1840.
AFFAIRS IN THE EAST--ULTIMATUM FROM THE POWERS--GLOOMY PROSPECTS OF
THE MISSION--NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE PASHA--EXCITEMENT IN
ALEXANDRIA--ILLNESS OF LADY MONTEFIORE.
_Tuesday, August 11th._--We called on Colonel Hodges, who informed us
of the arrival of a Turkish steamer from Constantinople. He said it
must have brought the Ultimatum of the four great Powers to the Pasha;
that the door of negotiation was now not only shut, but locked, and
the Pasha must give an immediate answer. Colonel Hodges advised Sir
Moses to act in the same way as he should do; if he (Colonel Hodges)
left Alexandria, Sir Moses should do the same, and also go to the same
place as he did. He said he expected every hour some ships belonging
to the English fleet, but did not wish Sir Moses to mention this fact.
Sir Moses said this interview and conversation reminded him forcibly
of those he had had in 1827 with the late Mr Salt, English Consul
General in Cairo, but he felt even less uneasy than he did at that
time, as he did not apprehend war, though things looked serious.
_Wednesday, August 12th._--A French war steamer arrived from Toulon,
and returned the same afternoon to Smyrna; the reports were all very
black. We called on Colonel Hodges, but seeing he was occupied on
important business, we left him.
Mr Thorburn called, and told us that Mr Larkin had summoned a meeting
of all the British residents at his house at one o'clock, to inform
them that the four great Powers had sent their Ultimatum to Mohhammad
Ali. Colonel Hodges warned them to limit their credits as much as
possible, and to prepare for the worst. The meeting occasioned much
alarm.
In the afternoon Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore, with their friends,
visited the Turkish line of battleship _Mahmudie_, under Colonel Reale
Bey, who received them most politely, and showed them over his ship.
On their return they found that one of their party had been taken ill.
_August 13th._--Mr and Mrs Tibaldi called, and Sir Moses and Lady
Montefiore accompanied them to a small palace near the Pasha's, where
they were introduced to Sa'eed Bey, Mohhammad Ali's son, a very chatty
and good-tempered young man about eighteen years of age. He understood
English and spoke French well. He conversed about his studies, his
horses, &c., and had his favourite grey led under the window where the
party were assembled. Mr Thurburn was present. They afterwards went
over the Pasha's palace, were much pleased with the building, and
admired the elegance with which it was furnished. In the evening
Monsieur and Madame Laurin, Monsieur and Madame Cremieux, Captain
Lyons, Captain Austin, and Mr Thurburn dined with us. They told Sir
Moses that the Count de Walewski, a natural son of Napoleon, had
arrived from France, and it was confidently stated that he brought
offers of men, money, and ships from the King of the French to the
Pasha. The news was credited in the town, and it was therefore
supposed that the Pasha would not accept the Ultimatum of the Powers,
and a general war in Europe as well as in the East would be the
consequence. Sir Moses did not believe that this would be the case,
but thought the affair would be arranged satisfactorily. The Pasha had
ten days to consider his answer, and by that time Sir Moses hoped to
be at Damascus.
_August 14th._--Sir Moses called on Colonel Hodges, who gave him Mr
Werry's reply to the enquiries respecting the unfortunate Jews at
Damascus; the Colonel also showed him a letter from Beyrout, dated the
8th inst., from which it appeared that the insurrection in Syria had
not been entirely put down; and he advised Sir Moses not to venture
just then to Damascus, as our situation there might be very perilous,
in the event of the Pasha's not agreeing to the Ultimatum of the
Powers.
In the evening we attended the European Synagogue, which was
beautifully illuminated, while the floor was thickly strewn with
flowers. The building was crowded, and the utmost decorum prevailed
during the service. Subsequently the representatives of the community
were invited to join our dinner party, on which occasion many
excellent speeches, in various Oriental and European languages, were
made, referring principally to the object of our Mission.
_August 15th._--We selected the Synagogue of the natives for attending
divine service on this day. The heat there was very great and
oppressive, but the devotion of the congregation and the mode of
chanting the prayers afforded us much satisfaction.
