“I transmit copy of one of General Jochmus’s despatches to Admiral Sir Robert Stopford[[78]], that I may insure its being known to your Lordship, as it affords information essential to a correct judgment of the affairs of this country.
“It is shown in the despatch, that had it not been for the perseverance of General Jochmus in taking measures against Ibrahim Pacha, it would have been easy for Ibrahim to remain with his army in Damascus until, the arrangement with Mehemet Ali having been completed, he might have retreated with a great unbroken force to Egypt, instead of having his army defeated and nearly destroyed, and wholly demoralized.
“Had Ibrahim remained at Damascus, the military question would have been undecided, and it would have been easy to assert that victory might still have been on the side of the Pasha, had Mehemet Ali thought it politic to continue the war.
“If Ibrahim had taken back to Egypt his large army unharmed, Mehemet Ali would possess a force that might encourage him to resist, and might possibly make him stronger than ever. The energy of General Jochmus has rendered all doubt and delusion on the subject of the military question impossible, and has shown, that under able command the Turkish troops are more than a match for the Egyptian army and General; his energy has also taken from Mehemet Ali the best means he could have to support resistance, and therefore has afforded the best ground for hoping he will submit.
“All this good is due to the energy of General Jochmus. The praises General Jochmus gives to those who have done good service, are proofs of his honourable and just feelings.
“I have, &c.,
(Signed) “Ponsonby.”
“Right Hon. Viscount Palmerston.”
I have already mentioned the arrival of the Turkish Commissioners at Alexandria, and the formal delivery of the fleet[[79]] on the 11th of January, which sailed on the 20th of that month from Alexandria; and the greatest credit is due to Admiral Walker for his exertions in fitting out that fleet, many of which were obliged to be lightened even to their ballast, and take in their guns and stores outside; this they did without anchoring, and got clear of the land before sunset. Mehemet Ali having parted in good faith with this valuable deposit, became alarmed about the fate of his son and his army, and though he complained little to me in person, desired Boghos Bey to write to me on the subject.
“Commodore,