The two columns now left Bizerta almost simultaneously. That under General Maurand took the direction of Mater, following the shore of the Bizerta lake, while General Bréart marched towards Tunis. The rain fell incessantly, and the soldiers were often nearly knee-deep in mud. This circumstance necessarily occasioned great delay. Halts were frequently called, and Jedeida was not reached till the 10th May. The march was exceptionally fatiguing, and the Société Marseillaise were considerate enough to entertain the superior officers at a substantial breakfast, on the troops passing through the historical domain of Sidi Tabet. The news of the arrival of the “allies” in the immediate vicinity of the capital, extinguished the faint hopes of foreign mediation in the hearts of the Tunisians. I went to Mustapha’s palace in the afternoon. The blank despair on the faces of its inmates contrasted strangely with the undisguised glee discernible on the countenances of Musalli, Mascaro, and Volterra, who now mustered in great force. Signor Pestalozza was with the Prime Minister when I arrived, and as usual counselled firmness and “consideration for the interests of the Great Powers.” “Don’t talk to me any more of the Great Powers,” cried Mustapha, “what in God’s name have the Great Powers done for us?” When Signor Pestalozza left that room he knew that the _rôle_ of Italy was played out in Tunis. I found the Tunisian Premier alone with M. Conti. “I do not blame you,” began Mustapha, “you have done what you could, but I have been deceived by”—— Here he abruptly stopped. After an awkward pause he continued, “Can you suggest any remedy even now? Is there anything further to be done? Are all the Powers leagued with France against us? I answered _faute de mieux_ that the last move of France had been a sudden one, and that the European Cabinets might be apprised of what had taken place by telegram. He looked at his watch. It was already past three o’clock, and the Italian boat started for Cagliari at six. After reflecting a moment he said, “Send the messages, they can do no harm;” and turning to me he added, “This may perhaps be the last kindness you can do us; at any rate, you will testify that I did my best to save Tunis from France.” The indefatigable M. Conti at once set to work, and the Italian packet left an hour late with the messages on board. _The Bey of Tunis to Lord Granville, London._