[55].
Memorandum for Colonel Alderson’s guidance.
Jaffa, January 22, 1841.
Accounts having been received by the Seraskier that a considerable number of Egyptian troops have advanced towards Gaza, his Excellency has requested that an English officer of rank and discretion should proceed to the quarters of the Egyptian officer commanding the troops in that neighbourhood, to act as Conservator of the Peace. In all probability the Egyptian Commandant will not feel himself authorized to order any of these troops to retire until he shall receive directions from Ibrahim Pacha; but you will point out to him the evident necessity that exists for the avoidance of any the smallest act of hostility or plunder, if he would not break the Convention and renew the war. So long as you are satisfied that he is acting in good faith, and doing everything possible to maintain order and peace towards the Turkish troops and inhabitants of the neighbourhood, you will remain with him, taking occasion at all times to point out and to urge upon him the propriety of hastening, by any means in his power, the evacuation of Syria, in the terms of Mehemet Ali Pacha’s order to his son Ibrahim Pacha. Should you have reason to object to any of his proceedings, you will at once remonstrate and protest: should he persist, you will formally take your leave, and immediately return to the British head-quarters, giving notice that you have done so to the officer commanding the nearest post of the Ottoman troops, and putting him on his guard. You will communicate with head-quarters as frequently as possible, and notify as exactly as you can the number and state of the Egyptian troops in that district.
You will have with you copies of the letters which have been forwarded to Ibrahim Pacha, and of Commodore Sir Charles Napier’s letters from Alexandria to General Michell and to Captain Stewart. The Seraskier Pacha has declared that he has no design to deprive the Egyptians of their arms, baggage, or guns; and that he wishes, by every fair and safe means, to facilitate the retirement from Syria of the Egyptian forces. Copies of the instructions given to the officers sent to Ibrahim Pacha, and to accompany General Jochmus, will also be furnished to you: and you will observe that the immediate evacuation of Syria is the principal object to which all others are to be considered as secondary.
By desire of General Michell,
(Signed) Houston Stewart.
[56]. See Levant Papers, Part III., p. 307.