Edict of the Sultan.

The Address to the Sultan.

To His Sheriffian Majesty THE SULTAN OF MOROCCO.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY,-I come supported by the sanction and approval of the Government of Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain, and on behalf of my co-religionists in England, my native country, as well as on the part of those in every part of the world, to entreat Your Majesty to continue the manifestation of Your Majesty's grace and favour to my brethren in your Majesty's Empire.

That it may please Your Majesty to give the most positive orders that the Jews and Christians dwelling in all parts of Your Majesty's dominions shall be perfectly protected, and that no person shall molest them in any manner whatsoever in anything which concerns their safety and tranquillity; and that they may be placed in the enjoyment of the same advantages as all other subjects of Your Majesty, as well as those enjoyed by the Christians living at the ports of your Majesty's Empire: such rights were granted, through me, by His Imperial Majesty Abd-ool-Medjid, the late Sultan of Turkey, by his Firman, given to me at Constantinople, and dated 12th Ramazan, 1256, and, in the month of May last, confirmed by His Imperial Majesty Abdul Aziz, the present Sultan of Turkey.

Permit me to express to Your Majesty my grateful appreciation of the hospitable welcome with which Your Majesty has honoured me, and to offer to Your Majesty my heartfelt wishes for Your Majesty's health and happiness, and for the prosperity of Your Majesty's dominions.

Translation of the Imperial Edict.

In the Name of God, the Merciful and Gracious. but in God, the High and Mighty.

(L. S.)

There is no power

BE it known by this our Royal Edict-may God exalt and bless its purport and elevate the same to the high heavens, as he does the sun and moon!-that it is our command, that all Jews residing within our dominions, be the condition in which the Almighty God has placed them whatever it may, shall be treated by our Governors, Administrators, and all other subjects, in manner conformable with the evenly-balanced scales of Justice, and that in the administration of the Courts of Law they (the Jews) shall occupy a position of perfect equality with all other people; so that not even a fractional portion of the smallest imaginable particle of injustice shall reach any of them, nor shall they be subjected to anything of an objectionable nature. Neither they (the Authorities) nor any one else shall do them (the Jews) wrong, whether to their persons or to their property. Nor shall any tradesman among them, or artizan, be compelled to work against his will. The work of every one shall be duly recompensed, for injustice here is injustice in Heaven, and we cannot countenance it in any matter affecting either their (the Jews) rights or the rights of others, our own dignity being itself opposed to such a course. All persons in our regard have an equal claim to justice; and if any person should wrong or injure one of them (the Jews), we will, with the help of God, punish him.

The commands hereinbefore set forth had been given and made known before now; but we repeat them, and add force to them, in order that they may be more clearly understood, and more strictly carried into effect, as well as serve for a warning to such as may be evilly-disposed towards them (the Jews), and that the Jews shall thus enjoy for the future more security than heretofore, whilst the fear to injure them shall be greatly increased.

This Decree, blessed by God, is promulgated on the 26th of Shaban, 1280 (15 February 1864). Peace!

CHAPTER XIX.

1864.

RECEPTION OF SIR MOSES BY THE SULTAN OF MOROCCOENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME FROM THE JEWISH COLONYHOME AGAIN – CONGRATULATORY MEETING AT THE LONDON TAVERN.

THE

HE next letter Sir Moses addressed to the President pro tem. of the Board of Deputies was dated Gibraltar, February 24th.

"On Wednesday, the 27th ultimo, I was visited by deputations from the several learned Jewish bodies in the city of Morocco. I should estimate the number of my visitors to have amounted to between three and four hundred. I fear, from their appearance, that they are in very poor circumstances; yet one cannot but admire their devotion to the study of our Holy Law.

"On Sunday, the 31st ultimo, I received an official intimation that the Sultan would give our party a public reception on the following day.

"On Monday, the 1st instant, long before dawn, we could distinguish the sounds of martial music, indicating the muster of the troops in and about the environs of the Sultan's palace. At the early hour of 7 A.M., I had the honour to receive a visit from Sid Taib El Yamany, the good and intelligent Oozier, or Chief Minister of His Sheriffian Majesty, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abderahman Ben Hisham, the present Sultan of Morocco. He expressed the pleasure of the Sultan to receive us at his Court, and his Majesty's desire to make our visit to his capital an agreeable one. Shortly after the departure of the Oozier, the Royal Vice-Chamberlain, with a cortége of cavalry, arrived at our palace to convey us to the audience.

"You may recollect that our party, in addition to myself, consisted of Mr Thomas Fellowes Reade, Consul to Her Britannic Majesty at Tangier; Captain William Armytage, of H.M.S. the Magicienne, two of his officers; Dr James Gibson Thomas Forbes and Lieutenant Francis Durrant ; my fellow-travellers, Dr Thomas Hodgkin, and Mr Sampson Samuel; and Mr Moses Nahon, of Tangier, who had volunteered to accompany us to Morocco, and to whom we are all deeply indebted.

