Got under way at day-light, and having passed the south point of Negropont (the ancient Eubœa) and Andros, were opposite the center of the Island of Teno at twelve o'clock the next day. It seems populous and well cultivated. Lat. 37° 33′. Paros, Delos, and several other islands in sight.
November 7th.
We were within a few leagues of Scio at day-break, and being driven to the southward, had a distant view of Samos, the birth place of Juno. We were employed all this and the next day in working to windward, between the continent of Asia Minor and the Island of Scio, famous for producing the nectar of the ancients, and for the beauty of its women. The ladies, I am told, are as charming as ever, but the wine has lost its luscious qualities. The town is large and straggling; it seems to have some works, but they are in a very sorry condition. The road is quite open. Before we reached the town, we passed the bay of Chisemé, on the Asiatic shore, where the Turkish fleet was destroyed by the Russians.
Friday, Nov. 9th, 1787.
A light breeze sprang up fair late last night, with which we entered the Gulf of Smyrna, and early this afternoon anchored off the town.
LETTER XV.
TO CAPTAIN SMITH.
Smyrna, November 29th.
MY DEAR FRIEND,