No. VIII.

My dear Father,Cairo, February 16, 1841.

My dear Father,

Cairo, February 16, 1841.

I have just returned from a visit to Souliman Pacha, who is a fine hearty old soldier, and begs to be remembered to you, saying it will be some time ere he forgets thecannonnadeyou gave him. I told him how much you were annoyed at his house having been plundered at Beyrout, assuring him that the English had nothing to do with it; to which he replied that he was aware that he was under an obligation on that account to the Austrians; but he said that some things of his which you had ordered to be sent to him, had been seized by thedouaneat Beyrout, and amongst others some arms from Persia, which he valued much as curiosities.When his house was plundered all his papers was destroyed; amongst others some military works of his in manuscript, which had cost him the labour of years.

Ibrahim Pacha was present at Beckfaya, and mentioned your having taken off your hat. He was also in person at the crossing of the Jordan, when we returned in such a hurry to Jerusalem. He says it was merely a demonstration, which answered the purpose for which it was intended, and which caused him to gain three marches on us. We had altogether a most interesting conversation, which lasted upwards of an hour, and during which he was civil in the extreme, shaking me repeatedly by the hand, and ended by desiring to be most particularly remembered to you.

Feb. 17.—Souliman Pacha has just called on me; he is a fine old fellow. I gave him a bottle of porter; he drank your health, and told me to let you know he had done so heartily.

He brought back with him 8000 troops of artillery, who were much harassed by the Arabs from Akaba. He says he put to death every one of them whom he caught. I did not like to ask him if he had many Syrians amongst his troops; but I am sorry to inform you that there are a great many here, who have arrived with the troops from Gaza.

About eight regiments of infantry are now encamped near this, the last of which arrived yesterdayfrom Gaza, which they left on the 4th instant; and from what I can learn from the men, they were forced to accompany the Egyptians. Besides the infantry, a couple of regiments of lancers have come, some irregular Mogrebins (from the Deserts of Libya), and some irregularTurkishcavalryfrom Anatolia; I believe about 200. The horses, particularly those of the lancers, are in good condition, and it is lucky for me that I could not get my mountain horsemen to approach them[138], as they would have eaten us without salt. I dine with Souliman the day after to-morrow, and manage to spend my time pleasantly enough; but I am anxious to hear from our head-quarters, and have as yet been able to learn nothing positive about the Emirs, but have sent to Thebes to obtain information.

* * * * * *

The disturbances have already begun in the Hedjaz since the Egyptian troops have been withdrawn; and a Prophet, calling himself King of the Land and Sea, has already set up the standard of a religious warfare.* * * *

No. VIII.

LetterfromBoghos Beyto SirCharlesNapier.

LetterfromBoghos Beyto SirCharles

Napier.

Commodore,Alexandria, June 19, 1841.

Commodore,

Alexandria, June 19, 1841.

I hasten to acknowledge the receipt of the letter, dated May 27, with which you have honouredme.me.Having placed it before His Highness the Viceroy, I am desired to express his grateful acknowledgements for the friendly expressions it contains.

On the two points, “of the return of some Syrian soldiers who are still here, and of the regulation of the monopoly,” which form the principal object of your letter, I believe that I cannot do better than transcribe, Commodore, the words which His Highness proffered in reply, as I have obtained authority to transmit them to you.

“I cannot see the motive why my friend Napier should be in any difficulty; he who has talked with me, who has seen all, and doubtless, with his penetration, understood all. No one is ignorant that since the signing of the Convention with him the difficulty of the question could not have been made smoother; the affair having been submitted to different conditions, has been prolonged by negotiations with the Envoy of the Sublime Porte; and whilst the conditions were under consideration, they could not be executed, neither could they consider my conduct strange, still less suppose that I was thereby breaking my word. Thank God, it is nowarranged to the satisfaction of the parties; the Firman has arrived, and has been solemnly read in public with the usual ceremonies. I am now only under the necessity of submitting to the clemency of my Sovereign as to the quota of the tribute. I have already conferred on this subject with his Envoy here, who is on the point of setting out, and the matter is almost arranged. Now that the moment has arrived to put successively into execution the conditions contained in the above-mentioned Firman, my friend Napier will very soon learn that what I talked to him about, that what I said to him concerning the monopoly, will be effected in a manner to promote the interests of the country; and I hope that his friendship for me will be more than ever strengthened.”

