June 11, 1841: Arriving at Asia Minor |
Rather feverish this morning - thought abstinance the best remedy so breakfasted on an orange - on going on deck was full before us the island of Scio the most beautifull and verdant of the archipelago but the pleasing view is no unmixed with reminiscences of its late misfortunes - among ruined buildings are scattered among its groves of cypress and mastic trees - after the rebellion of 1822 - nine hundred greeks alone remained out of the previous 120,000 most were put to the sword or led into slavery some escaped and these are now returned so that the island is already returning is cheerfull appearance - it still continues under the turkish government -Our boat stopped several passengers came on board, and a well dressed turkish officer with a fez and milatary coat - coasting along the eastern side of Scio - soon doubled the cape on the continent of Asia Minor and entered the Gulf of Smyrna, at the bottom of which is situated the port and city of that name - the island of Mityline was in sight at a distance and opposite to the mouth of the Gulf - sailing down the gulf had a pleasing view of the fertile, tho mountainous shores of Asia Minor - but the charms of nature were even inadequate to drive away head ache and drowsiness - each new scene only made me wish more to be in sight of Smyrna and ashore in a comfortable room at an hotel -
At last Smyrna lay before us houses interspersed with shady groves of cypress and overlooked by lofty mount Pagus - crowned with the ruins of its fortress - the scene of many a bloody seige in times gone by - was among the first ashore - and soon comfortably lodged at the Pension Suisse - a divan afforded several hours of safeded repose - and taking the precaution to eat little or no dinner retired to rest at an early hour -
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