“Colonel Sir Charles Smith having arrived with a Firman from the Sultan, constituting him General in command of all his forces in Syria, nothing is in future to be undertook without his order, and you will abstain from any further operations until further orders. “I send the steamer as before ordered, to protect your right, if necessary, but not to land their troops. “I am, Sir, “Your most obedient humble Servant, “ROBERT STOPFORD.” “Commodore Sir Charles Napier, H.M.S. Powerful.” “October 9th, 1840. “My dear Commodore, “Colonel Sir Charles Smith will listen to all your plans, and readily adopt them if he thinks them feasible, but his appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Turks, and senior officer of the Europeans, gives him the sole military authority. “I hope you will listen to, and receive him with kindness, not bordering on any feeling of disappointment. “It will be no discredit to our arms to make a military reconnoissance, and to retire if necessary. “Yours truly, “ROBERT STOPFORD.” This was followed up as I expected, by another from the Admiral. “October 10th. “My dear Commodore, “The nature of our operations being completely changed by our possession of Beyrout, from which place the enemy’s troops were withdrawn last night, that I have sent you an order with the advice and opinion of Sir Charles Smith, appointed by Firman to command the Turkish forces, to return without a moment’s loss of time, and with due security to your troops, which appear in some degree of insecurity. “Yours truly, “ROBERT STOPFORD.” -------------- CHAPTER XII. Impossibility of immediately retiring—Letter to the Admiral—His Answer—Arrival of the Emir—Advance upon the Enemy—Doubtful character of the Forces on both sides—Novelty of the Author’s situation—Battle of Boharsof—Defeat and Flight of Ibrahim—An awkward Mistake—A Green Egyptian Flag taken, and said to be lost again—Promptitude of Omar Bey—Turkish mode of Rejoicing—Second Letter of Recall—Note to the Admiral—Letter respecting the Author’s return to D’Jounie—Official Report of the Battle of Boharsof.