Egypt. We presented samples of goods to the Pharaoh Thotmes the Third. These included first-pressing olive oil, dried figs, sheepskins, bronze ingots, purple dyes, and various craftworks. The Egyptians expressed interest in increasing our shipments of the oil of cedar, which they have begun to use extensively in embalming. They are also interested in importing cypress timber for shipbuilding.

There is an implied interest in having Minoan sailors man Egyptian vessels, as they are little inclined to the sea. I would not recommend this, as their ships are poor and not seaworthy. I opened the possibility of using Minoan sailors in Minoan ships under a contract agreement, but the idea was not well liked.

Our woolen fabrics continue in demand. Egyptian linen and window parchment are both in plentiful supply, and next year should see a very favorable rate of exchange. Amethysts, lapis lazuli and the various bead stones remain about the same value. We brought back several small pieces of ivory carving, which are very good quality workmanship on average ivory.

We were offered several antique stone vases, said to be from before the Hyksos occupation of Egypt. They were very good, but I did not accept. They were from looted tombs. I am ignorant of Egyptian beliefs concerning such things, and did not wish to take the chance of offending local custom or law.

We did not see the Pharaoh. All our dealings were with his Vizier Rekhmire. It is clear that any trade negotiations will be with him. He sent an artist on board to sketch our clothing, our goods, our pots, etc. For a painting, Rekhmire said, in his tomb. The Egyptians, as always, seem excessively preoccupied with their tombs.

The Eastern Shore. The Carian pirates have begun to appear again in small numbers. Rumor says three ships, independent of each other. There is no serious problem, but they should not be allowed to continue.

The First Priestess of Caria is adamant that the pirates are our responsibility, not hers. She says that membership in the Confederation implies our support at sea, else why is there a Confederation at all?

In any case, I believe it advisable to send two armed ships to patrol the Carian coast for a year.

A new domestic bird, which lays a large egg every day, has appeared in Lycia. They call it the Bird That Gives Birth Every Day. It is said to come from far to the east. We could not confirm this.

The Lycians claim to have large deposits of tin, but they are far inland. We would have to commit to buying large amounts, either as ore or ingots, to induce them to begin a trade. A sample of the ore was given to Daedalus' foundrymen for evaluation.

Tin deposits are also reported in Etruria, by the captain of the Geranos. This is farther in distance, but near one of the trail-ends of the Amber Route from the Northern Sea. By combining a voyage for tin and amber, the journey could be worthwhile.

The Cyclades. A blight has affected the trees on which the Cosian moth feeds. The price of the silk of Cos is expected to increase by one-third next year.

The Delians are requesting the establishment of a primary shrine of the Goddess on Delos, with a permanent First Priestess. Since the oracles are already distributed to all the northern Confederation through Delos, their request seems to have merit.

The Northern Mainland and the Achaeans. The city of Mycenae, though not a member of the Confederation, is very interested in our craftwork. They have requested a metal-worker and a painter as permanent residents. Their own craftsmen imitate our style, but not very well.

Our final port of call was Athens, where we embarked the Athenians for the Games.

The Crane has dry-rot in her stem at the waterline. It should be replaced immediately.

(Signed)

---- Phaeax, Captain