'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1865 to December 1867. (Edited by the Honorary Secretary.) Volume XVIII.' [‎80] (212/268)

80
MB. BASSAM’S MISSION 'i'O THE
translate it into Arabic, the interpreter and Samuel then retranslating
it to the Chief Scribe in Amharee.
Very early next morning (29th January) the King sent for them.
They found His Majesty standing outside the royal paviiuii and after
being welcomed, they were invited to enter When all the attendants,
except Ras Engada, the Chief Scribe, Samuel, and Mr. Rassam s
Mahomedan Interpreter had been ordered to withdraw, the King again
recounted his complaints regarding the misconduct of the European
prisoners. He then expressed himself much pleased at having at last
seen Mr.' Rassam, and said that the friendly intentions of England
towards himself had been proved by Mr. Rassam’s patience and good
conduct; and concluded by ordering the Chief Scribe to read the
letter which he had written to Her Majesty, ihis letter, which was
afterwards sent to Mr. Rassam to be translated into English, was to
the effect that the King had forgiven the European prisoners and made
thpm over to Mr. Rassam ; but the exact contents were not at this
time made public.
The afternoon of the same day had been appointed for receiving
the presents which Mr. Rassam had brought. He accordingly^ about
5 p.m., brought the presents, and after making a suitable speech pre
sented them to the King. His Majesty appeared much pleased, and,
after making an appropriate answer, said that lie accepted the gifts
not for their value, hut for the sake of the Giver, and in token of the
renewal of friendship between himself and the British nation.
Next morning (30th January) the King intimated to Mr. Rassam
that he intended him to go to Korata where he was to wait till the
prisoners should be brought from Magdala. Korata is a large town,
situated on the extreme limit of the S. E. side of the lake Suna, at an
elevation of about 6,000 feet above the sea; and the Emperor had
chosen it as the residence of his visitors on account of the cool breeze
from the lake, and because they could there pass their time in fishing
and shooting. They afterwards found the climate of Korata neither
very hot nor very cold, the temperature averaging 75° in the day and
55° at night, but they did not find it as invigorating as they expected.
His Majesty had determined to accompany them on their way
for one or two stages, and accordingly marched that morning a
far as Sakala, accompanied by the whole army, estimated at about
45,000 fighting men, with about an equal number of followers, m^ e