excuses, his present was accepted. When he offered his services, Sir
Moses asked whether he could take us to the Cave of Machpelah, but he
could not give a favourable reply. We had visitors the whole day.

_Sunday, 16th._--There were assembled in front of our tents no fewer
than two hundred people, men, women, and children, including all the
representatives of the congregation, together with their wives and
children. They presented us with certificates entitling us to free
seats in their several Synagogues, both Portuguese and German. They
also requested Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore to accept the presidency
of their charities and schools. The Governor also paid them another
visit, as a special mark of respect, repeating his apologies for not
having come to meet them, and volunteering his services during our
visits to the holy places. After he left, the whole congregation
united in prayers for the evening service. The scene was most
interesting. Numerous presents had again been sent by various members
of the community; also a jar of fresh butter and another of honey, by
the Sheik of the place. After the prayers, the four sheep which the
Governor had sent were prepared for the repast. The parts appropriated
to the descendants of Aaron, the High Priest, were given to them, the
hind quarters were presented to the Mussulman and Druse attendants and
moukaries, and the forequarters to poor Jewish families. All present
appeared happy. Singing, playing, dancing, and performances with sword
and gun, afforded amusement to old and young, to Druse, Mussulman,
Christian, and Jew.

_Monday, June 17th._--The Governor and Sheik having, on the previous
day, promised to accompany us to the Cave of Machpelah, they came
this morning before nine o'clock, together with their attendants.
After having partaken of coffee and sherbet, with the usual
accompaniment of a chibouk, we set out for the tombs of our
forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Many members of the Hebrew
community followed us. On reaching the steps of the Mosque, even
before we had dismounted, there was a great cry against us entering.
We nevertheless ascended the steps, and entered the passage leading to
the interior of the Mosque. It was filled with people, all screaming
and threatening us with sticks. But the situation soon became much
more serious. The Mussulmans began to beat back those of the Jews who
had followed us, and the screams were truly frightful. The soldiers