“I have not stated in my previous letters that Senor José Daniel Colaco, the Portuguese Minister at Tangier, kindly placed at my disposal his chaisea-porteurs to enable me to perform the journey over the rough and stony plains of the interior of Morocco. To this were harnessed two mules, one behind and one in front of the vehicle. I believe I should not have been equal to the fatigue of travelling on horseback, and even as it was, this mode of transit was very trying and fatiguing.

"A quarter of an hour's ride brought us to the gates opening upon an avenue leading to the court-yard, or open space, before the palace.

Reception of Sir Moses by the Sultan.

155

"This avenue, which is of very considerable length, was lined on both sides by infantry troops of great variety of hue and accoutrements. They were standing in closely serried rank, and we must have passed several hundreds before emerging into the open plain. There a magnificent sight opened upon us; we beheld in every direction masses of troops, consisting of cavalry and foot soldiers. I should estimate the total number assembled on this occasion at not less than six thousand.

"We went forward some little distance into the plain, and saw approaching us the Oozier, the Grand Chamberlain, and other dignitaries of the Court. I descended from my vehicle, and my companions alighted from their steeds to meet them. We were cordially welcomed. We arranged ourselves in a line to await the appearance of the Sultan. This was preceded by a string of led white horses, and the Sultan's carriage covered with green cloth. His Majesty's approach was announced by a flourish of trumpets; he was mounted on a superb white charger, the spirited movements of which were controlled by him with consummate skill. The colour of the charger indicated that we were welcomed with the highest distinction.

"The countenance of His Majesty is expressive of great intelligence and benevolence.

"The Sultan expressed his pleasure in seeing me at his Court; he said my name was well known to him, as well as my desire to improve the condition of my brethren; he hoped that my sojourn in his capital would be agreeable; he dwelt with great emphasis on his long-existing amicable relations with our country; he also said it was gratifying to him to see two of the officers in its service at his Court.

"I had the honour, at this audience, to place in the hands of His Majesty my Memorial, on behalf of the Jewish and Christian subjects of his empire.

66

After the interview we were escorted back to our garden palace with the same honours as had been paid to us on our way to the Court, my chair having a white horse led before it, as well on my going, as on my returning, which is a high and distinguished mark of honour.

"The Oozier had invited us to his palace for the evening of the same day; we were entertained with true oriental hospitality.

"In the course of the evening's conversation, we elicited from the Oozier, the assurance of the Sultan's desire, as well as his own, to protect the Jews of Morocco. He took notes of some particular grievances which we brought to his knowledge, and promised to institute the necessary enquiries, with a view to their being redressed. Other measures were discussed, such as the enlargement of the crowded Jewish quarters in Mogador, and the grant of a house for a hospital at Tangier, all of which the Oozier assured us should receive his favourable consideration.

66

Arrangements had been made that the Magicienne should meet us at Saffi on the 8th instant, by which time we had expected we should be able to reach that port on our return from the Capital; but I had determined to await a response, favourable or otherwise, to my Memorial to the Sultan ; nor was it considered desirable that we should proceed to Saffi. The surf there at all times runs very high, and great danger might have been incurred in attempting to pass through it, even if such attempt were deemed practicable.

"Under these circumstances, Captain Armytage resolved that he and Mr Durrant should leave Morocco on Thursday, the 4th instant, to meet his ship at Saffi at the time appointed, and to proceed therewith to Mazagan and await our arrival there.

"All our party accompanied him and Mr Durrant on Wednesday morning, the 3rd instant, on their farewell visit to the Oozier. I availed myself of this opportunity to represent to the Minister my anxiety to receive an early

communication from the Sultan. The Oozier assured me that it would be such as would be satisfactory to me.

"On Friday, the 5th instant, the Imperial Edict, under the sign-manual of the Sultan, was placed in my hands.

"On the following day we received an intimation that His Majesty would receive us on Sunday morning, the 7th instant.

"Soon after 7 A.M., on that day, the Vice-Chamberlain arrived at our palace, with the same state as on the former occasion, and we were conducted, with like honour, to the palace; there was a similar display of troops, and this time the Emperor received us in a kiosk in the palace gardens; he was seated on a mahogany sofa covered with green cloth. His Majesty renewed his friendly and courteous assurance of welcome, and expressed his hope that we had been happy and comfortable during our stay at his capital, and he renewed his assurance that it was his intention and desire to protect his Jewish subjects.

"He directed us to be conducted through his royal gardens by the chief of that department; they are very extensive, abounding in magnificent vineries, orange, olive, and other trees; there are two lakes of ornamental water, on one of which is a pleasure boat, with paddle wheels moved by mechanism. You may form some idea of the vast extent of the gardens, from the fact that it took us several hours to pass through some of the principal avenues.

