It had been our intention to call upon the celebrated Lady Hester Stanhope, who we were informed was living at Manlius, about four miles back of Sidon; but learning that she had changed her residence to D’joun, three miles further in the interior, we were forced by the lateness of the hour to relinquish our purpose. We met, however, at the consul’s, a person who had been connected with her household, and the Commodore requested him to inform her ladyship that we had landed with the wish to pay our respects to her, but had been prevented by the distance and want of time. Soon after our arrival at Beirout we received a very handsome and polite invitation to make her a visit; and as I find that she has excited considerable interest in our country, I will give the letter as the best mode of presenting her to the reader. To the American Admiral, Officers, and Ladies, who did me the honor to inquire after me. D’JOUN, 31st Aug., 1834. You all ought to know how much I love and respect the American nation. If the individuals did not command by their merit these sentiments, I must naturally inherit them from my grandfather.[74] I should be too happy to invite to D’joun the whole of the party; but my premises will not admit of their being comfortable. My house is in a dilapidated state. My thoughts, as well as my finances, for these last three years, have been wholly dedicated to one object--that of the relief of the unhappy persons, which the situation of the country increases every day. The body of the house at this moment can only contain me, very ill lodged; and all I have at my disposal, is two pretty good rooms in a court, or rather a small garden, dedicated to strangers alone, that might lodge pretty comfortably, the Admiral and three other gentlemen. I could not well propose it to ladies, being a place which, from its public situation, I never frequent. But should the Admiral’s lady and her daughters wish to see something of the surrounding country, I offer them Manlius, where, however, there is only one room furnished. The house is only inhabited by an old woman and a servant; but by bringing their travelling beds and their cook, they might be more comfortable than in any other house in the neighborhood. I can also furnish them with a very civil old man, known to Mr. Guys, called Lewis Marson, who can talk French, and who is very capable of attending to all their little wants. I send Mr. Bertrand with this letter, that he may further explain about the houses, or answer any other questions relative to them, and to bring me your decision upon the subject. I very cordially salute you all. [Illustration]