Litchfield enquirer., 1830-09-02
LITCHFIELD (CONN) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER g. 18so

1 chandise, sixty mosques, twelve public baths, and six bagnios for prisoners. The buildings arc white, and forming beauti- full contrast to the surrounding verdure of the country, present astrongl ly respicndent appearance from the sea, particularly when illuminated by the beams ofthe sun. The roofs are fiat, and on them in the evening the inhabitants are seated, as we'll to enjoy the fresco, or cool air, as the brilliant ex- tent of the Mediterranean, which, bounded by clear horizon, stretches on both sides to an immense distance. The scene is doubly animated ifany vessel approach the offing, or if the signal tower has announced that the arms of the Crescent have been victorious, and the winds are waiting Christian captives to the harbor. The tops of the houses are then covered with spectators and as red and white chiefly prevail in their clothes, the uninterrupted prospect is lively beyond imagination, heightened as it is by flowers and ever greens planted in large boxes on the ter races. The population consists of 6O,OOQ Mahomedans, 15,ooo Jews. and 2OOO 1 Christians. Its circumference comprises a space of geographical mile and half (15 to degree,) and contains from to 10000 houses. The streets arc very nar- row, and the roofs of tho houses approach each other so closely as to prevent the ac- cess of the sun so that, by means of its flat roofs it would be possible to establish communication between the different quarters. High walls, provided with bas- lions and dry ditch, run round the town. The cassaban, or citadel, crowns its nar- row height, and commands tho town and the batteries on the sea side in an advanta- geous manner. sl'ef
 The city of Algicrs is the residence of the Dey and his court, and has long been the chief station for the Algerine corsairs, who have braved the resentment of the strongest powers in Christendom, and fl- led the Mediterranean with dismay. It is extremely well defended, as well to resist the vengeance of nations despoied of their property and subjects, as to guard the im- mense treasures resulting from long sc- ries of successful piracies. The harbor, which is an artificial one, is small, shallow and insecure, and its entrance is encum- bered with several rocks and shoals. The entrance ofthe port is defended by cita- del, and considerable batteries. It is form ed by mole constructed on low strip of ground, of about 500 yards long, which connects the city with a small island on which the chief fortiicatons are built. - On this island are the custom house, navy hall, dock yards and sail lofts, in which the slaves work ; and here they are en- ployed in loading and unloading vessels, fitting out corsairs, &c., A guard ship is stationed at the entrance of the harbor. and several gallies, armed and manned, are near in case ofan alarm, or an attempt on the part of the slaves to escape.
 The city of Algiers has five gates. The marine gate opens to the mole and here the slaves, every afternoon, when they have finished their work, and examined one by one, to see they convey no arms or dangerous implements from the magazines and other places where they have been working. A strong guard is always post ed at this gate. This is the spot where the cruelties exercised against the slaves are most frequently witnessed: parties are seen coming up to the mole with driver over them, carrying large casks ofwine, or heavy bales slung on poles, and resting on | tUCI III consequence OI I1O ascent, the weight and strain rests so much on the legs, that the flores of many of the old slaves arc seen in knots and Jumps a. bout the calf. -.
 The Babizira, or fish gate, so called from it's being the rendezvous of the fish ing boats, is a little to the south of the above, and near it vessels are built and hove down.
 The Babazon gate is due south, and ter inmates the main street which intersects the city nearly from north to south. This is the gate that principally communicates with the interior of the country; and round lit, without the walls, are stalls and enclo- sures for the camels and other beasts of bur den which bring provisions, or convey a. way merchandise. This is also the seat of public executions. In the ramparts large len,er-hooks are fixed, on which malefactors, or Christian slaves who have mutined, are cas-, from the walls. and left to decay or be devoured by the birds of prey.
 The Babelouet gate terminates the same street to ihe north, and opens to the best walks near the city. .,~. .gs4
 The Baba Sdit, or new gate, is at the up- per end of the. city, leading to the Star Castle and Emperor's Fort. so called from its being commenced by Charles F.on a commanding eminence. tr 77