On the 1st May 1881 several French ironclads appeared off Bizerta. The governor of the town was summoned to surrender it to the French, and in compliance with the Bey’s orders he at once declared that he should offer no resistance. Before nightfall a French garrison occupied the town, the French flag was flying on the forts, and the chastisement of the Khamírs assumed a new phase of its gradual development. Never perhaps in the history of the world’s warfare, was a more important conquest effected without the striking of a blow. When the news reached the Bey at Tunis, he said, “I am sorry to see my flag dishonoured at Bizerta, but _now_ at any rate England and Italy cannot remain silent.” Muhamed es Sadek was, however, as events soon proved, egregiously mistaken. The following protest was at once sent to M. Roustan:— _May 2d_, 1881. The Governor of Bizerta has informed us yesterday that several French ships of war appeared before Bizerta, and the occupation of the city and forts was demanded by the French, under threats of recourse to violence. As we are at peace with France, the governor was not in a position to resist; and the French troops have occupied Bizerta and hoisted the French flag on our forts. This occupation, at a time when we are at peace with your Government, is a proceeding without precedent, and is opposed to all the rules and prescriptions of the law of nations. In consequence, we protest in the most solemn manner against this occupation. We must express our sorrow at being thus treated by a Government which we have always endeavoured to conciliate, and with which it has been our constant endeavour to preserve the most friendly relations. The best commentary on this “proceeding without precedent” is contained in Admiral Spratt’s letter, which appeared in the _Times_ of the 16th May. _Admiral Spratt to Mr. Montague Guest, M.P._