“This is written with lively gratitude for the care and the delicacy you have shown in the solution of this difficult question. And in the name of his Highness,
“I am, &c.,
(Signed) “Boghos Joussouf.”
I had already detained the Oriental with the India mail three days, and not thinking it proper to keep her longer, I decided on sending the correspondence by her, and the Convention, when signed, by the Medea. I wrote at the same time to Lord Palmerston.
“My Lord,
“Medea, Alexandria,
Nov. 26, 1840.
“I have sent to the Admiralty copies of my correspondence with the Egyptian Government. I am not able to send the reply to my last letter, because it will not be ready till to-night, when everything will be signed. But I am just come from the Pacha and Boghos Bey, who have consented to the immediate evacuation of Syria. But as I have already kept the Oriental three days, I did not think it right to detain her longer. I hope I am right, and that I have done what I think you wish; and as I feel certain the Turkish army, as it is, could not have followed up Ibrahim without cavalry, artillery, or commissariat, I thought it better to get them out of Syria by treaty. Had we attacked them at Zachle, it would have been different; but they are retired on Damascus. A French steamer arrived here three days ago with a negotiator, besides the one they had here; and they did all they could to prevent this. But six eighty-gun ships negotiate better than a steamer. I should have sent your Lordship copy of the papers, but I could not any longer detain the Indian mail. I shall, probably, send a steamer home with the Convention.
“I have done what I think will meet the views of the Government. I know the responsibility I incur. But an officer ought not to be afraid of acting without instructions, when it is for the advantage of his country.
“I have, &c.,