It is said that the Emperor once attempted to rally his troops, but that, on this occasion, he himself was very near being taken prisoner.
This glorious success was announced by the guns of the Seraglio, on the 3d of October. A general Thanksgiving was immediately performed, and orders issued for proclaiming the Grand Signior gazi, or victorious.
LETTER XXVIII.
TO CAPTAIN SMITH.
Constantinople, Jan. 1st, 1789.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
An unexpected opportunity having offered to carry us to Constantinople, we set sail for the Dardanelles on the 25th Oct. having previously sent to desire an express might meet us there, with the Grand Signior's permission to pass the forts, and go up to his capital. A favor, which, through the interest of Sir Robert Ainslie, our Ambassador, the Porte very readily granted.
This permission, however, is a compliment seldom or ever paid to a man of war of any nation, except when she has an Ambassador on board; and it was the more flattering to us, because L'Iris, a French frigate, commanded by the Viscount D'Orleans, which was lying close to us, applied for it in vain at the moment we gained it. To add to the compliment, the Governor of the forts which command the pass, promised to salute us.
Nothing could be more delightful than our voyage through these straits. The country on each side is beautifully picturesque, and the situation in itself highly interesting. The Dardanelles, you recollect, are the ancient Hellespont, and the spots on which the forts stand, are famous for the loves of Hero and Leander. Behind us were the Tomb of Achilles, the Semois and Scamander, the celebrated rivers of Troy, and every point brought an interesting character to our view.