In sending you, Commodore, on the part of His Highness, the preceding communication, I am desired also to present his friendly salutations, and I avail myself of this opportunity in my own person to reiterate the assurances of the high consideration with which I have the honour to be,

THE END.

London:Harrison and Co., Printers,St. Martin’s Lane.

London:

Harrison and Co., Printers,

St. Martin’s Lane.

By the same Author.

In Two Volumes, Post Octavo, with Plans, price 21s.,AN ACCOUNTOFTHE WAR IN PORTUGALBETWEEN DON PEDRO AND DON MIGUEL.

In Two Volumes, Post Octavo, with Plans, price 21s.,

AN ACCOUNT

THE WAR IN PORTUGAL

BETWEEN DON PEDRO AND DON MIGUEL.

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

“The personal character of the Author is not only impressed upon almost every page, but the book contains a narrative of one, and to all appearance the most important of the leaves out of a hero’s life, written by himself. It is Cæsar’s Commentaries in the first person, wanting the classical eloquence of the Roman, but equally devoid of his concealed vanity, and his suspected partiality. Grander battles have been fought, more gallant never. It is rare to have a description of such a fight from its hero, even in a gazette; but it is still rarer to have an account of his feelings.”—Spectator.

“The gallant Commodore’s description of the battle off Cape St. Vincent is one of the most stirring nautical sketches that has fallen under our observation.”—United Service Gazette.

“An excellent and spirit-stirring book—plain, honest, and straight forward—the very stuff of which the web of history alone should be composed. This is, indeed, an honest, fair and impartial history.”—Morning Chronicle.

“In spirit and in keeping, from beginning to end, Admiral Napier’s War in Portugal is the happiest picture we could conceive of the hero of the battle off Cape St. Vincent, its especial excellence consisting in a regardless bluntness of manner and language, that is quite admirable and delightful.”—Monthly Review.

“If Commodore Napier be not distinguished by the commonplace facilities of authorship, he possesses the higher qualities of truth, discretion, end clear-sightedness, in no small degree.”—Atlas.

“In speaking of himself and his deeds, he has hit the just and difficult medium—showing his real feelings, yet steering clear of affected modesty on the one hand, and over-weening egotism on the other hand.”—Tait’s Magazine.

“This is a very graphic account of the affairs in which the gallant author figured so nobly, and added fresh lustre to the name of Napier.”—News.

NEW WORKSPUBLISHED BYJOHN W. PARKER, WEST STRAND, LONDON.

NEW WORKS

PUBLISHED BY

JOHN W. PARKER, WEST STRAND, LONDON.

Two Volumes, Post Octavo, 18s.,THE WAR IN SYRIA.By SirCharles Napier, M.P., K.C.B.

Two Volumes, Post Octavo, 18s.,

THE WAR IN SYRIA.

By SirCharles Napier, M.P., K.C.B.

Octavo, with Illustrations, 10s.6d.,RAMBLES AND RESEARCHES IN THURINGIANSAXONY:Comprising Visits to the Courts of Gotha and Weimar; Memoirsand Correspondence of the Ducal Families of Saxe Gotha;with Sketches of Manners and Customs in Thuringia;and Specimens of the Legends of the Forest.ByJohn Frederick Stanford, Esq., M.A.

Octavo, with Illustrations, 10s.6d.,

RAMBLES AND RESEARCHES IN THURINGIAN

SAXONY:

Comprising Visits to the Courts of Gotha and Weimar; Memoirs

and Correspondence of the Ducal Families of Saxe Gotha;

with Sketches of Manners and Customs in Thuringia;

and Specimens of the Legends of the Forest.

ByJohn Frederick Stanford, Esq., M.A.

Two Volumes, Post Octavo, with Map and numerous Illustrations,Travels and Researches inASIA MINOR, MESOPOTAMIA, CHALDEA, ANDARMENIA.ByWilliam Francis Ainsworth, F.G.S., F.R.G.S.,

Two Volumes, Post Octavo, with Map and numerous Illustrations,

Travels and Researches in

ASIA MINOR, MESOPOTAMIA, CHALDEA, AND

ARMENIA.

