'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1865 to December 1867. (Edited by the Honorary Secretary.) Volume XVIII.' [‎95] (231/268)

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VISITED BY LIEUT. COL. ME BE WE T HE E. 95
only of six years standing, and no written record could be found. There
is a Fort on the north side, but of no strength ; square, built of rough
blocks of stone and mud cement, having bastions at each corner, and
double gate in the centre of the face opposite the town. The interior is
open and clear; there is a parapet all round, and on the side overlooking
the town and harbour six iron guns, 6-pounders, French, were mounted,
one turned slightly towards the hills; down below was another iron
gun of smaller calibre, dismounted, and a brass mortar on a bed,
about 9 inches, having on it a French inscription to the effect that it
belonged to the French Republic, with the words <c Liberte Egalite.”
There was a well inside the Fort, but the water in it was very salt and
unfit for use. Harbour there can be said to be none. It is a purely
open road-stead, protected somewhat from the north-westerly winds and
swell by the coast running round slightly to the eastwards to a point at
the extremity of which is a coral reef extending a short distance further
out. Within this point and reef is another coral bed, ending abruptly
and in a strait line for about 400 yards at right angles to the shore
immediately opposite the Custom House. Along this line country-
vessels lie, moored stem and stern. At two hundred yards farther
out and still protected somewhat by the point is good anchorage in seven
fathoms. But should strong winds from the S- E,, S., or S. W. set in,
the position would be a dangerous one, being utterly unprotected in
those directions.
The Governor had with him two Europeans, one a Greek, who an
nounced himself as Agent from the Egyptian Government, the other a
German, Doctor and Geologist. They all agreed that the climate was
excellent, a sea-breeze always prevailed, and the thermometer was
never known to exceed 26° of Reaumer or less than 90° of Fahrenheit.
The Doctor said there was scarcely any sickness in the Town, mor
tality about 12 per annum only, and, last year, when cholera existed so
generally, they had only three cases. The life is monotonous, but they
Var y it occasionally by a trip to the hill. The road they said was very
eas y and a good camel would reach Genah in three days. The want of
g°ocl water at Cosseir is a great drawback ; drinking water has to he
^ r °nght from a place 24 hours distant. We returned on board by
a-m. and proceeded on to Suez, which was reached this morning.
^ about to disembark to avail myself of the leave granted by His
® Xce llency the Governor in Council.