A description of Morocco and its government has often been essayed by various writers; but no one could give an adequate idea of Sir John’s influence who had not personally witnessed his intercourse with the discordant elements which constitute the government of that country.

On one occasion I had the pleasure of being on Sir John’s staff when he paid a visit to the Emperor, who was then residing at Marákesh. What a pleasant journey it was! The daily ride, the evening camp, our first view of the great Atlas range of mountains, the entry into Marákesh, our reception by the Sultan, and the six weeks we spent in the city but little known to Europeans; and it was, perhaps, the events of that journey which impressed one more than anything as to the individuality and power of the British Representative.

By many Sir John will also be remembered as an ardent sportsman. Whether he was organising a boar-hunt, or a day after partridge, or enjoying a run with the Calpe hounds, there was always the same keen interest, the thorough enjoyment of sport, which characterised the man. Under his guidance you were always sure of finding boar, or of getting a good bag of partridge; and it was through Sir John that, some twelve miles South of Tangier, where the ground was favourable, the exciting sport of pigsticking was introduced into Africa. Well do I remember after a day’s sport the evening camp fire, round which we gathered after dinner, when Sir John would tell us of some of his earlier hunting recollections. He was an excellent story-teller, keeping his audience in a state of the deepest interest to the end; and then, with a merry twinkle in his eye, he would finish his narrative by a description of some ludicrous incident in which he was often the chief actor, and no one joined more heartily in the laughter which followed than he himself.

It is not possible, within the short space of an introduction, to give more than a mere outline of the personality of Sir John Drummond Hay. His recollections furnish the true index to his character. In them are reflected the sterling honesty, the integrity, and the courage and capacity of the man who, though working in a country but little known and full of prejudice and fanaticism, made England respected and trusted. He belonged to that band of the men of Great Britain who serve their country wherever they are placed, and who, while mindful of her interests and her honour, gain the good will of the rulers and the people to whom they are accredited.

In conclusion, I shall ever remember him as a friend whom I respected, and for whom I always had a true affection; and when asked to write these few lines, while wishing the duty had fallen to an abler pen than mine, I felt that, having been honoured with his friendship, I might, in affectionate remembrance of that friendship, write this brief tribute to his memory.

F. DE WINTON.

CONTENTS

CHAP. PAGE
Preface[v]
Introduction[xiii]
I.Boyhood. 1816-1834[1]
II.Waiting for Employment—José Maria. 1834[11]
III.Alexandria. 1840[20]
IV.Constantinople and Lord Ponsonby. 1840[30]
V.Constantinople with Sir Stratford Canning. 1841[49]
VI.Mission to Tangier[66]
VII.Political Agent at Tangier and First Mission to Marákesh. 1845-1846[76]
VIII.Visit to Salli and Departure for Marákesh. 1846[97]
IX.Residence at Marákesh and Return to Tangier. 1846[108]
X.Difficulties of Mr. Hay’s Position at Tangier. 1846-1854[133]
XI.Life at Tangier[142]
XII.Second Mission to Marákesh. 1855[167]
XIII.Benabu. 1857[184]
XIV.Mr. Hay’s Position at Tangier. 1858[198]
XV.The War with Spain. 1859-1862[205]
XVI.Sir John Hay’s Home at Tangier. 1862[221]
XVII.Third Mission to Marákesh. 1863[230]
XVIII.João, the Portuguese Gunsmith[241]
XIX.Fourth Mission to Marákesh. 1872[264]
XX.Ascent of the Atlas Mountains[288]
XXI.Mission to Fas in 1875[307]
XXII.1876-1879[318]
XXIII.Third Mission to Fas. 1879-1880[329]
XXIV.1881-1884[338]
XXV.Last Year of Official Life. 1885[354]
XXVI.Out of harness[365]
INDEX [399]