Cairo, Jan. 10, 1838.
Madam,
I trust that your ladyship will believe my sincerity, when I assure you with how much reluctance and pain it is that I feel myself again[20] imperatively called upon to address you upon the subject of the debt so long due by you to Mr. Homsy.
The Government of the Viceroy has addressed that of Her Majesty upon the subject, and, by a despatch which I have received from Her Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, I am led to believe that a confidential friend of your ladyship will have already written to you to entreat you to settle this affair.
Your ladyship must be aware that, in order to procure your pension from Her Majesty’s Government, it is necessary to sign a declaration, and to have the consular certificate, at the expiration of each quarter.
I know that this certificate has hitherto been signed by M. Guys, the consul of France at Beyrout; but, in strict legality, it ought to be certified by the British, and not by any foreign consul; and, should your ladyship absolutely refuse the payment of this just claim, I should feel myself, however deeply I may regret it, forced to take measures to prevent the signature of the French, or any other consul but the British, being considered as valid, and consequently your bill for your pension will not be paid at home. I shall communicate this, if your ladyship’s conduct shall oblige me so to do, to M. Guys and the other foreign consuls of Beyrout, in order that your certificate may not be signed—and also send this under flying seal to Mr. Moore, Her Majesty’s consul at Beyrout, in order that he may take the necessary steps to make this known to those consuls, if your ladyship should call on them to sign the quarterly certificate for your pension.
I trust your ladyship will be pleased to favour me with a reply, informing me of your intentions, and which reply will be forwarded to me by Mr. Moore.
I beg your ladyship will be assured of the pain which I experience in being obliged to discharge this truly unpleasant duty, as well as of the respect with which I have the honour to remain, your ladyship’s most obedient humble servant,
P. Campbell,
Her Majesty’s Agent for Egypt and Syria.