June 19, 1841: Austrian Steamer |
Took passage in Austrian Danube Companys steamer Crescent for Constantinople - walked before breakfast again amongst the bazars & the business part of the city - long lines of slow moving camels were coming in loaded with wool and valohia - which is a sort of large acorn and used in dying - the camel is a patient mild looking creature - uttering occasionally a noise that I can compare to nothing but a loud noise moan - they shed their wool at this season of the year which gives them a squalled naked arpearance - their foals accompany them -At some of the bazaars roast mutton and bread is sold - a plateful at 2 piastras - abt 80 cents - the turks are very moderate eaters - and drinking anything stronger than water forbidden by the Koran -
At the appointed hour went on board the steamer to depart for Stamboul - the turks all take deck passages and there they sit squatted on their legs - with the chibouk in the mouth - some wearing the fez or red cap and some the turban - the cabin passengers were 7 englishmen, one turkish governor & two Italians - residents of Const- - the governor was from a small place in the interior Anatolia -
Receding gradually from the port we soon lost sight of the city and the surrounding villages - untill alone is visible the gigantic side of Mount Sipylus - about midnight the boat, stopped and a confused trampling and scufling on deck ensued - we were taking in passengers at Mityline - to find room on decks already crowded - creates a disturbance - that threatened to end in a fight.
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