Formerly saints sprang up in Barbary like mushrooms.  A Moor, seized in the night with a slight fit of insanity, was considered in the morning as a new saint, and as such he was revered, and his name added to their list of saints.  In consequence of this, he was permitted to do whatever his fancy directed, without suffering the smallest molestation.  Hence many worthless wretches feigned madness, in order that they might, with impunity, gratify their avaricious and revengeful passions, or their violent and ungovernable lust.  The number of these impostors a few years back was incredible, and they literally held sovereign rule, from their numbers and great influence over this superstitious and fanatic people; but since the accession of Muley Solyman to the throne of Morocco, their influence and their numbers have considerably decreased.  The country has been in a great measure swept and cleansed of imposters and other profligate persons, and the rest approach more and more towards a tolerable degree of civilization, under his paternal care and example.  His chief study and attention appear to be directed to the welfare and happiness of his people.

We received no further interruptions; but reached this place on the 26th of April.  On approaching the walls of the imperial palace, His Excellency formed his little army into a line of two deep.  They fired a feu de joie with great precision and correctness.  This done, they filed off to the place allotted for our encampment.  Shortly after, two black slaves arrived from the palace, with a large bowl of fresh milk, and several cakes of bread, which were presented with much ceremony to His Excellency the Sheik, and received by him with marks of the most profound respect.  This compliment was also paid to me, and to all his officers.  This ceremony in Barbary, indicates that the person so honoured is a friend and favourite at the court of Morocco.  The other Governors, with the exception of three, received the same honour, successively as they assembled on the plains of Fez, to be afterwards reviewed by the Emperor at the anniversary celebration of the birth of Mahomet.  The three disgraced Governors were arrested the next day, thrown into prison, and condemned to remain there at the pleasure of the Emperor.  Their whole property, amounting, as I am told, to several hundred thousand dollars, was confiscated.

My friend finding himself thus perfectly secure, appeared in high spirits, and proceeded to the palace to prostrate himself before his sovereign.  He was received with every mark of the highest approbation and favour.  At his return to the camp, he came to me with a smiling countenance, and related the flattering reception he had met with.  He then informed me, that the Emperor had given orders, that a convenient house should be immediately provided for me, and that an officer of the household was coming to conduct me to my new habitation.  This officer arrived while we were talking, and I followed him to my place of residence, which I found exceedingly neat and commodious.  This I continue to occupy, and am furnished abundantly with all the delicacies which the city of Fez affords.