Asiatic side, above Unkiar Skelessi,[59] famous afterwards for the
treaty concluded there before their departure; but in the country,
more noted for the delightful valley of the same name to which it is
the landing-place. Mouravieff, the commander-in-chief of the army, was
a bluff, uncouth Russian, who seemed indifferent to intercourse with
strangers, and concerned only with his military duties, taking notice
of no one but to give his orders and receive visitors of rank with a
stiff, formal salute. He scarce felt at ease, more than his soldiers,
as to what part they might have to act, and how the inhabitants would
endure their presence. Strict precautions were taken to keep the men
within their lines, placed where not a hut or human being was to be
seen in their immediate neighbourhood; and the ships in sight, not two
miles distant, with which they could communicate. The Turks, however,
suppressed their indignation, submitting to circumstances which they
could not control, and considering that the strangers had come by the
authority of their Sultan. Their national character, at times furious
and ungovernable on sudden excitement, is tractable under command, and
guided by calm discretion when they have time for reflection; and there
is, perhaps, scarcely an instance of a people entertaining such a rooted
animosity, and restraining it so completely, when thus placed in contact
with the objects of their hate.
The heights soon exhibited a novel and picturesque appearance, dotted
over by the Russian encampment; and some regiments of Turkish guards,
with their circular and blue tents, according to national usage, shortly
after took their quarters a little below, in unwonted fraternity. The
representatives of the other great powers, anxious to see the Sultan’s
new allies dismissed as quickly as possible, made an arrangement in a few
weeks to that effect. It was proposed by the French Ambassador, supported
by the Austrian, under the guarantee of the former, that Mehemet Ali
should accept the terms. Our minister, who was only _ad interim_, of
minor rank, and without instructions, also assisting in promoting a
settlement. The compact, however, was rejected by Mehemet Ali, and
disapproved of by the French government; and although the basis was
far more favourable to the Porte than that of the Convention of Kutaya
afterwards concluded, as Adana and Tarsus were reserved, and Syria only
ceded to the Egyptian chieftain, it was fortunate for the Sultan that
the sailing of the expedition, if ever seriously intended at the time,
did not then take place. A few days before that fixed for the purpose,
news arrived of an event which caused its indefinite postponement, and
superseded all diplomatic combinations.
Smyrna, the second city in Turkey, with a population of 120,000
inhabitants, had withdrawn from its allegiance to the Porte, and under
circumstances, notwithstanding the gravity of the change, perfectly
ridiculous. Ibrahim’s detached parties had already assumed the command
of Magnesia, another city, thirty miles distant; and from thence, three
individuals, the bearers of a pretended letter, with his sanction,
presented themselves to the Governor of Smyrna, requiring him to abdicate
in favour of a successor appointed by their Chief. The Egyptian General,
who had agreed to an armistice until an answer should be received from
his father to the recent proposals, disavowed having sent the summons
when called on for an explanation. It had, however, been immediately
obeyed by the notables of Smyrna, who, when consulted on the occasion,
judged submission to be the most prudent course; and an intriguing
personage of their own body, named Buladauli, who contrived the plot,
was, without a dissentient voice, installed in the Government, like
Sancho Panza in that of Barrataria. The customs and other branches of
the revenue, of which he took possession, showed afterwards by the empty
state of the money chests, deep traces of his ten days’ administration,
for it lasted no longer. As soon as the matter came to be understood,
orders were despatched by the Porte to the legitimate Governor to
resume his functions. On the firman to that effect being read, the
foreign Consuls, who, without instruction, had judiciously declined to
acknowledge the intruder, again hoisted their flags, his mock lordship
decamped, and in the brief space mentioned, a second revolution took
place as tranquilly as the first. No violence or disorder occurred on
either occasion; and the principals in the contrivance having sought
Ibrahim’s protection, no other individual suffered, either at that time,
or since, the slightest molestation for having been its dupes. But the
example must have been dangerous, perhaps contagious, at the capital, on
the first shock, had the Sultan possessed no foreign support. It was at
the option of England to have rendered him the service he then received
from another power; and we may regret to this day that our Government
did not seize the opportunity of securing the lasting advantage to both
countries to which it would have led.
