A VIEW COMMEECE OF THE UNITED STATES MEDITERRANEAN SEA-PORTS, INCLUDING THE ADRIATIC AND MOREA; MAPS OF THE PRINCIPAL HARBOURS IN THOSE SEAS. EMBRACING THE PAHTICULAB. AND GENERAL OBJECTS OF COMMERCIAL IN- TEREST BETWEEN them; WITH CONSULAR, STATISTICAL, HISTORICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL REMARKS. FROM THE MANUSCRIPT OF TEE LATE JOHN MARTIN^BAKER, FOEMEELY UNITED STATES CONSUL IN THE MBSAeKRANEAN, AND AUTHOR OF "COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE BHAZILS. BY HIS SON, LOUIS BAKER. PHILADELPHIA: BARRINGTON & MURPHY, 205 CHESNUT STREET. 1847. « 3 6 8 ^ Entered in conformity to an Act of the Congress of the United States, in the year 1847, by Louis Baker, at the Clerk's Office of the District Court, in and for the Eastern District of the State of Pennsylvania. King & Baird, Printers, No. 9 George Street, THIS WOEK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO THE COMMERCIAL COMMUNITY OF THE UNITED STATES. AS A COMPENDIUM TO ASSIST THE ENTERPRISE OF PERSONS WHO MAY UNDERTAKE TO TRADE IN THE MEDITEHP^ANEAN, &c. WITH THE SINCERE HOPE, THAT IT MAY PROVE USEFUL TO ALL WHO MAY USE IT. LOUIS BAKER. I ^ 401194 i PEEFACE In presenting to the public the present volume, the editor would make such suggestions by way of preface, as seem to arise from his connection with the work. His father, the late John Martin Baker, was for a period of over forty years, a Consul of the United States for some of the numerous ports in the Medi- terranean, and during that period of time was enabled by personal observation to collect such information concerning the amount of commerce, including the nature of the soil, productions, etc., of the different islands and sea-ports of the Mediterranean as would be most beneficial to the government of the United States, and American merchants generally. The man- uscript being completed, the volume would have been published some time since, had it not been for the death of its author, and the necessary delay conse- quent thereupon. The editor would call the attention of the mercan- tile community to the acknowledged advantages pos- sessed by those who have a thorough knowledge of the Mediterranean ports, over those who have not the same information; he would then refer them to G PREFACE. the present volume as one containing a description of that important quarter of the globe, at once accurate and short, capable of guiding the inexperienced, and furnishing useful information to those already engaged in the Mediterranean trade. Charts of the different ports are appended to the history of each, which, as is obvious, greatly enhances the value of the work. If through the instrumentality of this volume, a greater interest is excited in the Mediterranean trade, one great object of the editor will be accomplished: and a new source of profit laid open to the active energy of the American commercial community. PmtADELPHiA, Oct. 1847. CONTENTS CHAPTER I. The advantages of embarking in the Mediterranean Trade, clearly illus- trated, 9 CHAPTER 11. The necessity of Merchants being well acquainted with the pohtical and commercial economy of foreign nations generally, . . . . 12 CHAPTER m. The utility and national benefit of having Consuls in various ports in the Mediterranean, and the great advantages to be derived therefrom by the American merchant, as well as to protect the national character of our country, 14 The Con sulah System. — An abstract of the Report of the Secretary of State, 17 The Consular System. — Fees, . . . . . . . 21 GiBKALTAK, ........... 24 Malaga, 28 Cakthagena, .......... 33 Alicant, ........... 35 Valencia, ........... 37 Tahhagona, 39 Bahcelona, .42 Mahon, (Balearic Islands,) ........ 44 Palma, « « 47 Itica, " " 51 Marseilles, . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Toulon, ........... 55 Genoa, ............ 56 Leghorn, ........... 59 Civita Vecchia 61 X^^ 8 CONTENTS. Bastia, (^Island of Corsica.) 63 Cxgliaut, (Island of Sardinia.) 63 Naples, 69 Pazzumo, (^Island of Sicily.) 71 Messina, " " .77 Trieste, ........... 78 Aloiers, ........... 80 Monocco, ........... 81 Tunis, 83 Constantinople, 88 Smthna, 89 The Morea, . 91 Zante, (Island,) .......... 93 COHFU, " 94 Cxpiivs, « 95 A Table of Money, 96 MEDITERRANEAN SEA-PORTS. CHAPTER I. THE ADVANTAGES OF EMBARKING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN TRADE, CLEARLY ILLUSTRATED. It may be considered a great disadvantage to the commercial community of the United States, that the coasting trade of the Mediterranean has hitherto been, and continues to be, so little known. The principal object of this work, is, to make the trade better understood, and to point out the essential benefits our merchants may derive therefrom ; and there is no doubt, that a great many merchants will soon find it to their interest, after reading this work, to at once embark in this trade : and even ship owners will be very materially interested by it ; for, when other employment for their ships does not immediately offer, they may, at all seasons, send to the Mediterranean for cargoes, where constant employment may be had. The conclusion is very reasonable, that it is better for the merchant, and ship owner, to have their vessels employed, than to keep them lying in harbor, doing nothing, and at a daily expense. Now, in the Mediterranean trade, they have tbis peculiar advantage, that whenever a vessel cannot procure a cargo on freight, which is a very rare occurrence, the owner, by advancing a small sum, may always procure a full one, on the ship's account. It must be then very extraordinary, if the ship's freight, as well as the merchant's 2 10 profit, tlocs lint turn out to good account; and, it is necessary further to observe, that in the case when the ship and cargo are one pro- perly, and the cargo does not amount to more, say, three or four thousand dollars, it will be better able to bear the charge of insurance, and oilier expenses, in proportion to cargoes of greater value, coming from other parts of the world, and which cliarges are, in many in- stances, greater from distance, and other causes, duties included. In most parts of the Mediterranean, there are large quantities of bulky articles, which require shipping to transport them, and these may be purchased very cheap, so as to give a handsome profit at home, viz : salt, soda, brimstone, wines, brandies, and fruits, &;c., &c. Between two and three hundred tons, of some of the first named articles, can be purchased for from two to four thousand dollars, according lo the demand. This perhaps appears to many persons very doubt- ful, and particularly to those who are not well acquainted with this commerce. In this work, there will be enumerated many articles, •which will be sufficient to prove this assertion, in a very satisfactory manner, to all who may be induced to enter into this trade. When this branch of commerce is better understood, it will then be found to be of great national consequence. It shall be shown in the clearest manner, the great number of merchant shipping that can be employed to advantage in it. For some years past, the French merchants (from the port of Marseilles alone) have loaded yearly, in the king- dom of Tunis, above two hundred sail of merchantmen, of various descriptions, being generally from eighty to three hundred tons bur- then. This will appear extraordinary, for such a number of ship- ping, to obtain cargoes in only one of the Barbary states ; the cargoes are generally obtained from the proceeds of sales of French manu- factures, with a small proportion of other goods ; and, it is well known, that the French, English, and other European powers, have always considered this trade as of the greatest national importance to them. France, in particular, and England, have hitherto reaped all these advantages, by having their agents stationed about the different parts of the Mediterranean, whereby their merchants, find- ing themselves protected, have increased in numbers and popularity: this is also the case in other parts of the world. The present time is considered a favorable one for the American merchant to establish himself, and to reap some of the great benefits of this trade. For 11 some years past there has been more attention paid to the West India than to the Mediterranean trade ; however, sanguine hopes are entertained that this subject will be more attended to, when we consider the many thousands of people who inhabit both shores of the Mediterranean, who prefer American manufactures as well as staples to those of other nations. The French have paid particular attention to their manufactures as a valuable part of their commerce, especially with the ports of the Mediterranean, &;c,, in consequence of the great consumption of these as well as of colonial produce, (the latter however is trifling,) they import the raw material of other nations, and which they export in a manufactured state at a large profit, in silk, woollen and linen goods. It will not be amiss here to state, that the present govern- ment of France is extremely jealous of the English holding posses- sion in the Mediterranean, as they do at present ; the island of Malta, which was always considered a very desirable port, (as a depot,) and it would have been still more advantageous for the English, could they have held Minorca, and the other connected islands, particu- larly for the reason that the people of the Balearic islands had always been accustomed to the Barbary trade, and of course they would have assisted the English in many points of view. But their own- ing Gibraltar, has been to them (the English) a sufficient guarantee as a balance of power in their favor, so far as regards their own par- ticular commercial interest in the Mediterranean and the Morea. 