“My Lord,
“Powerful, Beyrout,
November 1, 1840.
“I received your Lordship’s letter, and I am happy to find that our operations have given so much satisfaction at Constantinople, as also to yourself. I do hope you will be able to do something for the mountaineers; nothing would increase our influence so much as giving them the sea ports, because the Turks do not treat them well; and they would be quite willing to pay a tribute. I was yesterday at the residence of the Grand Prince, and I am no longer surprised that he should have stuck to Mehemet Ali; he had three palaces building at the same time, which shows that he had his full sway in the mountains, and it is to be hoped his successor will be kept in check.
“We are at last going to Acre with 3500 men; should the weather remain fine I think we shall succeed, but it does not follow that it will be easy; all depends on the disposition of the garrison.
“Ibrahim Pacha’s standard was taken, which I should have sent to the Sultan, with the Admiral’s permission, but General Jochmus told me it had been lost, which very much surprised me. It appears, by the Smyrna paper, that Colonel Hodges was in possession of it, and that he was to present it to the Sultan. I can hardly believe he would have done this unless under some mistake. I have written to him about it; and your Lordship will oblige me by inquiring if Ibrahim’s standard has found its way to Constantinople, and who sent it.
“I have two flags taken at Sidon, one by Corporal James Symons; some mark of favour to him would do good. I hope, in the course of the winter, to be at Constantinople if operations cease here, which I hope will not be the case till the coast becomes dangerous.
“I have the honour to remain,
“Your Lordship’s obedient servant,
“Charles Napier.”