vent was just above the spot where the
quarantine ground was situated.

_Thursday, 27th June._--Even the discomforts of a detention in
quarantine were sometimes varied by pleasing incidents, such as making
the acquaintance of distinguished travellers. In this case we had the
pleasure of becoming acquainted with several eminent men, including
the Rev. Dr Alex. Keith and Dr Black, who happened to be performing
their quarantine in the same locality.

These gentlemen called on Sir Moses, and he returned their visit the
next day. The time passed so agreeably to all that these visits were
frequently renewed.

The superior of the convent on Mount Carmel addressed a very polite
letter to Sir Moses, regretting that our being in quarantine prevented
his having the pleasure of receiving us in his convent, but making an
offer of his services, and sending a present of the best wine of Mount
Lebanon.

_Saturday, June 29th._--The day was spent in repose, with prayers and
reading the Sacred Scriptures. Being so close to Mount Carmel, our
thoughts naturally turned to the Prophet Elijah; and in addition to
the usual Sabbath prayers, Sir Moses read to us the 18th chapter of
1st Kings in a most solemn manner, and with such fervour that every
one present was deeply affected.

In the course of the day the messenger returned, bringing the
following reply to Sir Moses' letter:--"The Governor cannot allow a
shorter quarantine than seven days."

In the evening, after the conclusion of Sabbath, letters from Mr
Kilbee were opened, containing the correspondence from England. There
had been disturbances in some of the manufacturing towns at home and
in Paris; the Melbourne ministry had resigned, but had again accepted
office. This was all the news we received from England, but Mr Kilbee
added unsatisfactory intelligence from Beyrout. He wrote that the
Druses had plundered Damascus, and the whole country was in a state
little short of rebellion, and that poor Lady Hester Stanhope had died
on the night of the 21st inst., having been without medical aid or the
attendance of any European. Mr Moore, the British Consul, and the Rev.
Mr Thomson had been to her house on the 23rd, and they buried her the
same night by moonlight.

The accounts which the messenger brought from Beyrout of the disturbed
state of the country induced some of our men to beg Sir Moses to
discharge them, as they were fearful of continuing the journey, and
all appeared much