our vessels have gone under the American flag to Salonica, and under foreign colors have entered the Black sea. About the beginning of the present century an American frigate was permitted to pass the Dardanelles, bearing the tribute of one of the Barbary States to Constantinople. Without some such errand, no armed vessels are allowed to pass either the Dardanelles or Bosphorus. During the last year, access of our merchantmen to Constantinople, bearing their own flag, was granted for the first time, on the same conditions probably as at Smyrna. The son of the Consul was passenger in the first vessel which went up, since which time a number of vessels have been plying between the two cities.*

There are three or four American commercial houses established at Smyrna. Considerable business is also done through Messrs. Lee and Van Lennep. The latter gentleman is Dutch Consul, and the former, the English merchant who introduced our countrymen into that trade. Hitherto it has been carried on from Boston, New-York, Salem, and. Baltimore and chiefly from the former city. Dearborne's work on the commerce of Turkey, the Black sea, &c. contains much information valuable to mercantile men. Our commerce with Turkey is becoming increasingly important. Most of the opium which is intended for China passes through American hands. Our coffee and sugar are exchanged for the fruits, wool, &c. of the country. At Constantinople I have heard the cry

* The consul himself also visited Constantinople with a view as it has been said, of negociating a commercial treaty. In this he is reported to have been unsuccessful.

of Americano, from Jewish hawkers who were carrying around the coarse American cottons, and I am informed that they have found their way into the heart of Asia. I have also been assured by judicious merchants of Smyrna, that our trade with Greece might be of the same general character, and of very considerable importance.

To this it may be added, that our exports to Turkey in the year 1822, amounted to more than four hundred thousand dollars, of which all but a few thousands were of foreign produce. The amount of imports was about three hundred and sixty thousand dollars. Since that time, both exports and imports, have greatly increased. The recent appointment, by the President, of a consul to Odessa, evinces a disposition on the part of our government not to lose sight of the interest of our trade in that quarter.

Jan. 21.-Smyrna with all its commerce and wealth, is not likely to afford me the golden fleece, so I propose to follow on towards Colchis in the route of the Argonauts; in plainer English, I have just concluded to go up to Constantinople. My reasons for taking this step so early, by the urgent advice of my friends, are briefly these; to learn on the spot, more definitely the nature of the late excitement among the Jews of that city; and to seek helps in acqiring their spoken language, which the shyness of the poor Israelite here, is not likely to afford.

My associate, Mr. Gridley, I leave in the family of Mr. Mengous, a respectable Greek gentleman, who has Frank protection. The situation is exceedingly favorable, for acquiring Modern Greek, or Italian, to

the former of which his first efforts are directed. After the varied and pleasant months which we have passed together and the numerous kind offices, which as a physician, a fellow traveller, a friend, and Christian brother, he has been most diligent in rendering, I cannot tear myself away without regret. The voice of duty, however, as we both of us are persuaded, is clearly to be heard, and I would arise and cheerfully obey the call. At the same time I will freely confess, that I more and more concur in the sentiments of our brethren in Malta-Missionaries should become "fixtures," and cease from their wandering habits. The Missionary traveller, may have more entertaining matter for his journals, but he who is in some good degree stationary, is more likely to exert an influence which will "live after him." In the infancy of Missionary operations, exploring tours, are undoubtedly necessary, yet many of these might advantageously be performed by those who are permanently established. At least such is the opinion of not a few sober friends of our enterprise, both clerical, and others in the Mediterranean. Health, curiosity and various other causes may safely be set down to counterbalence the love of ease, and domestic cares which would operate, to prevent a stationary clergyman from undertaking many journeys. "The reason why I have not travelled more," says one of the missionaries in Syria, "is not because I was unwilling, but because I could never get my brethren to advise me." On the other hand, a man who has formed the habit of wandering from place to place, brings himself with difficulty to fix down in one spot, even after his judgment has pronounced it to be expedient. Having also the roaming spirit, he will the more rea

dily find excuses to justify his unsettled habits. These thoughts have been suggested in part, by hearing the remarks of some Smyrniote gentlemen, not very friendly to the missionary cause; and I feel that it is a subject of importance to myself, and my Mediterranean brethren, surrounded as we are with such peculiar temptations to travel.

During the short time we have been here, besides making the acquaintance of the friends of our former missionaries-Messrs. Parsons, Fisk and King, and familiarizing ourselves with the new objects in this oriental world, I have also been taking lessons of an Italian master. On the Sabbath we have improved several opportunities of preaching to the English and American seamen, and on one occasion, I have with Mr. G. attended public worship on board the U. S. sloop of war Ontario, Capt. Nicholson. After service, Capt. N. led us through the groupes of men as they were seated on the deck at dinner. It was truly gratifying to see the orderly, cleanly, and healthy condition of so great a number. Only two of the crew have died, during their whole absence from America. Still more to the credit of the worthy commander, is the pains which he takes by personal addresses and in other ways, to discountenance profaneness and intemperance. When no clergyman is present, he himself reads the church service on the Sabbath. Such an example is more likely to have weight with his brother officers, exhibited as it is by one, who has shared alike with them, in the laurels which are gathered from bloodier fields.

We have had the satisfaction of meeting here with two Boston gentlemen, Messrs. Landon and Walley, to whom, as well as Mr. Purdey, an English gentle

man in the house of Mr. L. we are uuder much obligation for their friendly attentions. Messrs. Wherry, Van Lenneps and Offley, the English, Dutch, Swedish and American Consuls, have expressed their readiness to serve us. We have also experienced the civilities of Mr. Lee, an English merchant, who has resided here forty years, and whose valuable library has been open to American missionaries before us; of Rev. Mr. Arundel, the British chaplain, who is preparing a volume on Smyrna, and the seven churches of Asia; and Mr. Barker, the agent of the British and Foreign Bible Society, who has travelled through every part of Turkey, distributing the scriptures. With Messrs. Van Lenneps, Lee, Arundel and Barker, you have become acquainted through the journals of our predecessors. The same friendly co-operation in promoting the objects of our mission, we also experience.

An apostle's route retraced--Entrance of the Hellespont--Abydos-Hill of Xerxes-Castles and town of the DardanellesEuropean side of the straits-Maita-Example of a pious captain-Parium.

Sea of Marmora, Jan. 30, 1827.

I SAILED from Smyrna on the 30th, in the English schooner, Ann and Mary, Capt. March, of Bristol. We had taken on the deck of our vessel, a large portrait of the king of France, for his ambassador at Constan