ByWilliam Francis Ainsworth, F.G.S., F.R.G.S.,

In charge of the Expedition sent by the Royal Geographical Society, and the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, to the Christian Tribes in Chaldea.

By the same Author,With Map and Illustrations, Octavo, 12s.6d.,RESEARCHES IN ASSYRIA, BABYLONIA, ANDCHALDÆA;Forming part of the Labours of the Euphrates Expedition.

By the same Author,

With Map and Illustrations, Octavo, 12s.6d.,

RESEARCHES IN ASSYRIA, BABYLONIA, AND

CHALDÆA;

Forming part of the Labours of the Euphrates Expedition.

Three Volumes, Post Octavo, 1l.11s.6d.,GERMANY, BOHEMIA, AND HUNGARY,Visited by theRev.G. R. Gleig, M.A., Author of theSubaltern.

Three Volumes, Post Octavo, 1l.11s.6d.,

GERMANY, BOHEMIA, AND HUNGARY,

Visited by the

Rev.G. R. Gleig, M.A., Author of theSubaltern.

Octavo, 10s.6d.,GERMANY;HER HISTORY, LITERATURE, SOCIAL CONDITION,AND NATIONAL ECONOMY.ByBisset Hawkins, M.D., Oxon, F.R.S.

Octavo, 10s.6d.,

GERMANY;

HER HISTORY, LITERATURE, SOCIAL CONDITION,

AND NATIONAL ECONOMY.

ByBisset Hawkins, M.D., Oxon, F.R.S.

Two Volumes, with Maps, 21s.,SCOTLAND;SKETCHES OF ITS COASTS AND ISLANDS, AND OFTHE ISLE OF MAN;Descriptive of the Scenery, and illustrative of the progressive Revolutionin the Condition of the Inhabitants of those Regions.ByLord Teignmouth.

Two Volumes, with Maps, 21s.,

SCOTLAND;

SKETCHES OF ITS COASTS AND ISLANDS, AND OF

THE ISLE OF MAN;

Descriptive of the Scenery, and illustrative of the progressive Revolution

in the Condition of the Inhabitants of those Regions.

ByLord Teignmouth.

Octavo, with Illustrations, 8s.6d.,TREVES, AND ITS ANTIQUITIES.Translated from the German of Wyttenbach byDawson Turner,Esq., F.R.S.

Octavo, with Illustrations, 8s.6d.,

TREVES, AND ITS ANTIQUITIES.

Translated from the German of Wyttenbach byDawson Turner,

Esq., F.R.S.

Two Volumes, 28s.,NOTES ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.By the late Hon.F. J. Shore, Judge of the Civil Court andCriminal Sessions of Furrukhabad.

Two Volumes, 28s.,

NOTES ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

By the late Hon.F. J. Shore, Judge of the Civil Court and

Criminal Sessions of Furrukhabad.

With Maps, 10s.6d.,THE WEST INDIES;Their Natural and Physical History, with some account of thecondition of their Inhabitants before and after theAbolition of Negro Slavery.By SirAndrew Halliday, K.H., M.D.

With Maps, 10s.6d.,

THE WEST INDIES;

Their Natural and Physical History, with some account of the

condition of their Inhabitants before and after the

Abolition of Negro Slavery.

By SirAndrew Halliday, K.H., M.D.

The Second Volume, 12s., of theHISTORY OF HOLLAND,From the beginning of the Tenth to the end of the EighteenthCentury. ByC. M. Davies.To be completed in Three Volumes.

The Second Volume, 12s., of the

HISTORY OF HOLLAND,

From the beginning of the Tenth to the end of the Eighteenth

Century. ByC. M. Davies.

To be completed in Three Volumes.

Octavo, with numerous Illustrations, 12s.6d.,PRACTICAL GEODESY;Comprising Chain Surveying, the Use of Surveying Instruments,together with Levelling, and Trigonometrical, Mining, andMaritime Surveying. Adapted to the use of Land-Surveyors,and for Students in Civil,Military, and Naval Engineering.By BUTLER WILLIAMS, C.E., F.G.S.,Professor of Geodesy in the College for Civil Engineers, London.