Further reinforcements for the fleet and army next followed from Russia,
accompanied by Count Orloff, as Ambassador Extraordinary, and invested
with the supreme command by sea and land. Shortly before, in March, Lord
Ponsonby arrived to fill his post, and, with his political associate
and colleague, Admiral Roussin, the French Ambassador, saw with great
dissatisfaction this increase of strength, and appearance of a prolonged
sojourn. It was remarked that the Russian ships, in conveying the new
troops to the camp, passed under their Excellencies’ windows at Therapia,
making a sweep, as if for the purpose, before proceeding to the opposite
side. A corvette, armed _en flute_, with her decks crowded, and a band
playing, was particularly conspicuous in paying this compliment; one
of the most unwelcome serenades to which Lord Ponsonby, a thorough
anti-Russian in politics, had probably ever been treated.
From the first entrance of the squadron, there had been abundant firing
of salutes for distinguished visitors; and in mutual courtesy between the
flags of Russia and the Porte, every national anniversary receiving from
both the like honours. But now began the full roar of cannon, till scarce
an hour elapsed but the whole line of the channel re-echoed with the
sound, and as much powder was expended as might have sufficed to decide
the fate of the empire in battle. When the fine season set in, with
calm, cloudless nights, the tones of the Russian sentinel’s challenge,
mellowed in traversing the water to the European shore, fell on the ear
in the stillness with an effect not easy to describe. Again, on the
morrow, recommenced the continuous discharge of artillery from the ships
and forts, as the Sultan, or other high personages, passed in state in
their visits to the military stations. The stirring news and discussions
of the day more seriously occupied the public mind amidst this joyous
show of ceremony and cordiality between the Porte and its allies, since
it was yet uncertain how the event might terminate for the country, and
with whom the sovereignty would remain. From their warlike attitude on
the hills, where they were making additional entrenchments and depôts,
it appeared that the danger for which the Russians had been summoned was
not past, or that they were in no haste to depart. Suspicions were not
wanting that the temptation to keep possession was too strong for them
to resist. But reserve and distrust gradually gave way to more placid
feelings and cheerful prospects; and _fêtes_ and spectacles assumed their
wonted gaiety. Some of the foreign ministers, who had hitherto declined
visiting the camp, attended a grand review, where it was announced that
the Sultan was to be present; and the whole diplomatic corps, invited by
his special desire, came in full pomp to meet his Highness.
He was received with due honours on landing by Count Orloff, and after
consulting his pleasure, aides-de-camp were sent off at full gallop to
form the troops immediately under arms, till then remaining at ease near
their posts. They were placed under the Sultan’s command for the day,
the General-in-chief acting as his adjutant, and repeating the orders
for the different manœuvres, after they had been first submitted to his
approbation. The Sultan, equipped in a splendid military cloak, the
collar ornamented with diamonds, a surtout, light pantaloons, boots,
with massive gold spurs, and a red fur cap, rode through the field on
a noble Arab charger with the ardour of an accomplished horseman, and
the air of a soldier, attended by Orloff and a numerous staff. All the
expertness of Russian tactics was displayed, and men and officers decked
in their best attire; the soldiers, having their mustachoes stiffened
with grease, and their chests thickly padded. The evolutions, performed
with due precision, presented nothing remarkable, with the exception
of one manœuvre, in which two battalions crossed each other’s ranks by
companies, each file spreading a little for the purpose, and the first
battalion occupying the ground from which the former retired. A Russian
officer, standing by, observed, that this manœuvre, which the Turks did
not comprehend, had cost them dear in battle. It is, however, known in
our army, and allows any corps which may be weakened or harassed in
action, or whose services might be more effective at some other point,
to be relieved by an almost instantaneous change, scarce requiring any
additional space, and in no degree deranging the order of the line in
bringing up the reserves.
