Their residence in the capital was very disagreeable, all being cooped up in the Jews’ quarter, and obliged to subsist on victuals cooked by these people, which made certain of them unwell, for some of the Barbary Jew’s food is very indigestible.

The presentation of the merchants to the Emperor was conducted as follows:  At nine in the morning, they were admitted into a garden in presence of about two thousand imperial guards, all drawn up in file, looking extremely fierce.  Passing these bearded warriors, they were conducted into a large square lined with buildings, where, after waiting about five minutes, the gate of the palace was suddenly thrown open, and the Emperor rode out superbly mounted on a white horse, followed on foot by a group of courtiers.  His Imperial Highness was attended by the Governor of Mogador, who walked by his side.

The first persons presented to the Shereefian lord were the officials of Mogador, who were introduced by the Governor of that city; afterwards came some Moorish grandees; then the Christians were presented, and finally the Jewish merchants.  The latter were introduced by the Governor of Mogador, the Jews taking off their shoes as they passed before the Emperor.  One passed at a time, with his cadeau behind him, carried by an attendant Jew.  As the merchants moved on, his Imperial Highness asked their names, and condescended to thank each of them separately for his offering.

The merchants carried in their hand, an invoice of their respective presents, and gave it to the Governor, for the articles on their delivery are not exposed before the eyes of the Sultan.  To open the budget would be a breach of good breeding, and would shock the Imperial modesty.

Fifteen merchants were introduced, and the ceremony of presentation lasted about twenty minutes; this being concluded, the merchants were permitted to perambulate the gardens of the Emperor, and to pluck a little fruit.  They were afterwards delayed a fortnight, waiting to present a cadeau to the Emperor’s eldest son.  Such are the details of this journey, which I got from the merchants themselves.  Mr. Willshire, being a consul and great customer of his Imperial Highness, also received a gift of a horse in exchange.  The united value of the presents to the Emperor, on this occasion, was fifty thousand dollars, which amply indemnifies him for his money-lending, and the credit that he gives.  They consisted principally of articles of European manufactures.  His Imperial Highness afterwards sells them to his subjects on his own account.  Of course, amongst this mass of presents, there are many nice things such as tea, sugar, spices, essences &c., for his personal comfort and luxury, as well as for his harem, besides articles of dress and ornament.