“Believe me your’s, &c.
“Chas. Napier.”
“Admiral Sir R. Stopford, G.C.B.”
This affair was in consequence given up, and I proceeded in the Hydra to Sidon, which I found Captain Berkeley had put in a good posture of defence; he accompanied me to Tyre, which was under the protection of Captain Collier; and I found it a very unfit place to put a force on shore for the winter, being only fifteen miles from Acre, where there was a strong garrison, possessing every material requisite to drive us out, should the squadron be obliged to quit the coast. From Tyre we went on to Acre, which was closely reconnoitred, but not without receiving a salutation from the batteries; only one shot took effect, but did no damage.
In the evening I returned to D’Jounie, bringing back the marine battalion, perfectly satisfied, as were all who accompanied me, that Acre presented no difficulties that could not be overcome, when the proper time arrived for attacking it.
CHAPTER X.
Osman Pacha defeated by the Emir Bechir Cassim at Merouba—Proposed Attack on Beyrout—Correspondence with Sir Robert Stopford—Letter from the Emir Bechir Cassim—Letters to Lords Minto and Palmerston—Visit to the Encampment of the Emir Bechir Cassim—Comfortless quarters at Argentoun—Return—Preparations for the Attack of Beyrout.
I was much pleased, on my return, to find the Emir Bechir Cassim, taking advantage of Ibrahim having weakened his forces before Merouba, had attacked Osman Pacha, defeated him, taken between 400 and 500 prisoners, and obliged him to retire on Basquinta, at the head of the Nahr-el-Kelb. It now became absolutely necessary to act with vigour, and I again brought Beyrout under the Admiral’s consideration, and was glad to find he approved of it, and he wrote to me as follows:—
“My dear Commodore,