Meanwhile in spite of adverse appearances, I still retain the opinion expressed in a former part of my correspondence. The Porte, I am satisfied, is prepared to give way in the end, though with much reluctance. Nothing whatever has occurred to warrant the alarming rumours of popular excitement and insurrection diligently circulated, and even countenanced by Rifaat Pasha, some days ago. If my information be correct, there is reason, on the contrary, to believe that not only the Mussulman inhabitants of the capital are sufficiently indifferent to the question at issue, but that many of the upper classes, some of the most distinguished Turkish statesmen, and a few even of the Ulemah are favourable to our view of the subject. Inclosure in No. 34. _Answer of Rifaat Pasha to M. Frederic Pisani, March_ 14, 1844. La réponse de son Excellence Rifaat Pacha, dite verbalement et officiellement, se trouve dans une pièce qui nous a été présentée. Cette pièce était un extrait d'une dépêche à Aali Effendi et à Réchid Pacha. Nous avons refusé de la prendre parcequ'elle n'est pas satisfaisante. Elle est conçue ainsi: "Comme la loi ne permet nullement de changer les dispositions à l'égard de la punition des apostats, la Sublime Porte prendra des mesures efficaces, les mesures possibles, pour que l'exécution des Chrétiens qui, devenus Musulmans, retournent au Christianisme, n'ait pas lieu." (Translation.) The answer of his Excellency Rifaat Pasha, verbally and officially pronounced, is contained in a document which was presented to us. This document was an extract from a despatch to Aali Effendi and to Reshid Pasha. We refused to take it, because it is not satisfactory. It is couched in these terms: "As the law does not admit of any change being made in the enactments regarding the punishment of apostates, the Sublime Porte will take efficacious measures, the measures which are possible, in order that the execution of Christians who, having become Mussulmans, return to Christianity, shall not take place." No. 35. _The Earl of Aberdeen to Sir Stratford Canning_. (Extract.) _Foreign Office, April_ 6, 1844. The latest account which I have received from your Excellency of your proceedings with regard to the question pending with the Porte, arising out of the execution of the Greek near Brussa on the charge of apostacy from Islamism, is contained in your despatch of the 14th of March. From that despatch it appears that, in conjunction with your French colleague, you had rejected as unsatisfactory the communication made to your dragomans on that day by the Ministers of the Porte, and that you were taking measures to secure an audience of the Sultan, in the event of your failing to obtain from the Porte without further delay, a more satisfactory reply.