BSY_FB_28-063

March Saturday 4 1905
in-Nebk 7:00 A.M. Temp 32º Baro. S 25.36
cirro-Stratus all. Calm to light S.
[space] A farm of about 600 families, built of white mud bricks plastered
over with numerous trees standing 1 mile to N- vineyards, gardens
with fences of mud plaster. The town of white with telegraph line
a garrison of 50 to 60 soldiers a Kaimakliam (spelling wrong) a clean
pretty town. 1/4 christian 3/4 muslim - Good Spring. Called as[at] house
of Kaimakliam and had coffee & cigarettes - nicely recieved but two [unclear]
politely forced upon us.
[space] Left in Nebk 9:48 route as per map - Dêr 'Atiyeh 10:22 a fine large
town similar in description to in-Nebk mostly M.[muslim] but a few C.[christian]
passed through without stopping and out at 10:29 then through but
mostly to L of gardens and fields for 3/4 mile. arrived at Humêrah a
small place of only 2 or 3 families. 12:30 lunched & proceeded at 2:08
passed Hafar and arrived Sadad 5:47, a large town 500 to 600
families - all christian mostly Jacobite (white mud) one tower standing
probably Roman - fine fields, trees & gardens & vineyard to N. of city. Seven
churches 3 of which as used. People very curious to our[?} tents
about 400 to 500 people surrounding us - gorgeous costumes of men - many
colors. Rec'd. call from priest (Jacobite) very handsome man with his beard
and black high cap & cloak of black with strip of five[?] down front. looked like the
real thing as depicted in old paintings. he insisted[?] us to worship in the morning
at the church - accepted.