Between two and three Sir Moses called on Colonel Hodges to express
his extreme regret that Mr Werry had done so little towards improving
the condition of the unhappy men at Damascus, and to request him to
write to the Consul, which the Colonel promised to do. The Sabbath did
not prevent Sir Moses from attending to the object of his Mission, as
in a case like this, where life and death are at stake, exertion and
work are considered permissible. Colonel Hodges said that the Pasha
would give us no answer till the political question was settled.
Monsieur de Wagner, the Prussian Consul-General, was present and
confirmed this. Both advised Sir Moses not to venture on a journey to
Damascus while affairs were in such a serious state. Syria was in open
rebellion, and in Damascus he would only be looked upon as a Jew
coming to screen the guilt of his brethren, while the fanaticism of
the Christian populace of that place was so great, that he would
certainly be murdered. Both Colonel Hodges and the Prussian Consul
said that the Pasha would refuse the Ultimatum, and war was
inevitable.
Sir Moses returned home, very unhappy on account of the nine
unfortunate prisoners at Damascus, but determined to do everything in
his power, and to go to the Palace after Sabbath.
At seven he proceeded to the Pasha's residence, accompanied by
Monsieur Cremieux and the members of the Mission. His Highness
received us kindly, but said he was so much engaged with affairs of
high importance, that he could not give us an answer then. Sir Moses
urged him strongly, in the cause of humanity, to give his decision, as
there were nine prisoners; he replied that he had given orders for
their being well treated, and he would send a letter to Sir Moses next
day to the same effect. Sir Moses then asked pardon for the trouble he
had given him, but the Pasha said, on the contrary he ought rather to
apologise to Sir Moses. Mr S. Briggs, who was present at the audience,
very frequently added kind words, which appeared to influence the
Pasha. We took leave much dispirited; but scarcely had we returned to
our hotel, when Mr Briggs came, and informed Sir Moses that the Pasha
had given him more than half a promise that he would liberate all the
prisoners, declaring at the same time his entire belief in their
innocence of the murder, and of the other charges made against them.
_August 16th._--Having prepared with great care the document proposed
by Mr Briggs for the approval and signature of the Pasha, Sir Moses
took it to Mr Briggs. The petition had been drawn up in strict
accordance with what Mr Briggs said His Highness would agree to. On
his return he sent for Monsieur Cremieux, so that his signature might
also be attached to it. Mr and Mrs Briggs then called, and Sir Moses
gave them the document for the Pasha.
In the evening Mr Briggs called again, and informed us that he had
seen the Pasha, to whom the paper had been explained, but he had
declined to grant the request it contained, saying that there was so
much excitement on the subject that he could not determine; he
appeared, however, willing to allow the prisoners their freedom, and
so end the matter. Mr Briggs had afterwards spoken with the Secretary,
who took the paper, said he would alter it, and show it him the next
day. "The fact is," said Sir Moses, "they wish the atrocious
transaction to be hushed up, but I will never consent to that."
In the morning we went to the Austrian Consul to obtain from him the
names of all the prisoners, as well as a list of those who had already
fallen victims to the outrageous tyranny of Sheriff Pasha and of the
French Consul Rattimenton. Monsieur Laurin informed us that the four
ambassadors had arrived from Constantinople with the Ultimatum, and
would visit the Pasha.
_Monday, August 17th._--Sir Moses called on Mr Briggs, and gave him
copies of several Bulls of the Pope, with some letters and Smyrna
papers; also a list of merchants at Damascus, with their supposed
amount of capital. Mr Briggs promised he would see the Pasha in the
evening, but his manner of speaking was much less sanguine of success.
On the same day Dr Madden and Mr Wire left us for a trip to Cairo and
the Pyramids. Sir Moses writes: "I would gladly have accompanied them
with my dear wife and Dr Loewe, as I am sure it would have been most
beneficial to our health, but it did not appear to me right to leave
my post, even for an hour."
