This letter, dated October 15, 1840, was by mistake, not sent to the Minister. The error was soon discovered and rectified. A copy of the letter will be found at p. 249 of this volume. “It is of the utmost importance that my Government should be informed, by the packet about to leave Alexandria, of the intention of his Highness, in a clear and distinct manner. I have therefore to request your Excellency will at once inform me whether or not it is his Highness’s intention to give immediate orders for the surrendering the Ottoman fleet, and the evacuation of Syria? If his Highness consults his own interests he will not hesitate a moment. “I shall give every assistance with the squadron, to prepare the Turkish fleet, and will permit any number of transports to proceed to Beyrout or Acre, to embark the army, who have now retired on Damascus, the intelligence of which I have this moment received from the Commander-in-Chief. “I beg you will inform his Highness that if he does not at once decide, should any expedition be sent from Constantinople, I have no discretionary power, and must act against him according to the best of my abilities. “I observe with regret, by your letter, that more troops have already been sent into Syria, which I fear will be interpreted at Constantinople, into a determination of persisting in hostilities. “To avoid all unnecessary delay, I am now on board the steam-boat, and shall be most happy to pay my respects to his Highness, should he wish to see me, and offer him any guarantee in my power. “I beg, &c., (Signed) “C. NAPIER.” “His Excellency Boghos Bey.” The Minister speedily made answer, in these terms: “Alexandria, Nov. 24, 1840. “Commodore, “I have laid before the Viceroy, my master, the letter which you have this day done me the honour to address to me. “The Druse chieftains who were residing at Cairo have departed for Syria by land, as I have already had the honour to state to you. It is not, therefore, in his Highnesses power to avail himself of the means of transport which you place at their disposal to accelerate their return to their country. “The copy of the letter from Lord Palmerston to Lord Ponsonby was not, as you state, inclosed in your despatch. “I believe, however, Commodore, that I am aware of the contents of that letter, and it is upon them that I rely in considering as a fact not to be doubted, the consent of his Highness to restore the Ottoman fleet and to evacuate Syria; and I can assure you in the name of the Viceroy, that the fleet shall be restored and Syria evacuated as soon as his Highness shall have received the official and positive guarantee of the advantages which are promised him in return for these concessions.