Octavo, with numerous Illustrations, 12s.6d.,

PRACTICAL GEODESY;

Comprising Chain Surveying, the Use of Surveying Instruments,

together with Levelling, and Trigonometrical, Mining, and

Maritime Surveying. Adapted to the use of Land-Surveyors,

and for Students in Civil,

Military, and Naval Engineering.

By BUTLER WILLIAMS, C.E., F.G.S.,

Professor of Geodesy in the College for Civil Engineers, London.

Post Octavo,PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY FOR FARMERSAND LANDOWNERS.ByJoshua Trimmer, F.G.S.By the same Author, Octavo, with Two Hundred Illustrations, 12s.PRACTICAL GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY,AND THE CHEMISTRY OF METALS,With an Introductory Discourse on the Nature, Tendency, andAdvantages of Geological Pursuits.

Post Octavo,

PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY FOR FARMERS

AND LANDOWNERS.

ByJoshua Trimmer, F.G.S.

By the same Author, Octavo, with Two Hundred Illustrations, 12s.

PRACTICAL GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY,

AND THE CHEMISTRY OF METALS,

With an Introductory Discourse on the Nature, Tendency, and

Advantages of Geological Pursuits.

1500 closely-printed Pages, Octavo, with numerous Illustrations,35s., the Fifth Edition ofBRANDE’S MANUAL OF CHEMISTRY;Thoroughly Revised and greatly Enlarged; and incorporating allnew Facts and Discoveries in the Science.ByWilliam Thomas Brande, F.R.S.;Of the Royal Mint; Professor of Chemistry in the Royal Institution.By the same Author, Octavo, 15s.,A DICTIONARY OF MATERIA MEDICAAND PHARMACY.

1500 closely-printed Pages, Octavo, with numerous Illustrations,

35s., the Fifth Edition of

BRANDE’S MANUAL OF CHEMISTRY;

Thoroughly Revised and greatly Enlarged; and incorporating all

new Facts and Discoveries in the Science.

ByWilliam Thomas Brande, F.R.S.;

Of the Royal Mint; Professor of Chemistry in the Royal Institution.

By the same Author, Octavo, 15s.,

A DICTIONARY OF MATERIA MEDICA

AND PHARMACY.

Octavo, 16s.,AN INTRODUCTION TO CHEMICAL PHILOSOPHY,Being a Preparatory View of the Forces which concur to theProduction of Chemical Phenomena.ByProfessor Daniell, King’s College, London.

Octavo, 16s.,

AN INTRODUCTION TO CHEMICAL PHILOSOPHY,

Being a Preparatory View of the Forces which concur to the

Production of Chemical Phenomena.

ByProfessor Daniell, King’s College, London.

Octavo, Third Edition, Corrected, 15s.,MATHEMATICAL TRACTS.I. Lunar and Planetary Theories. II. Figure of the Earth.III. Precession and Nutation. IV. Calculus of Variations.V. Undulatory Theory of Optics, andTheory of Polarization.ByGeorge Biddell Airy, M.A., F.R.S., Astronomer Royal.

Octavo, Third Edition, Corrected, 15s.,

MATHEMATICAL TRACTS.

I. Lunar and Planetary Theories. II. Figure of the Earth.

III. Precession and Nutation. IV. Calculus of Variations.

V. Undulatory Theory of Optics, and

Theory of Polarization.

ByGeorge Biddell Airy, M.A., F.R.S., Astronomer Royal.

With Illustrations, 5s.6d.,LECTURES ON ASTRONOMY,Delivered at the College.By the Rev.Henry Moseley, M.A., F.R.S. Professor ofAstronomy and Natural Philosophy in King’sCollege, London.By the same Author, with Illustrations, 6s.6d.,MECHANICS APPLIED TO THE ARTS,IncludingSTATICS AND HYDROSTATICS.

With Illustrations, 5s.6d.,

LECTURES ON ASTRONOMY,

Delivered at the College.

By the Rev.Henry Moseley, M.A., F.R.S. Professor of

Astronomy and Natural Philosophy in King’s

College, London.

By the same Author, with Illustrations, 6s.6d.,

MECHANICS APPLIED TO THE ARTS,Including

STATICS AND HYDROSTATICS.

