MY DEAR FRIEND,
The Empress of Russia's late journey to the Crimea, and the confederacy formed there by her Majesty and the Emperor of Germany, have given the late stroke to those reiterated provocations which would, long ere this, have excited to arms a people less irascible than the Turks: but, however inclined the nation at large might be to resent the insults of the Russians, and the frequent infringements of the Treaty of Cainardgie, yet their fiery spirit was kept in awe by the pacific disposition of the reigning Sultan.
Abdoul Hamet is a Prince of a humane and virtuous character; and, although the peace of 1774 was forced upon his country, he determined most religiously to adhere to the conditions it imposed.
At the time this treaty was concluded, the Porte was in a most deplorable state, to which it was in a great measure reduced by the unprecedented support the English afforded to the ambitious views of the Court of Petersburg, against a nation with whom we were at peace.
The Spaniards were well inclined to prevent the Russian fleet entering the Mediterranean; but their objections were quashed at once by the interference of so brilliant a Power as England: a Power whose all-conquering force the Court of Spain had so recently felt, in the repeated victories of the immortal Chatham, which had obliged her to supplicate peace at the feet of our glorious Sovereign.
A George, and a Chatham, are names which the patriotic Englishman could for ever dwell upon; but both the politics of the one, and the virtues of the other, are too exalted to be extended by a panegyric from my humble pen. To return, then, to the Turks, and to a time when, I am sorry to say, our prejudice in favor of Russia, made us adopt a line of conduct in a high degree contrary to but own interest: The terror of the English having compelled the Spaniards to suffer the Russians to enter the Mediterranean, our port at Mahon immediately received them with open arms. Here they were not only supplied with every refreshment, but our hospitals, nay, even our arsenals, were opened to them, and every encouragement was given to our officers and seamen, to enter into their service.
Thus supplied and equipped, the Russian fleet sailed for the Archipelago, and gave battle to the Turks. Victory (as may naturally be supposed, from the superior abilities and nautical experience of Commodore Elphinstone and the British officers) declared for the Russians.
The Ottoman fleet retired to the Bay of Chisemé; and the Moscovites, unaccustomed to naval exertions, were not disposed to pursue their advantage. It was with the utmost difficulty that Commodore Elphinstone could persuade them to follow the enemy, and attack him in port: but at length, by threats and entreaties, having stimulated them to this enterprize, he led them to the Chisemé the ensuing night. The Turks, astonished at the unexpected attack, were instantly panic-struck, and, without any shew of defence, abandoned and set fire to their ships.
Thus did an Englishman give a fatal blow to the Turkish empire--a blow from which I much doubt whether the Porte will ever recover.
Commodore Elphinstone instantly pushed for the Dardanelles, and, by guarding the entrance of those straits, cut off all communication by sea between Constantinople and the southern provinces. The capital was streightened for provisions; Egypt revolted, and most of the Greek islands joined the Russians.