3d of Rebi.  We were obliged still to continue fast by the shore till noon, when the wind abating, the boat advanced about two miles by the help of the cordel, so far as to arrive at a small bend in the river, which brought the wind a little in our favor, so as to pass by its aid to the other side, in the hope, if the wind continued the same on the morrow, to profit by it and proceed.  We arrived a little before sun set, and remained there for the night.  We saw this day, while the boat was warping slowly along the left bank of the river, the ruins of a considerable fortified town, built of stone and encompassed by large cemeteries.  Some large columns, of a beautiful stone, white intermixed red, are to be seen among the ruins.  One of the cemeteries is evidently ancient, as the tombs are covered with hieroglyphics, intermixed with inscriptions.  In one of the tombs one of our party found the remains of a mummy.

4th of Rebi.  Made but little progress to-day, on account of the irregularity in the river already mentioned, which makes its course hereabouts almost the direct contrary to its natural direction, and brings, in consequence, the prevalent winds ahead.  Passed some small, but fine islands, and saw, for the first time for several days, stone mountains in the distance:  the shores of the river hereabouts are fertile, but thinly inhabited.  Saw several large villages in ruins.

5th of Rebi.  The wind and the untoward direction of the river obliged us again to employ the cordel to forward the boat a few miles more on her way.  By the middle of the afternoon we had arrived at a place on the left [19] bank of the river that had been, a few days ago, the scene of a battle between the Pasha and the brigands of Shageia.  We found there a strong and well built castle at the farther extremity of a high and long mountain, running nearly at right angles with the river, and which approached to within a few hundred yards of its bank; thus furnishing a fine position to the enemy.  The castle was taken by the aid of the Pasha’s artillery, and his cavalry rode through and dispersed all who fought outside of it.[20] This castle was astonishingly welt arranged in its interior, and was thereby rendered very comfortable quarters for a considerable garrison.  The country, in the vicinity, contains many villages, and was covered with plantations of durra beans and fields of cotton.  These villages had been ransacked, and in part destroyed, by the victorious troops, as the inhabitants, instead of coming in to the Pasha, as did the people of the lower countries, had taken up arms and sided with the brigands who lorded it over the country.  We learned, however, that they did this much against their will, being compelled thereto by their marauding masters.  I was informed today that some English travelers were in one of the boats ahead.  I determined, in case the wind should continue unfavorable tomorrow, to walk up the river and pay them a visit.