The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-12-16
THE WAR IN SYRIA.

BAY or DJoUNI, Sept "a
On the goth the Cyclops steamer left Djouni
for the purpose Of making a reconnaissance OF
the coast between Beyrout and Sidon A few
miles to the south OF the former town is a large
caravansera, called the Khan Of Outs, or JONAS,
(being, according to tradition, the spot where
the prophet was swallowed by the whale) on
the sea shore, hating place for the caravans
from Damascus, as well as from the southern
sea ports to Beyrout. As soon as the steamer
appeared OF this position body of troops, about
1--WE or six hundred, were observed moving down
from a mountain villaFe about mile distant
They formed upon the beach, and having gone
| through few evolutions, took possession of the
building. The steamer opened FIRE, and after a
| few shots the whole body was in disordered Fight
| towards Sidon. The few mountaineers who re-
NAMED in the neighborhood Immediately avail
ed theA- selves of this opportunity to gain the
beach, and boat having been sent to the mouth
OF the Damoor river, brought aboard the Sheicks
of two large villages, which lie between this
part of the coast and Dier ell Kammar, the ca pi-
tai Of the Emir Beschir From those men we
learned that, by the occupation OF tie caravan
stra, the Arnauts commanded the only outlet Nv
which the people could come down from the
Lebanon 10 this part Of the shore; that being
unarmed, the mountaincers were held in subiec-
ton by comparatively small body of men; and
that il an opportunity was afforded to them, at
least 1000 Of them would come, and if provided
with arms and ammunition they would under
take to march upon Dier-el-Kammer. This IN
formation was strengthened by what we had
heard at Diouni. and quite in accordance with
our experience at other parts of the coast. The
importance of opening the communications was
fully proved by what had taken place on the
coast to the north Of beyrout knew Of no
enc instance in which this sort of information
received from the people has not been fully re-
allied, and trusty steps may be taken to enable
large body Of them to move upon, and take
possession, as they promise 20 do, OF the capital
Of Lebanon. The steamer continued its route,
and towards evening anchored OF Sidon.
Alta OK UPON sTDoE-TAExING OF
THE TOWN By ASA YET.
sIDoS, Sept 27.-Sidon, With its garrison of
nearly 5000 men, its immense stores of arms,
ammunition, pFovisions-of material Of every
description-all are il the hands of the Sultan's
troops.
After the reconnaissance ofths goth, it was
determined TO send force to attempt the re-
duction of the town. Accordingly, on the
evening of the Path, the Thupderer, 81, Cap
tain Rerlsely, with the Wasp brig, an Austrian
frigate. and Turkish corvette got under weigh
from Djouni for Sidon. On the evening oftRe
25th. tie Georgia steam frigate took on board
from four to six hundred marines, while the
Cyclops steam frigate received about one thou
sand five hundred Turkish troops, under the
command of Prussian officer, Colonel Lake.
Eearly in the morning ofthe 18th, the steamers
got under weigh, and in few hours Joined the
other ships, about three miles, to the northwarl
of Sidon. The force was here increased by the
yery seasonable arrival of the steamer sirom
boli having ON board from three to four hum
bred marines from England, having touched at
Gibraltar and Malta; and Of the Hydra, from
Tyre. The steamers having lowed the other
crescent which completely commanded the
town from one extremity to the other. The
Stromboli anchored to the extreme South, next
TO her the Wasp, the Austrian frigate, and the
| Turkish corvette.