Melilla also is in the possession of the Spaniards:  this maritime town lies to the eastward of Tetuan.  Many authors assert it to have been founded by the Carthaginians.  It is likewise called Melela, from the great quantity of honey annually obtained in its neighbourhood.  It was taken by the Spaniards about the beginning of the fifteenth century, and has remained under their dominion ever since.  It has a strong castle, built on a rock, named Gomera.  Along this coast, particularly from Tetuan to Melilla, there are several coves, in which the Spanish gunboats, and other small armed vessels, find shelter in cases of necessity.  Indeed Melilla is itself a place of refuge for those vessels of the enemy fitted out for the annoyance of our Mediterranean trade.

I shall conclude this with a copy of a letter, which I have just received from Mr. Ross, the acting Consul-general in the room of the late Mr. Matra: 

“DEAR SIR, Tangiers,

“I heard only to-day of your arrival at Tetuan, on your way to Larache; and this evening I received a letter from Sidy Mahommed Eslawee, Governor of that place, to request, that, if I knew you were in this country, I would beg you to use, every possible endeavour to come to him at Larache, and to accompany him to the Emperor, who wishes very much to see you.  Let me therefore request your repairing as quickly as possible to Larache, and joining him before he departs; but should you miss him, he has left orders with his Lieutenant-governor there, to forward you on immediately.  I should hope this jaunt will prove highly beneficial to you.  Nothing on my part shall be wanting, either in advice, or information, by which you may think I can be of service.  If you should see Governor Eslawee before my letter reaches him, give him my kindest and best wishes; and say that I hope, as he has been for a great many years past a sincere friend to the British nation, his friendship will continue true and steadfast.

“I remain, dear Sir,

“Your most obedient humble servant,

(Signed) “JOHN ROSS,

“To Dr. Buffa,
&c. &c. &c. 
Tetuan.”

In consequence of this request, I am making preparations for my departure by to-morrow morning.  I shall write to you again from Larache.  Though I have described every thing worthy of notice in that town in a former letter, yet I know you will wish to learn how I am received by the Governor on this my second trip.

LETTER IX.

Journey to Larache—­Annual Socco of St. Martin—­No Christian permitted to witness it—­Express Order for that Purpose in the Author’s Favour—­Specimen of native medical Skill—­Reception at Larache—­Complain of the Impositions of Governor Ash-Ash—­Comparative Tariff—­Effect the Renewal of the old Tariff with increasing Advantages.

Larache.