12 CHAPTER II. THE NECESSITY OF MERCHANTS BEING WELL ACQUAINTED WITH THE POLITICAL AND COMMERCIAL ECONOMY OF FOREIGN NATIONS GENERALLY. It has been argued (hat merchants have nothing to do with the politics of foreign nations, and particularly the nation in which they reside. This' argument is generally made use of by persons, who of course are ignorant, hence jealousy ensues, and merchants are sometimes abused : and if their character was not always con- sidered honorable, from the nature of their vocation, they would lose caste, and the high estimation society in general holds the merchant in, would of course become a dead letter. It is not considered ad- visable for merchants to enter into the political or religious disputes of the country in which they reside ; it is much better to be ^uiet spectators, by which means they will be better acquainted with every thing that transpires, and thereby learn more of matters and things. It is to the merchant's interest, however, always to know, and that well, the customs and habits, language and commercial usages, of the country in which he lives. For example : in all countries sub- ject to internal commotions, where the laws are either defective or badly administered, and where there is but little stability in the government, money will be always of more value, and interest much higher, than in countries where the governments are steady and powerful. This is a general rule where the use of money is known, consequently it is necessary for the merchant to make himself well acquainted with the nature and causes of these variations in money 13 matters, so as to guide himself right in his business. The merchant should always possess a knowledge of the people of the country where he resides. The Jews are numerous in all the Barbary states, the south of France, and in parts of Italy, in the Austrian sea-ports, and in the Adriatic. In Naples, Sicily and Malta, the Morea, Tur- key in Europe, and Asia, Syria and Egypt, they are not numerous. Whatever agreement is made with natives or others residing: in the Barbary states, (with the exception of Europeans,) whether for pur- chases or sales of merchandize, the particulars of the transaction must be registered in the Consular office by its " Chancellier," samples deposited, and the parties bound in a penalty to keep the contract. The Greeks compose a considerable portion of the popu- lation of the northern shores of the Mediterranean. The Armenians enjoy the greater part of the commerce of Turkey in Asia, Arabia, and Persia, and the Caravan trade. There are few Armenians in Italy, or in the Morea, and none in Barbary ; but in Turkey in Asia, they form a considerable part of the population. When a govern- ment does not cause its flag to be respected, and protect it, it dete- riorates in that respect due to it; but, on the contrary, where that respect is enforced, the merchant of that nation carefully avoids doing any thing that might in any way degrade the national character of his country, or stain his own name with stigma. The Venetians have lately experienced a change for the better, and these people are materially benefited by this change. They are now under the government of Austria, and a short time hence will serve to show how far a favorable change of government influences the principles of a people ; and there is no doubt that Genoa, which lost its influence in the same way as did Venice, has benefited much in its condition of late, and will continue to do so. In fact, almost all of the seaboard of the coast of Europe and Africa, has become of late years animated with that "go-ahead" spirit which prevails so predominant with us. Thus we see another opening to commence a thriving commerce with the Mediterranean. 14 CHAPTER III. THE UTILITY AND NATIONAL BENEFIT OF HAVING CONSULS IN VARIOUS PORTS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN, AND THE GREAT ADVANTAGES TO BE DERIVED THEREFROM BY THE AMERICAN MERCHANT, AS WELL AS TO PROTECT THE NATIONAL CHARACTER OF OUR COUNTRY. In the United States, this subject, though it has often been com- mented on by many periodical writers in an able manner, has never met with that attention it certainly requires. In France, and other European powers, this subject has always been a principal object. The fact of these nations sending a large number of consuls and agents to all the ports and interior cities of the Mediterranean, Levant, &;c., ought to be sufficient to convince the American people, and the government also, of the great utility of such a proceeding. Sometimes they are sent in a double capacity, both for political as well as commercial purposes ; however that may be, they are treated by their respective govern- ments in the most handsome manner, which always operates in their favor — they are paid well, and have men of war to attend to their wants whenever required. These governments would not be at so ranch expense if their own interests were not benefited by so doing, and the reason for their sending out so many consuls and agents in those places, where there is no regular correspondence, without first establishing consular agencies, is to prepare the way for their respective merchants, and to otherwise facilitate their commercial interests. Now, when his commerce so direcdy demands their im- 15 mediate attention, may it not be reasonable enough to say that it is equally, if not more so, interesting to the United States to take the steps in this matter. The United Slates has never yet paid that atten- tion, or taken any decided step or measure in favor of our commer- cial interests, save the preliminaries, which every nation has done before her, but has left the merchant to pursue hi's affairs by his own industry and attention, the best way lie could, only affording him casual protection, when the opportunity offered, or whenever a ship of war would visit the port where he resided, and that but rarely. When men of commercial information are appointed consuls, it is always found that they afford the greatest interest, good and benefit, and security of nationality, to the government which they serve, than any other set of men ; for this reason, because they understand the po- litical and commercial economy of the country where they reside, and are better able to fill the consular office. These are the only kind of men who should really be appointed to such offices, from the fact above stated. The duties of customs alone upon a few car- goes of merchandize would amply pay the salaries contemplated to be paid to consuls in the Mediterranean, in the able reports of the honorable secretaries at Washington of December, 1846, and January, 1847, and reported to Congress for their consideration (extracts of which reports are annexed), and thus to put our consuls on the same footing as those of the European powers. Had the United States at this time twice the number of consular agents in the Mediterra- nean, and other adjacent ports in that region of country, it would be of great advantage to our commercial interests, provided our consuls were under pay, as is the custom and usage of all the European powers. It is also a very impolitic circumstance that we have so many vice- consuls, who are not Americans ; for, from these gentlemen (though they are no doubt all honorable men), we cannot expect that attention to the interests of our contrymen abroad which would be afforded by those of our own country, especially without pay. We have never had a consul on the island of Sardinia, which is an extensive and fertile island ; advantages would be derived from appointing one or more consuls there. There are on this island some fine ports, which would serve for winter quarters for our squadron in the Mediterranean, if they did not wish to winter at Mahon — this, also, is equally applicable to other ports in that sea. In all countries 16 where a correspondence cannot be kept up regular and frequent, bills of exchange will always be negotiated at a very considerable loss, for obvious reasons, however respectable the parties concerned may be. This is frequently the case. Now a consul could in such case give fair play to both parties by his interference, from the situa- tion he holds, and the advantages he possesses from that situation. All the European powers pay their consuls well, sometimes more than we pay our Charges, and they are always permitted to retain the fees of their office, and have privileges which our consuls have not. Longona, on the island of Elba, and Civitavechia, are two ports in the Mediterranean which offer fine and safe anchorages for our men of war. There are also some two or three ports in the Le- vant which offier the same advantages, and where we have no consuls. To bear out the remarks made on the Consular System, the reader is referred to, and his attentive perusal is respectfully asked, of the extracts before mentioned. 