The 1st of August, we proceeded ten miles with the
wind at S.W. to a shoal named Alontrakin[221], near the mouth of the
straits, having Kabisia or Habash on the right hand. Here we had two
fathoms water, and staid one night.
[Footnote 221: In Ramusio this shoal is called Babel, being the two
first words or syllables of Bab-el-Mandub, corruptly called Babel
Mandel. Bab-el-Mandub signifies the gate of weeping, being the name
of the entry to the Red Sea of Arabian Gulf; so called because reckoned
exceedingly dangerous by the ancient Arabs, insomuch that they used to
put on mourning for their relations who passed them, as persons given
over for lost. - Ast. I. 91. d.]
SECTION III.
Arrival at Aden, where the Sheikh and four others are hanged. Sequel
of the Voyage to Diu.
On the 2d of August, leaving the shoal of Alontrakin, we sailed 10 miles
E. by S. and got through the straits; whence proceeding till sunrise
next morning we went 80 miles farther. On the 3d sailing 80 miles E. by
N. we arrived at the city of Adem or Aden. This city is strongly
fortified, standing close to the sea, and surrounded by lofty mountains,
on the top of which are several little forts or castles. It is
encompassed also on every side with ravelins[222], except an opening
of 300 paces wide leading from the shore to the country; and has strong
gates and towers and well-built walls. Besides all these, there is a
fort built on a shoal before the city, having a tower on one side to
defend the port, which is to the south, and has two fathoms water. To
the north there is a large port with good anchorage, being safe in all
winds. Though there is plenty of good water here, the soil is dry and
produces nothing. The water is all from rain, and is preserved in
cisterns and pits 100 fathoms deep; and is so hot when first drawn up
that it cannot be used till it stands to cool. This city is provided
with provisions, wood, and every other necessary from other places, and
has abundance of Jews[223].
[Footnote 222: Perhaps redoubts or detached towers are here meant; or
the word here translated ravelins may signify shoals, reefs, or
sand-banks, encompassing the harbour. - E.]
[Footnote 223: This circumstance is not in the least improbable; yet it
is possible that the author of this journal may have mistaken Banians
for Jews, as we know that all the trade in the ports of Arabia and the
Red Sea is now conducted by Banian factors - E.]
Immediately on the arrival of the fleet, the Pacha was waited upon by
four principal persons of the city, who brought refreshments.
