I leave you quite free.

In those respects you will be guided by what you see they want; but any promises you may make I will ratify.

As to men I should not take a large escort.

Force will, of course, be of no avail, and the appearance of a large number of troops might alarm them at once.

Twenty men will be sufficient for dignity, and as a protection against any small bodies of the hostile tribesmen you may meet on your way; but have no frays if you can avoid it.