He had brought with him a printing-press, designed for the mission at Malta, types had been ordered at Paris, and his connection with this establishment prevented his accompanying Mr.
Fisk.
An associate was provided, however, in an unexpected quarter.

The Rev.Jonas King had been elected Professor of Oriental Languages in Amherst College, and was then pursuing the study of Arabic in Paris, under the celebrated orientalist De Sacy.

Mr.Fisk lost no time in requesting him to become his associate.

On receiving the letter, Mr.
King wrote at once to the American Board, tendering his services for three years, and they were accepted.

There were then neither steamers nor telegraphs, and the response of the Prudential Committee could not be received until after the favorable season for oriental traveling would have passed.