We attended the Mission Church, under the care of the United Presbyterians this morning, and greatly enjoyed being among our own people again. I presented my letter of introduction to Drs. Lansing and Watson, and found them to be very agreeable gentlemen, and at once greatly interested in our work.
Monday, October 24.—Called at the Consulate again this morning, and had an interview with our Consul-General, Mr. Wolf. We found him to be a very pleasant man, bright and energetic, and anxious to promote our interests in every way possible. He proposed to present us to the Khedive and to introduce us to Sir Edward Malet, the English Consul, to whom we have letters from the British Foreign Office, and to General Stone, who is in a position where he can help us greatly.
October 25.—I’m trying to pick up Arabic, but I find a donkey-boy better help than a book. We tried this method this morning, and started for the bazaars. I rode “Yankee Doodle,” a very smart little donkey, and Doctor rode “Champagne Charley.” We went through the gold and silver bazaars and the Turkish bazaars and the shoe bazaars, and various other departments. Here I aired my Turkish and my Greek. Everywhere we went there was a gentle murmur in our ears, “Bakhshish,” “Bakhshish.” We have got accustomed to it now, and rather like it; in fact, we feel quite lost without it.
Wednesday, October 26.—We went this morning to call upon Sir Edward Malet, K. C. B., with our Consul. I presented our letter from the Foreign Office, and we were very cordially received. He gave us some good advice and considerable information, and promised to get us the necessary letters. He also requested us to report to him the state of the slave trade on our return. We find that we have to move very cautiously. The slave trade is a touchy question in some quarters, and proselytism is another. In order to obtain any favor, we are obliged to emphasize the educational part of the work proposed.
Thursday, October 27.—Dr. Lansing called again this evening. He has a man he wants to send with us as far as Khartoum selling the Scriptures. He also thinks that there are some from among the tribes we hope to reach in their schools now who will work in with us in time.
Friday, October 28.—In the P.M. we went with Dr. Lansing and a party of friends to see, or rather hear, the Howling Dervishes. It was something unearthly, devilish, and never to be forgotten. Doctor and I began to calculate our chances if their religious enthusiasm and fanaticism should lead them to turn upon us. There has been a great revival of Mohammedanism lately and fanaticism. After this we went to the old synagogue, where there is a manuscript of the law written by Ezra. This is actually the case Dr. Lansing affirms. He intends to examine it more thoroughly some day, but it is very carefully guarded. Then we visited the old Roman gates of New Babylon and also attempted another church, but found it closed; we finished up with a drive on the fine Shubra avenue. There we saw the Khedive and a vast turnout of handsome carriages and handsomer occupants.
Sunday, October 30.—Attended the mission church and heard Mr. Helditch on Psalm cxxxix. 18. Met some Americans there who expressed great interest in our work. Remained quietly in our rooms the rest of the day.
Monday, October 31.—Wrote nearly all day. Received our circular letters from the Government to the authorities in Soudan and the Equatorial Provinces. Had a very friendly call from Sir Edward Malet, K. C. B., who offered himself for any further services he could render.