_August 18th._--Mr Briggs went in the morning to the Pasha. Colonel
Hodges informed Sir Moses (confidentially) that three of his
Highness' transport ships, with provisions and arms, had left the
harbour for Syria, and that he (Colonel Hodges) had sent the _Gorgon_
to bring them back. They were not to be allowed to land on the coast;
if they refused they were to be compelled to return, and if force was
used they were to be sent to Malta. When this was accomplished, notice
would be given to the Pasha that none of his war-ships would be
allowed to leave the harbour. Nothing could be more warlike than the
momentary aspect of affairs. The Pasha sent Mr Briggs and one of his
Secretaries to Sir Moses with a copy of a despatch he had received
from Sheriff Pasha, of Damascus, giving an account of the manner in
which prisoners were treated by him. Of course it was stated to be
most lenient, and it was denied that tortures had been used. Monsieur
Cochelet made the following proposal to Monsieur Cremieux for the
solution of the Damascus difficulty:--
That the Pasha was to declare that the Jews who had died had committed
the murder from motives of private vengeance, but that the nine Jews
still in prison were innocent, and were to be set at liberty. The
Pasha would also publish his opinion that there was nothing in the
Jewish religion or writings that in any way sanctioned the shedding of
blood for the Passover.
Sir Moses told Monsieur Cremieux that it was impossible for him to
consent to such an arrangement. He never would allow that any Jew
committed the murder of Father Tommaso and his servant, either from
vengeance or any other motive; were he base enough to admit such a
thing, its effect would be most mischievous, for in every part of the
world it would be said that the Jews were guilty, and the same awful
charges would be brought against them over and over again.
This proposal of Monsieur Cochelet caused a most painful sensation in
the heart of every member of the Mission; but, from a man whose
official position compelled him to justify the proceedings of
Rattimenton, a different suggestion could scarcely have been
anticipated.
_August 19th._--All this anxiety preyed so much on the minds of Sir
Moses and Lady Montefiore that their health was greatly affected by
it, and Lady Montefiore became so ill that the immediate attendance of
a physician was required. The weather, also, was extremely close and
oppressive, which greatly aggravated the discomfort of both. Monsieur
Cremieux called, and brought the news that the British fleet, with
Albanian troops which they intended landing, was off Beyrout. He
requested Sir Moses not to go to the Pasha, as Monsieur Cochelet did
not deem it prudent; but Sir Moses did not feel justified in making a
promise to that effect, and explained to Monsieur Cremieux, as his
reason, that it would not be advisable to adopt any suggestion made to
the latter by Monsieur Cochelet.
The town had been in a state of great consternation all day, and most
warlike reports were spreading everywhere. Nevertheless Sir Moses
would not agree to the proposal which had been made by Monsieur
Cochelet.
_August 20th._--Lady Montefiore felt somewhat better, and the doctor
entertained hopes of her speedy recovery. Early in the morning Sir
Moses called on Colonel Hodges, and remained with him fully two hours.
Captains Napier and Walker were off the coast of Syria with six
thousand Albanians, and had summoned Beyrout. A serious occurrence
took place in the forenoon, which added greatly to the already
troubled state of the town. The Dutch Vice-Consul, whose horse had
accidentally kicked one of the National Guards, was immediately set
upon by the mob and grossly ill-treated. It was with great difficulty
that some of the officers rescued him from being murdered.
Two large Austrian frigates anchored near the _Bellerophon_, and the
_Cyclops_ took soundings outside the harbour.
Mr Briggs called to inform Sir Moses that he was going to England in
three days. He brought a paper which he had drawn up, similar to that
which Sir Moses had given him for the Pasha's signature, but not
couched in such strong terms. He wished Sir Moses to see it, and he
would then take it to the Pasha, and endeavour to procure his consent
to it. Sir Moses sent for Monsieur Cremieux to approve it, and then
returned it to Mr Briggs, who promised to speak to the Pasha either
the same evening or the next evening.
_August 21st._--Lady Montefiore continued poorly, and Dr Laidlow
advised our removing to the Nile. Sir Moses was also unwell, and the
uncertain state of politics did not afford any consolation; every
person we saw had alarm depicted on his countenance. Monsieur Cremieux
spoke of leaving on the following Tuesday for Athens or Constantinople
in the French steamer. Sir Moses wrote to Mr Wire and Doctor Madden,
begging them to hasten their return. Mr Briggs called to say that he
feared the Pasha would do nothing against the wishes of Monsieur
Cochelet. Mr Galloway and Mr Tibaldi also paid us a visit, both much
out of spirits. Sir Moses said he would not move till Dr Madden and Mr
Wire returned, unless Colonel Hodges left, in which case he almost
feared he would be compelled to do so. The weather was dreadfully
oppressive; the sickly season had commenced, and fever was prevalent.
