Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1835-01-01
HOLY LAND.

>. squadron IN the Medltcrrdnean,d dated at
Mahon, Oct. Gath, 1884, giving a descr,p-
ton of the visit lately made by some of
the officers to Alexandria, Jerusalem,
Bethlehem, &c.
"From Alexandria we departed for Jalla
where we arrived few days after
While here all the officers determined to
visit Jerusalem. Disregarding the horri-
bic reports Of robbers and plague, two
parties went, the second of which / ac-
companied. will attempt description
Of our journey.
We left the ship on the afternoon ofthc
26th, and with good deal of difficulty
obtained convcyanccs, such as mules,
donkeys, and Il few good horses. We
mounted all armed to the teeth, each with
brace of pistols and a cutlass. The
word being given to proceed, we mounted,
glad to escape for u time from the duties
Of the ship and pleased with the idea OF
of our anticipated journey. In an hours
time a halt was called TO make proper ar
rangements for the night. Orders were
given to load our firearms, and each one
had his own particular station ASST gncd
him to ropel amy attack from the robbers
who micst these parts. All necessary
arrangements having been made. and the
part each one was expected to act III case
of emergency being settled, off we started
at round pace, keeping close to one
another till about eight o'clock, when the
woLd was passed, to stand by for charge.
All was now hustle and preparation, some
cooked their pistols, others drew their
cutlasscs, and some went so far as to pull
off their jackets to be relieved Of all in
cumbrance in the anticipated fight. Ev-
cry ,hing being in readiness to receive the
supposed robbers, silence was ordered,
and body of horse sent forward to re-
connoitrc, they however soon returned
with the information that the supposed
banditt were nothing more than mar
riagc party of about 20 persons return--
ing from Mosque. After hearty laugh
among ourselves at the mistake we had
made and wishing the jewellers much joy,
we continued our march, and about eleven
o'clock found ourselves entering the gates
of Ramba, where we put up for the night.
We started again at early dawn, Journey
ing for some time over fine level country
having on each side large open fields of
millet, which is raised here in great quan-
titles. About sunrise we commenced as
ccndirg the Mountain of Judea, which
has the appearance of one barren waste,
with scarcely tree or shrub to be seen.
About nine o'clock we came to most
delightful grove of olives and iig-trees,
with cool refreshing spring of water.-
Here we determined to rest. We recon-
menced our march about eleven o'clock,
and continued ascending huge mountains
till three o'clock, when from the top of
one of the highest peaks; Jerusalem could
be plainly seen. At five we entered
the gates Of the "IIoly City, amidst a
guard of infidel soldiers who were drawn
up to receive us. The Turks here be-
havcd with the greatest hospitality
they had house prepared for us with
/ all the convcniences we could wish,
which we Immediately ly took possession of
being much fatigucd with our Journey,
having rode that day upwards of forty
miles. We all by one consent agreed
to +" turn in," and laid down to sleep for
the first time in Il place which had ncAer
i'll my widest imaginations expected
to see.
The first place we wished next morning
was the Church of the Holy Supulchrc,
which is one of the largest buildings ever
saw ; the architecture is imposing and
beautiful, consisting of all the orders /; the
doorway is rich beyond description,being
supported by twelve immense pillars OF
Z" Ierd antique" On entering the church.
Immediately fronting the door, is the
place where our Saviour was washed
previous to his burial. The spot is de.
signated by slab of beautiful marble.
Ascending flight of stairs, we were
shown the spot where Christ was nailed
to the cross and short distance from
this where he was crucified. The hole
which was made by the cross is covered
by plate of gold. Descending to tho
= level of the church, we saw the place
where the soldiers cast lots for his robes
when he was scourgcd and when impri
soned, the latter of which is a hole abou
six feet deep, and about four feet square
at the top. Ofthis species otprison there
are a great number. Leaving this, We
proceeded rouud to the Holy Supulchre
1t was cxcavated out of the solid rocl
and encased in beautiful marble. ID ha.
two apartments. The first, or cntrauc,
chamber, is about eight feet by ten in Size
and capable of containing eight persons
! Here is shown a piece Of rock on which
: IL is said the nnncl snt WHOM Mnry Mandn