Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-03-03

the way side were of the latter descriptions; but
we were informed that such was the severity oil
the government against this class, that spies and
informers were paid by the state for their de-
lection; and that when any were found, they
were generally put TO death without hearing
or Trial.
"The men Of the city were mounted, some
on horses richly caparisoned, others on fine
mules and asses that tr0tted with vigour and
activity which these animals never exhibited
in the West; some were sauntering on foot, as
if to prolong the distance of their way, and o.
Tiers reposing on the banks that skirted the
road, either smoking, playing at chess, touch
ing the Armour guitar 10 their songs or en-
ployed in some diversion that proved how gen
orally and efectualy all parties had abandoned
themselves 10 the sense of luxury and pleasure
in all the various modes in which they had
then the means of enjoying it. Nothing was
wanting to render this one of the happiest
scenes that human beings could witness, ex-
cent the removal of that sense Of insecurity
which must necessarily be felt by all who live
under confirmed despotism, where no man
can be assured that his wife, his children, his
possessions, or even his existence, shall be ex-
empt from violation for even an hour beyond
the present.
ait as about noon when we reached the
town of Salheyah, and ascending the hill above
it towards the Sheikh's tomb, or some similar
monument, called Kubt-el-Nasr we enjoyed
from thence prospect that was truly en-
chanting. From this point OF view the city OF
Damascus appeared to extend its greatest
length from north to south, being broader at
the northern, and tapering, gradually away to-
wards the southern end Its extreme length
appeared 10 be about three miles, and its ex-
IRENE breadth about two. 1t stands on the
western edge of fine plain, and level site,
having chain of hills pressing close upon it
on the north west, and the plain extending
away beyond the range of vision to the east.
The buildings Of the city being constructed
chiefly of stone below and light yellow bricks
above, while The principal public ediGccs are
painted in the gayest colours, the aspect OF the
whole is light and airy in the extreme.AThe
castle, with its outer court and massive walls,
and the great mosque already described, both
of which are nearly in the centre Of the city,
look imposing by their magnitude, as seen
from hence; and the light and tapering minar-
els that rise in every quarter of the town, give
peculiar character ofelegance to the whole
The gardens that surround the city on the
north; the fine olive grounds and long avenues
Of trees to the south; the numerous villages
pressing the skirts Of the town on the east, and
the great suburb Of Salheyah, with the throng-
cd public way thai leads to it on the west, adj
ded to the sombre but rich and thickly-p planted
expresses, the slender poplars, the corn grounds
and the rivers and streams, which so abundant
ly water the whole, give to this charming spot
character becoming scene in fairy.land, and
render it a fit object for the descriptive powers
of an Arabian tale Not far from the spot at
which We halted to enjoy this enchanting view,
was an extensive cemetery, at which we no.
ticed the custom so prevalent among eastern
nations, Of visiting the tombs Of their deceased
friends These were formed with great care,
and finished with extraordinary neatDess; and
at the foot of each grave was enclosed small
earthen vessel, in which was planted sprig
of myrtle, regularly watered every day by the
mourning friend who visited it. Throughout
the whole of this extensive place Of burial, we
did not observe single grave to VIII ich this to-
ken of respect and sorrow was not attached, &
scattered among the tombs in different quar-
tiers Of The cemetery, we saw from twenty to
thirty parties of females, sitting near the re
mains Of some rccenlly-lost and deeply-regret-
ted relative or friend; and either watering
their myrtle plants, or strewing flowers over
the green turf that closed upon their heads"