17 THE CONSULAR SYSTEM. AN ABSTRACT OF THE REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE. Mr. Buchanan has presented a report from the State Department to Congress, of which we find in advance abstract in the New York Herald. Mr. Buchanan recommends the adoption of a general law for the guidance of consuls in all cases, prescribing their powers and duties, and framed so comprehensively as to leave no part of the duty of a consul to be guessed at, as is unavoidably the case at present — such general law to repeal all former acts treating of the powers and duties of consuls. It appears that there are at present one hundred and seventy- seven United States consulates in existence. Many of these are, or have been until lately, filled with subjects and citizens of the govern- ments under which they exist — others are filled by American mer- chants, who assume the duties merely for the sake of the position the office confers, and for the purpose of increasing their business, as the office creates confidence in those wishing to make consign- ments ; at the same time that the emoluments are in many cases so small as to be entirely inadequate to the support of a consul, espe- cially if he happen to have a family. Mr. Buchanan recommends the formation of seventy-four con- sulates and fifty-five vice-consulates, making in all one hundred and twenty-nine. He remarks that the system of vice-consulates having been tried by Great Britain, has been found to operate admirably. 18 He also advises that in semi-barbarous countries, such as the Barbary Slates, and on the shores of the Levant, our consuls shall be invested with the title of consul general. His reason for this is, that American consuls in those countries are often called upon to adjust serious difTerences between the masters and crews of vessels, to punish crimes commilled by American citizens, as well as to protect them from the injustice of the natives; that in those countries where rank and high sounding titles are treated with deference and respect, the mere title of consul does not claim that consideration at the hands of the authorities that is indispensable to the maintenance of our rights, and the honor of our flag ; and that in consequence our consuls at the different ports of those countries are subjected to many serious slights and annoyances, calculated to lower our government, whose only representatives they are in those places, in the estimation of the natives, and commensurately operating to the detriment of our com- merce, and of our national character. To such slights and inconve- niences, the consuls of other nations, who are clothed with the powers and title of consul general, are not subjected, enjoying in this respect an advantage of no ordinary importance over our consuls. For all these, and other weighty reasons, he advises the institution of the rank of consul general, which in addition to the advantages I have enumerated, has for its further recommendation, that it will be no additional cost to the government. He recommends that the mode of compensation be changed. At present our consuls are compensated with the fees of the office, in some ports amounting to an enormous revenue, and in others so trifling, as I before remarked, as to be entirely inconsiderable. Mr. Buchanan advises that consuls be paid a regular salary out of- the treasury. The reason for this is, that under the present system, consuls are entirely at liberty to make, and very often do make, their office subservient to their mercantile interests. He is of opinion that consuls should be prohibited by law from engaging in mercantile pur- suits, thus preventing the too frequent sacrifice of t!ie interests of our merchants to private emolument. The consul having no busi- ness of his own to attend to, would not be obliged, as is now the case, to neglect the business of his office ; and receiving his slated salary, and no fees in compensation of his services, would have no induce- ments to defraud. Besides, the consuls being in many instances the 19 sole representatives of our government in the various ports where they are stationed, sliould be compelled to keep aloof from any occu- pation calculated to expose them, even to the remote possihility of an imputation upon their honor. The honor of our government is involved in that of its consuls. The report does not recommend the immediate abolition of fees, although Mr. Buchanan is of opinion that commerce should not be taxed with any consular fees, yielding, as it does, sufficient revenue to entitle it to an exemption from such an impost. But he does not think it prudent at present to advise a total abolition. He therefore recommends the collection of fees, for the purpose of partially reim- bursing the treasury for the salaries of consuls. He thinks that one cent per ton is as much as should be charged, although it would require one cent and a half per ton to cover the expenditures of the treasury in the practical adoption of this plan. The present system of charging a horizontal rate of fees on all vessels of what tonnage soever, charging no more on a vessel of one thousand tons than on one of three hundred, he looks upon as extremely unjust. This rate being established by law, every master of a vessel will know the amount of the fees he has to pay, and no possible imposition can be practiced, either by the consul or his employee. At the same time, he remarks, that in all probabilit)'^ it would be unjust, even to insinu- ate that any consul at present in the commission of the government, is in the habit of extorting exorbitant fees. But still, under the present system, there is always danger of such extortion. The spirit of our institutions does not permit that our government should allow American citizens to be tried for crimes and misde- meanors committed in such countries as Cliina and Turkey, by the arbitrary laws, and before the arbitrary tribunals of tho: m hhds. and bbls. Brandy, ) Rabbit, goat, kid and fox skins, Bullocks' hides, Salt provisions. Macaroni and vermicelli. Capers and olives in jars. Oil in jars and bottles. 64 Salt, Cork, Barilla. Fruits, viz. raisins, lemons, grapes. Nuts, " almonds. Dried fruits, sweetmeats. Orehilla, Dye Stuff. All these articles are abundant and cheap. Salt is bought at about $5 per English ton, on board. Barilla is also an article of export in large quantities. Go(^1s proper for the Sardinia market, assorted for Cagliari, or Saserri, (a small adventure for an example,) Alum, . - . . 1 ton. Black pepper, - - - 50 cwt. Sugar, New Orleans, - 50 cwt. Coffee, (Rio,) - - - 50 cwt. A small assortment of clotiis of different colors. Ditto of Hardware. Ditto of Leather, (prepared.) Ditto of Tin in boxes, (different size.) Lead in pigs. 20 puncheons of New Orleans Rum, for preserving fruit. 10 boxes Irish Linens. 50 chests Hyson Tea. 30 do. Imperial do. 300 bbls., Flour. 100 tierce Rice. A small assortment of cotton hosiery. A small lot of mahogany wood. These articles always command ready and profitable sales, or can be easily exchanged for produce to advantage — The Custom House, the Exchange, the Genoa Insurance Company buildings, are all splendid edifices. Business is transacted by a few English and French houses. Not one American house is yet established on the island. Drafts for money on Leghorn or Genoa can be had easily, for cargoes which may be sold on the island. The U. States at this moment sustain a loss, by not having a proper accredited agent at Sardinia ; for, if 65 there was one there, Americans would visit the island with the pro duclions of their country, and a regular trade would be opened, much to the benefit of the U. States and Sardinia, and handsome profits would arise from this commercial intercourse. Cotton goods, which now are manufactured as cheap at home as in England, are always in demand there ; but the English supply them, as they do all other articles which the Sardinians may want, and at the highest rates too. Provisions, of all descriptions (and salted) are cheap and plenty, and can always be obtained when required. There is also another rea- son why there should be an accredited agent in the island, viz., the squadron of the U. States in the Mediterranean could repair there, and obtain provisions of all kinds cheaper and better than in any other port in the Mediterranean, by at least twenty per cent, less in expense ; and if the commander thought proper, the squadron could winter there with as much comfort as at Mahon.