The British Consulate was closed, and Mr.Abbott, their friend and protector, was obliged to withdraw privately.

No reliance could be placed on the Pasha; and the Prince of the mountains had sent word, that no Frank refugees would be received in his dominions, in case of war.

In the utter stagnation of trade, the missionaries could obtain no money for their bills, and no European or American vessels of war visited the port.Messrs.Goodell, Bird and Smith, in view of all these facts, thought it their duty to avail themselves of the opportunity afforded by an Austrian vessel to remove, for a season, to Malta.
They accordingly embarked on the 2d of May, 1828, taking with them Carabet, Wortabet, and their wives, and arrived at Malta on the 29th.

No opposition was made.

"The parting scene at our leaving, was more tender and affecting than we could have expected, and afforded a comforting evidence that, whatever may be the impression we have left on the general population, there are _some_ hearts in Syria, which are sincerely attached to us.