At day-light on the morning of the 10th, I observed the English Consul’s flag flying in Beyrout, and a brisk communication going on between the ships and the town; that, and the steam-boats moving from St. George’s Bay, led me to believe, that Beyrout was evacuated, and that Souliman Pacha was concentrating his troops to attack my right, while Ibrahim, who we ascertained was our opponent, attacked my front; under these circumstances it was not a pleasing sight to see the Turks and marines, who were stationed in St. George’s Bay for the express purpose of watching Souliman, removed to take possession of an abandoned town, thus leaving my right quite exposed, and I wrote to the Admiral, giving him an account of my position as follows: “October 10. “My dear Admiral, “I am on the heights of Ornagacuan, in a very strong position: the enemy are in front, close to me, also in an unassailable position: we drove in the out-posts yesterday. I last night received a letter from the Prince, who is not well, but his troops were at Basquinta, about five hours march from the enemy. I have desired him to advance on their rear, and I have directed two battalions to march on Argentoun, ready to cross Dog River at the first favourable moment. “I see you have sent men to Beyrout, so I presume it has capitulated; this may change our operations. If Souliman reinforces Ibrahim, who is here, it might be proper to withdraw in the night, embark every soul in the steam-boats, go round to West Bay, land our troops there before day-light, and precipitate ourselves on Souliman’s camp; this can only be done when we hear what the Prince may do. But if you do not want the steam-boats at Beyrout they ought all to be in the Bay, in order that I might embark without a human being knowing it but yourself. Hodges, who is in my confidence, and who will stay till you send the steam-boat to Constantinople, will be able to answer any question you may please about us. I hope to hear from you the news about Beyrout. Be quite easy, my dear Admiral, about us, and believe me to remain, “Yours, &c., “(Signed) CHARLES NAPIER.” I had heard a report of Sir Charles Smith’s arrival, but I did not apprehend he would assume the command till after the performance of the service now in progress. Shortly after dispatching this letter, however, I received two from the Admiral, dated the day before, which prepared me to expect an order to retreat; they were as follows:— “Princess Charlotte, D’Jounie Bay, October 9th, 1840. “Sir,