'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1865 to December 1867. (Edited by the Honorary Secretary.) Volume XVIII.' [‎87] (223/268)

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VISITED BY LIEUT. COL. MEBEWETHER. 87
There is abundance of water in the centre, and the channel is fully 600
yards across, hut on the northern mainland side a coral reef extends a
short distance from the shore. The entrance is from the north-east
the other end of the passage is closed for shipping of any draft by coral
rocks. At the entrance of the channel, on the left, is a small round
Tower which can scarcely be dignified with the name of Fort. Near this
some guns are mounted, but on the ground, not on the Tower. Artil
lerymen and Infantry are located close by to the number, it was said, of
1000. These had only arrived a few days before from Egypt, brought
down in a Steam Frigate. Formerly the Island was held by Turkish
Troops and a Governor appointed from Constantinople, hut recently
this side of the lied Sea fiom Suez to Massowa has been handed over to
the Egyptian Government. The new Garrison is much larger than the
old one, and eight fresh guns, apparently long 12-pounders, in excellent
order, have been added to the previously existing four small, old, rusty
iron guns. Ihe Island, which is small, is nearly covered by official
buildings and a cemetery. The Kaimakan, Governor, appears to have
a tolerable house, three-storied, but the remainder are wretched to a
degree, particularly those of the English and French Consuls, which
would be considered unsuited as habitations in a good and cool climate,
how much more unfitted for such a climate as Massowa. However no
one, excepting the Kaimakan and i roops, not even Merchants, remain on
the Island longer than can be helped : they have all other houses at
Uthumloo or Moncooloo, villages three and four miles inland, and
merely visit Massowa in the morning for business, returning to their
country houses in the evening. The climate during the cold season,
from the beginning of November to the end of March, is pleasant
enough, hut the remaining months are very trying ; often dead stagna-
hon of atmosphere with not a breath of wind to ruffle the smooth sur-
frce of the sea. There is great dampness in the air at the same time
which makes it more weakening. A few cases of cholera had occurred,
hut as they were confined to the newly-arrived Troops, who had been
at first bad water to drink, I believe it to be simply sporadic, and
n °t a return of the epidemic of last year.
ne intelligence from Abyssinia was equally satisfactory with that
P re viously received. The Mission and released captives had not started
on tfmir downward journey on the 9th April, but it was expected they
!° ll l d do 80 in a few days. This subject is treated of in a separate
des patch. r