* A few remarks on the Barilla or Soda plant, a few words on the Tunny fishery between St. Peters and St. Antioch's points, not for- getting the coral trade; willfinish the description of the island, whose fertility of soil and salubrious air is proverbial in the Mediterranean, and where if commerce was properly attended to, every one engaged in it would greatly benefit by it. The tunny fishery is extensive, and loads a great many ships annually ; large nets are used to catch the * From a letter written in 1810, by Mr. Baker, then Consul U. S. in the Mediterranean at Cagliari, 22cl Feb'y 1810, to the then Secretary of the Navy U.S., Paul Hamilton, Esq., at Washington city, D. C, the follow- ing is extracted. " I have had the honor of a conference with his majesty, the -king of Sardinia, through his Minister of State the Chevalier Rossi, who expressed himself in the most friendly manner regarding tiie U. States governrnent ; and gave assurances, that if the U. States squadron would come at any time at Cagliari, they vi'-ould be received with the most kind feelings, and any thing which could facilitate the comfort of the squadron, should be done with promptitude ; that whatever the island afforded, it should be furnished with great pleasure to the squad- ron ; and the Minister of State further intimated, the king's desire to cul- tivate a more extensive commercial intercourse than had been done before." Since that period the same wish has been expressed, and lately a treaty has been made between the minister of his catholic majesty, the king of Sardinia, and the U. States, at the Department of State at Washington, which was ratified by the U. S. Senate. G6 fish in, and several hundred men are generally employed at the work. The tunny fish is from one hundred to eight hundred weight, and sometimes larger. The moment they are caught, they are cut up and salted, packed in salt, in kegs of one hundred pounds each, and sent olT to the continent of Europe for immediate sale. BARILLA, OR SODA PLANT. An extract of a letter, written a few years ago to the late Mr. Baker, by order of the Minister of State, of the king of Sardinia, and signed by Judge Mamellis, one of his Majesty's judges, regarding the culture and use of this plant, is annexed. "This plant is botanically called Kali; it is cultivated to a great extent and advantage, and is of superior quality on the island. The plant or seed is sowed in the month of February; some sow in December, but that is too early and injurious to the growth of the plant. For the cultivation of soda, grounds bordering on bodies of water producing a neutral salt, (sal gemma) are best adapted, because during its growth, the soda imbibes from the water the alkaline part, and is saturated by it. Grounds near the sea shore are the next best fitted for the culture of this plant, because it obtains from the sea water the alkaline part. The more distant the land is from salt water, the more the soda deteriorates in quality, and when planted and grown on grounds distant from the sea shore, or salt lakes, it loses the quality of a mineral alkali, and becomes a vegetable alkali. And although all alkaline salts when separated from the earthy part contained in the ashes of the plants, are of equal quality and good- ness ; it is far more advantageous to have ashes containing mineral alkali than vegetable alkali, because the former contains a far larger quantity of alkaline salts than the latter. For while, from ashes got from other plants, the most prolific of alkali is produced, it would be difiicult to obtain more than one-tenth of their weight of salt, at least, one-half of their weight of fixed salt, can be obtained from ashes con- taining mineral alkali. For the manufacture of glass, the earthy part must be entirely separated from the alkali, in the former kind of ashes, while the latter are conveniendy used for soap, composts, &c. Salt soil, which will produce no other plants, is the best adapted for soda, especially if it be heavy loam, or thick mud, and is to be pre- 67 ferred to all others." (The manual labor is described in the letter, but is abridged in the following manner, viz.) " The earth must be ploughed, crossed with a harrow, then laid off in furrows ; about six seeds to be laid in each hole, a few inches apart — to be covered over directly but lightly with ground — the same now and then to be loosened with a spade — as also after the soda has come up, and while the shoots are growing, in order to aid the growth, and to extirpate the plants which come up around and about." " Soda is considered ready for burning when in bud, and before the flowers open, it is pulled up, scattered about, turned over until it is equally dried by the heat of the sun. In grounds where the soda grows, circular pits are made, in which it is put and burned to perfect fusion — for in fine, judiciously managed, it melts like fusible metal, and afterwards condenses and hardens. As a compost for plants, &c., it is excellent." Guano is no doubt very efficacious for reclaiming poor land, but the soda which can be bought for less than one half the guano, is far better and superior in its effects upon land ; experiments proving this fact have been made in the United States with success. The seed can be obtained, planted in the different sections of the country, and eventually become an article of great commercial im- portance to our agricultural interest. As it is, a few hundred dollars would buy a cargo of it to fill a vessel of two hundred tons. There is also on this island a moss, which grows spontaneous on the rocks, it is called the " orchilla," it is gathered and dried, and used as dye for cloths, &;c. ; it is equal to cochineal for dyeing scarlet. It can be obtained by the ton for a few dollars. Several English speculators have from time to time been engaged in getting this moss, and sending it to England — to great advantage and profit. The price of soda is about two and a quarter dollars per cantar of 196 pounds on board. In receiving this article, care should be taken that it comes on board in dry weadicr — and then must be stowed away with care. It is considered the best in the Mediterranean. The coral fishery is a source of great profit to those engaged in it. Some one or two thousand persons are employed either in obtaining the coral, or working it up for the European or African market ; some is sent to the United Stales, and large quantities to England. It varies in price — for some bunches of coral one hundred dollars G8 will be given, and for others not that many cents. There are several colors to coral — viz. the black, white and red ; the most valuable is the black, the next the red, and then the white. Merchants' accounts, their commissions, money, weights and measures, brokerage, &c., all regulated by those at Genoa. Latitude 39 25, N. ; Longitude 9 38, E. 89 NAPLES. The city of Naples is situated on a bay of the same name. It is embellished with many splendid edifices — and an extensive commerce is carried on there. The harbor is commodious, and good anchorage for any sized vessels to load and unload in. The great article of exportation of the country around Naples, is that of oil, generally known as " Gallipoli oil." This oil is manu- factured at Puglia, and Calabria. It is bought by the " Carre," and then sold in lesser quantities to purchasers. Merchants' commissions are two and a half per cent, on sales, and the same for purchases, half per cent, brokerage. The wool trade is also extensive. It comes from Puglia, and is much esteemed for its quality, for ihe manufacture of cloths, both in France and Germany. The contracts for delivery of wool, are, viz. one third of Lucoli, and two thirds of Celano wool, the latter esteemed better than the former. Silks from Naples are always in great demand in France and Spain, as well as in other parts of Europe; these articles are abundant and cheap according to their quality and quantity. Wines are produced in great quantities, of fine quality and cheap. It is bought by the carre — then put into hhds., barrels, &c. Cargoes of white oak staves, headings and hoops, are always in demand and sell well and profitable. The money, weights and measures of Naples and Sicily are the same. 70 MONEY. 10 Grains, - - 1 Carlin, - 4 pence sterling. 20 " . . 1 Tarin, - 8 " " 6 Tarins, - - 1 Florin, Ex. Is. 6J. " 13 " . - 1 Ducat, Ex. - 3s. 4d. " 60 Carlins, - - 1 Ounce, - 7s. 8(1. " 2 Ounces, - - 1 Pistole, - 15s. 4cL " Merchants keep their accounts in the above money. The Sicilian Cantar of 100 rotolo, is equal to 196 lb. English. MEASURES. 