerful by the supplies which they themselves furnish
him? Twenty years ago, this prince was absolutely destitute of
resources. He had neither materials, nor any place for casting cannons;
and he was equally in want of wood for building ships, of ropes, of
nails, and even of workmen. It is France, and other European powers,
that assist him, else the Emperor of Morocco would be of little
consideration. His superb batteries of brass cannons, twenty-four,
thirty-six, and forty-eight pounders, were furnished by Holland, Spain,
England, and France. England has done more than other nations, by
selling him those beautiful cannons which were taken on the floating
batteries. Mogador, that part of it which is next to Morocco, is built
in an advantageous situation. Its batteries are well disposed, and there
are cannon at each embrasure; but they are there only in a manner for
show,