Chapter XLIII: Letter XI

_Epistolary Diction used by the Muhamedans of Africa, in their
Correspondence with all their Friends who are not of the Muhamedan
faith_.

"Praise be to God alone; for there is neither beginning nor
strength without God, the eternal God.

"From the servant of the great God, El Hage Abdrahaman El Fellely,
to my friend Consul Jackson, peace be to those who follow the right
way, or who pursue the right path; and then, O my friend, I have
received your letter, and I have taken good notice of its contents,
&c. &c."

The letter, after explaining matters of business, concludes thus:--

"Do not leave me without news from you; and peace be with you, and
peace from me to our friend L'hage Muhamed Bu Zeyd; and peace from
me to Seed Muham'd bel Hassen, and to the Fakeer Seed Abdallah, and
405 praise be to God, I am very well, and prosperous."

"Written 15th day of Shaban, year of the Hejra 1209, (1797, A.C.)"

The style in which letters are addressed is generally as follows:--

"This shall arrive, God willing, to the hands of Consul Jackson, at
Agadeer. May God prosper it."