| “My dear Commodore, | “Gaza, January 25, 1841, Monday, 1½h., P.M. |
“I arrived here with Colonel Rose and Rechid Pacha about an hour ago, in the Hecate.
“We have been induced to come, from the suspicions and jealousies entertained by the Turks, * * * of the intentions of Ibrahim Pacha, in concentrating such a formidable force in this place.
“The Turks have advanced all their forces on Jerusalem, Hebron, and Medjdel, and we become somewhat anxious that * * would bring on a collision.
“They assure us here, that the retirement shall be commenced to-morrow morning, by two regiments of cavalry and two more in the afternoon; and we send this news back to Jaffa, which will keep all right and safe.
“But the point of the Syrian conscripts being allowed to remain in their own country, is one of great difficulty and great importance, inasmuch as the Turks have received positive and late instructions to insist upon it. Achmet Pacha, (who commands here,) says, he will restore them the moment he receives the order. Meantime a list of those who may be in the first retiring regiments is to be given to me, and so soon as leave for the Syrians to remain arrives, every one of them shall be returned.
“Rechid Pacha assures us that Mehemet Ali gave his word of honour to the Turkish Commissioners at Alexandria, that they should all be permitted to leave the Egyptian ranks previous to passing the frontiers; and it is to obtain this order, without a moment’s loss of time, that I send off the steamers. I beg of you to return the authority by the quickest possible conveyance[conveyance], be it Hecate or any other already coaled. The Turks attach great importance to this article. They are now in force as well of cavalry as of infantry, all the cavalry from the north having joined, * * *
* * * * * *
“I have now no fears but all will go well. Ibrahim Pacha is expected here to-morrow, and I shall wait here to see him, and, indeed, until I hear from Alexandria.
“Poor gallant, excellent, General Michell died at Jaffa yesterday of fever and ague, caught by exposure and fatigue. Colonel Bridgeman now commands, and will do everything well. * * * *