With 250 Wood Cuts, Octavo, 15s.,PRINCIPLES OF MECHANISM;Designed for the Use of Students of the Universities, and forStudents of Engineering generally.ByR. Willis, M.A., F.R.S.,Jacksonian Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophyin the University of Cambridge.

With 250 Wood Cuts, Octavo, 15s.,

PRINCIPLES OF MECHANISM;

Designed for the Use of Students of the Universities, and for

Students of Engineering generally.

ByR. Willis, M.A., F.R.S.,

Jacksonian Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy

in the University of Cambridge.

GERMAN BOOKS FOR LEARNERS.

ByAdolphus Bernays,Phil. Doc.; Professor in King’s College, London.

ByAdolphus Bernays,

Phil. Doc.; Professor in King’s College, London.

I. A COMPENDIOUS GRAMMAR, with a copious Appendix; including a Dictionary of Prefixes and Affixes. Fourth Edition, revised. 5s.

II. FAMILIAR EXERCISES, with Exercises for advanced Students, Copies of German Hand-writing, and Notes. Fifth Edition. 5s.6d.

III. EXAMPLES; a Key to the Exercises. Third Edition. 3s.

IV. READER; a Selection from the most popular Writers, with Translations and Notes. Second Edition. 5s.

V. HISTORICAL ANTHOLOGY; a Sequel to the Reader. 7s.

VI. POETRY FOR BEGINNERS, with Notes. 4s.

VII. POETICAL ANTHOLOGY, with a concise History of German Poetry. Third Edition. 7s.

London: JOHN W. PARKER, West Strand.

Footnotes:

1. See p.22. The report is given in theLevant Papers, Part III., p. 138.

2. SeeProtocolin the Appendix.

3. See page39.

4. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., pp. 274, 276.

5. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 151.

6. Ibid., p. 159.

7. Ibid., p. 159.

8. See Vol. I., p.249.

9. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 87.

10. See page15.

11. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 88.

12. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 121.

13. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 152.

14. See page39.

15. See page51.

16. See page49.

17. See ChaptersXI. andXII.; and alsoLevant Papers, Part III., pp. 203, 268, 275.

18.Major-General Sir C. F. Smith to Viscount Palmerston.My Lord,Head-quarters, Beyrout, Nov. 24, 1840.I have great satisfaction in acquainting your Lordship that a prudent adherence to my instructions from the Foreign Office has struck a heavier blow on the army of Ibrahim Pacha than a series of general actions could have achieved. Each succeeding victory could only have withdrawn us so much farther from our resources, without advancing, in any degree, the cause we have in hand. I take not merit to myself, unless it be for my forbearance. For the number and the nature of the troops under my command, and the extended line of coast I have to guard, compelled me to be strictly on the defensive in the towns already in our possession, whilst a forward movement would have been unmilitary and unmeaning.Wearied in waiting for an opportunity of practising his well-disciplined cavalry and artillery upon a detachment of Turkish infantry, Ibrahim, on the 21st instant, broke up from Zachle and Malaka in full retreat on Damascus, where he now is with 30,000 men, including 7000 cavalry and artillery. He has pushed a corps of 3000 irregular cavalry to El Mezereib, on the road towards Mecca,—the only route now open to him for a final retreat into Egypt,—whither I calculate on his going the moment he receives from Alexandria the political news brought by the Oriental.In as far as regards the sway of Mehemet Ali in Syria, I look upon the military part of the question as determined.I have, &c.,(Signed)C. F. Smith,Major-Gen. Commanding.P.S. The Emir Effendi and other chiefs who left Ibrahim near Damascus, report his force to exceed 50,000, of whom 40,000 are said to be effective.C.F.S.

18.

Major-General Sir C. F. Smith to Viscount Palmerston.

My Lord,Head-quarters, Beyrout, Nov. 24, 1840.

My Lord,

Head-quarters, Beyrout, Nov. 24, 1840.

I have great satisfaction in acquainting your Lordship that a prudent adherence to my instructions from the Foreign Office has struck a heavier blow on the army of Ibrahim Pacha than a series of general actions could have achieved. Each succeeding victory could only have withdrawn us so much farther from our resources, without advancing, in any degree, the cause we have in hand. I take not merit to myself, unless it be for my forbearance. For the number and the nature of the troops under my command, and the extended line of coast I have to guard, compelled me to be strictly on the defensive in the towns already in our possession, whilst a forward movement would have been unmilitary and unmeaning.

