n the
enjoyment of health and happiness.

"I have requested my friend, Dr. David Livingstone, who is
already personally well and favourably known to your Highness,
to convey to you the assurance of the continual friendship and
goodwill of Her Majesty's Government in India.

"Your Highness is already aware of the benevolent objects of Dr.
Livingstone's life and labours, and I feel assured that your
Highness will continue to him the favour and protection which
you have already shown to him on former occasions, and that your
Highness will direct every aid to be given him within your
Highness's dominions which may tend to further the philanthropic
designs to which he has devoted himself, and which, as your
Highness is aware, are viewed with the warmest interest by Her
Majesty's Government both in India and England.

"I trust your Highness will favour me with continued accounts of
your good health and welfare.

"I remain, your Highness's sincere friend,

(Signed) "H.B.E. FRERE.

"BOMBAY CASTLE, _2nd January, 1866._"

When we arrived Dr. Seward, the Acting Consul, was absent at the
Seychelles on account of serious failure of health: Mr. Schultz,
however, was representing him, but he too was at the time away. Dr.
Seward was expected back daily, and he did arrive on the 31st. I
requested a private interview with the Sultan, and on the following
day (29th) called and told him the nature of my commission to his
Highness. He was very gracious, and seemed pleased with the gift, as
well he might, for the _Thule_ is fitted up in the most gorgeous
manner. We asked a few days to put her in perfect order, and this
being the Ramadan, or fasting month, he was all the more willing to
defer a visit to the vessel.

Dr. Seward arranged to have an audience with the Sultan, to carry out
his instructions, which were to present me in a formal manner; Captain
Bradshaw of the _Wasp_, with Captain Leatham of the _Vigilant_, and
Bishop Tozer, were to accompany us in full dress, but the Sultan had a
toothache and gumboil, and could not receive us; he, however, placed
one of his houses at my disposal, and appointed a man who speaks
English to furnish board for my men and me, and also for Captain
Brebner, of the _Thule_, and his men.

[Illustration: Livingstone's House, Zanzibar.]

_6th February, 1866._--The Sultan being still unable to come, partly
on account of t