Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 17:68 (Oct 1860)
Article: A Journey To Neapolis And Philippi
Author: Horatio B. Hackett

BSac 17:68 (Oct 1860) p. 866

A Journey To Neapolis And Philippi

Horatio B. Hackett

[Prefatory Note by the Editors of the Bib. Sac. — The Book Notices which have been prepared for our present Number, we have chosen to defer, in order that we may publish the following valuable narrative, which, although accessible perhaps in another form, will yet be new to our readers; and which, being peculiarly appropriate, has been specially revised and enlarged, for this Periodical.]

It was the writer’s original plan to travel by land through Macedonia from Thessalonica to Neapolis, and thus visit the several places in that country (Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia are the others), which Luke has mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. The principal object, however, was to see Neapolis and Philippi, and so much the more because they lie considerably aside from the ordinary route of travellers, and have seldom been described by persons attracted to them as places of biblical interest. On arriving at Thessalonica, on the 6th of December, 1858, it appeared necessary to modify this plan in part. The lateness of the season presented unforeseen obstacles. The rains had been uncommonly abundant, and had flooded the country. The streams were swollen, and many of the bridges swept away. The Turkish post between Thessalonica and Constantinople had recently been more than a week behind its time. Individuals, whose judgment I was not at liberty to disregard, advised me against this undertaking. Not to fail wholly in my purpose, therefore, I concluded to return to Volo in Thessaly, near the ancient Iolchos, and cross by steamer to Neapolis, on the other side. The passage occupies, usually, twenty-four hours; but a storm overtook us, and the voyage proved to be more than twice as long. We remained ten hours in one position off against Mount Athos, without making the least head-way.

BSac 17:68 (Oct 1860) p. 867

The engine was powerless against the combined force of the winds and waves, and no harbor was within reach which it was deemed prudent to attempt to enter. Towards the close of the second day the storm abated, and the captain took shelter for the night under the lee of Thasos. A run of two hours the next morning brought us into the port of Kavalla, the ancient Neapolis.

Arrival At Kavalla

Roumelia, which includes the ancient Macedonia, is a Turkish province, and does not excel in all the arts of civilized life. It was a pleasant relief, after a brief experience in the best khan (ξενοδοκεῖον or κατάλυμα, as the Greeks term it) which the place afforded, to be invited by the English vice-Consul, Frederick Maling, Esq., to make his house my home during my sojourn in that region. It...