The extent of the valley afforded more than ample room for the exercises,
and an immense concourse of spectators assembled, of both sexes and of
every nation. The whole scene was, from the circumstances, exciting, far
beyond mere parade, for the Russian force, stated to consist of fifteen
thousand troops, appeared to have been far overrated when their camp was
emptied; and they had, moreover, brought with them but a single troop of
Cossack cavalry, and a very slender train of light artillery.
At the close of the review the Sultan received the staff and the members
of the diplomacy in an adjoining kiosk, the same in which the treaty was
afterwards signed. His position was a trying one for a sovereign, as
he stood in the midst of a foreign soldiery, whom he might consider as
his masters, having accepted their protection against his own subjects.
It was therefore expected that he would appear somewhat subdued on the
occasion,—not such, however, was his bearing; and never did he acquit
himself with more _éclat_. Count Orloff was very remarkable during
the ceremony of audience; a fearless soldier, of massive stature, and
renowned as one of the most powerful men living for muscular strength,
a noble and a courtier; and, still more, he was the generalissimo and
delegate of his Emperor, selected by him, and entrusted with unlimited
powers for this important service; but in the presence of Sultan Mahmoud
he seemed completely overcome by the commanding aspect of the Turkish
sovereign; and his looks and attitude, in tendering his homage, bespoke
that sort of submissiveness and awe which he might himself inspire in
his own humblest dependents. It is this imposing, lofty air, accompanied
by extreme energy of will, which has given to the Sultan the wonderful
ascendant he possesses over the minds of all who surround him. Those who
have been accustomed to intercourse with royalty, and contact with the
most distinguished statesmen and geniuses of their time, speak of the
Moslem monarch as the most remarkable person they have ever seen, beside
whom every other individual sinks into insignificance. A stranger meeting
him _incognito_, would be struck by his appearance, as if denoting a more
than common dignity; and at times, the expression of his countenance
will cause an impression which none other could excite. His features are
manly, though not regular, his cheeks being angular and prominent, and
his complexion is flushed, when he is in exercise, as if from vigorous
health. His person is a little above the middle size, neither spare
nor corpulent, well-proportioned except in the legs, which are bent
slightly inwards from the knee; and his whole appearance much enhanced
by a handsome jet beard, arranged and preserved with special care. In
minute attention to his person and dress he resembles George IV.; but he
is, both physically and mentally, more active than that monarch. While
flattered by the deference he inspires, and the observance of the forms
of devotedness paid to absolute sovereignty in the East, he assumes no
studious gestures, or affectation of majesty. Regality is stamped by
nature on his brow, animating every feature and every movement; and
even on that day, when surrounded by Russian bayonets, and his armies
scattered in the field by a vassal—his spirit remained unquenched—he was
“every inch a king!”
Terms had, meanwhile, been made with Ibrahim, whose army was withdrawn
from Kutuya to Syria; and the Russians, who had only waited for the
intelligence of his having retired within his own boundary, quitted the
country a few weeks after the review. During their stay, they constantly
remained twelve miles distant from Constantinople, which was not even in
sight from their position; and the precautions taken in keeping the men
to their quarters, and the placid temper of the inhabitants, prevented
any squabbles of the least consequence arising between them. Their
semi-barbarism was, however, constantly showing itself to strangers,
in some shape or other. On one occasion, during an inspection of the
troops, the Crown Prince of Bavaria, a tall slim youth, was presented
to the Sultan on the ground. As the concluding ceremony, a soldier of
each regiment advanced singly to his Imperial Highness, and gave the
history of his corps, recapitulating the actions in which it had acquired
its honorary titles. No one offered to explain; but the names of the
places had almost all reference to campaigns in Turkey or Persia, whence
the Sultan could sufficiently understand the drift of an address, not
calculated to revive in his mind any agreeable recollections. It appeared
to me that the mortification was harsh and displaced, if designed to
gratify Russian pride; or very bad taste if it were mere formality. The
artificial step and starched attitude of the soldier in this piece of
acting were highly amusing and ludicrous; not a muscle of his boorish
features changed as he delivered his set speech; after which he presented
arms, turned round, and marched off with the same automaton strut. This
rapidity was more conspicuous in a single individual than when the
men were seen _en masse_, and proved how perfectly Russian discipline
reduced them to mere living machines, guided by an instinctive impulse to
obedience, the character for which this army is justly distinguished. So
severe are the rules, and so rigidly are they observed, that several of
their sentinels perished at St. Petersburg, some years since, during an
inundation of the Neva, from remaining at their post till submerged, when
they could have saved themselves on the first rise of the waters, by a
prompt retreat, which they dared not attempt without receiving orders in
the regular routine.
