“I am sorry to say that I cannot ratify, or approve of this measure: setting aside the unauthorized manner and the unnecessary haste with which so important a document was executed, with the Commander-in-Chief within two days’ sail of you, the articles of that Convention, if carried into execution, in the present state of affairs in Syria, would be productive of much more evil than good, and occasion much embarrassment. You will immediately stop the Egyptian transports from coming to this coast; and should any arrive, I have given orders that they should return to Alexandria. “I am, &c., (Signed) “ROBERT STOPFORD, _Admiral_. “Commodore Napier, C. B., H.M.S. Powerful, Senior Officer off Alexandria.” “H.M.S. Powerful, Marmorice Bay, December 14, 1840. “Sir, “I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd of December, disapproving of the Convention I had entered into with the Egyptian Government for the evacuation of Syria and the surrender of the fleet. I have only to regret, that what I did with the best intentions, and believed to be in accordance with the views of the Allies, should not have met your approbation. “I beg to assure you that, it was not from any want of respect to you that I did not communicate with you before signing it, but it was under the impression that it was of the utmost importance to seize the opportunity, when the Pacha was highly incensed against France, to bring him, without loss of time, to terms without the mediation of that power. “I have also to acknowledge the receipt of the copy of a letter you have sent me from Lord Ponsonby, the original of which, I presume, is gone to Alexandria, and I beg to inclose you a copy of my reply. “I have &c., (Signed) “C. NAPIER, _Commodore_.” “The Hon. Sir R. Stopford, Commander-in-Chief, &c., &c., &c.” “Head Quarters, Beyrout, 30th November, 1840. “Sir, “Had you fortunately abstained from honouring me with your letter of the 27th instant, I should have been spared the pain of replying to it. I am not aware that you have been invested with special powers or authority to treat with Mehemet Ali as to the evacuation of Syria by the Egyptian troops; and if you have such special powers and authority, you have not taken the trouble of acquainting me therewith.