The Officers of the watch on board H. M. S. Bellerophon are directed to pay strict attention to the orders which will be inserted in this book for their governance during the Night.
Charles Jno. Austen, Captain
Some years before this, Mehemet Ali, Pasha of Egypt, had conquered Syria from his Suzerain, the Sultan, and now wished to declare himself independent, thereby coming into collision with the traditional policy of England and France in the Levant. In 1840 Admiral Stopford’s fleet was sent to the coast of Syria to interfere with communications between the Pasha’s army and Egypt. Charles Austen in the Bellerophon (called by the seamen the “Billy Ruffian”) took part in the bombardment of the Beyrout forts, and afterwards was stationed in one of the neighbouring bays, guarding the entrance of the pass by which Commodore Sir Charles Napier had advanced up the Lebanon to attack Ibrahim Pasha and the Egyptians. In Napier’s words: “It was rather a new occurrence for a British Commodore to be on the top of Mount Lebanon commanding a Turkish army, and preparing to fight a battle which should decide the fate of Syria.” He won the battle and returned to the Powerful, with some reluctance, making way for Colonel Smith, who was appointed by the Sultan to command his forces in Syria.
The Admiral and Colonel Smith shortly afterwards decided on capturing Acre, the chief stronghold now remaining in the Egyptian occupation.
In a letter to Lord Palmerston, Colonel Smith describes the action: “On October 26 it was finally determined between Sir Robert Stopford and myself that the siege of Acre should be undertaken. Owing to the light winds the ships did not get into action till 2 P.M. on November 3, when an animated fire commenced, and was maintained without intermission until darkness closed the operations of the day. About three hours later the Governor, with a portion of the garrison, quitted the town, which was taken possession of by the allied troops at daylight the following morning. The moral influence on the cause in which we are engaged that will result from its surrender is incalculable. During the bombardment the principal magazine and the whole arsenal blew up.”
There is an extract from Charles Austen’s journal, which also gives a slight account of the bombardment:
“9 A.M.—Received a note from the Admiral (Stopford) telling me the Powerful (Commodore Napier) was to lead into action, followed by Princess Charlotte (flag), Bellerophon and Thunderer, who were all to lay against the Western Wall.
“Later.—Working up to the attack with light airs.
“11.30.—Piped to dinner.
“1 P.M.—Bore up to our station, passing outside the shoal to the south, and then to the westward again inside.