One of the minor Perote Diplomatists, who had gone _en grande tenue_
to the camp at Unkiar Skelessi, had a soldier assigned to him, in
compliment, as his attendant in taking a survey. By this guide, who
could only speak Russian, not a word of which the other understood, he
was led round their quarters, obliged to listen to long unintelligible
details, till his patience became exhausted, and he made some significant
signs of a desire to depart. But he was a prisoner; for the soldier, who
had received orders to show and to explain to his charge every thing
necessary, fulfilled his instructions to the letter, and detained him
for hours, to complete his office; not sparing an item from the titles
of the colonels, and the distinctions in the colours of each regiment
or battalion, down to the calibre of a howitzer, and the mess in their
kettles, which was not of the most savoury description, consisting of
beans and other coarse vegetables, and sour crout, eaten with black
bread, with the addition of an allowance of fresh meat twice a week. On
this rude fare the men looked prim and hardy enough in their limbs, but
dingy in their complexion, and stunted in size.
One morning in the beginning of July, their tents were struck; ten
thousand troops, with their equipage, reimbarked, and their fleet
advanced before evening to the head of the Bosphorus. A single vessel
was reserved for Count Orloff, who followed the next day, having been
occupied to the last in the settlement of the secret treaty relating to
the Dardanelles, which was signed on the 8th July, 1833. The Russians
came to the Moslem nation as friends, and might have left with the
glory of generosity towards their ally, but for this act of rapacity,
which emulated the prowess of a bird of prey leaving the marks of its
talons on its victim. Orloff had well performed his mission in obtaining
the consent of the Porte to the contract, of which it is believed he
carried the draft in his pocket—giving to Russia the power she had not
attempted to enforce, of closing or opening the passage for ships of war
at her pleasure. Such was the General’s eagerness to arrive, under the
apprehension that affairs might be already so settled as to thwart his
object, that he flew into a violent rage with the captain of the ship
for losing some hours’ way, by mistake, in making the Bosphorus, and
he is stated to have knocked him down on the quarter-deck. Their naval
officers, nettled at this story being made public, denied the concluding
circumstance, but admitted the remainder. Orloff had next a trial of
pride, as well as temper, to undergo, which he is not likely to have
borne with complacency. It happened that both himself and Lord Ponsonby
waited on the Sultan the same day for their introductory audience;
and his Lordship learning that Count Orloff, who had preceded him to
the palace, was to be honoured with the earliest reception, sent in a
message that in such case he would quit the country without delivering
his credentials. They were of equal rank as ambassadors, but the British
envoy asserted his right of precedence from priority of arrival at the
capital, which regulates the etiquette, and carried his point, leaving
the Count to pass the time as he best might, till the ceremony of his own
presentation was ended.
