When traveling from Raab, the town of St. Martinsberg soon comes into view. It is a handsome town and a strong fortress, built on the top of a high hill. From this elevated position, it overlooks the surrounding countryside in every direction. Because of its height and strength, it holds an important position in the defense of the region and can be seen from far away by travelers approaching along the road.
The location gives it both beauty and military advantage. Any movement in the nearby lands can easily be observed from the hill, making it a natural place for protection and control Suspicion and the Fall of a Turkish Governor.
The Town of Dot, Also Called Tata
The town called Dot, also known as Tata or Theodata, lies about twelve English miles from Gomora. Here stands a castle surrounded by a deep ditch, adding to its strength. Near the town are several natural baths, which are well known in the region and valued for their warm and healing waters.
This place has often been taken and retaken during times of war, passing from one side to another. At the time of my visit, the governor was Count Zacki, a noble Hungarian. I must always acknowledge his polite and thoughtful behavior toward me. In truth, throughout these regions, I felt most comfortable in the company of soldiers. They held authority everywhere and were usually generous, open-hearted people.
Many of them could speak Latin, High German, or Italian, which made conversation easy. They were especially interested in my travels, as I had already visited many parts of Europe. They often asked me questions about foreign lands, customs, and cities, and my experiences made my company welcome among them.
Returning to the River Journey
To return to the main route, we departed from Comoro by water. We were towed along the river by a saick, a type of boat fitted with twenty-four oars. The Austrians rowed on one side, while the Germans rowed on the other. As they passed the fortress, they fired two small cannons in salute. These guns were carried at the front of the saick Sightseeing Tour Turkey.
We then continued along the Danube, passing the places called Sene, Nesmil, and Rodwan, until we reached Motch, which is the exact boundary of the frontier. This marked the edge between Christian and Turkish-controlled lands.
Meeting the Turkish Convoy at the Frontier
At Motch, we waited for a Turkish convoy, which arrived early the next morning. Preparations were made carefully on both sides. First, the Turkish officers went ashore. After them came our Veyda, or leader, accompanied by an interpreter and the chief members of our company.
Both groups walked slowly toward each other, and when they met, they exchanged handshakes as a sign of peaceful conduct. After this formal meeting, we handed over our boat to the Turks. They fastened it to their own saick and placed one of their men aboard our vessel to steer it.
A Formal Exchange and Farewell
Once everything was arranged, the Turks turned their boat around and fired one gun as a salute to the Christians. Then, using eighteen oars, they rowed down the Danube. We carried the Eagle on our flag, while they displayed the Double Sword, the Star, and the Half-Moon, clear symbols of the two powers passing one another at the frontier.
This orderly exchange showed the careful rules that governed travel between rival empires, even in times of tension and war.