"Immediately after quitting the royal gardens, we visited the Jewish quarter. The crowd was enormous, our reception enthusiastic. The narrow streets or lanes, through which we had the greatest difficulty to make our way, were all but choked up with our numerous friends; from every window, from the city wall, in fact wherever the eye rested, we beheld groups of our brothers and sisters all uniting to bid us welcome.

"We first went to one of the many Synagogues-the oldest and the largest, (though, I regret to say, a very humble structure). Here were assembled the Chief Rabbis and others to meet us; from thence we paid visits of respect to Mr Corcos, a relative of Mr Abraham Corcos, of Mogador, and Mr Nahon, a relative of Mr Moses Nahon, of Tangier, two of our most respected co-religionists in the City of Morocco.

"The same evening we were again entertained by the Oozier.

"On Monday, the 8th inst., about noon, we bade adieu to the city of Morocco, being escorted to some distance by a Guard of Honour of horse and foot soldiers, some of whom accompanied us until our arrival at Mazagan. The Sultan had provided me with a magnificent pavilion tent; in fact, our horses, mules, provisions, &c., &c., were all furnished at his expense. Mr Corcos, Mr Nahon, and several others of the principal Jews of Morocco travelled with us during our first day's journey, and encamped with us overnight. . . .

...

"On Thursday, the 11th inst., we were met on our way to our night's encampment by the son of the Governor of the District, accompanied by some fine cavalry soldiers. He brought us an invitation from his father to encamp for the night at his city, and pressed his request so earnestly that we could not in reason refuse compliance. This, however, involved considerable addition to our day's travel. We did not reach our destination until nightfall, having accomplished on that day a distance of about twentyseven miles. The Governor, in addition to the usual mona, supplied us with a magnificent repast of cous-cous and other delicacies, which were pronounced by Mr Reade to be very savoury.

"We were all very much exhausted by our day's hard work. During the day I had been met by a deputation of about a hundred of our coreligionists from Saffi.

Enthusiastic Welcome by the Jewish Colony.

157

"In compliance with an urgent invitation from the Governor of another district, we consented to stay during Sabbath at his Palace, this being within a day's easy journey to Mazagan.

"We were met, on our approach to the town, or rather walled village, consisting almost entirely of tents and huts, by some of its Jewish inhabitants, the females bearing banners composed of silk handkerchiefs, embroidered muslin sashes, and other articles of female finery. I was informed that the Governor is very kind to the Jewish families. He appropriated one of his residences to myself and friends. We remained in this place from the Friday afternoon till the following Sunday morning, the 14th instant.

"The Governor presented me with a horse, and at the earnest entreaty of one of my co-religionists of Saffi I was obliged to accept a like gift from him.

'Here also I had the pleasure to see one of the liberated Saffi prisoners, who satisfied me that there had not existed the slightest cause for his imprisonment.

"When within about an hour's distance of Mazagan we were met by Mr Octavus Stokes, the British Consul at that port, the principal Christian and Jewish merchants, and by a procession of numerous co-religionists, the females carrying a profusion of banners, and vociferating their huzzas Moorish fashion, the shrill tones of which were intended to demonstrate an enthusiastic welcome.

"We caught soon after a glimpse of the sea, and then were gladdened with the sight of the Magicienne lying off the port, awaiting to re-conduct us to Gibraltar.

"As Captain Armytage was under the necessity of returning without delay, we were unable to make any stay at Mazagan, but as a house had been prepared by our Jewish friend for our reception, it was arranged that we should stay there over night, and embark early the next morning. Great preparations had been made for our evening repast-one bullock, two sheep, and I know not how many turkeys and fowls, with a profusion of other good things, had been supplied by our co-religionists.

"On reaching Mazagan I forthwith proceeded to the Synagogue to offer my grateful thanks to God for the prosperous issue of my mission, and for His gracious mercy in permitting the members of our perilous expedition to return thus far on our homeward travels in health and safety. It had taken us seven days, exclusive of the Sabbath, to travel from Morocco to Mazagan, the distance being about 120 miles."

In a letter, dated East Cliff Lodge, Ramsgate, 5th of April 1864, addressed to the President pro tem., he gives the conclusion of the narrative of his mission:

"My letter to you of the 11th ultimo informed you of my desire to place in the hands of Her Majesty the Queen of Spain a copy of the Sultan's Firman. I have now the gratification to tell you that on Friday, the 18th ultimo, I had the honour (accompanied by His Excellency Sir John F. Crampton) to have a second audience of Her Majesty, the King Consort being present. I presented to Her Majesty a copy of the Imperial Edict of the Sultan of Morocco, with a translation in Spanish, which were most graciously received by Her Majesty.

"On Sunday morning, the 20th ultimo, I left Madrid, and travelled by railway and carriage road for twenty-five hours continuously, so that I might arrive in time at Bayonne to attend the service of Purim at the Synagogue, which I was thus able to attend on Monday evening, the 21st, and Tuesday morning, the 22nd ultimo. I reached Paris on Thursday, the 24th, and on