We attended divine service in the evening, and afterwards Monsieur and
Madame Cremieux dined with us. Monsieur Cremieux told Sir Moses that
Clot Bey had introduced him to the Pasha in the garden, and that he
(Monsieur Cremieux) had made a speech to the Pasha, wishing him
success with Egypt and Syria, but had _not referred to the Mission_.
_Saturday, August 22nd._--Lady Montefiore continued ill, and too weak
to leave the house. At seven o'clock in the morning we repaired to the
Synagogue where we attended service. A large and devout congregation
was assembled. On our return Mr Larkins, the English Consul, called.
He had just left the Pasha, with whom he had been conversing for more
than an hour on the subject of our Mission. He had read to His
Highness the letters he had received from England from Colonel
Campbell, Mr Thurburn, and Dr Bowring, all entreating him, in his own
interest, to grant our request, that he might stand well in the
opinion of Europe. They also assured him that the affair had caused a
great sensation in England; but Mr Larkins said that the Pasha
remained firm, and declared it was impossible for him to do anything
in the business just then. Mr Briggs also spoke to the Pasha, but
without success. He gave the papers we had prepared for the Pasha's
signature to Khosrev, the principal interpreter at the Palace, so that
he should be fully acquainted with the contents. Mr Larkins told the
Pasha that Sir Moses intended coming for his answer in the evening. In
reply to his application for a simple "firman" to go to Damascus, the
Pasha said that Syria was in too disturbed a state to permit of his
travelling there with security.
In the evening, after the conclusion of Sabbath, as we were setting
out for the Palace, Sir Moses received a note from Mr Briggs,
enclosing one from Khosrev, requesting Sir Moses to defer the visit to
His Highness, as it was a most unfavourable moment.
Affairs appeared decidedly alarming, and the English fleet was
expected every moment with Admiral Stopford. Captain Austen of the
_Bellerophon_ and Captain Austen of the _Cyclops_ both called on Sir
Moses, and most kindly offered to receive us on board their ships in
the event of our being obliged to leave Alexandria for safety. The
Pasha was making great preparations for war, including new batteries
and arrangements for the better armament of the fleet. It was rumoured
that he intended leaving Alexandria in a few days.
_August 23rd._--Lady Montefiore passed a very bad night, and her
illness caused Sir Moses much anxiety. The doctor came twice during
the day. In the evening he found her less feverish, and reported more
favourably upon her state of health generally. He advised her to
change her bedroom, which appeared damp, and might have caused the
fever.
Madame Cremieux came to tell us that she intended spending the day in
the country, and talked of visiting Cairo as soon as the French boat
arrived. Colonel Hodges, Mr Bell, Mr and Mrs Briggs, and Mr Stephens
also called. The latter informed us that it was generally believed
that the Pasha had agreed to leave the settlement of the whole
question to the King of the French. It was also stated that Monsieur
Guizot was to have an audience with His Majesty on the 12th inst., and
the result would be known in Alexandria on the following Tuesday. It
was thought that the troops in Syria would probably be influenced by
the Sultan's money, as they had not received any pay for the last
eleven months. The English Admiral with the fleet was expected to
arrive on the following day.
Monsieur Cremieux called, and we agreed to send a letter to the Pasha,
soliciting him to set at liberty the unfortunate Jews at Damascus.
Monsieur Laurin, the Austrian Consul, promised to call upon all the
other Consuls, and, if possible, prevail on them to sign a
recommendation to the Pasha to grant our request. Sir Moses did not
think he would succeed with Monsieur Cochelet or the Sardinian Consul.
Mr Briggs announced his intention of going to the former with the
original document that we prepared for the Pasha, and of using his
influence to remove Monsieur Cochelet's hostility.
_August 24th._--Dr Laidlaw found Lady Montefiore rather better and
tolerably free from fever.