Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-12-03
Extract of letter from an officer of the US.
Navy, to his friend in this city, dated
tsyy q o., N,,rtb noroHno

Navy, to his friend in this city, dated
"US. Ship North Carolina,
Bay of Gibraltar, Oct. II, 1928.
"After an absence of three months
on cruise up the Straits, among the
Turks and Greeks, we, on the 9th inst.
came to an anchor in this celebrated
Bay Gibraltar is garrisoned by about
$500 fine troops, under the striciest
discipline and completely equipped
The Rock is of "a great height, and for
tilted to its summit with 80 Founders,
on travelling carriages, constructed OF
iron The excavations in which the
pieces are mounted, are cut through
the solid rock land so formed, that boz
dy Of about 10000 men might be safe
under cover from the attacks OF mill
lions The government is strictly mi
Iitary, and the whole place under mar
tial law The inhabitants who are not
soldiers, are composed of Americans,
English, Irish, SPANS Turks, Greeks,
Jews, sc Those of our people who
visit the place are treated with the ut
most respect, both by citizens and sol
diers. Provisions, sc. are cheap, and
living very good.
We left the Rock last spring, and
proceeded to Malaga, and whilst lying
there, had ball on board, which was
attended by number of the Spanish
nabobs and ladies'. They are, general
~ speaking, a very ilhterate set Of be-
ings, and superstitious in the extreme.
From thence we sailed to Tangier, on
the Barbary Coast, at which place we
were visited by number Of the inha.
bitants. The Turks are generally Of
large stature, some very black, and o.
theirs Of yelIowish cast, like our
bright mulattoes. The blacklist among
them appear to be those Of the highest
rank. Our stay was but short here,
as we heard the remainder Of the
squadron was lying e the Z ock wait
ing Tor the Commodore. Having join
ed the squadron, we again set sail, and
made the Bay Of Tunis, where we lay
few days. We next proceeded to Pa
ros, an ancient Greek harbor, once a
famous city, but now nearly abandoned,
the Turks having, about fifty years
ago, destroyed the city, leaving only
the ruins standing, after besieging it
for seven years. Al present it is occu-
pied by few individuals who are not
fit 10 take up srmsm their country's
cause. Their Governor makes shoes
and keeps wine 10 sell. Not far distant
from this place is the famed Grotto Of
Antiparos, so much spoken of in an
cient history. 1t was visited by num-
Der OF our officers, who brought OH
board some curicsities Of marble
Having watered ship, we sailed for
Smyrna, Turkish port, about 100
miles from the city Of Constantinople.
During our stay at Smyrna, a fire took
place in the town, to assist in extin-
gushing which, the Commodore or
dered a guard of marines, and all the
hremen from the ship. About 40 or
| SO fine houses were consumed. The
Turks were too lazy to assist in putting
it out, but ordered the Greeks and Jews
to work-and had il not been for the
assistance of the marines and sailors
from the American, Dutch, French and
English vessels of war in the harbor,
the whole place would no doubt have
been burnt to ashes.
Our next place Of rendezvous was at
NapoH di ROmania, the Greek head
quarters in the Morea. Here we were
visited by the principal officers attach
ed 10 the Greek army, which is very
numerous The dragons, amounting
TO about 1000, are commanded by
some OF Bonaparte's officers; and
the artillery are all French soldiers,
The Greeks appear TO be very &C
1--WE and generous people, but some
what superstitious. Greece, like our
own country when fighting for its indie
pendence, is great field for young
men of enterprising spirit. Our young
soldiers would here meet with the Ut
most respect; but they must conquer
or die, as there are no prisoners taken
on either side. The soldiers are paid
off every ten days, and receive tolera-
bly, good pay and provisions, as money
goes further here than in the United
States. The people are generally poor
but, should they be able TO conquer the
Turks, the lands which are at present
in contest in the Morea, would alum
dainty enrich them.
SO farI am much grati6ed with our
cruise. We have agood ship. officers,
and crew. We expect TO have the Bran
DIVINE in company within very short
ly."
Richmond, Nou. Cove understand
that Mr. JOHN BRowN, a venerable old
man, one of the door-keepers Of the
House Of Delegates, for great many
years, was killed on Saturday last by
an unfortunate son, who is said 10 BE-
deranged. What particular proyoca-