The legitimate line of the Orloffs is extinct, and the name is now borne
by two natural nephews of the famous Prince Orloff, the favourite of
Catherine, and the leader in the conspiracy which deprived the Emperor
Paul of his throne and life. Count Alexis, who figured in the expedition,
owes his honours and favour to the zeal which he displayed in supporting
the reigning Emperor at the time of the insurrection at St. Petersburg,
in December 1826, on his Majesty’s accession to the throne. The brother
of Alexis, who had unhappily connected himself with the revolutionists,
was said, by an English writer, to have obtained a remission of the
severer part of his sentence; but there is every reason to believe that
he continued up to that very period an exile in Siberia, to expiate his
crime. Such is the diversity of fortune, and the extreme of summary
reward and punishment among Russian nobles of the same family at the
present day.
A stone, erected at the foot of their lines, near the sea, commemorates
by a simple inscription of dates in Turkish, the visit of the Muscovite
forces to the Bosphorus; no other vestiges of the event being now
visible, save in the bare and shorn aspect of the hills on which they
were encamped; and, doubtlessly many a longing on their part did that
visit excite for their permanent establishment in a land and climate, so
superior to their own flat and icy regions.
PRINTED BY RICHARD CLAY, BREAD-STREET-HILL.
FOOTNOTES
[1] Pavilions.
[2] Turkish carriages.
[3] Boats.
[4] The smallest actual coin known; twenty of them being only equal to
one penny English.
[5] The City of the Sultan.
[6] The City of the Sultan.
[7] The City of the Sultan.
[8] Coagulated buttermilk.
[9] Pipes.
[10] The Seraglio at the point.
[11] Vassal.
[12] Sovereigns.
[13] Grooms.
[14] Confectioners.
[15] Street-porters.
[16] Literally, “cool drink.”
[17] Blancmange.
[18] Pipe-bowls.
[19] Emperor.
[20] The attempt of the Sultan Selim to organize a regular army had
nearly failed, from the fact of his having named the troops Nizam Djedid,
or the New Regulation, which the present Sultan changed to Nizam Attick,
or the Old Regulation, in order to appease the popular outcry against
innovation; the first murmur being silenced by a declaration that the
force then forming was a revival of that instituted by Solyman I., an
assurance which at once reconciled the people to the change.
[21] Trowsers.
[22] Fate.
[23] Constellation.
[24] Wonderful!
[25] City of the Sultan.
[26] Chaplet.
[27] The height of the mosque to the summit of the dome is one hundred
and eighty-five French feet; the dome itself, from the gallery to the
leads, forty-seven; and its diameter fifty-four.
[28] Ten Pounds sterling.
[29] Virgin.
[30] Robe.
[31] Daggers.
[32] Reader of the Korān.
[33] Professional courier.
[34] Fine.
[35] Archi-Chancellor of the Patriarchate, and Head of the Greek Synod in
1836.
[36] Lady Montagu’s Letters, Vol. I. page 162, Sharpe’s edition.
[37] Dr. Walsh’s Journey from Constantinople.
[38] Interpreter.
[39] A composition resembling blancmange, and very popular in Turkey.
[40] Sour and congealed milk.
[41] Virgin.
[42] Dr. Walsh’s “Residence in Constantinople,” vol. ii. pp. 461, 462.
[43] Professional tale-teller.
[44] Dr. Walsh’s “Residence in Constantinople,” vol. ii. p. 2.
[45] Water-melon.
[46] Scribe.
[47] Literally “black soul”—the acmé of opprobium.
[48] Passport, or safe-conduct, granted by the authorities to travellers.
[49] Ambassador.
[50] Present.
[51] Pliny, lib. vi. cap. 2.
[52] Walsh’s Residence at Constantinople, vol. i. pp. 282, 283.
[53] Daggers.
[54] Public Baths.
[55] The art of painting on glass, or gypsum, is practised in great
perfection at Cairo.
[56] Tales of the Ramad’han, by J. A. St. John, Esq.
[57] The zarf is a small stand, shaped like an egg-cup, and of about the
same size.
[58] Bowl of red clay, frequently gilt, and always beautifully formed.
[59] Literally the Sultan’s pier, whence the plain in the vicinity is
also called the Sultan’s valley.