1 palnia, - - - 12 inches English. Wines, brandies, and oils, are sold by the carre, equal to 132 gallons English. They bring their produce from the interior in small barrels, holding each about eleven or twelve gallons, and in others holding three to four gallons. Exchange between Naples and England is usual ; merchants' com- missions vary at Naples from two and a half to four and a half per cent., on both selling and purchasing cargo, according to what is done, or what service is rendered. Brokerage generally half per cent. Foreign gold and silver are current, and their value is regulated every day by the exchange brokers. The Custom House, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Bank, are commodious and finely ornamented buildings, and as that is the country for marble, the stranger sees almost every edifice built of it. The markets are plentifully and cheaply supplied with all the delicacies of the season, for the inhabitants and shipping there. There are established there some English, French and German houses, who do all the business for the stranger. American cargoes ahvays sell well and profitably at the Naples market. By adding one third more to a cargo fit for the Malaga market, it would suit the Naples market. There is at Naples an old established Insurance Company, doing business under the authority of the government, for its better advantage and guidance. Fruits in abundance, and cheap, are obtained there, as well as olives, capers, anchovies, oil, macaroni, vermicelli, soap, &c. Latitude 40 50, N. ; Longitude 14 18, E. 71 ISLAND OF SICILY. This Island, rich in soil and central in position, is well adapted for commerce, and is a place of great commercial importance. PALERMO. Its capital town is a large and handsomely built place, and the only city in Italy lit up at night, at the expense of the government. Palermo contains one hundred thousand inhabitants. The markets are abundantly and cheaply supplied with every thing wanted by the inhabitants. The Chamber of Commerce is a splendid building, as also the Custom House. There is established there a branch of the Insurance Company of Naples. Foreign merchants, (principally English) do business here for the stranger. Commissions on sales and purchases, two and a half per cent, each, half per cent, brokerage. The Cantare of Sicily is 190 lbs. English. The Cantare measure is 25 gallons English. Another measure called CafTe is 3^ gallons English. Contracts for barilla are generally made in May and August ; the price varies from four to five dollars the cantare. It is divided in three parts, or classes : — The Toka, Tokata, and Pulvere. When barilla 72 is shipped, care should be taken to put it on board dry, and in pieces as large as they can be obtained ; the pulvere or barilla dust is very apt to become damp, which is a total loss. Contracts for brimstone are made in the months of April and May, to be delivered in September and October following. The price is generally from two to three dollars on board, per cantare. The most esteemed is that shipped at Siciliana and Palma. Cargoes are purchased by samples. Brimstone is usually shipped in large casks to preserve it from damp the better. Vessels of the largest size are generally loaded in a very few days. Care should be taken not to break the cakes, as, if they are broken the dust coming from them becomes a loss to tlie shipper. Tons of this article are sometimes lost, owing to this negligence, and for want of care when it is put on board ship. Palermo is also a great shipping port for both brimstone and barilla. Catania the same, also Trepani. Salt is an important export from Trepani, it is made there, as well as exported there from the Barbary coast, and Sardinia, for shipping it with more facility. Cork wood on the island is abundant and cheap. The exports of that island are as follows : Silks in pieces, (assorted colors.) do. Ribbons, do. Hose. do. Handkerchiefs. Wines, red and white in pipes, hhds. and bbls. Raisins, ~] Figs, I Currants, ^ In boxes per mill. Lemons, Oranges, _ Nuts in sacks, per cantar. Essence of Bergamot in jars, per lb. Brandy, per pipe. Tartar, in cases per lb. Linseed oil in jars, per gallon. Sweet oil, do. do. 73 Goat, Kid, Rabbit and other skins. Anchovies, ~j Olives, > in jars and bottles. Capers, J Marble manufactured, Salt in bulk. Manna, per lb. Senna, per lb, Cantharides, per lb. Importations into Sicily are as follows : Codfish, in casks. Leather, assorted. Iron, bar and plate. Mess pork, in bbls. " beef, do. N. E. rum, in hhds. Sheet copper, in boxes. Tin in sheets, do. Lead in bars, do. Pepper, in sacks. Sugar, Havana or New Orleans. Spices, in bales. Indigo, in bags. Cochineal, do. Salt fish, in bbls. Dyewoods, assorted. WoUen goods, in bales. Linen, do. do. Cotton, do. do. Hardware, in cases. Copperas, in kegs. Pitch and tar, in bbls. Cocoa, in bags. Coffee, in do. or bbls. Alum, in barrels. Flour, American half bbls. preferred. Tobacco, (Virginia preferred.) 6 74 Segars, snufF, and chewing tobacco always command good prices on all parts of the island. The above mentioned articles, without exception, all sell well and profitably at Sicily. Goods can remain in the government storehouses free of expense for one year, after which immediate payment of duties is required ; that is a great convenience at times, when the merchant is waiting for better opportunities to sell cargo. Almonds, are gathered in July and August, and shipped in Oc- tober. Manna, is gathered and shipped in August and September, and sells by the lb. at various prices, according to quality. Linseed oil, great quantities are made in Sicily, and is of first quality, sells cheap by the caffee, three and a quarter gallons English. Dried figs, these grow in abundance in Sicily, particularly at Messina and Calabria; they are gathered and dried in August, and then shipped ; they are equal and cheaper than the Smyrna figs. Oranges and lemons, these grow in great abundance, gathered in November, December, and January, they are put up in boxes of five hundred each, the fruit is pulled green, and wrapt up in paper to prevent its rotting, and keeps good during a voyage of five or six weeks. They are put on board, box included, at about two dollars to two and a half per mill. Messina and Palermo are the best ports to ship this fruit from. Liquorice, the best is made at Calabria, but shipped at Messina ; it is usually made in the months of April and May, and packed away in chests. Shumac, is gathered in the months of July and August, and sent to Palermo for shipment, it is sold by the rotolo in bags Cantharides, [Spanish fly.) — These insects are gathered in April and May ; the price is so varied for this article, that it is difficult to give it a definite one. Essence of Lemon and Burgamot, are made in the months of November, December, and January, tliey are put in copper vessel, soldered, and shipped off" to the European ports ; their price is from 75 ten to twelve terri the pound. Messina is the best port for the ship- ment of these articles. Anchovies, are caught in the months of June, July, and Auo-ust, packed up in barrels, top loose, taken to Leghorn and put up in jars, bottles, and kegs, for shipment. Coral. — This fishery is carried on with great success on the west- ern coast of the island ; the value of coral both white, red and black, varies much in price, some is worth ten guineas per pound, some not tenpence. The best of coral is sent to the continent of Europe, where it always finds ready and profitable sales. Amber, is found in large quantities on the southern and eastern coast of the island, the best is found at Catania, where it is manu- factured into beads. The price depends, like coral, on its quality. It is often exported to the East Indies and the coast of Africa. Goat and other skins are abundant, thoy vary in price according to the demand for them. Care should be taken of them when packed up for exportation, the seams of the covering should be covered with pitch, to keep them clear of worms, and other decay. Leeches are abundant on the different parts of that island. In the U. States, they always sell well and are in constant demand. They are sent to the different parts of Europe, where they sell well and profitably. They vary in price according to demand. Soap. — Palermo white soap is cheap and plenty; the price on board, is about one hundred and fifty terri per cantar, or six cents per pound. Mottled soap made at Messina, generally for the American market, is to be had in any quantity, in boxes of twenty-eight pounds English. Wines. — They are numerous in quality and color, some white, and some red, and then by age and voyage they become an amber color, sometimes a brown or nearly a black color. The wines of Melazzo, Faro, Messina, Syracuse, Mt. Etna, Muscatel, Sipari and Malvasia, are abundant and cheap, of fine flavor and quality. The Marsalla wine is a rich wine, monopolized by the English trader; when it has the advantage of age, it receives the preference to Madeira by some. It is the growth of the mountains on the west side of the island, in the neighbourhood of Treparri. The old established firm 7G of Woodhouse, Brothers & Co., have an extensive factory erected for the putting up of this wine by the quantity, and send it to Eng- land ; their warehouses are capacious, the buildings holding generally about five thousand pipes, and sometimes more, ready for shipping. It keeps well in a warm climate, and has sold well in the South American markets as well as in the United States. All contracts are made before a sworn broker, who becomes a witness, if any dis- putes arise between parties trading, and which generally is decided at the Chamber of Commerce. (Tribunal.) Marsalla wine has been found to be of great use for the sick ; the Doctors of the vessels of war in the Mediterranean, of different na- tions, have used it