The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-12-22
A Lady who has Seen the World.
FROM sHARP's MAGAZINE

FROM SHARP'S MAGAZINE
Reader, did you ever chance to hear of
the famous Maria of-Mont Blanc, a peas
ant woman Of Chamount, the only one Of
her sex who ever assembled to the summit
of the monarch of the mountains; or Of our
own country woman, Mrs. Campbell, who
with her daughters, traversed the frightful
Mer de Glace in all its extent, and crossed
'over 10 the valley Of Cormayeur! These
were remarkable instances Of female nerve
and intrepidity; but what think you of a
woman who has actually gone round the
globe by yherselfnot com iortably cnsconced
on shipboard and touching here and there
lin its four quarters, but exploring many of
its most interesting countries! II not, such
aone must declare myself TO have seen,
and talked, and travelled with,
Ii was at Conslantinople, in the summer
OF 184l, that went on board the Austrian
steamer plying from that city to BeirQut
and, as it happened, found myselfthe only
passenger in the best cabin. was not
long, however, in making acquaintance on
deck. Among the crowds of Turks and
Levantnes l was struck with the appear
,ance of "a lady, whose singular costume-a
tight gown of plaid gray serge, of some
what antiqualed fashion, and "a Florentine
straw hat, with very wide brim-curious-
ly contrasted with the flowing oriental gar
ments around. There was, however, moth
ing even to excite smile in her appear
sance. Her person was slight, her counten-
ance was grave, and her manners remark
ably simple and unaffected. She was trav.
elling entirely alone, but had found tenn
porary protector in the person of venera-
Ible-looking monk, who was going to his
convent in Syria. | found that our object
was the samoa pilgrimage to the holy
city; nor was long discovering that my
new companion was no ordinary pilgrim.
and that the thirst for romantic excitement
and the desire for information were motives
at least as powerful with her as the indul.
vence of feeling Of piety. Our conversa-
nion turned upon the difficulties the way.
The country was reputed to be in a very
unsettled state, the roads said to be beset
with robbers. soon become 50 interest
ed lin the calm and resolute charter Of my
new friend, that ] resolved to assist her to
the utmost of my power. On reaching
Beirout, no time was lost in repairing to an
English merchant TO whom had an intro
duction, whose active kindness procured
me travelling servant, named Achmet, a
native Of Beirout, who was directed to lay in
a stock ofprovisions for two or three days
cruise, and to take our places in boat sail
ing that evening for Jaffa. Mylady pilgrim
of whom | had lost sight Of during the con-
fusion Of landing, was now sought out; nor
sitlong before she made her appearance
at the merchants. At first my friend was
rather shy Of this part of the business, but
the mature age, grave appearance, and
simple manners of my new acquaintance,
soon set at rest any ungenerous suspi-
cions.
The evening came, and we repaired on
board. The boat proved to be an undeck-
ed Arab craft, of the very rudest descrip-
ton, with two masts, and huge latine or
triangular sails, A small cabin, about six
feet square, into which it was necessary to
creep on all fours, was contrived at the stern
tutitwas SO foul that to take refuge there
except in case Of q storm was impossible.
(. The rest ofthe boat had flooring of sand
and shingle, and its rough ribs served for
couches, and sofas, and berths, at once.
The places Of honor, including the afore-