“On another hand, you are not ignorant, Commodore, that the despatches received from France by the last steam-boat have apprised us that the French Government, having entered into negotiation with the Four Powers at the request of the Viceroy, a definitive arrangement was expected to take place in a few days. In this posture of affairs do not you think, Commodore, that it would be fitting not to anticipate the decision which the Great Powers, acting in concert with the Sublime Porte, are about to take? a decision which the Viceroy engages in the most formal manner to submit to without delay. “You seem to fear that the sending of a body of troops upon the frontiers of Syria might be considered at Constantinople as a proof of the intention of his Highness to prolong hostilities in that country; it is in order to put you completely at ease upon this point that I repeat to you the positive assurance, that the column which has recently been sent towards El-Arish has no other object, no other destination, than to secure the means of communication. “I repeat, &c., (Signed) “BOGHOS JOUSSOUF.” “To Commodore Napier.” The Turco-Egyptian squadron, consisting of twenty-one sail of the line, and numerous frigates and corvettes were, when I arrived, lying in the harbour, with the yards and topmasts struck; but at noon on the 24th of November, being the first day of the Bairam, an unusual movement was observed on board the ships, and they began to sway their masts up, and before sun-set, their royal yards were across, and after dusk they were brilliantly illuminated. On the morning of the 25th, I entered the harbour of Alexandria in the Medea steamer, passed through the Turco-Egyptian fleet, and anchored off the Palace. I then landed and proceeded to the house of the British Consul, Mr. Larking. As the Pacha was receiving visits from his officers and the principal inhabitants of Alexandria, he appointed the following day at noon to receive me. In the afternoon we walked about the town, and there appeared much satisfaction in the countenances of the inhabitants of all nations and all religions at being released from the apprehension they entertained of having their town knocked about their ears.