Delaware journal., 1828-11-14
COMMUNICATION.

Extract from letter written by an officer on board
the United States' ship Delaware, dated August,
1898:
During the past two months, we have been ad.
vantageously employed in visiting almost all the
ports of Sicily. some heretofore untrequented 5y
vessels of SO large size. Much astonlshment ana
surprise we're evinced, we were, consequently sur
rounded by gaping mutitudes, aud not untrequent'
" visited BY or 400 daily On leaving Malta we
went to Syracuse, one of the most interesting pa.
ces in the Mediterranean but small portion OF
the ancently large city remains but It SUN serves
as monument of the tyranny OF Dionysius, great"
ness of Archimides, and friendship OF Pythlas. Wo
were quarantned FIVE days-two or three more
were occupied in looking at its curlosltes anu anu.
ouites--of which, the Ear Of Donysius, ancient
Catacombs, Amphthcatre, Fountain OF Aretoosa'
Museum. Baths, remains of the Temple OF Jupiter
and Minerva, were the principal. Litte attention
was extended to US by he miserable lnhaOltants OF
this filthy city---excepting the wretched "Lazaroh,
who. in multtudes, almost naked with diseases
originated in filth, and covered with yermn OF eve
ry descriptions surrounded our ship and followed US
in our walks. Here, and at Messiha, were you %
see these scenes IF misery, you would almost en-
claim, happy happy! American, with feelings OF
humanity and patriotism. Only by comparing the
degradation Of people of foreign countries horrible
and heartrendering it is can we possiny De ap'e
to appreciate duly the happiness enjoyed in our own
dear country. The miserable poor o! Messina' NC
instead of finding the various comforts OF well con.
Quoted ams-houses to alleviate their suhefngs are
sepn half naked aud nearly starved. reposnS, or en-
deavourine to do so. upon the heated pavements OF
their cities es-continung in this dreadful state OF ex-
sten,e until the kind hand of death relieves them
! from their suiferngs.
h Then and there. only, can we judge OF the com.
paratve happiness of our unfortunate paupers, VINO
bitterly complain. while in the daily enjoyment OF
more than the weekly pittance Of some OF these
poor Sicllians. u
/ After few davs stay at Syracuse, Capt II. two
or three other officers and myself, lett the vessel
on a visit to Etna. distant about 45 miles, VIC
chartered small racket boat. in which contrary
winds and head sea, obliged us to pass most un-
comfortable night, under the lee OF an old penlisu"
la. uninhabitetl. The evening succeeding, we ar
rived at Catania. at the base OF the mountain. ~
lbuilt over the ruins Of three cities, destroyed by
succeeding eruptions, and is one OF the most beau'
: fnl CITIES have ever seen. We passed the even-
: inu at the opera. and were much pleased with the
nrofpssons skill and personal charms OF the prma
donna she so far eclipsed the other actresses. as
entirely to throw them in the back ground. sup
nose our fair counrywomen could now Tolerate the
Italian mode Of dancing. as understand 'nat Maa'
It Ach,e has become quite a favoritc. 20 tempo
+ ia, o! Mores"
d The man exhibited in their gymnastic exercises,
II cannot call it dancing,) much strength but little
: activity.
i, ascension. with mules for guides and sumpte
mules carving our beds for the night provisions
/, &c. and two mueteers, who, when the roads were
S rough, checred the poor mules by their peculiar
shouts. to undertake the task. The first 10 miles,
we'll deserves the name givin it" Fertile Region
!. --producng apples. nectarnes, peaches. oranges
almonds, apricots. lemons &c. with grapes IN the
Fl greatest abundance and highest degree OF per'echon
Of the latter il is said that two crops are produced
!. annually, making wine article Of very consider
able expiration. The appearance of the country
!. is wild and romantic; lava the remains OF former
puntions. mounds aud craters of small volcanoes
F are frequently met with soil decomposcd lava
q roads remarkably good. with fine lourshng village
. every few miles, in which the culture OF the silk
q worm i, carried to considerable extent their pro-
v duct is manufactured at Catania into various articles
which form considerable part of their eXportation
You will thus perceive that these unseemy looking
|, industrious little creatures, make very 'mpor'an'
% link in. the chain Of communication between conn
). After resting our mules and taking rcffeshnents