The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1819-12-07
MISCELLANY.

RnSS,Gn .Mtssl0n TO PerSla.-A German
paper contains the following extract from a
report made by the Russian Envoy in Persia
! His Majesty, when was introduced, was
sitting in the ball of the Mirrors, in the third
court ofthe palace. After three salgtations,
Mahmud Khan announced who was and by
whom Twas sent; upon which the king said.
4. Oskh ahtmedees," (welcome) and after re-
peating these words invited me into his apart
nent. | wore, as 10 Tsuris, silk stockings
and shoes, and boots over them. | was de.i.
red to pull them of, for the etiquette respec
| ting the feet is here so strict, that OF the em-
bassies that come 10 Persia, the Russian alone
/ is permitted to appear before the king without
red stockings. This is an indispensable for
maliy for all other persons who are presented
TO his Majesty. personally delivered the
! etter | had Tor the king, distinction usually
granted to ambassadors only.
His aiesty had shawl thrown over his
shoulder, and the breast and sleeves OF his
dress were adorned with pearls, as were also
the tapestry and cushing on which he sat. He
wore sheepskn cap, with diamond aigret-
ties. His left hand rested oil poiniard SET
common; and those who have no dagger, Law
the left hand on the girdle. large carpet Of
shawls with scarlet borders was spread on The
ground, for in Persia there are no parquets or
inIaid floors, perhaps on account oflhe scor.
pions aud other poisonous insects which might
conceal themselves therein the roof and the
sides of the room we've covered with Mirrors
On the walls of other rooms were observed
portraits, flowers and inscriptions from the
Koran all Of which arpeaied 10 be OF En-
glisb workmanship.
In the centre OF the apartment into which
we were introduced, stood the elegant toll
cite which her Majesty the Empress sent as q
present TO the Queen also the CHANDELIER and
other articles included in the present made to
the Schah, by nj Jomolow, on the part Of
bis Majesty the Emperor London paper.
Messrs. Saddler and Livingston performed
an aerial journey in balloon, from Liver
pool to Stockton, lineal distance of ITO
miles, or ithe fluctuations and alterations are
included. no miles, in The space of two hours
and fifty minutes. Their highest elevation
was supposed to be A Ia miles. They FIRE
queDtly, on approaching village. descended
so low as 10 converse with its inhabitants, by
whom they were often invited to take refresh
ments At the height of nearly two miles
they drank the health OF the sovereign aud
success TO the trade of Liverpool. They re-
present the view in many places as sublime
and enchanting beyond descriptiou. This
voyage was made the last of Sept. The mercu-
ny OF the thermometer during their sail ranged
about SO.
| A mermaid has lately been discovered upon
! the coast of Scotland, and several dispositions
upon oath have been made OF its appearance
| II was FIRST seen by female as il was basking
upon the rocks her attention was attracted
| by scream of the animal, which Immediately
after plunged into the water. 1t soon after
appeared again and was seen distinctly, at
short distance by several people, among whom
was Thomas Evans, ESQ. IN intelligent gen
tleman Of the vicinity 1t is stated 10 De
about the size of well grown child Of ten
wears, til. lower parts of lis body terminating
like the tail OF dolphin. bosom prominent,
a profusion Of long brown hair, tuti dark eyes,
and hands and arms Ike the human species.
with slight web connecting the upper part Of
he fingers, and The hands were frequently en-
lpioyed IN throwing back her flowing locks
She remained near an hour IN perfect tran
lquilIty in the presence of three hundred peo-
pie, but at length musket being le,eIled at
her, which flashed, size dcie sni yas nsi az
iterweTds seen.