“Alexandria, Nov. 25, 1840.
“I have just received the letter which you have this day done me the honour to address to me, and I have hastened to lay it before the Viceroy, my master. Agreeably to his orders, I reply to the different paragraphs contained in it.
“In the first place, with regard to the Druse chieftains, I repeat to you, Commodore, that those among them who live at Cairo, have set out for Syria by land; with regard to those who are still in Nubia, the order to secure their return has already been forwarded, as I had the honour to write to you, and I repeat to you the assurance that the moment they arrive in Egypt, they will be perfectly free to proceed to their own country.
“With regard to the Ottoman fleet, which is to be put into a fit condition for sailing, as soon as the decision of the Powers shall have been officially notified to the Viceroy, his Highness sees with pleasure that you concur in his sentiments.
“His Highness, sincerely participating in the wish which you express to put a stop to the shedding of blood, has decided to put an end to hostilities; but as you are not ignorant that the transport by sea of an army which has a large quantity of stores, horses, and camp equipage, presents great difficulties, and that it is above all important to put an end to the calamities of war, the Viceroy is ready to order his son Ibrahim Pacha to concentrate his troops in order to fall back with them upon Egypt, an order which shall be transmitted to the Commander-in-Chief by an Egyptian officer, accompanied, if you think fit, by an English officer accredited by you.
“By this means, Ibrahim Pacha will be enabled completely to evacuate Syria the moment the decision of the Powers shall be officially known.
“I have, &c.
(Signed) “Boghos Joussouf.”
“To Commodore Napier.”
At noon on the 26th I proceeded to the Palace, accompanied by Captains Maunsell, Martin, and Warden. Sir William Eden, who was on board the Carysfort, did me also the honour of accompanying me, and Mr. Larking, the British Consul; and I must take this opportunity of stating how much I am indebted to Sir William Eden for some valuable suggestions; as also to Captains Maunsell and Martin. A battalion of Egyptian troops was drawn up in the court-yard of the Palace, and presented arms, the band playing martial airs.