The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

LONDON. March 20.

Copies of a circular order from the Grand Signior for the observation of a day of humiliation, thro'out all the provinces of his empire, in consequence of the uncommon success of his enemies, have lately been published, in which the strictest abstinence is enjoined to all true Mussulmen. The Mufti, and those belonging to the church, were to appear dressed as penitents, and in all public places to implore the assistance of the Almighty. At Mecca, the sepulchral urn of Mahomet was to be exposed to the people with very singular ceremonies. The inhabitants and pilgrims were to march six times round the urn singing, in a doleful manner, the song of calamity; a solemn and general procession, of 25 miles round, was to conclude the whole in the following order.

I. six hundred persons clothed in habits stained with blood, their heads uncovered, their feet naked, bearing urns fill'd with the bones of the dead, armed with broken spears, bows, arrows, &c.

II. Three hundred penitents in garments cover'd with blood & ashes, making loud lamentations, beating their breasts, &c.

III. Six hundred men naked from the head to the middle, slashing their shoulders and sides with branches of thorns, till their blood runs down to the ground.

IV. The urn of the Prophet borne by thirty Spahis, without turbans, surrounded by thirty Pachas, with drawn scimitars in their hands to assassinate upon the spot whoever should have the presumption to regard with an irreligious eye the ashes of Mahomet, and to throw their bodies immediately to dogs for food.

V. At every fifth part of a mile they cut the throat of a Jew, and slay an ass, so that during the procession, one hundred and twenty-five Jews, and as many asses are left on the road, bathed with their own blood.

VI. Thirty Pachas, defiled with the blood of the Jews, bearing horse-whips, with which they continually strike the ground, in order to raise the dust.

VII. Three hundred Janissaries with staves entreating mercy of God.

VIII. The Vizir, with a sky coloured turban, mounted on a lame jack ass, which he continually strikes on the head with a bulrush, crying, Pardon, O Lord my ingratitude!

IX. A chest filled with gold, which is distributed to the poor.

X. The solemnity is closed with a multitude, hermits, penitents, &c. who cut themselves with knives, and invoke the deity to give them power over their enemies.