Roberts, David; Croly, George: The Holy Land: Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia (Band 2) (London, 1842)

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At Easter the neighbourhood of Jericho is frequented by Pilgrims, who come to purify themselves in
the River Jordan. But the land retains its ancient character for lawlessness, and the devotees are escorted
by a strong military force under the direction of the Governor of Jerusalem.

The principal object in the Engraving is the tent of the Governor, Achmed Aga, who invited the
Artist to accompany him to the Jordan (April, 1839). The scene at this juncture was strikingly Oriental.
The numerous tents, the Pilgrims of all costumes and various countries, occupied in their preparations
for the night; the officers of the escort galloping in all directions, some amusing themselves with throwing
the djerid, and others with firing at marks, at full speed; groups of men, women, and children, some at
rest, some in sport, and some in prayer, and the whole illuminated by a sunset of remarkable vividness,
which not merely enlightened the plain, but covered the distant mountains with golden and purple fire;
formed a coup d'ceil of singular and characteristic animation.1

1 Roberts's Journal.