"Dear Independent: In fulfillment of the promise made the night before our departure, I sit down to write the first of a series of letters detailing the most noteworthy incidents of our journey to the Holy Land, with such historical and geographical facts as are suggested by the localities we may be permitted to visit.
"As you are well aware, an association, which has for its specific object the study of Bible history and geography, was organized in your town some months ago. After a course of thorough preliminary training, arrangements were consummated for a tour of observation through Egypt, Arabia, Palestine,—the lands of Hebrew life and literature, the scenes of the early Christian history, and, later, the arena of Saracenic invasion and domination. We are now on the way thither. While the tide of mighty immigration is pouring westward toward the American desert, the Rocky Mountains, Pike's Peak and Cherry creek, a tiny rill of exploration is trickling eastward toward the desert of Sinai, the mountains of Egypt, the peaks of Lebanon, and the river of Jordan." * * * * *
After calling attention to two books which had just then appeared—"The Land and The Book," by Dr. Thomson, and "Palestine Past and Present," by Dr. Osborn—the Palestine correspondent continued:
"No class of literature is more refining and exalting than the records of cultivated minds made amid the sacred scenes of Palestine, and the not less interesting ruins of Egypt, Asia Minor and Greece. A taste for such mental pabulum is a better safeguard against the popular and polluting fictions of the day than all the mandates of the parent or the uncompromising denunciations of the pulpit. Preoccupy by the good, and there will be no evil to expel. Create a taste for healthful literature in our young people, and they will not crave the blood and fire potions now so mercilessly provided by the corrupt press. This is one object of our present pilgrimage to Palestine. We would open a new world—the newest and yet the oldest of worlds—to their view. We would unfurl bright maps and open new books, and delight them in a field of thought and research, in which healthful influences prevail, a field of fragrant and thornless flowers, of luscious and life-giving fruit. * * * * * The association to which I have referred is composed of about eighty pilgrims. On Saturday morning, the 25th, we left your quiet village, reaching Chicago the same evening. Tuesday morning found us on our way to New York, where we arrived early this morning. We shall sail on Saturday, April 2, for the Orient. In order to diminish our expenses, we forego the speed of the regular steam route, and have chartered the sailing vessel, the schooner 'Star of Bethlehem.' She is a new vessel, and a 'bright light' in her way. Well rigged, and ably manned, she is prepared for the buffeting of old ocean. Her captain is the distinguished and experienced Hardstudy, with whom, I am sure, you have some acquaintance. He is a true gentleman, and, I am told, has been an intimate companion of several Oriental travelers. He accompanied Dr. Robinson on both his tours. The 'Star,' built expressly for excursions to the Mediterranean waters, is a stout boat, and is provided with the modern conveniences and luxuries of travel. She is about 150 tons burden. I spent an hour on board of her this afternoon, and am much gratified with the neatness and elegance displayed in all her departments. The library and reading-room is a little palace. It contains about 1,500 volumes, chiefly of Eastern travel, which, together with a number of good maps and paintings, will afford us every opportunity to prepare for the interesting tour we are about making. All thus far are well. Remember us in our wanderings, and send us copies of your paper, directing to the 'care of the United States Consul at Alexandria.' Prepay to New York, and send 'Via Liverpool and Beyrout.'"
The next letter gives an account of the various pilgrimages which have been made to Palestine from the days of Abraham down to the present.
"Off Sandy Hook, 3.30 p. m.," our correspondent wrote. "The wide ocean is before us. We have passed the Battery, Brooklyn, Staten Island, the ruins of old quarantine and the forts,—feeble protection in cases of invasion,—and yonder to the east is Sandy Hook. The bell of the tug rings. In five minutes our friends who accompany us down will return to the city, and we shall be alone upon the wide, wide sea. The waters appear quiet; a faint west wind is rising; all the children are in good spirits. If they are as bright to-morrow it will be strange. Farewell, native land! Farewell!"
The third letter opened with a quotation from Browning:
"'In the dimmest northeast distance
Dawned Gibraltar, grand and gray.'
"Schooner Star of Bethlehem,
"Harbor of Gibraltar, May 4, '59.