Travels in Turkey, Asia Minor, Syria, and across the desert into Egypt ...

SYRIA, EGYPT, GERMANY, &C 2J
from the shoulders, and brass helmets on their heads. Others again
were clad in party-coloured dresses. While a part of them were
armed with spears, or lances, from twelve to fourteen feet in
length, others carried short, twisted, rifle-barrel guns, the rest
muskets, carbines, &c The whole ot' them wuie swords and,
pistols in sashes fastened round their waist. The Vizier, the Capstan
Pacha, the Kaimacan, and other officers, were mounted on
beautiful horses richly caparisoned. The one which his Highness
rode made the most magnificent appearance, the embroidered trappings
being studded with gems, pearls, &c. The hilt of the hand-
jar, or dirk, which his Highness carried at his side was covered
with a profusion of diamonds.
It is impossible to contemplate these pompous ceremonies, and
not to contrast them with the secrecy and silence with which the
first movements of European armies are undertaken. It must be
a trifling nation which can delay an expedition of importance, even
for a single day, lest some little rite or ceremony should be omitted.
And it is truly impolitic thus to advertise an enemy, for even months
beforehand, of the advance of an army. When these circumstan-
ces, and the facts which will be hereafter related, are considered,
the reader will not be surprised at the little success which com-
monly attends the Turkish, military operations.
A number of dervises were distributed among the Turkish troops,
who are constantly attended when they go to war by persons of
this character, to exhort them to valour, and to kindle up their
enthusiasm their
by
shouts and singing.
The Vizier's camp was formed about a mile
of Scutari. On this occasion a vast multitude
without the town
of persons of both
sexes, whom curiosity had drawn thither, attended, but not the
smallest accident or disturbance ensued.
On the 1st of June his Highness proceeded on his march for
Syria. Major Fletcher, of the royal engineers, was ordered to
accompany him on this service; but was unfortunately taken ill a
few days after he set out, and under the necessity of returning to
('oistar.tinople.
About the same time, Major Fead, of the royal artillery, was
;ered to St. John d'slcre, to which place he proceeded in a 'Tur-
kish ship of war. This excellent officer shortly afterwards fell a
victim to a malignant fever.