for their sick on board with great efficacy. The Palma Christi wine is a fine flavored wine, and is very cheap at this island ; it is taken to England, and sold at about two dollars per bottle ; it costs at Sicily about twelve cents per bottle. It has been taken to the Cape of Good Hope, and from its similarity to Cape Wine, has been sold for that wine at the dilTerent ports in South America, Rio de Janeiro, Valparaiso and Lima. Merchants' accounts, commissions, brokerages, weights and mea- sures, for the island of Sicily, are all regulated at Palermo, and according to the regulations at Naples. The latitude of Palermo is 38 30, N. ; Longitude 13 43, E. / 77 MESSINA. This is considered the best port in Sicily to sell an assorted cargo at. Besides the various exports of the Island of Sicily being there for sale, many articles from the Morea are brought there on deposit. The Greeks bring to Messina, currants, figs, cotton goods, carpets, silk, drugs — rosin, timber, gums and other merchandize to trade with. It has a population of about fifty thousand souls. Some English and French merchants are established there, who do business for the stranger. Mercantile arrangements are the same as at Palermo. The shore is bold on entering its harbor, and there is twenty fathoms of water in the middle of the harbor. The city has some fine and commodious buildings in it, such as the Custom House, the Chamber of Commerce and others. A branch of the Insurance Company of Naples is established there. The markets are cheaply and plentifully supplied with provisions of all kinds, in season for the use of the inhabitants. American produce sells well and profitably at that port, or exchanges to advantage for the produce of the country — which is abundant and cheap. Latitude 38 20, N. ; Longitude 15 54, E. 78' TRIESTE. The principal sea-port of the Austrian government. The country around is fertile, and abounds with produce — olive oil, wine and silk — and drugs. It is the capital of the province of the same name. It is situated at the botto^m of a bay, at the head of the Adriatic. The surrounding country is fronted by a succession of lofty hills, which are all covered with culture, and is very picturesque. The town is handsomely laid out, with clean and wide streets, and splendidly built tenements. It is fortified by forts in different quarters. The public buildings are very commodious and well built. The Lazaretto is a fine building, so arranged that the plague cannot infect the persons within it. It was built many years ago, altogether apart from the city, and has a high wall all around it. The Catholic religion pre- vails there, as it does throughout the Austrian dominions. The harbor of Trieste is a very commodious one, safe anchorage and plenty of water. It is formed by a mole lying to the north-west of the city. There is a canal running into the town, where vessels load and unload. Trieste is a free port, made so some one hundred years back. It is the chief place of sea communication for the mercantile operations of the Austrian government. Banking and Insurance Companies are in full operation there. Merchants of all nations are doing business there; the sworn brokers act as interpreters as well as in their own capacity as brokers. Commissions are two and a half per cent, on sales and purchases, half per cent, brokerage. The exports and imports are generally about the same value at the end of the year, and by calculation they appear to be each in value at 79 least two millions pounds sterling. The articles of gunpowder, salt and tobacco, are monopolies of tlie government — not allowed to be imported without special license from the Director of the Finance Department. American cargoes always find an immediate and profitable sale there, and produce on the ship's account or freight can always be obtained without delay. Merchants keep their accounts in the currency of the Austrian government, but as Trieste is a place where so many different persons reside, and where coins of all nations are current, accounts are kept accordingly. In Trieste there is a schedule of money which that department use from its close connexion with the Turkish government and the Greeks. It is herewith annexed. Merchants' commissions, two and a half per cent, on purchases, the same on sales ; the sworn broker who generally acts as interpre- ter, receives half per cent, for his services. 18 Soldi, 20 Soldi, 3 Jules, 124 Soldi, 24 Gross, 17 Lire, MONEY. 1 Jule, - 6 pence sterling, 1 Lire, 6 pence. do. 1 Testoon, Is. 6(/. do. 1 Ducat current, 3s. bd. do. 1 Ducat exchange, 4s. Ad. do. 1 Chequin, 9s. Zd. do. 80 BARBARY STATES. ALGIEES. The Dey of Algiers never paid much attention to commerce, and since the French have taken possession of Algiers, there is more security and opportunity, more inclination and enterprize in business than formerly. Merchandize is always in demand in Algiers. Black pepper, allum, coffee, (Rio,) nutmegs, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, cutlery, muslins, calicos, logwood, pimento, sugar, (Havana and New Orleans,) pig lead, shot, powder, fustic, copperas, tin, linens, codfish, rice, N. E. rum, tea, flour in half bbls., and cloths — these last must be assorted as to color, viz. scarlet, blue, purple, crimson, green, brown and yellow. The exports of Algiers are hides, skins, oils, wax, honey, dried fruits, nuts — these productions are plenty and cheap. Assorted cargoes for the United States are always saleable at Algiers with profit to the trader. The markets are always supplied with every thing wanted by the inhabitants, and generally cheap. Money, weights and measures, and mercantile regulations in general, are at present under the guidance of the French authorities and merchants there ; persons trading to Algiers are regulated accordingly. The harbor is commodious and safe, and protected by several forts. Its inland country is very extensive, and a great deal of foreign commerce is centered around and about the province of Algiers. The inhabitants along the sea-coast are a mixture of different nations, and many speaking a different language. The Berbers are a rich portion of this motley people ; they are generally employed in 81 the occupation of taking care of cattle ; and their general trade consists of cattle, hides, wax and honey, wliich they sell and exchange for the produce of other countries, according as they may need it. To travel through this country even at this time is very dangerous, owing to the many roving Arabs wandering about, who as yet have not been conquered by the French arms, and who defy all and every other power, except that to which tliey arc always subservient, viz. their " Sheikhs," persons of rank among them- selves, and to whom they pay implicit obedience. The religion of the Algier people is Mahomedan, and they take the Koran as we do the laws of our country, not only to guide them in religion, but in matters of law — the Mufii or high priest, is both judge and religious intereeder, and his decrees are generally received as final, and always just and true. The population of Algiers before the French took possession, was estimated at about one million and a half in the whole territory or province ; a large portion of which were Greeks, Armenians and Jews. Their trade consisted more of imports than exports, viz. gold and silver stuffs, damasks, cloths, spices, tin, iron plates, brass, lead, quicksilver, cordage, sail cloth, bullets, cochineal, linen, tartar, alum, rice, sugar, soap, cotton, copperas, aloes, logwood, vermilion, &c. They exported ostrich feathers, copper, rugs, silks, velvets and linens ; but all this has been changed since 1837. Algiers is built of stone, on the decline of a hill fronting the sea. The houses rise one above the other so that they each command a view of the sea. The streets are very narrow — water is obtained in tanks in the city, but not of very good quality. Springs are numerous in the suburbs of the town ; there was in 1830 one hundred thousand including Jewish families and Christians. Latitude 36 49, N. ; Longitude 3 30, E. NOTE. The general commercial remarks which might be inserted in this work about Morocco, coming so near in compariyon with the state- ment herewith annexed about Tunis, that it is not deemed essentially 82 necessary for a lengthened description of the same, as all the infor mation which will be given about Tunis and its environs, will serVe to instruct the reader how to trade with Morocco; the same as re- gards Tripoli. i i 83 TUNIS. Tunis, the capital of the kingdom of the same name, is a finely built and well regulated town, with a population of 60,000 souls. The Tunisians are the most civilized portion of any of the Barbary people. Many English and French merchants, and others reside in the town for business and other pursuits. Lately, they pay great respect for mercantile and learned professors, and are improved in the arts and manufactures. They cultivate friendship with the Eu- ropean countries, and are very much inclined to join their energies in advancing mercantile pursuits to the benefit of themselves and the foreigner. They