to Mogodor (which should always be done as soon as possible after the wreck, and a price giv en superior to that o f a native slave) * - - . 40 130 Redeemed after a tedious existence among the Arabs o f from one to Jive years, or more, originating from various causes, such as a want o f application being made through the proper channel, want o f remitting money f o r their purchase, or want o f a competent agent settled on the coast. gf) I f any nation o f Europe ought to enquire into the mode o f remedying this evil, it is certainly Great Britain, whose influence at the Court o f Marocco, b y adopting a judicious system, might be made v e r y considerable and advantageous to the coun try ; a small sum would be sufficient at Mogodor ( if the expense o f an express agent for this particular purpose were disapproved), i f deposited in the hands o f the Vice-Consul, or any merchant o f respectability, where it might remain ready to be employed in the purchase o f these unfortunate people, and b y allowing a sum rather above the price o f a black slave, the Arabs would immediate ly bring them to Mogodor, knowing th e y could depend on an adequate price ; b y this means the y might be procured for h a lf what they now c o s t ; and it would be an infinitely be tte r plan than that o f soliciting the Emperor to procure them through the Bashaw o f S u s e ; for, besides the delay, and consequent protracted sufferings o f the captives, the favour is undoubtedly considered b y the Emperor as incalcula b ly more than the cost and charges o f their purchase.* * As a further proof of the practicability of establishing an advantageous alliance with the present Emperor, it should be here observed, that his predeces- It is generally a month or two before the news o f a shipwreck reaches Mogodor, at which time, if a fund were there deposited, in the hands o f a competent agent, a hundred and fifty dollars would be sufficient to purchase each man; y et, often from the scarcity o f specie, or the various commercial demands which the merchants have for their money, they have it not in their power (however philanthropically disposed) to redeem these poor m en : and if they do, it is at their own risk, and they must necessarily wait to know i f the government chooses to reimburse their expenses. gors ofien obliged the English to send an ambassador, with presents, &c. to solicit the liberation of British seamen ; but Muley Soliman gives them up to the British consul, without exacting such kind o f remuneration.
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