[72]. It is believed that the Empress Catherine had formed the plan of a similar expedition, and that her death prevented its timely execution. When in 1812, the approaching war between France and Russia rendered the cessation of hostilities, on the Turkish frontiers, absolutely necessary to the future operations of the Russians against the French, it had been determined, and measures were taken accordingly, that an army composed of regular troops, marines, and militiamen, amounting to fifty thousand men, under the command of the Duke of Richelieu, should have been transported from Sevastopol in the Crimea to Domouzdéré, where its landing was to be effected under the protection of a fleet, commanded by Admiral Bailie. This army was to take possession of the reservoirs, and the Turks by whom the event would have been perfectly unexpected and unforeseen, would, no doubt, have been compelled to sign peace immediately. This bold scheme was to have been executed in case any new difficulties had arisen in the negotiations of Bukorest. It has been kept so secret, that it is doubtful whether any Turk suspects, even at the present day, its having been conceived and seriously intended.
[73]. A Turkish proverb.
[74]. The deceased Sultan.
[75]. Teryak, formerly an article of trade coming from Venice, is supposed in Turkey to be a remedy against the bite of snakes.
[76]. The titles of some superior officers amongst the Janissaries.
[77]. A corps of gardeners for the Seraglio, but at the same time the Sultan’s body-guards.
[78]. Regiment.
[79]. Mahometan priest.
[80]. The Thracian Bosphorus.
[81]. These are proverbial expression to denote the vicissitudes of fortune.