are attending lately to their agricultural interest, and by other demonstrations of friendship, they are inducing the stranger to come and trade among them. The harbor is commodious and safe, and anchorage good. The principal articles of export are olive oil, gold dust, hides, wax, skins of difl!erent kinds, Jcrbic shawls, wood of fine quality, senna, soap, wool, sponge, madder, ivory, cattle, dried fruits, salt provisions, cork, orchilla, ostrich fea- thers, cotton, nuts, &c. ; corn is cultivated in great quantities in the interior. Olive oil. — After taking out a " Tiskery" or order from the Bey of Tunis to commence trading for security and other advantages, a beginning is made to buy oil. The metal is a nominal measure by which they in quantity say forty-four and a half metals equal to one ton English of two hundred and thirty-six gallons. The season for getting oil is in March and April ; they make it in the months of November, December, and January. It is kept sometime before sell- ing it, and is esteemed by some better than Italian oil, from the fact ^84 of its keeping sweet longer. Sometimes it is shipped in jars, but generally it is put up in bottles, and then in large cases and shipped. The Keyas, are persons somewhat similar to European brokers who contract with the foreigner for the oil. They are natives, but gene- rally lioncst in their dealings, more perhaps from necessity than otherwise ; vessels sometimes load at Susa, which is also a safe port, and has sufficient water for any sized vessels. This oil sells for twenty-five cents the gallon U. S. measure, generally speak- ing. Porters who carry all kind of cargo in that country, are called coolies ; these men have a singular fact relative to them, viz., when the plague rages at Tunis, they are never afTected by it ; it is said that the oil which they are continually carrying, saturating their garments, keeps the contagion from them and preserves them ; oil will cure the bite of the scorpion or other venomous insects. Sponge. — Is gathered on the sea shore at Jerbic, it is of good quality and sells cheap. Soap. — It is of superior quality manufactured in great quantities; the price for it fluctuates according to demand ; there are two kinds, the hard and the soft soap. It is composed of olive oil and barilla. It is put up in boxes and sent to the different sea-ports in the Medi- terranean, and sometimes comes to the U. States market in boxes of about thirty pounds weight. Orchilla weed. — It grows in abundance near the ruins of Car- thage, an ancient ruins within three or four miles from Tunis, and in the mountains to the east of the town, and is used lor dyeing cloths and other woollen goods a beautiful scarlet color. It is nearly equal to cochineal. Wool. — Large quantities are shipped from Tunis every year. It is esteemed better than the Spanish wool. It is cheaper also, by an eighth in price. Dates. — This fine fruit grows at Gereed, a province of the king- dom of Tunis. They vary in price, but are plenty and cheap. Ivory and gold dust. — These articles, although not products of Tunis, are exported in great quantities from that place ; they are brought from Timbucloo and other large towns in the interior of Africa by the caravans, who come for goods for that country in re- 85 turn. They take when they go back, woollens, cloths, fire-arms, gunpowder, lead, hardware, &c. Ostrich feathers. — These are purchased according to quality, they are classed from No. 1 to 3, their prices vary so, that it is im- possible to give an accurate one. Hides and wax. — These articles are the exclusive privilege and monopoly of the Bey of Tunis, who ships off every year large quantities of both. The Journata Co. are alone licensed to sell these articles to strangers. The Tunisian imports are, From Syria, muslins, cotton, carpeting, silks, opium, copper, and tobacco. From the Morea, dried fruits, figs to make brandy, &c. From Tripoli, glass ware, wood, planks, iron, linens, woollens, &c. From Spain, wines, brandy, wool, naval stores. From France, hardware of all kinds, fine linens, watches, jewelry, sugars, cofiee, woollens, cloths, tea. From Italy, iron, tin, lead, quicksilver, aquafortis, spices, gum, alum, copperas, sugar, cofiee, cloth, cochineal, logwood, nails, gin- ger, linen, sheet iron, &;c. As to cloths they import a great quantity, chiefly French manu- factures. Light blue long ells, Turkey, do. Mazareen, do. Red color, Cofiee do. Yellow, do. Green, do. Blue Imperial, "1 Lt. Blue, do. r" 50 pieces in each bale. Red, do. J Scarlet colored cloths should be put up in separate bales, they bring a higher price than the others. Another species of cloth, (cheaper) is brought over by the French and Italians to Tunis, viz. > 50 pieces in each bale. 86 scarlet color, crimson do., mazarine blue do., light blue do., light wine do., deep wine do.,, deroy do., purple do., light and deep green do., twelve pieces in each bale from eighteen to twenty yards, seven and a quarter wide. The above mentioned articles can be shipped from the U. States, and sold at Tunis with profit and ad- vantage. There is at present either in staple, or manufactured in the U. States, almost all the articles fit for that market; and w'hat we have not, we import them cheaper than the English or the French can do. It would be of great advantage to our commerce, if the American merchant would engage in this trade, he would find in a very short time that the profits to be derived therefrom would be areater than could be imagined. The exports of Tunis are abundant and cheap, and would sell to advantage in the United States. The months of September and October are healthy ones at Tunis, consequently the best to go there in. Spices, lead, naval stores, pay but three per cent, ad valorem duty, and always bring cash prices ; all other goods pay ten per cent, ad valorem duty. At Tunis, there is always a demand for Amercan produce. The market is cheaply and abundantly supplied. Merchants, (some English and French and Italian) are established at Tunis, who do business for the for- eigner. Commissions are three per cent, on sales, the same on purchases of cargoes. The sworn broker is a necessary appendage in trading, he receives pay according to what service he renders. BARBARY MONEY. 3 Aspers, - - - 1 medim, 1 penny currency. 2 Rials, - - . 1 double. Is. Id. 4 Doubles, ... 1 dollar, 4s. 6d. 15 Do. . - - - 1 pistole, 16s. 9 J. Merchants' accounts are kept in this money. Exchange between England, France, and Tunis, is frequent and safe. Bills of exchange are usually transacted by the diflerent foreign consuls residing there. Leghorn is generally the place the bills are drawn on. AVeigiits. — One hundred pounds Tunis, is equal to one hundred and twelve pounds English. 87 jNIeasures. — Sixteen lumolos equal to one cafTec, cacli lumolo equal to fifty pounds Tunis weight. Bullocks are plentiful and cheap, one of six or seven cwt, will cost about a Spanish doubloon. The Tunisians are the best in the Mediterranean, in putting beef up for ship use. The religion of the country is Mahometan, but all the resident consuls there have chapels, in which are performed the rites of the religion to which they and those who have business with them be- long. The Latitude is 36 47, N. ; and Longitude 10 00, E. 88 CONSTANTINOPLE.. This town is the capital of Turkey in Europe and Asia, built upon the ruins of Byzantium, and is a place of great commercial in- terest to the European merchant as well as to the American. Merchants of all nations are residing there, who do business for the stranger. It contains about six hundred thousand inhabitants. It is situated between the Black Sea and the Archipelago. South of it is the sea of Marmora, and north the straits of Constantinople. The palace of the emperor, the ancient churches and mosques, and public buildings of different kinds, are built on a magnificent scale. American produce sells well and profitably at that market. Diplomatic agents and consuls of all nations are in full functions at Constantinople, and some of the European powers have full ministers there, as it is a place of great political and commercial interest to the different European governments. Measures are the same as at Tunis. There are some American commercial houses established there. The markets are abundantly supplied with all which may be required by the inhabitants, and those who visit there. Sugar is always in great demand there, it is brought from Brazil and the West Indies, but sugar from the United States would be preferred, if the merchant would commence sending regular cargoes there. This fact is ascertained from a letter written some years ago to Mr. Baker by the house of Kirkpatrick and Co., at Constantinople, on the sugar question, where it is stated "that American sugars had been preferred, and would bring good prices if sent there." . Latitude 41 01, N. ; Longitude 28 58, E. .89 SMYRNA. Smyrna is next to Constantinople in its commercial arrangements. It is situated at the head of a gulf on the west coast of the Grecian Archipelago. This place is frequented by vessels of all nations for