“Sir,
“Princess Charlotte, D’Jounie Bay,
October 4, 1840.
“Considering the possession of Sidon as of great importance to the success of the Sultan’s cause, by giving confidence to his faithful subjects, and very much embarrassing the measures of Ibrahim Pacha, I directed Commodore Napier to proceed thither, and, after summoning the place, to make the attack. I have great satisfaction in communicating, for their Lordships’ information, the most complete success of this enterprise, as detailed in the Commodore’s letter herewith sent.
“Our loss, as their Lordships will perceive by the return herewith transmitted, has been comparatively small, but still much to be regretted: the only officer killed was Lieutenant Hockin, of the Royal Marines, a young man of great promise, who had only arrived in the Stromboli, with a detachment of Royal Marines, in time to take part in the enterprise.
“The place is still in our possession, and its capture seems to have been an unexpected blow to Ibrahim Pacha, and has much paralyzed his measures.
“It is a very pleasing duty to me to call their Lordships’ attention to the excellent and judicious manner in which the plan of attack upon Sidon was laid by Commodore Napier, and the spirit and gallantry with which it was accomplished.
“The ships employed upon this expedition were as follow:—Thunderer, Captain M.F.F. Berkeley; Guerriera, Austrian frigate, his Royal Highness Prince Frederick of Austria; Gorgon, Captain Henderson; Cyclops, Captain Austin; Wasp, Commander Mansel; Hydra, Commander Robinson; Stromboli, Commander Williams; Gul Sefide, Turkish corvette.
“The Commodore expresses himself much obliged to Commander Mansel for his intelligent and active services. Amongst several individual acts of bravery, it appears from every account that the most prominent one belongs to Mr. Cummings, mate of the Cyclops.
“After the Commodore left Sidon (Captain Berkeley has been left for its protection, with as many other vessels as can be spared, including the Guerriera, Austrian frigate), much skill and judgment have been displayed in putting the place into a good state of defence against an attack by Ibrahim Pacha, who is in that neighbourhood; and Captain Berkeley mentions the ready assistance he at all times receives from his Royal Highness Prince Charles Frederick of Austria.