“The Emir Bechir is not come; if at twelve o’clock to-day he is not here, you are Grand Prince. I cross over Dog River this morning, and will occupy Ornagacuan. I wish you to cross over immediately, and join me on the heights of Boharsof to-morrow morning; we shall then march on Beyrout. “I have the honour to remain, “Your’s, &c., “CHAS. NAPIER. Soon after this was dispatched, came a letter from the Emir:— “9th October. “This morning I have sent all the troops to Basquinta, with the Princes, and I am going to Masàrà because I am ill. I hope the troops will drive the enemy away. I have received the firman which you sent me. I have read it before all my people, and I have thanked you for this honour. I have sent one of the Emirs to Blazebel to put those troops in good order, and drive the enemy away, because, though there were a good many chiefs there before, they were of no use. I beg you always to send the provisions and ammunition; and now send more, because I am going to El-Metten, and every day I shall have more people; and I have named Scheik Uden, Scheik Sarley, and Scheik Sal-Ufine to take the provisions, and send them to me. Mr. Wood will tell you everything.” So far all appeared right; there had been a little skirmishing with the mountaineers, but we had no idea that an enemy of any force was at hand, and were very comfortably seated in the convent at Ornagacuan, enjoying a tolerable breakfast after our long ride. During our repast, the firing became brisker and nearer, and before we were quite finished, a priest came in with the intelligence that the enemy were in our position. General Jochmus, who had been out in the morning, was incredulous; but I thought it high time to beat to arms, get on horse, and see what was going forward. By this time the fire was very sharp; and when I got near the advanced posts, I found sure enough they had been driven in, and the enemy’s skirmishers were actually in our position. No time was to be lost; two Turkish battalions advanced en tirailleur, and another in column, supported by two others and the Egyptian battalion, and before the enemy had time to reinforce their advance, we succeeded in driving them back. Our position was along a high mountain, with a deep ravine on each side. Towards the end of the position there was a considerable descent; another mountain rose at nearly right angles, the ravine to the left went round it, but to the right it finished, and a circuitous road led from the foot of the mountain, and conducted to its summit, where we discovered a strong body of Egyptians covering another column, who were retiring along the road I have mentioned. This first position was commanded by another, and it again by a third, the approach to them