paper lanterns, paraded the streets. About an hour after sunset a sham fight took place, under the direction of the chief commander of the troops. We went with a large party on to the roof of the offices to witness it. The Tower of Hippicus, occupied by the regulars, was besieged by the artillery and irregular Turkish troops. The city trembled with the booming of cannons, and the volleys of fire, and the thrilling sound of musketry. Large bonfires, and iron baskets filled with pitch and tar, were lighted in conspicuous places, so as to make it seem that some of the buildings had taken fire; and by their light we saw men scaling the walls, and to all appearance large masses of stone were hurled upon them. The cannons and battering rams were dragged along, and troops were rushing incessantly across the Castle Square. We heard the cries and shouts of the soldiers. At last the tower was taken and victory proclaimed. The bugles, drums, fifes, and pipes, and tum-tums sounded. The whole affair was exceedingly well managed, and gave us a vivid idea of the actual sieges which Jerusalem has from time to time suffered. In Scriptural and other historic records descriptions or notices of no less than thirty-four distinct and successful sieges of the city may be found.
A large party assembled afterward at the English Consulate, including the Pasha and his suite, the commander of the Turkish troops, and several Consuls and travelers. Among the latter was Lord Abercrombie, who had only arrived a few hours before. He with his party had crossed the desert on their way from Cairo, and had been detained in quarantine for a few days at Hebron. They came in sight of Jerusalem at about midday, when the flashing of guns and the booming of cannons so much alarmed them that they were on the point of retreating to the coast for safety, thinking that the city was in a state of insurrection. However, when they were informed of the true cause of the firing, they eagerly proceeded on their way to join in the festivities.
