The next day we left for Hebron, where the result of his enquiries as to the conduct and management of the several institutions in that Holy City was likewise most satisfactory. The disturbed state of the country unfortunately occasioned much suffering to the inhabitants of this district, which induced Sir Moses to devote a considerable sum to the relief of the immediate necessities of the poor.
The country round Hebron being at that time much disturbed by the revolutionary acts of Abd-er-rahhman, the notorious oppressor of the Jews, Kiamil Pasha had encamped there, with a battalion of soldiers and two brass field-pieces, to be in readiness to proceed against any disloyal subjects of the Sultan.
He summoned the Sheikhs of the surrounding villages, and there were several among them who declared that they would only pay their taxes through Abd-er-rahhman, whom they considered as their local chief.
In consequence of this the Pasha proclaimed him a rebel, and nominated his brother Salâmeh in his place as Nâzeer (chief inspector) of the district.
The wife of Abd-er-rahhman and his sister, hearing of the presence of Sir Moses, called on Lady Montefiore, entreating her to speak to Sir Moses and obtain the removal of Salâmeh from his new office, which, she said, belonged to her true and faithful husband. She also brought a letter from Abd-er-rahhman himself, who called even on all the Jews whom he so often ill-treated, to intercede on his behalf with Sir Moses; but of course Sir Moses would not even see her. I had nearly half-an-hour's conversation with her, when she and his sister made many promises of the kindness with which Abd-er-rahhman would in future treat the Hebron Hebrew community. I requested them to leave our camp as soon as possible, as some of the Pasha's soldiers, who were near our tents, might notice their presence, and consider themselves justified in bringing them before the Pasha to make their representations to him. Sir Moses being desirous of establishing a dispensary for the benefit of all the poor inhabitants at Hebron, he wanted to purchase the field where we were encamped, and therefore sent for the owner, who, on being informed of the object for which the purchase of his field was required, after long consideration gave the laconic reply, "Ten purses" (equivalent to £50). Sir Moses agreed to the price, and gave orders to have the deed of sale prepared. On the following day the owner of the field made his appearance early in the morning. We thought he came to tell us the hour when to appear before the Ckádee. To our great surprise he said, on reconsideration, he thought he could not sell the land under £500. Sir Moses would not hear of paying such an amount, and the consequence was, that the poor of Hebron lost the dispensary, which it was his intention to supply with medicines in the same way as he did to the one at Jerusalem.
We left Hebron and proceeded to Jaffa, where some property was purchased, with a house and well, affording an abundant supply of excellent water. A number of poor Israelites were at once engaged upon the land, which is known by the name of the "Biera," and is situated near the estate of the Wurthemburg Templars. The amount distributed was £10,932, 10s.
After a number of personal interviews, and after carefully considering documentary evidence, Sir Moses and the other trustees arrived at the conclusion that the future well-being of the Israelites in the Holy Land must, under Providence, depend upon active support being accorded to the institutions established there for the promotion of agriculture and industrial pursuits.
We left Jaffa for Alexandria, where we arrived on the 1st of September. Three of the Pasha's boats, specially sent to take Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore, brought us on shore, where carriages were in readiness to take us to the Palace, which His Highness, Said Pasha, now the ruling Prince, had ordered to be prepared for their reception. On our entering the Palace we met a great many attendants; the table was decked with costly ornaments, and with numerous dishes filled with French and Egyptian viands, the best wine and liqueurs, and ices of every description. There was a French chêf superintending the culinary department, and his constant anxiety was to please Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore.
The latter, however, had their own cook with them, who arranged their daily meals, consisting of a few plain dishes. This man soon pacified the chêf, and aided him during our stay in the Palace in the selection of the dishes which were most palatable to His Highness' guests.