Wearied in waiting for an opportunity of practising his well-disciplined cavalry and artillery upon a detachment of Turkish infantry, Ibrahim, on the 21st instant, broke up from Zachle and Malaka in full retreat on Damascus, where he now is with 30,000 men, including 7000 cavalry and artillery. He has pushed a corps of 3000 irregular cavalry to El Mezereib, on the road towards Mecca,—the only route now open to him for a final retreat into Egypt,—whither I calculate on his going the moment he receives from Alexandria the political news brought by the Oriental.

In as far as regards the sway of Mehemet Ali in Syria, I look upon the military part of the question as determined.

P.S. The Emir Effendi and other chiefs who left Ibrahim near Damascus, report his force to exceed 50,000, of whom 40,000 are said to be effective.

C.F.S.

19. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 119.

20. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 119.

21. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 163.

22. Ibid., p. 164.

23. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 202.

24. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 204.

25. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 265.

26. See p. 103.

27. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 268.

28. Ibid., p. 268.

29. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 288.

30.General Michell to Viscount Palmerston.December 31, 1840.Our situation will be very embarrassing until the negotiations are terminated, since any act of hostility on our part may be construed into a breach of faith, and may disturb arrangements half concluded. I am, therefore, anxiously expecting orders from Lord Ponsonby upon the subject. In the meantime his Excellency’s latest instructions to General Jochmus, and upon which he is prepared and resolved to act with energy, dictate a continuance of offensive operations.

30.

General Michell to Viscount Palmerston.

December 31, 1840.

Our situation will be very embarrassing until the negotiations are terminated, since any act of hostility on our part may be construed into a breach of faith, and may disturb arrangements half concluded. I am, therefore, anxiously expecting orders from Lord Ponsonby upon the subject. In the meantime his Excellency’s latest instructions to General Jochmus, and upon which he is prepared and resolved to act with energy, dictate a continuance of offensive operations.

31. Alluding to the probability of his retiring by D’Jenin.

32. He does not give the date.

33. Captain Stewart and General Michell do not confirm this.

34.General Jochmus to Admiral Stopford.Sir,Head-quarters, Jaffa,Jan. 17, 1841.I have the honour to inform your Excellency, that on the 14th instant I directed a division of ten battalions of infantry, 1800 irregular and Tatar horse, 150 regular cavalry, and 14 pieces of artillery, to march from Ramla towards Gaza.This latter village is abandoned by the enemy, who has a flying camp of 1200 regular and 1800 irregular horse, with eight pieces of horse artillery, at three-quarters of an hour’s march south of Gaza, whence he draws his forage and provisions: but ravages, at the same time, the country, carrying off cattle and mules to a great extent from most of the villages south of Ramla.The object of my movement was the protection of these villages, but principally the destruction of the enemy’s provisions at Gaza, in case Ibrahim Pacha, distressed in the Desert, should have struck off south of the Dead Sea towards Gaza.On the 14th of January the division encamped at Ashdod; on the 15th it could only make a march of three hours to El-Meshdel on account of the incessant heavy rain, which poured down ever since it left Ramla.Towards the afternoon, a reconnoitring party of the enemy of 500 horse approached the camp; but the commanding officer making a very silly manœuvre was taken in flank and rear by about 400 or 500 of our cavalry, who pursued him for two hours, taking between forty and fifty prisoners, and killing and wounding as many. Our loss was about four killed and twelve wounded.Hearing nothing positive about Ibrahim’s immediate approach, and the low country towards Gaza having become a complete marsh by the continued floods of rain up to the 16th in the evening, and the troops having been completely drenched day and night in the bivouacs, I suspended the movement, and sent the infantry and guns to Jaffa, advancing, at the same time, the cavalry detachments to the neighbourhood of Ascalon and some villages towards the river of that name, with their head-quarters at El-Mesde, intending to resume the operations the moment the ground had become practicable; but on my arrival here, informed officially of the complete submission of Mehemet Ali Pacha, and the consequent cessation of the state of rebellion of his army, our troops have been ordered to cease offensive hostilities. His Excellency the Seraskier Ahmed Zacharias Pacha commanded in person since we left Ramla.I have, &c.,(Signed)A. Jochmus,Lieut.-Gen.

