Then, along a track to the north-west, we passed the 13th Brigade
camp (the 13th Brigade had been a day ahead from Tel esh Sherif), and
bivouacked at 14.45 on a nice piece of ground on the banks of the Orontes,
against the village of Deir Mati.
FOOTNOTES:
[38] _There are ruins of three temples at Baalbek--The Great Temple of
the Sun, Temple of Bacchus, and the Circular Temple, built about A.D.
220._
[39] _The Crusaders captured Homs in A.D. 1099. It is the ancient
Zobah, see II Sam. viii, 3, 5. The population is estimated at 65,000._
PART VI.
THE MARCH TO ALEPPO.
Would we stay here at Homs, or go still further? was the question uppermost
in the minds of all. The nearest troops were at Damascus 100 miles behind
us, and Aleppo, the next town of any importance, 100 miles ahead. We had
now covered 325 miles in 28 days, and a rest was much needed. The question
was soon decided for us! Three days were occupied in washing (men, clothes
and horses), grazing and cleaning saddlery. Then, at 07.00 on October 21st
we set out on our long journey, the 15th Brigade (it being their turn to
lead), having left the day previously. Marching was carried on in
accordance with the following table:--
Twenty minutes' trot, one hour's walk, 10 minutes' halt; and the following
were the day's marches:--
October 21st--To Er Rastan.
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