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sudden gust of wind struck her and she became unmanageable
they tried a second time with no success. The wind was high
and the ship was fast drifting onto a great rock Captain
ordered try once more to tack ship, if we fail we must strike
again we were saved, the wind suddenly changed and the ship
obeyed the helm. For a time all was anxiety. Henry for
the first time paled, and we were all badly frightened
and it was time before we regained composure.

We are near land and can see houses and trees but the views
are not equal to Italy’s shore. We are approaching
Smyrna and can see a turkish burying ground within a
cypress grove. We passed the fort last night. At eight
oclock they cast anchor for the night. Dec 5. 1853

Dec 6 We arose early. All along the beach were large
salt piles. Soon a pilot came on board to pilot the
ship to her anchorage near the city.

Smyrna is a quaint looking old city. Looking at it from
the vessel. It is quite cold. We staid on deck most of
the day as we do not land yet. On one high point stands