trade. The town is very large, but not so inviting to the eye of the foreigner, as it is not as cleanly in its arrangements as it might be. Of late years Smyrna has been greatly improved, and the comforts and luxuries of life can now be obtained there without difliculty. Large stone buildings are being erected in place of the old wooden ones with which the city was built, and in a few years Smyrna will present a fine and noble appearance as a city. At the east end of the town there is a hill, upon which is built a splendid fort, said to have been built in former times by the Genoese. Behind the town large groves of olive trees may be seen, which produce great quantities of oil. Smyrna is the great depot for the productions of the Levant, and persons of all nations are continually trading there. Consuls of all nations are residing there for the better arrangement of the commercial interests of the country to which they belong. The articles of import are coffee, sugar, rum, &c. The coffee is an article of luxury, and always brings high prices. Sugar the same ; the Havana sugar is esteemed more than any other kind, and sells well. Indigo is an article constantly in demand for dyeing cloths and other articles. The English at present monopolize this trade, but the American indigo sells well and profitably. The exports are silks from Brassa, opium, drugs and gums madder, sponges, oil, wax, skins, wool, &:c., figs, raisins and other 7 90 dried fruits. The people of Trieste have the advantage of receiving fine wines from the interior, and the islands around ; they are of fine flavor and cheap. Smyrna is famous in ancient history — but all that is passing away, and in a few years this place will be so modelled by modern arrange- ments, that what was of it, will only be in recollection, and it will become the finest commercial city in the Levant. The religion of different parts of Europe is tolerated, but the Turkish or Mahometan creed is predominant. Merchants' commissions two and a half per cent, on purchases and sales, each half per cent, for brokerage. Sworn brokers are employed as interpreters as well as brokers. Latitude 38 29, N. ; Longitude 27 24, E. 91 THE MOEEA. The commerce of the Morea would be of great importance to the United States, if it were properly known and entered into. Cargoes may be obtained at all seasons of the year, of the many products of the Morea. Provisions there are abundant and cheap. Lead and tin are always in demand. Codfish finds an excellent market in the Morea. Flour in half barrels, and rice and other products of the United States, the same. Petrasio is a convenient port to load at, and has a safe and com- modious harbor, with excellent anchorage. The produce of the Morea is various, plentiful and cheap. Currants. — Petrasio is the best port to ship them from. Zante and Corfu are also ports where they are obtained. They are shipped to England particularly, and the European market, in different sized casks from one to twenty cwt. ; they are sent to the United States in lesser parcels ; the casks are generally made out of the wood of the country. The Zante currant is preferred in the United States. October is the best season for them, they cost about two and half a cents per pound. Fustic. — A fine dye wood for cloths, &c., it is generally put on board of ship as tonnage ; a vessel with a dry cargo of two hundred tons burthen, can easily stow away from forty to fifty tons of this wood ; it brings good prices, fluctuating, however, according to quality and demand. Cotton, is grown here, but sent to the Italian market; it is almost a monopoly trade, prices are governed by demand. 92 Olive Oil, is made in the Morea in considerable quantities. At Modona there is a very convenient harbor, safe and good anchorage fit for shipping it. It is generally purchased in jars or bottles at so much per ton. Casks are best to put oil in. Candia furnishes very line oil, but it is all monopolized by the Turkish government and sent to the city of Contantinople. Valonia. — This is a kind of acorn, of a bright drab color, which if kept dry, it preserves ; it is useful and in great demand by tanners, both in England and the United States. It can be purchased for about four pound sterling the ton free on board. This last is one of the several articles which, as has been said before in this work, the merchant may load his vessel with to advantage, when his finances are but small, with a very small addition of some other of the very many cheap products of the Morea, all fit for the U. States market. Petrasio and Valonia are two good ports for the above-mentioned article to be shipped from. To enumerate fully the various products of the Morea, would fill a large volume ; only the more bulky articles have been mentioned and pointed out to the American merchant and ship owuer, where cargoes may be obtained, how and when, with the facilities of this trade explained to them as far as practicable, in such a way as to prevent delays in these ports ; otherwise waiting perhaps for weeks for cargoes without success. Besides a great many articles too numerous to enumerate, the pro- duce of the Morea, the following are mentioned as being cheap and abundant. Dried fruits, almonds, nuls, gums, galls, drugs, wines, oil, olives, &c. &c. The foreign mercantile business of the Morea, is generally carried on by English and French resident merchants; their charges are generally two and a half per cent, on purchases and sales each, and half per cent, brokerage ; a sworn broker is generally employed by the parties engaged in trade, as in case of disputes his interference is necessery to arrange such matters ; they are persons generally of strict probity, and their word is their bond ; they are generally Greeks. He is paid according to his labor, say a quarter or one- eighth per cent., and often less. 93 ZANTE. Zante is a populous town, the capital of an island of the same name ; considerable trade is carried on there, in currants, grapes, and wine. It numbers 40,000 inhabitants, chiefly Greeks. Markets are plentifully and cheaply supplied with the necessaries of life. 94 CORFU. The capital of the island of Corfu, is a place of great strength, and has a fine and safe harbor, and is engaged in considerable trade with the stranger. Markets are good, and produce plenty and cheap. The population of Corfu is about 50,000 persons, chiefly Greeks. The Latitude of Zante is 37 57, N. ; Longitude 20 42, E. The Latitude of Corfu is 39 48, N. ; Longitude 19 38, E. The money arrangements, weights and measures, are about the same in the Morea as in the Barbary States, with an occasional slight exception, and merchants are governed thereby. 95 CYPEUS. An island in the Levant, of great renown in ancient history. It produces a delightful and finely flavored wine, which is sold very cheap, and sent generally to England. This wine is the growth of the bottom land on the borders of the celebrated Mount Olympus, and the best wine (as is said by some) produced in that quarter. Nicosi is the capital town, and has a population of twenty thou- sand persons. Fama Gusta, another town of importance on the island, has a very fine and safe harbor. The natural productions of this island are so rich, that foreign nations have residing there consuls ; all the larger powers of Europe are represented by their respective consuls at Cyprus. The productions are various, some are enumerated. Wine, cotton, oil, silk, dried fruits, nuts and turpentine, all these products are plenty and cheap. Some assorted cargoes from the United States would sell well and profitably there, on exchange for the produce of the Island, to the advantage of the trader. MONEY. 3 Aspars, - - 1 Para, - - 1 penny sterling. 20 Aspars, - - 1 Solota, - - 1 shilling do. 80 Aspars, - - 1 Piastre, - - 4 " 10 Solotas, - - 1 Xeriff, - - 10 " Traders in the different parts of the Morea are governed by this money in their commercial transactions with the people in general. WEIGHTS. 1 Oke, is equal to - - 28 lbs. English A TABLE OF MONEY. FROM THE ASSAYISt's OFFICE AT THE MINT, IN THE TOWER OF LONDON, ENGLAND. EUROPE.— NORTHERN PARTS. [* This mark is prefixed to the imaginary money, which is generally made use of in keeping accounts, signifying a fictitious piece which is not in being, or which cannot be represented but by several other pieces, as a Pound Sterling, &c. All fractions in the value English are parts of a penny.] ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND. London^ Bristol, Liverpool, Sfc. — Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, &fc. 1 Farthing, 2 Farthings, 2 Halfpence, 4 Pence, . C Pence, . 12 Pence, . 5 Shillings, 20 Shillings, 21 Shillings, 1 Farthing, 2 Farthings, 2 Halfpence, Q>1 Pence, . 12 Pence, . 13 Pence, . 65 Pence, . 20 Shillings, 223 Shillings, 1 Halfpenny, 1 Penny, . . . 1 Groat, , . . 1 Half Shilling, 1 Shilling, 1 Crown, . *1 Pound Sterling; . 1 Guinea, . . IRELAND. Dublin, Cork, Londonderry, ^-c. 1 Halfpenny, * 1 Penny, . . 1 Half Shilling, * 1 Shilling Irish, 1 Shilling, . . 1 Crown, . . . * 1 Pound Irish, 1 Guinea, . . £ s. d. 1 4 6 1 5 1 1 I -3 " 13