While the question of the Holy Places was thus winding its weary way along, the Emperor of Russia was ordering troops to the frontiers of the Danubian Provinces. On the 4th of January, 1853, Sir G. H. SEYMOUR writes to Lord JOHN RUSSELL, that “orders have been dispatched to the 5th corps d’armée to advance to the frontiers of the Danubian Provinces, _without waiting for their reserves_; and the 4th corps, under the command of General Count DANNENBERG, and now stationed in Volhynia, will be ordered to hold itself in readiness to march if necessary. Each of these corps consists of twenty-four regiments, and, as your Lordship is aware, each Russian regiment is composed of three battalions (each of about 1000 men), of which one battalion forms the reserve. General LUDER’S corps d’armée accordingly, being now 48,000 strong, will receive a reinforcement of 24,000 men soon after its arrival at its destination, and supposing the 4th corps to follow, the whole force will amount at least, according to official returns, to 144,000 men.”—(_Blue Book_, vol. i., p. 56) January 28, 1853, Colonel ROSE says, “Both the French and Russian Representatives exhibit now most laudable moderation in the matter of the Holy Places.”—(_Blue Book_, vol. i., p. 79.) And now new events occur in this strange drama. The three great Powers—England, France, and Russia—remove their ambassadors and appoint new ones. England sent Viscount STRATFORD DE REDCLIFFE, France, M. de la COUR, and Russia, the notorious Prince MENCHIKOFF. The first act of the Russian officer was an insult to the Porte—an insult committed with intention, and at once indicating both the character of the mission and of the man appointed to execute it. Colonel ROSE writes to Lord JOHN RUSSELL, March 3, 1853, “A painful sensation was caused here by the following incident, which occurred yesterday:—Prince MENCHIKOFF paid his official visit to the Grand Vizier, at the Porte, but purposely omitted to pay it to FUAD EFFENDI, who was ready to receive him.”—(_Blue Book_, vol. i., p. 85.) In another despatch, dated March 7, 1853, are these passages:— “Circumstances connected with the mission of Prince MENCHIKOFF have gradually come to light, and cause grave apprehension for the independence, if not the destiny, of Turkey. * * Unfortunately, Prince MENCHIKOFF’S first public act evinced _entire disregard_, _on his part_, _of the Sultan’s dignity and rights_, _which_, _combined with the hostile attitude of __Russia_, _created the impression that coercion_, _rather than conciliatory negotiation_, _would distinguish his Excellency’s mission_.” And, further on, speaking of the affront offered to FUAD EFFENDI, he says,—