Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1820-07-15

partments only and our dinners we're serv-,
ed up with such quantities Of plate, and OF
Of glass ware, as brought forth repeated ex-
pressions of surprise every time be was told
that they were the common appendages Of
our common caravanserais. The good folks
of the inn, who like most people in Eng,
land look upon il as a matter of course that
nothing can be too bot for AsIatics. SO load
ed the ambassadors bed with covering that
he had scarcely been in beda bour, before
hewas obliged TO get out Of it; for having
during all bis life slept on nothing but a mat.
rass on the bare ground, he found the heat
insupportable. and in this state he walked a.
bout The greater part Of the night. with all
the people OF the inn following him in pro-
cession, and unable to divine what could De
bis wishes.
Gone of the public coaches was hired to
convey his servants to London; and when
four of them had got inside, having seated
themselves cross legged, they would not al
low that there could be room tor more. all
though the coach was calculated to take six.
They armed themselves from head to foot
with swords and pistols, and each a musket
in his baud, asif theywere about to make
Journey in their own country ane thus en-
numbered, notwithstanding every assurance
was given them that nothing could happen
to them, they got into the coach. His Ex-
cellency himself greatly eIoyed the novelty
OF a carriage, and was delighted at the speed
with which he travelled particularly at night,
when be perceived no diminuiion of it, al
though he was surprised that all this was
done without guide. We were met at two
different posts from London by two gentle
men Of the Foreign Office, who greeted him
or his arrival but he grew very anxious as
we proceeded and seemed to be looking out
for lstabad or deputation headed by man
of distinction, which after the hammer OF his
own country. he expected would be sent to
meet him. In vain we assured him that no
disrespect was intended, and that our modes
of doing honour to ambassadors we're differ
emf from those of Persia our excuse seem
ed only to grieve him more; and although
to foreigner the interest of the road great
ly increased as we approached the city, yet
he requested to have both the windows of
the carriage drawn up, for he said he did not
understand the nature of such an entry.
which appeared to him more like smuggling
bale OF goods into the town, than the re
ception of public envoy. AS for three OF
his servants who followed US in chaise be-
hind they had nearly sufocated themselye S.
fer by way of experiment, they had put up
all he gl'sses, & when they wishedit, could
not put them down, SO that they were quite
exhausted for want of fresh air.
:" He who had witnessed the manner in
which our ambassadors had been received
at Persia, particularly the levee en- mass of
the inhabitants who were sent out to meet
him at every place where be stopped, was
surprised to see the little notice that he him
self, in the same situation in England, had
attracted, and the total independence of al
ranks of people.
''His first Object was TO deliver his Gre
dentials TO the king as soon as possible. be-
cause in Persia It's esteemed slight, If that
ceremony be delayed. In this also he was
disappointed for, oR the first Wednesday,
the usual leree day, his majesty happened
to be unwell, and consequently there was a
delay of more than ten days before he could
be presented. He bitterly lau enfed his fate,
and daily affirmed, that for this he should
lose his head on his return to Persia. When
the day came, he was naturally anxious about
the reception which he was TO hnd-he had
formed his ideas of our court from what he
recollected OF his own, where the kings per-
son is held so sacred that but few have the
privilege OF approaching it, He had pri-
vate audience at the queens house, and from
The manner in which he expressed himself
after 1t was over. it appeared the respect
which he had hitherto felt towards eur mo-
march was diminished. There are many
ceremonies exacted upon approaching the
Shah of Persia. He is seen at great dis
lance; be is approached with great caution,
and with many profound inclinations of the
body. In his immediate vicinity the shoes
are taken of, and none enter The room in