34.

General Jochmus to Admiral Stopford.

I have the honour to inform your Excellency, that on the 14th instant I directed a division of ten battalions of infantry, 1800 irregular and Tatar horse, 150 regular cavalry, and 14 pieces of artillery, to march from Ramla towards Gaza.

This latter village is abandoned by the enemy, who has a flying camp of 1200 regular and 1800 irregular horse, with eight pieces of horse artillery, at three-quarters of an hour’s march south of Gaza, whence he draws his forage and provisions: but ravages, at the same time, the country, carrying off cattle and mules to a great extent from most of the villages south of Ramla.

The object of my movement was the protection of these villages, but principally the destruction of the enemy’s provisions at Gaza, in case Ibrahim Pacha, distressed in the Desert, should have struck off south of the Dead Sea towards Gaza.

On the 14th of January the division encamped at Ashdod; on the 15th it could only make a march of three hours to El-Meshdel on account of the incessant heavy rain, which poured down ever since it left Ramla.

Towards the afternoon, a reconnoitring party of the enemy of 500 horse approached the camp; but the commanding officer making a very silly manœuvre was taken in flank and rear by about 400 or 500 of our cavalry, who pursued him for two hours, taking between forty and fifty prisoners, and killing and wounding as many. Our loss was about four killed and twelve wounded.

Hearing nothing positive about Ibrahim’s immediate approach, and the low country towards Gaza having become a complete marsh by the continued floods of rain up to the 16th in the evening, and the troops having been completely drenched day and night in the bivouacs, I suspended the movement, and sent the infantry and guns to Jaffa, advancing, at the same time, the cavalry detachments to the neighbourhood of Ascalon and some villages towards the river of that name, with their head-quarters at El-Mesde, intending to resume the operations the moment the ground had become practicable; but on my arrival here, informed officially of the complete submission of Mehemet Ali Pacha, and the consequent cessation of the state of rebellion of his army, our troops have been ordered to cease offensive hostilities. His Excellency the Seraskier Ahmed Zacharias Pacha commanded in person since we left Ramla.

I have, &c.,(Signed)A. Jochmus,Lieut.-Gen.

I have, &c.,

(Signed)A. Jochmus,Lieut.-Gen.

35. “Very small kettle-drums, or basins, about six inches in diameter, covered with a parchment, and fixed on each side of the pommel of the saddle as holster-pieces are, and beat with pieces of leather straps. They make a monotonous noise, and always accompany Arab cavalry.”

36. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 294.

37. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 295.

38. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 295.

39. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 295. Tahir Bey reports that after Ibrahim re-crossed the Jordan, he lost all his infantry, and arrived at Kerek with his cavalry only.

40. See page124.

41. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 298.

42. See page128.

43. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 270.

44. Ibid., pp. 271, 272.

45. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 272.

46. Ibid., p. 276.

47. “The latter,—by the bye,—being no pass at all, but an open place in the plains to the eastward of Gaza.”

48. Although these instructions from Sir Charles Smith were so termed,—and Colonel Napier has documents from his successor, General Michell, to prove that they were satisfactorily executed,—it appears strange that this mission of the Colonel’s should never have been publicly made known.

49. “Moïadjumah, literally meaning the ‘meeting of the waters.’”

50. “He had lately succeeded Sir Charles Smith.”

51. “Mr. Wood, in one of his official reports, gives General Jochmus the credit of this reconnoissance, whereas I am not aware that the latter was, at this period, ever across the Jordan.”

52. This title was conferred in consequence of a promise made by the Sultan, through Lord Ponsonby, that Colonel Napier should receive the nishan or order of that rank—which promise has as yet been kept with true “Turkish faith.”

53. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., pp. 203, 268.

