_Melilla_ also is in the possession of the Spaniards: this maritimetown lies to the eastward of Tetuan. Many authors assert it to havebeen founded by the _Carthaginians_. It is likewise called _Melela_,from the great quantity of honey annually obtained in itsneighbourhood. It was taken by the Spaniards about the beginning ofthe fifteenth century, and has remained under their dominion eversince. It has a strong castle, built on a rock, named _Gomera_. Alongthis coast, particularly from Tetuan to Melilla, there are severalcoves, in which the Spanish gunboats, and other little armed vessels,find shelter in cases of necessity. Indeed _Melilla_ is itself a placeof refuge for those vessels of the enemy fitted out for the annoyanceof our Mediterranean trade.

I shall conclude this with a copy of a letter, which I have justreceived from Mr. Ross, the acting Consul-general in the chamber of thelate Mr. Matra: