“Yeisst is three days’ journey south of Wadnoon, from Temzirst, (which place Mr. Davidson describes as a beautiful ride of eight hours, and speaks in high terms of the attentions and civilities of Sheik Hammo, who, with a party of twenty horse, accompanied him from Temzirst to Yeisst.) Mr. Davidson remarks,—‘Every step we have taken from Wadnoon we have found the people better, more liberal, more hospitable, and although somewhat savage, having yet a little mildness of character, of which there is none at Wadnoon.’
“At the date of the latest letters received from Sheik Beyrock, Mr. Davidson had been gone from Yeisst eighteen days, without there being any intelligence of him, which argues favourably for his safety: the greatest danger being upon the borders of the Desert, where there are many wandering and warlike tribes.
“I have reason to believe Mr. Davidson and party have pushed on as fast as possible: the journey was to be done in a very short time, as the camels were only to drink six times; and by not visiting the tents of the Tajacanths, nearly six days’ journey would be saved.
“Mr. Davidson, in the concluding paragraph of his letter, writes—‘I am happy to say I have picked up amazingly, and have now no fears about my health; and I beg to assure you I flatter myself with the hope, that the intrepid traveller may pass a merry new-year’s day at the famed city of Timbuctoo—which event I trust to have the high pleasure of announcing to you in about three months, Sheik Mohammed El Abd having promised to be the bearer of a letter, which he is to deliver for me, and say—There is a letter from Yahya Ben Daoud;[168] the Tajacanths have kept their word.’—God grant he may, is the hearty and sincere prayer of, Sir, your most obedient servant,
“Wm. Willshire.”
“To Capt. Maconochie, R.N.”
Translation of a letter from Sheik Beyrock, dated Wadnoon, 1st day of the month Dual Caada[169] (answering to the 7th instant), received at Mogadore 13th February, 1837.
“To our friend, Merchant Willshire, English Vice-Consul, salám,[170] &c.
“We received your letter by the courier, which we have read and understand, about the news of the Tibbib[171] John Davidson; his death is certain—the Harib met him—death is the lot of all. We had arranged with all the tribes of Arabs who are known to plunder and commit robberies on the road; we had ensured his safety with them. The Tibbib did not leave our house until we had previously received security from Eborria (of the tribe of Idowlet), that he might pass through his district of El Harib; we had no fear, because they are traders, and convey and pass the merchants of Tâfilêlt, and receive hire. El Harib did not go that route but to kill him (the Tibbib), and we have heard that the merchants of Tâfilêlt had given money to El Harib to murder him. Tâfilêlt is only distant one or two days’ journey from the usual place of abode of the tribe of El Harib. As to the property of the Tibbib, nothing has found its way to this quarter; but should it, I will send it to you. His property will get to Tâfilêlt, where it will be sold, and you had better write to the Sultan Mulai Abderrahman, to give orders to his Viceroy to seek after his books, writings, and property.
“We inform you we have sent a friend to the Tajacanths, ordering a person to be despatched to Timbuctoo, to bring us Abou, who is gone there; and have given the strictest orders for every information and news how it happened, to be sent us.