54. Letter to the Seraskier and Hussein Pacha, dated January 21, 1841.Levant Papers, Part III., pp. 275, 276.

55.Memorandum for Colonel Alderson’s guidance.Jaffa, January 22, 1841.Accounts having been received by the Seraskier that a considerable number of Egyptian troops have advanced towards Gaza, his Excellency has requested that an English officer of rank and discretion should proceed to the quarters of the Egyptian officer commanding the troops in that neighbourhood, to act as Conservator of the Peace. In all probability the Egyptian Commandant will not feel himself authorized to order any of these troops to retire until he shall receive directions from Ibrahim Pacha; but you will point out to him the evident necessity that exists for the avoidance of any the smallest act of hostility or plunder, if he would not break the Convention and renew the war. So long as you are satisfied that he is acting in good faith, and doing everything possible to maintain order and peace towards the Turkish troops and inhabitants of the neighbourhood, you will remain with him, taking occasion at all times to point out and to urge upon him the propriety of hastening, by any means in his power, the evacuation of Syria, in the terms of Mehemet Ali Pacha’s order to his son Ibrahim Pacha. Should you have reason to object to any of his proceedings, you will at once remonstrate and protest: should he persist, you will formally take your leave, and immediately return to the British head-quarters, giving notice that you have done so to the officer commanding the nearest post of the Ottoman troops, and putting him on his guard. You will communicate with head-quarters as frequently as possible, and notify as exactly as you can the number and state of the Egyptian troops in that district.You will have with you copies of the letters which have been forwarded to Ibrahim Pacha, and of Commodore Sir Charles Napier’s letters from Alexandria to General Michell and to Captain Stewart. The Seraskier Pacha has declared that he has no design to deprive the Egyptians of their arms, baggage, or guns; and that he wishes, by every fair and safe means, to facilitate the retirement from Syria of the Egyptian forces. Copies of the instructions given to the officers sent to Ibrahim Pacha, and to accompany General Jochmus, will also be furnished to you: and you will observe that the immediate evacuation of Syria is the principal object to which all others are to be considered as secondary.By desire ofGeneral Michell,(Signed)Houston Stewart.

55.

Memorandum for Colonel Alderson’s guidance.

Jaffa, January 22, 1841.

Accounts having been received by the Seraskier that a considerable number of Egyptian troops have advanced towards Gaza, his Excellency has requested that an English officer of rank and discretion should proceed to the quarters of the Egyptian officer commanding the troops in that neighbourhood, to act as Conservator of the Peace. In all probability the Egyptian Commandant will not feel himself authorized to order any of these troops to retire until he shall receive directions from Ibrahim Pacha; but you will point out to him the evident necessity that exists for the avoidance of any the smallest act of hostility or plunder, if he would not break the Convention and renew the war. So long as you are satisfied that he is acting in good faith, and doing everything possible to maintain order and peace towards the Turkish troops and inhabitants of the neighbourhood, you will remain with him, taking occasion at all times to point out and to urge upon him the propriety of hastening, by any means in his power, the evacuation of Syria, in the terms of Mehemet Ali Pacha’s order to his son Ibrahim Pacha. Should you have reason to object to any of his proceedings, you will at once remonstrate and protest: should he persist, you will formally take your leave, and immediately return to the British head-quarters, giving notice that you have done so to the officer commanding the nearest post of the Ottoman troops, and putting him on his guard. You will communicate with head-quarters as frequently as possible, and notify as exactly as you can the number and state of the Egyptian troops in that district.

You will have with you copies of the letters which have been forwarded to Ibrahim Pacha, and of Commodore Sir Charles Napier’s letters from Alexandria to General Michell and to Captain Stewart. The Seraskier Pacha has declared that he has no design to deprive the Egyptians of their arms, baggage, or guns; and that he wishes, by every fair and safe means, to facilitate the retirement from Syria of the Egyptian forces. Copies of the instructions given to the officers sent to Ibrahim Pacha, and to accompany General Jochmus, will also be furnished to you: and you will observe that the immediate evacuation of Syria is the principal object to which all others are to be considered as secondary.

By desire ofGeneral Michell,(Signed)Houston Stewart.

By desire ofGeneral Michell,

(Signed)Houston Stewart.

56. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 307.

57. See page89.

58. See these documents in pages176-178.

59. SeeLevant Papers, Part III., p. 329.

60. “Izzet Pacha.”

Back to Index Next