Egypt -- History -- Mohammed Ali, 1805-1849; Syria -- History; Turkey -- History -- 1829-1878
“Considering the possession of Sidon as of great importance to the
success of the Sultan’s cause, by giving confidence to his faithful
subjects, and very much embarrassing the measures of Ibrahim Pacha, I
directed Commodore Napier to proceed thither, and, after summoning the
place, to make the attack. I have great satisfaction in communicating,
for their Lordships’ information, the most complete success of this
enterprise, as detailed in the Commodore’s letter herewith sent.
“Our loss, as their Lordships will perceive by the return herewith
transmitted, has been comparatively small, but still much to be
regretted: the only officer killed was Lieutenant Hockin, of the Royal
Marines, a young man of great promise, who had only arrived in the
Stromboli, with a detachment of Royal Marines, in time to take part in
the enterprise.
“The place is still in our possession, and its capture seems to have
been an unexpected blow to Ibrahim Pacha, and has much paralyzed his
measures.
“It is a very pleasing duty to me to call their Lordships’ attention to
the excellent and judicious manner in which the plan of attack upon
Sidon was laid by Commodore Napier, and the spirit and gallantry with
which it was accomplished.
“The ships employed upon this expedition were as follow:—Thunderer,
Captain M.F.F. Berkeley; Guerriera, Austrian frigate, his Royal Highness
Prince Frederick of Austria; Gorgon, Captain Henderson; Cyclops, Captain
Austin; Wasp, Commander Mansel; Hydra, Commander Robinson; Stromboli,
Commander Williams; Gul Sefide, Turkish corvette.
“The Commodore expresses himself much obliged to Commander Mansel for
his intelligent and active services. Amongst several individual acts of
bravery, it appears from every account that the most prominent one
belongs to Mr. Cummings, mate of the Cyclops.
“After the Commodore left Sidon (Captain Berkeley has been left for its
protection, with as many other vessels as can be spared, including the
Guerriera, Austrian frigate), much skill and judgment have been
displayed in putting the place into a good state of defence against an
attack by Ibrahim Pacha, who is in that neighbourhood; and Captain
Berkeley mentions the ready assistance he at all times receives from his
Royal Highness Prince Charles Frederick of Austria.
“I have, &c.,
(Signed) “ROBERT STOPFORD, _Admiral_.”
“ O’Ferrall, Esq., &c., Admiralty.”
SUMMONS.
“H.B.M. Steam Ship Gorgon,
Sept. 26.
“Sir,
“In the name of the five united Powers, Turkey, England, Austria,
Russia, and Prussia, I demand that you immediately declare for the
Sultan, your Master. Pardon for past offences will be granted; and the
arrears to the troops will be paid by the Sultan.
“CHARLES NAPIER, _Commodore_.”
“To the Governor of Sidon.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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