19th Century Steinbeck Family Papers

We proceeded on to the custom house where we found Mr Joseph who sent his cavasse with one from the Governor to escort us around the place. With these officials servants we went through the principal streets and around the outside walls having a fine view of the surrounding country. Had we not had the protection of the officials cavasse the natives would have thrown stones at us. They do not like foreigners. We went to a caravansee and sat on mats spread on the floor in the court and had refreshments served. After resting, we went to see the ruins of an old temple. It had fallen to the ground with the exception of two large squares or courts, and some immense columns were still standing, and the remains of an altar. Large blocks of marble were laying on the ground, and carved capitals had fallen from pillars. There was much carved marble lieing about. After spending some time viewing these ruins we remounted our horses and amid a loud clamoring from boys for “Backsesh,” we started for Ramlah, a mile and half from Lydia. We rode through fields where once